I recently went to a design conference in Cuenca (Spain). I was sharing table for breakfast with three other conference-goers when I mentioned the camino, offhand. One of my table mates perked up her ears: oh, you've walked the camino? Yes, I said. I'm working on a project related to it, can I send you a questionaire? Yes of course.

When her questionaire arrived in my email I smiled. I don't think there's anybody whose more well versed in the intersection between the camino, water, and design. I don't understand how these subtle miracles continously happen in my life, I'd have to be very jaded to explain them as mere coincidence.

Here is what I answered:

Camino del Agua

  • Name: Mark MacKay Ávila
  • Age: 44
  • Gender: Male
  • Profession: Digital Product Designer
  • Nationality / Place of Residence: Mexican/Canadian, resides in Madrid, Spain.
  • Completed Camino de Santiago Routes: Camino Francés, Camino del Norte, Vía de la Plata, Camino Catalán, Camino Primitivo, and several smaller routes.
  • Any difficulty accessing locations: None.

About the experience on the Camino related to water

  1. In general, have you had any trouble finding water on the Camino?
    Generally, I haven't had any trouble finding water.

  2. Do you usually carry water with you, or is it easy to find?
    I never carry water, as a form of spiritual and survival exercise (e.g., https://exploration.work/sarsamarcuello-ena/ and https://exploration.work/zumaia-deba/).

  3. Have you had to buy water at any point? Where?
    No.

  4. Do you usually carry a container to refill?
    No.

  5. Were the water sources you found in good condition?
    Yes.

  6. Were they marked as drinking water?
    I assume that if they are not marked, they are potable.

  7. If they are not marked, do you still drink it?
    Yes. Sometimes I drink even if it’s not marked as drinking water (e.g., https://exploration.work/santander-requejada/).

  8. How would you rate the condition of the fountains and rivers along the route you've done?
    Very good.

  9. What would you like to find, or do you miss anything on the Camino?
    The Camino is perfect as it is.

  10. Did you know that the first pilgrims carried water in gourds, which is why that type of gourd is called “pilgrim’s gourd”? It kept the water cool.
    Yes.

  11. If you think about the future, in, say, 30 years, how do you think the Camino will be?
    I hope it stays the same.

  12. Do you imagine any other way of doing the Camino besides walking?
    No.

  13. Can you imagine any other way to carry water with you or to always have it available when you need it?
    That the rivers are as clean as possible.

About the people you’ve met on the Camino

  1. Do you prefer silence, or do you like connecting with and meeting people?
    Sometimes I prefer silence; other times, I enjoy company.

  2. Has anyone helped you at any point on the Camino?
    Practically daily. Here’s an example where it was most evident: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnneDDQDCLb/

  3. If you run out of water, would you feel comfortable knocking on someone’s door or going into a bar to ask for water?
    Yes.

  4. Have you had any special experiences with someone?
    Regarding water? Perhaps the only thing I haven't mentioned is a time when I walked in winter, having gone seven days without seeing another pilgrim. On the way, I saw two girls and felt an immense desire for company and conversation. I picked up my pace and, since I don’t carry water, I pretended to be thirsty and asked them for water.

About mobile applications

  1. Do you use any app or website for the Camino?
    Gronze.com

  2. Is it helpful?
    Yes, it is useful.

  3. Which one(s), and have they been helpful?
    I use them for logistics, as little as possible. I prefer a certain degree of spontaneity.

  4. What information do you think would have helped you on the Camino?
    None.

  5. Do you think they could address any need or problem?
    A Camino without problems isn’t a Camino; it’s a stroll. You’d take away the Camino’s charm if you solved all its problems. If someone runs out of water and gets thirsty, their lesson is to plan better. If someone carries too much water, making the walk harder, their lesson is to travel lighter. If design solves these problems, where are the lessons?

Closing

Are you thinking of doing the Camino again? Which one would you like to do?
The only long route I haven't done is the Portuguese Camino.

Thank you
Thank you