Spring numbers and first aid

[David]

Hi all ... I am recently back from doing first aid on the Frances, mainly around Los Arcos .. what I found, to my surprise, was that pilgrim numbers seemed to be down by quite a lot ... where I was, strolling 'upstream' along the Camino and back again I saw every pilgrim that day and there just didn't seem to be that many this year.

Has anyone else noticed this? I was thinking - as one does in the daydream sort of way - that the film The Way substantially increased numbers and I am wondering if that effect is now fading? or folk looked at the spring weather forecasts and delayed when they would start?

And - the rascals!! the pilgrims I did meet were those utterly capable ones who were either looking after themselves or didn't have any first aid problems at all!!

So not a succesfull first aid spring venture really (another point of view is that it was very successful as I was hardly needed!!). I unexpectedly had to come back, family reasons (pleasant ones) .. so here I am at home wondering about it - I will be there mid august on again, always seems to be busy then ... but ...

Just that I was wondering - was it just me missing pilgrims somehow or are spring numbers low this year? Anyone know?

 

[Beth_J]

Hi all ... I am recently back from doing first aid on the Frances, mainly around Los Arcos .. what I found, to my surprise, was that pilgrim numbers seemed to be down by quite a lot ... where I was, strolling 'upstream' along the Camino and back again I saw every pilgrim that day and there just didn't seem to be that many this year.

Has anyone else noticed this? I was thinking - as one does in the daydream sort of way - that the film The Way substantially increased numbers and I am wondering if that effect is now fading? or folk looked at the spring weather forecasts and delayed when they would start?

And - the rascals!! the pilgrims I did meet were those utterly capable ones who were either looking after themselves or didn't have any first aid problems at all!!

So not a succesfull first aid spring venture really (another point of view is that it was very successful as I was hardly needed!!). I unexpectedly had to come back, family reasons (pleasant ones) .. so here I am at home wondering about it - I will be there mid august on again, always seems to be busy then ... but ...

Just that I was wondering - was it just me missing pilgrims somehow or are spring numbers low this year? Anyone know?

I did just 9 days from Ponferrada starting on March 28th. I'll tell you that only on the Friday out of Sarria did we see any pilgrims other then the 2 that we'd keep passing back and forth the whole 9 days. We also talked to Albergue owners on two occasions who said their numbers were way down this year. I keep hearing numbers were up - but didn't see any evidence of this myself. In fact, two nights my friend and I were 2 of only 4 in an albergue. So.....not sure what is going on with the seemingly conflicting empirical and antidotal data.

I've give you the weather was......not great. Rain every day but one, snow storm, and hail.....but still wonderful!

 

[PIER-GIORGIO BASSI]

That is surprising. I thought that because the Pope declared a Jubilee year, the numbers would be up!

 

[KinkyOne]

That is surprising. I thought that because the Pope declared a Jubilee year, the numbers would be up!

I remember my 2011 Camino Frances when I was quite surprised that there were so many pilgrims one year after the Holy Year in 2010. And few hospitaleros told me that was exactly the reason. Many non-religious pilgrims/walkers delayed their Camino for one year because of the crowds in Holy Year and were causing crowds themselves

 

[dougfitz]

@David, it is good news that pilgrims appear to be looking after themselves, but sad that you won't be available to provide suitable hydration to the koalas.

 

[november_moon]

David - I am walking in June, and I can just about guarantee that I will need first aid at some point. I'll send you my planned dates

 

[William Garza]

For what you do
And who for

I hope Blessings meet you wherever you may go!
May the Angels guide you where your needed most and when
May your hands heal and heart tame the pain
May your feet be lite and your brow untroubled
Peace