Doing the Camino by bus and taxi

[sillydoll]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to walk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

 

[scruffy1]

Sillydoll you have just given such valuable ammunition to the anti-poncho mob. What a story!! Assuming you are right handed, this unfortunate occurrence should not interfere with lifting glasses of Rioja, jabbing puplo with a toothpick, though you may have to settle for one story bocadillos. Get well soon, that arm back into shape, and start work on this new concept guidebook! Should be very interesting.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Get well soon! There is always something new on the camino, and sometimes it is an injury.

 

[peregrina2000]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to nwalk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

Hi, Sil,
I am so sorry to hear of your fall, but glad to see you are making the best of things. I hope you will be ready to roll when you get to Ferrol for the slow camino Ingles. I am looking forward to hearing all about it.

By the way, I didn't meet too many South Africans while I was in the pilgrims' office a few weeks ago, but every one I met either had met you or knew of you. A legend in your own time, it seems. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Kanga]

Sil, so sorry to hear about the arm. You've been an inspiration over the years. Hope it mends quickly and well. Looking forward to tales of "how to do it" on wheels. Might be a good opportunity to do some of those interesting side trips we never get round to when walking.

 

[sillydoll]

I am in Castrojeriz. Doing the Camino this way gives one much time for contemplation and reflection. You get to your next destination in 20 min instead of 4 or 5 hours which involves a lot of sitting around. Being in Castrojeriz on a Sunday when everything is closed, and onIy a few bored perros see you walk by, exhausts the mind of all thought.
I sat on a wall and looked at the path across the valley that the pilgrims will follow tomorrow, up to a high plain where the meseta really begins and wish that they all achieve a feeling of Zen as they cross the sea of green trigo as far as the eye can see.
The Camino has changed a lot in 12 years but the warren of rocky, stony alleys and steps in Castrojeriz haven't changed. This morning I managed to get lost in this little village of about 850 residents I call' el Pueblo de la Piedras' and it took me over half an hour to find my way back from the main square to the Meson where we are staying.
Hoping to get a bus to Fromista tomorrow.

 

[scruffy1]

The Taverna made famous by Hape Kerkeling is an option-right on the Camino and easy to find!

 

[Andrew]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to nwalk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

. You may be my saviour Sillydoll see my thread re Help!!! and conversation I started with you

 

[sillydoll]

I am in Castrojeriz. Doing the Camino this way gives one much time for contemplation and reflection. You get to your next destination in 20 min instead of 4 or 5 hours which involves a lot of sitting around. Being in Castrojeriz on a Sunday when everything is closed, and onIy a few bored perros see you walk by, exhausts the mind of all thought.
I sat on a wall and looked at the path across the valley that the pilgrims will follow tomorrow, up to a high plain where the meseta really begins and wish that the all achieve a feeling of Zen as they cross the sea of green trigo as far as the eye can see.
The Camino has changed a lot in 12 years but the warren of rocky, stony alleys and steps in Castrojeriz haven't changed. This morning I managed to get lost in this little village of about 850 residents I call' el Pueblo de la Piedras' and it took me over half an hour to find my way back from the main square to the Meson where we are staying.
Hoping to get a bus to Fromista tomorrow.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Sil. I think such a book would be well received! Get to it, Peregrina!!

I was so sorry to hear about your arm but hey, then you'd never have bussed the Camino!

Hope the rest of your trip is tranquil
Heal quickly
Hugs
Annie

 

[sillydoll]

So sorry to hear about the injury. One of the ladies in my amaWalkers Camino group that started from St Jean hurt her knee on the first day to Orisson and hasnt walked again. She has been bussing it ever since. There is a bus from St Jean at 19:15 that stops at Roncesvalles. You can book a bed ahead at the albergue in Roncesvalles - website www.alberguederoncesvalles.com - and at almost all private albergues. Check web contacts for albergues on caminodesantiago.consumer.es you can also have his backpack sent ahead for €7 per stage using Jacotrans or Caminofacil.
The last few days have been very expensive because there were no buses from Navarette to Najera or from Belorado to San Juan de Ortega and to Burgos. No bus to Hornillos del Camino and to Castrojeriz. There is a bus from here to Fromista tomorrow but only at 6pm so I'll take a taxi one more time. From fromista to Astorga there are Alsa buses all the way.
I hope it goes well for you two.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We too are sorry to read about your injury Sil - take care and have a good Camino inglés when it comes. Best wishes to the other injured pilgrims too. Hopefully Sil's latest information will help you until you can walk again.

 

[domigee]

I can only repeat what the others have said, i am so sorry to hear about your injury. Hope it mends very quickly and that you are not in too much pain, peregrina.
My best wishes to other injured pilgrims too, I must have missed a few postings, sorry.

 

[Carol06]

Bad luck Sil, but a new Camino experience. I wish you well. I have your great book. maybe you now have another one in you. I met a friend of yours who owns a lovely motel in Paihia (N.Z.) It was very funny because I stayed there with a friend I made on the Camino who was visiting me from Germany. Your friend saw my Camino key ring and asked me about it.

 

[Andrew]

google maps has a great transit app for planning bus routes i have just discovered.

 

[Healing Pilgrim]

Dear Syl, Sorry for the contrary view, but I'd like to wish you a SLOW and easy recovery.. so that you may enjoy a 'differently-paced' and experienced Camino. I know I did, and it was worth it all the way
Apropos Castrojeriz, did you stop by Mau's place, Hospital de Alma? Good to know of, if you need to rest in a peaceful, creative and inspirational refuge, next time. (Antonio can direct you there)
All the best... on the guidebook-in-the-making too

 

[wayfarer]

Sorry to hear this news Sil, enjoy the rest and get well soon.

 

[susanawee]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to nwalk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

So sorry to read of your broken arm sillydoll.....hope it gets better very soon. I think you should write this new guide...would be very helpful to some folk out there, who, for whatever reason, find walking the full distance to be too hard. Buen Camino and healing waves to you.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Oh dear sil- commiserations! I have had a broken left arm (wrist- distal radius) as well, though not, fortunately, on the Camino. I know it is very difficult to manage so many basic everyday things with one good arm/hand- and the cast gets to feel so heavy if you try walking far. You have done your fair share of walking stints, and I imagine you have already learned many different things from being patient and waiting for someone else to arrive. 10th June is not so far away, and hopefully the pain in your arm will be largely gone by then. Much love,
Margaret

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I sat on a wall and looked at the path across the valley that the pilgrims will follow tomorrow, up to a high plain where the meseta really begins and wish that the all achieve a feeling of Zen as they cross the sea of green trigo as far as the eye can see.

Ahhhh so for you also reaching the top of that hill was a special moment. I was with two friends from Quebec and as we reached the top of that hill, we all went 'wow!' Quite took our breath away- that huge immensity of sky and crops.
Margaret

 

[sillydoll]

There is one bus a day from Castrojeriz to Fomista that comes from Burgos and stops at Castrojeriz at about 18.20pm. I didnt want to wait in Castrojeriz all day so I had to take a taxi again. We drove along the Camino route through many familiar places - Hospial San Nicolas, Boadilla etc.
The church of San Pedro was open so I visited that and then San Martin (perfect Romanesque church) and then to the tourist office to ask where the bus stop was. No bus today he said, only once a week on Thursday. It makes me wonder how the local people, who dont have cars, travel between towns. So, I will have to take a taxi again tomorrow to Carrion de los Condes but at least from there to Astorga I'll have a bus every day.
For anyone planning a Camino by bus, remember that after Logrono the bus service to smaller villages on the Camino are very scarce. There are none between Logrono and Navarette or from there to Santo Domingo. From Santo Domingo there is a bus to Belorado.
No bus to San Juan but there is one that stops at Villafranca Montes de Oca (I think it comes via Tosantos) and goes to Burgos.
No buses from Burgos to Hornillos but it does go to Castrojeriz arriving at about 18h20. One late bus from Castrojeriz to Fromista but only one bus a week from Fromista to Carrion de los Condes.
Taxis charge about €1.20 - €1.30 per km so it is a costly exercise to travel by taxi. If you are injured, as I am, and send your pack ahead, that will cost you another €7 per day per stage - up to 25km. I thought of trvalling with the luggage transfer company but Jacotrans have vans and they are not licenced to carry passengers. Caminofacil operates as Belorado taxi and you could porbably arrange to travel with them. I used them from Belorado to San Juan to Burgos and it was a bit like travelling on the old milk trains, stopping at every village to pick up baggage.
More on the buses and taxis as I go foward on this rathervstrange Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

In France the baggage vans take people as well. You might check with Jacotrans and others to see if that is a better way than taxis.

 

[sillydoll]

Thanks Falcon. Ive written down the bus time tables from Carrion to Astorga so will be ok until then. I'll check with Jacotrans.

 

[KentuckyJay]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to nwalk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

Personally have never been a "poncho" fan, Altus or other. Gimme a good rain jacket and pants any day. Anyway, "it's not how you drive, it's how you arrive." Try sending your pack ahead via Jaccotrans(spell) when you start hiking again. The pack doesn't earn the Compostella. Buen Camino!

 

[Jackie Wilkinson]

When I walked from Navarette to Ventosa, my tendonitis was so bad in my right calf I decided to take a bus to Najera. The locals shook their heads. I managed to get a bus but it went BACK to Logrono at I think, 12.30pm, it's true, the buses are very scarce in that section! I then took a bus from Logrono to Burgos, I think I had to wait till 5pm...

 

[gmaBrown]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to nwalk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

I recently found this post and would be grateful for any further information (did you ever prepare a guide?) I am planning to walk the Camino in September with a family member who may require the support/ comfort of knowing alternatives when they are unable to manage a full 20 km walk every day. Thanks!

 

[sillydoll]

I recently found this post and would be grateful for any further information (did you ever prepare a guide?) I am planning to walk the Camino in September with a family member who may require the support/ comfort of knowing alternatives when they are unable to manage a full 20 km walk every day. Thanks!

I didn't write a guide. Maybe I should I'll try to put my notes together for you and will send them to you.

 

[gmaBrown]

Thanks!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I am planning to walk the Camino in September with a family member who may require the support/ comfort of knowing alternatives when they are unable to manage a full 20 km walk every day. Thanks!

Any guidebook, paper or online will give you that e are in fact very few sections on the Frances when one must walk 15km or more without services.

The ones that come to mind are Orisson to Roncesvalles, the 15km into Najera, the 17 km Roman road on the Meseta. And even then ... you could get a taxi to drive you to where the road stops on the Napoleon route.

 

[AlanB]

I managed to get a bus from Navarette to Najera when I did my ribs. Monday morning I think. About 10amish. Bus stop is just of the camino on the way out of town on the main drag.Tourist office next to the church was very helpful

 

[StellaC]

I have tendonitis and have had to take a few buses in the last week. There is a bus from Navarette to Najera. It takes about 10 minutes and it departs Navarette around 8:40, having left Logrono at 8:30. The bus stop location is in the attached pics...The bus company is Jimenez. It cost me less than 2 euros.

 

[David Tallan]

On my first day from Logrono to Navarette I tripped on my Altus and fell backwards, breaking my left arm. The camera in my right hand survived the fall and I didn't get the photo I was trying to take!
I went to the San Pedro hospital in Logrono and had Xrays and a half cast was applied. The doctor suggested I go to the hospital in Burgos where I would be seen by an orthopaedic specialist. So, while my friend Kathy has been walking I have been taking buses and taxis between villages and towns.
I spent four hours in a beautiful, modern hospital in Burgos yesterday and have a smart new cast on my arm. The specialist said that I could start walking again in 3 - 5 days but I've decided not to walk until I meet my small group (including my husband and Uncle Bob) in Ferrol on 10th June.
So, for now I am an 'autobus peregrina' and who knows, I might even write a new guide on how to do the Camino by bus and taxi!

The first time I followed the Camino in 1989, I travelled primarily by thumb from Roncesvalles to Santiago. It wasn't until last summer that I returned and walked from Roncesvalles to Finisterre.

I must admit it seems to have changed a little in the intervening 27 years.