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Complete once out of 15 days, and avoiding upmarket accommodations . . . I don't really see the dilemma. Let her walk her Camino. And, have a great and wonderful place to welcome her when she arrives in Santiago. Pampering has its own rewards after a long pilgrimage.Hmm, disturbing reading. My partner is currently almost half way along the CF with high morale and making good progress, starting SJPDD 5 May and staying tonight in Villacazar de Sirga. She has had to walk on another 5k because of Complete on one occasion and again by choice (full of animals and not very hygenic) on another. She is tough however and refuses the more upmarket accommodation ;-)
My dilemma is wether to pass on the information I have just read or leave her to continue as she is; left to her own devices or interfere with her Camino? To the best of my knowledge she has not booked anywhere in advance.
I intend to be established in accommodation in Santiago to welcome her when she arrives
Any advice please as I am naturally concerned.
Just as a word of warning, the Camino Frances is incredibly busy at the moment.
I did the Camino last year at exactly the same time and had no problem showing up at 4pm and getting a bed.
This year all accomodation is going very quickly usually by 2 or 3 pm. Some even earlier. We have deliberately stayed in the middle of "Brierley" stages so goodness knows what the stage ends are like.
Last year i rarely booked ahead but this year we are having to.
You,really like to suffer as I did twice having no place to stay. Cold, rain and dark and all albergue were full, even expense hotels as well as we had to trek another 7 km to find a bed. It's not a adventure when you didn't carry a sleeping bag and out in the middle of pilgrims village. It's better to know that you secure a place to sleep on this Camino. May 2016, a holy year with many different countries represented. This happen to others as well, a pilgrim walked to Saguhn because there were no beds 10 km back. He was tired and hasnt eaten. The municipal Albergue had beds, but they were closed. I just let him in after hours and gave him my extra food I made. THE next day he put 5 euros in a envelope and thanking me for letting him in. The pilgrim look lost, frighten and worry. I fel same when it happen twice to me this year. Im still on the Camino as we speak, and i would recommend that you book ahead.Welcome, and may you have a wonderful Camino.
The question really boils down to what you are seeking. If you want absolute certainty, then booking ahead is fine, but it can become its own prison, and you the prisoner. In return for the guarantee of a bed, you give up the spontaneity and discovery (and, yes, even risk of hardship) that resides deep within the pilgrim experience. If you decide you want to stop short (perhaps because a town is charming, or you spent extra time in a church or museum along the way, or your feet hurt worse than you expected, or the weather was too hot or too wet) then your reservation needs to be cancelled, or you actually contribute to the panic of other pilgrims who fear they will not get a bed, when in fact, most of the time, there are beds available.
I would encourage you to risk the adventure, the unknown, the spontaneity, the surprise, the delight of just being present to every experience and opportunity as you go along. Will that result in undesirable circumstances from time to time? Probably. BUT, I suspect it will produce an overall greater sense of wonder and accomplishment than if you play it safe and comfortable. I think it's a risk-reward scenario, and the choice is yours.
No, I actually don't like to suffer, but it is not without value. I have slept on the floor on pilgrimage; it wasn't what I desired, and I didn't enjoy it. But it wasn't the end of the world. I have been exhausted and completely drained and eaten the sum total of my dinner from a vending machine. But it wasn't the end of the world.You,really like to suffer as I did twice having no place to stay. Cold, rain and dark and all albergue were full, even expense hotels as well as we had to trek another 7 km to find a bed. It's not a adventure when you didn't carry a sleeping bag and out in the middle of pilgrims village. It's better to know that you secure a place to sleep on this Camino. May 2016, a holy year with many different countries represented. This happen to others as well, a pilgrim walked to Saguhn because there were no beds 10 km back. He was tired and hasnt eaten. The municipal Albergue had beds, but they were closed. I just let him in after hours and gave him my extra food I made. THE next day he put 5 euros in a envelope and thanking me for letting him in. The pilgrim look lost, frighten and worry. I fel same when it happen twice to me this year. Im still on the Camino as we speak, and i would recommend that you book ahead.
No problem for me either, except in Ventosa where the one Albergue was full (arrived about 4:30 along with several other pilgrims). I shared a cab with 3 others, to Nájara - 15euro for the lot of us. This worked for me as I was OK with not walking every step since I did not have time to do the whole route. I did walk with this exception from Pamplona to Monasterio San Juan de Ortega, then Ponferrada to Santiago and with my pack too. This was my only problem with accomodations. I started in Pamplona April 18 and finished on May 11. Maybe I was just lucky, as I did not have a problem with hordes of other pilgrims all around me either, as I mentioned in another post. Many passed me, but then left me mostly to myself. I did find that walking after about 2pm insured a pretty uncrowded camino. By the way, my first pilgrim blessing was given me by Franciso Pérez González, the Archbishop of Pamplona, so maybe it wasn't luck after all.I'm not sure why but I've had no problems at all. I don't get up before daylight and take my time having a second breakfast and sometimes lunch along the way. Today I left Pamplona about 8am and rolled into Punta La Reina an hour ago (4pm). I had no problem getting a bed at the Padres Reparadores Albergue.
No, I actually don't like to suffer, but it is not without value. I have slept on the floor on pilgrimage; it wasn't what I desired, and I didn't enjoy it. But it wasn't the end of the world. I have been exhausted and completely drained and eaten the sum total of my dinner from a vending machine. But it wasn't the end of the world.
If a person seeks the assurance of the bed, and that is what they need to feel comfortable on their pilgrimage, then I won't condemn nor ridicule them. On the other hand, I believe there are worse things than suffering, and IMO one of those is reducing the opportunity that one gets while on pilgrimage to grow and flourish under adversity. We trim the branch to increase the fruit, but too much trimming kills the tree. We put manure on the field to increase the crop, but too much nitrogen can kill the shoot. Humans are not dissimilar; the Camino calls us to a middle ground between guarantees and risk, between comfort and distress. We're not talking third-world starvation and illness, or dirt floors in one-room shacks. Under the worst circumstances, the Camino is still a luxury cruise compared to what many live with daily.
And, let's be honest, if one doesn't carry a sleeping bag, then prudence is lacking. If one hasn't eaten, then why didn't he grab some food along the way or carry enough with him. Yes, he may have saved on weight or saved some time, but the suffering is of his own making.
If I gave offence, I apologize. I didn't intend to be harsh, but to respond to a misperception of something I'd previously said.@koilife:
I find it hard to understand why you would criticize a distressed pilgrim for complaining about lacking a bed on a rainy night and also for booking beds ahead. We are all weak human beings who do our best to take care of ourselves, whether by booking beds or carrying sleeping gear or purchasing and carrying food to eat. It is prudent to do all these things when the situation arises and it is compassionate to take care of others when they are unable to do so, or perhaps took the advice of many of us on this forum to travel light. Many of us also try to take care of others in these situations. It is a part of being pilgrims, surely, as much as is sleeping on a floor occasionally, when a bed does not present itself. Many of us overextend ourselves physically for the privilege of being on pilgrimage. Many of us also do what we can to change to life situations of those in continuously desperate living situations. Compassion is always good, even to ourselves and our companions on our more fortunate way.
@koilife:If I gave offence, I apologize. I didn't intend to be harsh, but to respond to a misperception of something I'd previously said.
I suggested to @wotbus@ that motive was important to making a decision, and that clinging to the security of a guaranteed bed might lessen their opportunity for freedom and adventure. @xymmot responded that I must therefore like to suffer, which isn't true, and I further responded that I think there are worse things than suffering inconveniences on the Camino, and that those might actually be for our own good.
And, for the record, my criticism wasn't for @wotbus@ or anyone else complaining about a lack of bed or for booking ahead. My criticism was for a basic lack of preparedness.
On my Camino, I went out of my way to help pilgrims in far worse situations (hypothermia and dehydration) than being hungry and bedless. That their actions brought the consequence on themselves was without question, and I rendered aid without hesitation. Not carrying a sleeping bag or enough food is no different in its nature than ignoring the advice of the SJPdP pilgrims office and walking the Route Napoleon in bad weather, it's just less dire. But that they suffered a cold and hungry night shouldn't exempt their decisions not to carry bedding and food from due criticism.
Thank you MSPATH.I read your post and I still think that taking the Valcarlos route is a good idea and one that will give great memories. Great advice. EdBe sure to read what other pilgrims and I have posted earlier in Praise of the Lower Route via Valcarlos.
...It is beautiful and the original way through the mountain pass.
Buen camino!
Hi wotbus!My dilemma is whether to pass on the information I have just read or leave her to continue as she is; left to her own devices
I am starting from SJPdP next week and already trying to book a few days ahead. I will have a tent as well and will report back on camping availability, particularly within the grounds of Albergues.
@Albertagirl, all fair questions, and they gave me a chance to think more precisely about the specific issue I was trying to address, but I appear to have done so clumsily in my earlier posts.@koilife:
I was more puzzled than offended, since the picture that I have of you is of someone who would do whatever is needed to help a pilgrim in distress. But I still cannot see why you would advise against booking ahead while criticizing pilgrims for lack of preparedness. I can see how the flow of a conversation might bring you to express both opinions, in different contexts. But the forum is just such a conversation, where future pilgrims are advised to leave behind unnecessary weight at the same time as they are flooded with masses of information about what they should take. I am an experienced mountain hiker and I still find it challenging, after my first camino, to know to what degree I should be responsible for my shelter in case of emergency by carrying a shelter, which almost everyone on this forum would consider superfluous. I am not going to book my beds, after the first night or two (I am starting in France, where I understand booking is nearly obligatory). As a friend, and an experienced camino walker, would you suggest that I carry an emergency shelter or book my beds, or would you tell me that both are mistaken but I really should be prepared for whatever might happen?
@Albertagirl, all fair questions, and they gave me a chance to think more precisely about the specific issue I was trying to address, but I appear to have done so clumsily in my earlier posts.
As to the question of placing reservations on the Camino, I was not advising against them; I believe the person needs to make their own decision on the matter. If they want/need the certainty of a place to stay (regardless of reason --- health issues, fear, lack of proper sleeping kit, etc.), then by all means they should do so. On the other hand, if they can live with a little uncertainty, I personally believe there is greater opportunity for all kinds of benefits (which I listed in the earlier posts), and I encourage them to that if they can. For those caught in the post-Easter surge this year, reserving ahead appears to have been a necessity; for those in the relative calm behind them, it doesn't appear to be necessary.
As to your question of whether you should book ahead in France, I believe you should because it is a matter of justice to your host so they can prepare adequate food (there are places on lesser traveled routes in Spain where the same advice also applies). To do otherwise would be an imposition on the charity of your host. However, once in Spain on a route like the Frances, there is little to no need to reserve ahead, except in extraordinary personal circumstances or in the case of really high volumes. REGARDLESS, I advise a person to be prepared in the event that they end up homeless for a night or two, or, far worse, stranded outside of cellular service. An emergency shelter is appropriate; in my case, my Tyvek fabric "sleeping sheet" has loops so I can pitch it like a tarp for shelter using my walking sticks and some titanium stakes and guy lines. Going over the Route Napoleon, I came very near to pitching it when we were trapped in an extended fog and I was worried about losing the trail. Thankfully, things cleared, but I was prepared if they didn't. Anyone spending much time in the back country needs the basic skills in case something unexpected happens (injury, illness, weather, getting lost, whatever).
I have compassion for almost anyone in a difficult situation, but I don't always have sympathy. By compassion, I mean that I am willing to "suffer with" (com = with, passio = suffer) them to bring them aid. If they need a place to stay, or a lower bunk, or food or water from my pack, or whatever, I will help, regardless of why they need it. Don't get me wrong, I'm no model of a saint, but I do strive to live from a posture of compassion. Sympathy, on the other hand involves feelings of pity or sorrow over their situation, and my sympathy tends to be much more conditional (whether that is right or wrong is a moral question and worthy of a different thread).
The shorthand example of this is when my teenage son ignored my repeated advice about how to ascend and descend the first few days from SJPdP to Zubiri, and then several days later he experienced a nasty case of tendinitis in one of his knees as a direct result. I cared for him, and carried almost all of his gear as well as my own. I helped him get medication, knee wraps, etc. I bused him ahead rather than risk further injury while he healed up enough to walk. I had plenty of compassion for him, in that I shared readily in his suffering. However, I had no sympathy for him. His tendinitis wasn't because he was ignorant or because we went too far or too hard; rather, it was because of dumb teenage hubris, ignoring "the old man's" advice on proper technique while telling everyone that he'd be walking me into the ground. If he'd simply jumped off the roof and broken his leg, I'd have been just as compassionate, and just as unsympathetic.
What you were picking up on was a lack of sympathy on my part for one who doesn't even carry a sleeping bag and then has to endure hardship as a natural consequence. If their safety net is to book ahead, that's fine. If it's to buy a bag, that's probably even better. But to do neither and then experience the hardship a second time . . . well, I'm not sure what to say. If I'm there and able to help in some way, I'll gladly show compassion, but I will likely lack sympathy.
If one walks without adequate sleeping kit because their plan is to stay in upmarket places, what happens if things don't work out? What if they walk without adequate food or water or weather gear? The middle ground between fear and carelessness is prudence. The Camino isn't Death Valley or the Maze in the Canyonlands or the Australian Outback, and that so many ill-prepared people do it successfully is a tribute to just how hiker-friendly it is, but stuff can still happen, and the prudent person ought to prepare accordingly.
Anyways, if you hung in for this one, bully for you! Thanks for your patience on what turned into a much longer post than I'd planned.
Not at all. One of your best qualities is the greatness of your heart.@koilife:
Thank you. I was afraid you had decided that I was being argumentative and you did not wish to continue the conversation.
I'm planning on walking mid August but reading these post make me think i might postpone until sept.
A lot pilgrims start or pick up for their next streach in Burgos .....are there many Spanish 'weekenders'?I am in Burgos now (May 22) and the Municipal was full. This is the first full place I've experienced and I started in SJPP. However three of us were walking together and we found a nice three bed pension room for $45 Euros.
It seems to me that proposing a conspiracy theory to explain a phenomena you have been lucky enough to avoid is demeaning to both the albergue operators and those of us who have been affected by it.It is 8:10pm and there are still spare beds in the municipal albergue at Navarette. I am wondering if the "no beds" is a marketing campaign by the private albergues and accommodation providers! It seems many are being scared into reserving (and thereby committing) to the commercial operators. I might live to eat my words but so far so good!
Are you booking ahead ?It is 8:10pm and there are still spare beds in the municipal albergue at Navarette. I am wondering if the "no beds" is a marketing campaign by the private albergues and accommodation providers! It seems many are being scared into reserving (and thereby committing) to the commercial operators. I might live to eat my words but so far so good!
My partner and I will be starting in SJPDP on September 5. I have already booked Orisson for the first night as we are both in our late 60's and I thought that would be a good first day's walk for us. However I was not planning on booking ahead but having read all of the above posts think it may be worth thinking about. Since I have never dome the CF before, how easy is it to book ahead? Can it be done online with one of the many Camino apps? I'm currently looking at Camino Frances from the Wise Pilgrim Guides. Has anyone used this app to book an albergue?
I've done about 80% of my booking through wise pilgrim app and booking.com.My partner and I will be starting in SJPDP on September 5. I have already booked Orisson for the first night as we are both in our late 60's and I thought that would be a good first day's walk for us. However I was not planning on booking ahead but having read all of the above posts think it may be worth thinking about. Since I have never dome the CF before, how easy is it to book ahead? Can it be done online with one of the many Camino apps? I'm currently looking at Camino Frances from the Wise Pilgrim Guides. Has anyone used this app to book an albergue?
I've had no problems either - arrived Los Arcos today around 3ish and had no problem getting a bed (same all the way from SJPDP) - staying in mostly municioal albergues)I'm not sure why but I've had no problems at all. I don't get up before daylight and take my time having a second breakfast and sometimes lunch along the way. Today I left Pamplona about 8am and rolled into Punta La Reina an hour ago (4pm). I had no problem getting a bed at the Padres Reparadores Albergue.
@Marc Hamel:
I don't know about booking from the Wise Pilgrim Guide, but you can certainly book through www.gronze.com/camino-frances by going to the Etapa (stage) that you want to book on.
Thank you Albertagirl - I checked out gronze and bookmarked it. I'm feeling OK about our ages - we just had lunch this past Saturday with a woman who started the Camino on her 70th birthday and did the entire CF in 34 walking days.
Thanks James - I'll also check out Booking.comI've done about 80% of my booking through wise pilgrim app and booking.com.
Hola Kristel
I think a good advice right now could be not to read to much on the forum about how busy the Camin Frances is right now.
It will, of course, make anyone new to the Camino nervous and maybe not so rightfully.
It sounds to me that you have decided to spend some time walking and contemplating about your life.
Good.
The Camino may be the perfect place for that. Many pilgrims have stated that their Camino changed their life somewhat. Maybe it will also have some profund impact on your life
If you have your backpack almost ready, then you are ready.
Make your way to Saint Jean and take it a day at the time.
Go slow the first week and get a feel for what you have begun.
As suggested in other posts, you can opt for the lower route, Valcarlos. It is certainly a splendid walk, and as you will meet many pilgrims you will get and share information about places to stay the upcoming days.
Do not stress yourself to much about this right now, is my suggestion.
If indeed you feel that things are difficult on Frances, you have 3-4 days walking before you enter Pamplona.
From there you can take a bus to Irun and walk the Norte or skip ahead on Frances or just stay some days and think about what you want to do. You say you have the time, so use it and enjoy your time in Spain.
There is no race unless you choose to enter one.
As you write you are nervous that you may not have a place to sleep for the night.
I firmly believe that it is very rare that pilgrims do not have a place to sleep.
The locals are very friendly and often arrange temporary sleeping quaters or even drive pilgrims to places to sleep, as well as many pilgrims 'team up' with fellow pilgrims they do not know and share a double room in a hostel or hotel.
You write that you burned out and now you are taking action by walking which will change your life.
That is inevitably.
So remember the most important for you right now: relax, walk in your own pace, smell the fresh air, eat good food, make friends with strangers, be friendly, be excatly who you want to be and allow yourself to simply be walking the camino as millions have done the last 1000 years. I think it is a perspectiv that most people could benefit from experiencing.
I hope this helps.
Everything flows
Flow with it
Buen Camino
Lettinggo
Sincere thanks for your kind words. I too have benefited loads from your sobering verses. I suspect I am not the only one!
... I arrived quite late at Albergue Santa Fe at Cardeñula Riopico to the stress of sharing a dorm with just two other pilgrims. And we were the only ones staying in an 18 place albergue.
It is just after Atapuerca and makes a nice stroll into Burgos the next day, so I don't know why it was so empty. Maybe everyone stays at Atapuerca or Ages.
...
The Valcarlos route is astounding!!!Thank you MSPATH.I read your post and I still think that taking the Valcarlos route is a good idea and one that will give great memories. Great advice. Ed
KangaWell, I either smell bad or am extraordinarily lucky because, once again, I arrived quite late at Albergue Santa Fe at Cardeñula Riopico to the stress of sharing a dorm with just two other pilgrims. And we were the only ones staying in an 18 place albergue.
It is just after Atapuerca and makes a nice stroll into Burgos the next day, so I don't know why it was so empty. Maybe everyone stays at Atapuerca or Ages.
We had an excellent dinner, too.
Your sello could have a caravan illustration on it ... the coolest sello on the Camino!HHmmmm ... perhaps I should buy a caravan, strip it out and fit it with eight bunks! peripatetic refugio!!
Thanks Viranani - I will look forward to staying with the Sisters in Zabaldika - I think Ed and I would like to stay with as many religious houses as possible, being former Catholic religious ourselves. Unfortunately I have not found a currently occupied Trappist (Cistercian) monastery close to our route.Hi Marc,
It's a snap--you can do this one or two nights ahead very easily.
If you're concerned, perhaps book the first few nights and see how crowded it is at the time, and where you are. If it's not chock-a-block and you've booked ahead, you'll be missing out on the spontaneity of just walking--which is quite wonderful. And as Albertagirl says, it means you'll be locked into a schedule that may or may not be comfortable. I have no idea about September, as I've only walked in March/April but from what Kanga and a few others are saying it's clear that right now there are both crowded waves and places where it's fine. The day of the week can make a difference: I see you'll be starting on a Monday, which is good--it's said that early in the week is less crowded than weekends.
And do consider staying with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Zabaldika, about 8kms short of Pamplona (I don't think this can be booked). A very special albergue.
A very Buen Camino to you both!!
Thanks Viranani - I will look forward to staying with the Sisters in Zabaldika - I think Ed and I would like to stay with as many religious houses as possible, being former Catholic religious ourselves. Unfortunately I have not found a currently occupied Trappist (Cistercian) monastery close to our route.
Thank you, Margaret! Manifique. It's a bit of a detour, but it looks like one could walk from Melide on small roads and re-connect with the Frances at Arzua.
Ha ha! Pilgrim snobbery cuts both ways, obviously.One said, "I can't imagine having to carry such large packs." Another replied, "They probably can't afford to do it any other way."
I didn't like staying at O Briero,anybody any good alternatives on the way up there ??
I walked with his son for a bit today before I bumped into you! Would have liked to have met him. A lot of people tuned up in Najera today looking for beds.Writing from Ventosa where I'm awake without respite. I suppose it's the effect of the first day's walking.
On the bright side, when we arrived around 3pm, we were 11 and 12 on the day's roster at the albergue. With only 45 beds or so total, by evening they aren't much over 30. In talking to a number of other pilgrims, there haven't been any issues for them from SJPdP excerpt those that stopped late in larger cities around the weekend, such as Logroño.
Overall, things don't feel much different than they did in 2013, except that there has been an explosion of groups walking with just day packs. Some are clearly part of an organized tour. But others are clearly doing so from need. I had dinner with a 75 year old man from Chile. Remarkable in every respect, but without transport services for his bag, he'd really struggle.
One thing made laugh out loud in Navarrete was a pitying comment made by one of the tour groups when Joel and I put our packs on after lunch. One said, "I can't imagine having to carry such large packs." Another replied, "They probably can't afford to do it any other way." For reference, my pack is 16lb and my son's is 14lb.
I stayed at Pequeno Potala last fall, then at Hospital, the next village after O'Cebreiro with an albergue, the next night. As at O'Cebreiro, it is a Xunta albergue. The building was adequate, but of course there were no dishes or pots in the kitchen. There is only one bar/restaurant in town, and the food is terrible, if they will deign to cook for you at all. I would recommend, if you want to go on to Hospital from O'Cebreiro, eat your main meal of the day at noon at O'Cebreiro, where I believe there is a choice of decent restaurants, then just carry what you need for a light meal later at Hospital.I didn't like staying at O Briero,anybody any good alternatives on the way up there ??
It was an absolute delight to meet you. I of course recognized you right off because of the big B-shaped backpack and your badger mask.I walked with his son for a bit today before I bumped into you! Would have liked to have met him. A lot of people tuned up in Najera today looking for beds.
If you don't like staying in O Cebreiro try stopping in Ruitelan on the way. The small refuge Pequeno Potala is aways a special spot and their communal dinner most delicious. See more here on their Gronze.com page.
If you do stop please give my best to Luis and Carlos, the gracious hosts!
I didn't like staying at O Briero,anybody any good alternatives on the way up there ??
We stayed in Foncebadon which is 2.5 km before O Cebreiro and it was lovely. (We had a double room at El Trasgu). If you stay there, consider eating at La Taberna de Gaia. It's a cool place with a medieval theme - no pilgrim menu - and I had the best ribs I've eaten in a long time. One of the best meals I've had on the Camino.
Good luck!
I'm booked into Albergue Touristico de legroso next week,is the albergue on the main path to Negriera ?? .I have walked to Negriera a few times and don't recall passing Legroso.
You enter the village/hamlet of Legroso before Negriera. See your spot on this map via Gronze.com.
Hi Tracy I am the same age and travelling alone, first time Camino. I arrive on the 17th June in Astorga and have only booked two nights. I plan to stay at cheap hotels, not albergues. Wondering if you decided to book the rest of your accomodation or risk it?Hello all,
This is my first post. I arrive in Madrid on June 8th and begin my walk (I think from Burgos) on the 9th. This thread scared me and I prebooked a few places (nights 2, 3, and 4). Should I book them all? Even the small towns are filling up this far in advance. Some folks on here aren't having any problems, others the opposite. I like the idea of a pillow and private shower or tub, but I also like the idea of meeting interesting folks which the albergues seem to promise. This 47 year old, solo, first timer needs some good advice.
Hi JennHi Tracy I am the same age and travelling alone, first time Camino. I arrive on the 17th June in Astorga and have only booked two nights. I plan to stay at cheap hotels, not auberge. Wondering if you decided to book the rest of your accomodation or risk it?
I would suggest the cities like Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, Leon, and Santiago, especially if arriving around a weekend, but a day or two in advance should suffice. These are natural concentration points and the albergues fill up pretty quick (although if you stay the night before, just on the outskirts, and arrive early even these aren't bad). If you want a rest day, however, you probably don't want to be carrying your pack around all day or having to wait around to check into a different albergue. Thus, reservations help solve that problem, possibly with a pension, hostel, or hotel. Be sure to look for ones with self-serve laundry; you probably don't want to be looking for that on your day off.It's my first Camino and I'm leaving SJDP on 4th July, aiming to be arriving in Santiago 5th Aug. I know it's a busy time but would LOVE to not book the whole route. I am hoping to book some of the busy points for peace of mind, and then just go with the flow for the rest of the time. Are there any particular sections of the French route that are busier than others and would be best to book?
Hi Mary,It's my first Camino and I'm leaving SJDP on 4th July, aiming to be arriving in Santiago 5th Aug. I know it's a busy time but would LOVE to not book the whole route. I am hoping to book some of the busy points for peace of mind, and then just go with the flow for the rest of the time. Are there any particular sections of the French route that are busier than others and would be best to book?
Heard 4 polished women having a drink on a terrace tuen down the tapas because they didn't want to put on weight. Put on weight on the Camino?! Then I realised they were having theor bags carried. Oh, it was soooo tempting to suggest they eat like normal people and just carry their bags: then they would lose weight! The things you hear...Ha ha! Pilgrim snobbery cuts both ways, obviously.
Well, I'm very happy to be part of the hoi polloi, with the rest of you.
Jenn, I booked a few starting nights, but then left the rest to chance. I figure a little of both will give me peace of mind and a few good night sleeps AND the spontaneous experience I associate with this adventure. Buen Camino! I leave tomorrow!!! Yikes.Hi Tracy I am the same age and travelling alone, first time Camino. I arrive on the 17th June in Astorga and have only booked two nights. I plan to stay at cheap hotels, not albergues. Wondering if you decided to book the rest of your accomodation or risk it?
There is the long, long, long hill up from Villafranca before the descent into San Juan de Ortega. About 30 pilgrims with impossibly small packs entered from a road on the left and strolled down into town and collected sellos. It suddenly dawned on me why I was seeing so many of them in the towns and so few of them on the trail. Evidently, it's not just the packs that are being transported. And it's not for lack of physical fitness; the majority appeared to be more fit than I.Heard 4 polished women having a drink on a terrace tuen down the tapas because they didn't want to put on weight. Put on weight on the Camino?! Then I realised they were having theor bags carried. Oh, it was soooo tempting to suggest they eat like normal people and just carry their bags: then they would lose weight! The things you hear...
I have down the same. Buen Camino Tracey!Jenn, I booked a few starting nights, but then left the rest to chance. I figure a little of both will give me peace of mind and a few good night sleeps AND the spontaneous experience I associate with this adventure. Buen Camino! I leave tomorrow!!! Yikes.
I have only caught the end of this thread but I am concerned about the apparent judging. Surely it is an individual experience however they wish to walk the Camino...?There is the long, long, long hill up from Villafranca before the descent into San Juan de Ortega. About 30 pilgrims with impossibly small packs entered from a road on the left and strolled down into town and collected sellos. It suddenly dawned on me why I was seeing so many of them in the towns and so few of them on the trail. Evidently, it's not just the packs that are being transported. And it's not for lack of physical fitness; the majority appeared to be more fit than I.
That is a far cry from the kinds of assisted pilgrimages that @sillydoll describes above with her devout seminarians.
I have only caught the end of this thread but I am concerned about the apparent judging. Surely it is an individual experience however they wish to walk the Camino...?
I leave next week and would love to carry my own pack but due to medical reasons it is not recommended. Yet you won't know what's going on for me at a glance. You may however judge me for walking along happily with my impossibly small (day) pack. Though you won't hear me denying tapas along the way.
@Albertagirl gave a good reminder of something that might otherwise be missed by a newcomer. Many (most?) of us are perfectly happy to welcome people who walk, bus, drive, or just look at the Camino. Any level of interest and participation is great. Usually, the objections (judging) come when we see obvious deception - people saying or implying that they've walked when they haven't, in order to get a particular souvenir or stay in the albergues meant for walking pilgrims. You will have a great time, as @Bala says, and there's no need to worry about your small pack.I have only caught the end of this thread but I am concerned about the apparent judging. Surely it is an individual experience however they wish to walk the Camino...?
I leave next week and would love to carry my own pack but due to medical reasons it is not recommended. Yet you won't know what's going on for me at a glance. You may however judge me for walking along happily with my impossibly small (day) pack. Though you won't hear me denying tapas along the way.
For the record, yes, I made a judgement, as in the actual meaning of the word --- the use of reason to form a sensible conclusion --- and my judgement is that there is a material difference between the type of tour pilgrim that I saw and an earlier tour group that @sillydoll led of devout Catholic seminarians who used assistance but walked the entire way with a great deal of devotion. I would hope that such judgements not be subject to the tyranny of tolerance.I have only caught the end of this thread but I am concerned about the apparent judging. Surely it is an individual experience however they wish to walk the Camino...?
I leave next week and would love to carry my own pack but due to medical reasons it is not recommended. Yet you won't know what's going on for me at a glance. You may however judge me for walking along happily with my impossibly small (day) pack. Though you won't hear me denying tapas along the way.
often see people with push or pull carts of some sort so they can walk with their stuff.I have only caught the end of this thread but I am concerned about the apparent judging. Surely it is an individual experience however they wish to walk the Camino...?
I leave next week and would love to carry my own pack but due to medical reasons it is not recommended. Yet you won't know what's going on for me at a glance. You may however judge me for walking along happily with my impossibly small (day) pack. Though you won't hear me denying tapas along the way.
Weekends in the big cities are often like that. If you have the luxury of timing your arrival or stopping just prior, then walking into the city in the early morning and checking your bag in a locker, you can mostly mitigate the impact.There is talk of no beds in Leon this Saturday when I arrive. I am part of the St Jean 900.
The cheapest hotel.is €300. There is a big celebration in the city. The Spanish seem to celebrate something every week!
Actually, it is very entertaining if a bit aggravating on occasion. Most are really enjoying the independence and experience, and they interact with fellow pilgrims, particularly foreigners. One just has to remember that they are teenagers!Walking with large groups of teenagers sounds horrendous.
What about switching to another Camino? The Salvador/Primitivo come to mind. Buen Camino whatever you decide, SY
Crowds usually diminish by then. It should be "merely" busy then!I'm starting on September 17 out of St Jean
They are generally very cheerful and walking happily thou the odd radio playing loudly is a tad annoying but they are having a good time. The lights out time though last night was 11 and the 130 bed dorm was horrendously noisy until then!Actually, it is very entertaining if a bit aggravating on occasion. Most are really enjoying the independence and experience, and they interact with fellow pilgrims, particularly foreigners. One just has to remember that they are teenagers!
I feel that it is not fair to comment that there are two groups of Spanish teenagers sharing the Way, as I read it, meaning that they are simply too much!They are generally very cheerful and walking happily thou the odd radio playing loudly is a tad annoying but they are having a good time. The lights out time though last night was 11 and the 130 bed dorm was horrendously noisy until then!
Hmm, disturbing reading. My partner is currently almost half way along the CF with high morale and making good progress, starting SJPDD 5 May and staying tonight in Villacazar de Sirga. She has had to walk on another 5k because of Complete on one occasion and again by choice (full of animals and not very hygienic) on another. She is tough however and refuses the more upmarket accommodation ;-)
My dilemma is whether to pass on the information I have just read or leave her to continue as she is; left to her own devices or interfere with her Camino? To the best of my knowledge she has not booked anywhere in advance.
I intend to be established in accommodation in Santiago to welcome her when she arrives
Any advice please as I am naturally concerned.
Of note, you started on a weekend in Sarria, which is about the worst possible time for volume; passing through on a Monday or midweek and stopping at smaller albergues is a good way to avoid the Sarria waves.Having walked from Leon starting on June 4, we would have had no problems finding a bed anywhere along the way until last night in Sarria. Tonight in Portomarin our large Albergue is full as it appears are most other places. Here they were turning people away from around 4. I think most would have found a bed as we saw the later in the main square. A young German girl we have met who is walking with a couple of injuries but didn't want to book ahead had the Albergue phone for her for tomorrow and many places they called are fully booked. The crowds today made for a very different walking experience. We have 2 large groups of Spanish teenagers here and the whole way from Sarria was very busy. Queues were long at each refreshment stop too. Hopefully we might spread out a bit more tomorrow!
I feel that it is not fair to comment that there are two groups of Spanish teenagers sharing the Way, as I read it, meaning that they are simply too much!
First of all, Spain is their country!! These groups usually walk to obtain points on their curriculum, or could be a Confirmation group, or could be a sports group.
Us oldies all know how teens behave. They are teens. We have all been teens once in our lives!
Would it be nice for someone from abroad, walking, say the Francigena, or any where else, comment that ( unfortunately) there are two groups of Italian teens staying just where they are staying, or walking just where they are walking?
I know they can be annoying and make a lot of noise ( I have 7 teen grandchildren - well actually 3 are now in their early 2o's)
. To avoid these unfortunate encounters, it would make more sense NOT to stay in the more popular stop overs and at all cost, avoid large albergues!
Courtesy is always appropriate including "oldies" being respectful of young adults!Nice young adults indeed who were very respectful to us two " oldies ".
Indeed Falcon, it works both ways!Courtesy is always appropriate including "oldies" being respectful of young adults!
I do apologise if you felt my comments inappropriate. I intended it to be more a comment on the numbers and the fact that some of the groups joining in Sarria were very large. As to when I started and where I should stay, sadly I was not always able to control that but it is good that old hands and Camino experts like yourself can point this out to others.I feel that it is not fair to comment that there are two groups of Spanish teenagers sharing the Way, as I read it, meaning that they are simply too much!
First of all, Spain is their country!! These groups usually walk to obtain points on their curriculum, or could be a Confirmation group, or could be a sports group.
Us oldies all know how teens behave. They are teens. We have all been teens once in our lives!
Would it be nice for someone from abroad, walking, say the Francigena, or any where else, comment that ( unfortunately) there are two groups of Italian teens staying just where they are staying, or walking just where they are walking?
I know they can be annoying and make a lot of noise ( I have 7 teen grandchildren - well actually 3 are now in their early 2o's)
. To avoid these unfortunate encounters, it would make more sense NOT to stay in the more popular stop overs and at all cost, avoid large albergues!
Any chance that I can get an update on this situation? I am starting in Saint-Jean on the solstice.Just as a word of warning, the Camino Frances is incredibly busy at the moment.
I did the Camino last year at exactly the same time and had no problem showing up at 4pm and getting a bed.
This year all accomodation is going very quickly usually by 2 or 3 pm. Some even earlier. We have deliberately stayed in the middle of "Brierley" stages so goodness knows what the stage ends are like.
Last year i rarely booked ahead but this year we are having to.
It will be busy. Read the entire thread and similar ones for advice on when "waves" of pilgrims form and how to avoid them. Also, the post you're responding to is 700K after where you're starting, so not really relevant for many weeks, at which time the advice above will still apply.Any chance that I can get an update on this situation? I am starting in Saint-Jean on the solstice.
You are welcome Kristal.
In a few days you will be tired, overwhelmet and learning things about yourself you didn't know.
Pace yourself. And smile.
Lettinggo
Thank you! I took this route.This is great advice!!!
Dear KristeLDear "Lettinggo"
Now that I am back and I look back at the panic of my departure:
I searched again for out little conversation to thank you again. You really helped me to start, to trust, to let go ;-)
My Camino went sooooo smooth and all this stressed posts were so unhelpful, the hardest part for me was leaving. So if anyone reads this and stresses out about too much pilgrims: all will be fine. Just go.
Thanks again
Camino love --->
kristeL
My partner and I will be starting in SJPDP on September 5. I have already booked Orisson for the first night as we are both in our late 60's and I thought that would be a good first day's walk for us. However I was not planning on booking ahead but having read all of the above posts think it may be worth thinking about. Since I have never dome the CF before, how easy is it to book ahead? Can it be done online with one of the many Camino apps? I'm currently looking at Camino Frances from the Wise Pilgrim Guides. Has anyone used this app to book an albergue?
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