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El Ganso Earlier Today

Bob Howard

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
CF 2024
Just got to Rabanal. Started May 20. It is not crowded. No traffic jams or conga lines. But I’m not here to argue about “crowd” hysteria—I’ve done that enough over the last few years and likely irritated a few veteran Forum members.

Instead, I’m just reporting on something I saw today, although maybe it has already been mentioned on the Forum.

After being closed for the last few years, the El Ganso Cowboy Bar is open with new proprietors.
No bartender smoking and questionable hygiene. The new couple there have thoroughly cleaned up the place, including the aseos. Food now consistent with other good Camino bars. Previously, I would stop at the adjacent bar (to the right) in lieu of the old Cowboy Bar which seemed rather yucky. Being from cowboy country in Colorado, I like the idea of it even though it does seem gimmicky—kind of like the Elvis bar.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Glad to hear El Ganso's Meson Cowboy is open again....was that the place where they rang a bell as perigrinos approached, or am I thinking of somewhere else?. The old place was a bit scruffy but welcoming, I was always glad to stop for a coffee.....the new place looks great..an improvement.
 
Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 & Astorga to OCebreiro in June
Just got to Rabanal. Started May 20. It is not crowded. No traffic jams or conga lines. But I’m not here to argue about “crowd” hysteria—I’ve done that enough over the last few years and likely irritated a few veteran Forum members.

Instead, I’m just reporting on something I saw today, although maybe it has already been mentioned on the Forum.

After being closed for the last few years, the El Ganso Cowboy Bar is open with new proprietors.
No bartender smoking and questionable hygiene. The new couple there have thoroughly cleaned up the place, including the aseos. Food now consistent with other good Camino bars. Previously, I would stop at the adjacent bar (to the right) in lieu of the old Cowboy Bar which seemed rather yucky. Being from cowboy country in Colorado, I like the idea of it even though it does seem gimmicky—kind of like the Elvis bar.
I'm in El Ganso tonight. I thought I would stay in a tipi at The Indian Way, but they had to close a few days ago. The government insists that they have parking spaces inside the tipi compound. Mind you, this albergue is only for pilgrims, so they certainly don't need parking. It sounds like they were just looking for an excuse to shut them down. It's too bad, because it looked like a nice place to stay.
 
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19
Trecile, did you happen to take a photo of the reconfigured Cruz de Ferro?
I have one, once I've sorted myself , I'll post one. Not many people in the shot, as a drone was flying and most people were put off by this.
 
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Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!

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