Holy year crowds

[AJ]

None encountered on the Vezelay route yet. Plenty of room in the admittedly small Refuges. Most pilgrims I have met are from Holland and Belgium and have set off from their homes.

I am currently at Thiviers, about half way to SJPdP from Vezelay.

Believe it or not it is possible to go hungry/thirsty in France of all places!!

 

[jl]

Can just picture your journey AJ! Yes you are right - water was a problem a couple of times when I did the path last year. Asked one lady for water, and not only did she fill my bottle, but gave me a delicious nectarine as well. Another time - on a particularly hot day a family were sitting outside having lunch and the father got up with the jug of iced water and brought it over to me, as I walked past, so I could fill my bottle with icey cold water. Food was never a problem (after I ran out the first time!) I just made sure that I always had a packet of Pain du Lait in my bag, and so, if all else failed I had a fallback - not the most nutritious, but at least it was something to eat. It was also helpful in the mornings as I would have a couple for breakfast / morning tea if nothing else was available. (they also didn't seem to crush too much either, and would keep for a few days!)

I found the Maries were particularly helpful when it came to topping up my bottle/s.

Can't wait to hear more of your adventures. Buen Camino Janet

 

[AJ]

Arrived SJPdP today. The Voie de Vezelay was not at all crowded. The only place I saw more than a couple of pilgrims was Ostabat yesterday and here today.

The owner of the Refuge says that there have been no more pilgrims than normal here.

Spain tomorrow

 

[jl]

Well done - you most have been "motoring' (with the feet)! I suspect that the crowds will be a shock to you now. Enjoy Spain. Buen Camino, Janet

 

[AJ]

Arrived Viana today. Still not too many pilgrims, though numbers are slowly increasing. No problems with beds. Rain and mud sadly, but tinto and comida gladly!

 

[AJ]

Belorado (I think). Numbers increasing, but still plenty of beds. Weather has been changeable, dry the past two days so the track is easy to walk. Unseasonably cold.

Hay bacalao - yummm.