Late-season Camino Frances 2018 - pics and thoughts

[peregrino_tom]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

 

[LesBrass]

Wow - great photos!

 

[Davey Boyd]

Wonderful photo's Tom!

I see Foncebadon has now got a road!

Davey

 

[Nanc]

absolutely lovely!
your choices, angles, the colors create a beautiful journey
thank you for sharing
making me re think a fall camino

 

[Anthony18]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

Excellent shots! I'm going early June-late July 2019. Can't wait!!

 

[MichaelB10398]

Tom, thank you for sharing your pictures with us. They are wonderful; such a beautiful time of the year to be on Camino. May you be blessed with a joyous Christmas.

 

[Hilarious]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

Fantastic photos Tom! Love your work!

 

[josephmcclain]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

Great photos. Huge memories.

 

[D74]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

What amazing photos!

 

[maruska89]

Just beautiful! You really captured the essence and beauty of the camino! Love it!

 

[tpmchugh]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

Latest I walked was finishing mid October. Your photos are inspiring, might consider starting late September next time. How cold was it if at all

 

[Marbe2]

Thanks for sharing your photos!

 

[Yoyo]

I enjoyed your photos a lot, they are beautiful!

 

[rbtustin]

Enjoyed the photos. Nicely done.

 

[joanjf]

Great photos the scenery is majestic. Looks like you had a wonderful time . Thank you for sharing.
Have a lovely holiday.
Blessings and good wishes.

 

[donalomahony]

Meseta photos are stunning. Thank you!

 

[MagnusPompey]

Good work.

 

[Honey Bee]

Thank you for sharing these stunning photos, transporting us right into each scene.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Phew, what an amazingly positive reaction! Glad to find that so many people liked the pics - thank you.
Davey: yes, Foncebadon was quite a shock - it always felt like it was just past the last frontier of civilisation as the mountains went up and up. Now it's all quite smart and there's an Italian pizza place recently opened too.
tpmchugh: there were a few days with mean icy north wind, but most of the time it was fine: shirt/t-shirt for a few afternoons (as long as you're in the sun). I think it's all quite manageable nowadays because there are so many more bars/cafes to keep warm and always places to stay with heating, if you need it.
Donal: yes, that first part of the meseta had a sky that was pretty mind-expanding.

One thing I thought folks might be interested in seeing is the pics of the high-level route after Villafranca de Bierzo. In the past I'd thought I'd like to do it, but that it might be a diversion too far if I was going to go all the way to O'Cebreiro. But this time the weather was so good that I went for it - and didn't regret it; much of the time walking above the clouds and later coming down through acres of chestnut tree groves.
And one magic incident I have to mention - that same day, in the evening, I went to give thanks at the pilgrim's mass in O'Cebreiro. I shuffled in and much to my surprise the priest handed me an English bible and pointed to a passage from a St Paul epistle and indicated that he'd signal me to come to the lectern and read at the appropriate time... which I duly did. I heard afterwards from a Korean friend that he was similarly ambushed - possibly a daily occurrence?
Cheers, tom

 

[MTowers]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

Absolutely beautiful, inspirational photos Tom. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Wishing you many more Buen Caminos.

 

[Devereaux]

Wonderful photographs.
Brought back so many good memories!
Muchas gracias!

 

[Keith H]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

This is great Tom. Thank you. I’d love to do a winter Camino.

 

[Tony Bobcat]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

Great photos Tom,looks like you had a great time

 

[RemysMimi]

Recently back from the CF, started 25 October in St Jean.

Autumn colours are pleasing, the air is often crisp and clear and starting early, through or above a misty dawn, can be memorable. Some albergues still have wood stove fires and the abundance of chestnuts is a bonus.
I started mid-week and saw small numbers of pilgrims except in the cities, where many people seemed inclined to take one or two days off. Most nights in municipals outside the cities there were usually 5-10 pilgrims staying. Some exceptions including Pilar’s place in Rabanal which had more than 30 people, who’d arrived soaking wet, but were all well looked-after of course.
Overall we found some albergues were closing early/mid November. For two albergues we stayed on their last open night of the season and for two others we were a day too late. If I did it again I’d start about ten days earlier, mid-October.
Internet makes it much easier to find whether places are open than a few years ago: guide Apps seem to generally be updated quickly and news travels fast on WhatsApp. There’s also a website page that gives the latest info on open albergues, for those of us not using Apps www.aprinca.com/alberguesinvierno .

The pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peregrino_tom/albums/72157704524495734/page1
My 3-year old phone camera is starting to show its age when compared to the latest gizmos, but still just about OK. A zoom would have been nice for those snowy mountains close to Logrono in particular. As ever, few pictures get taken on the rainy days so there are a few gaps. But we had sunshine for the Pyrenees, the meseta and between Ponferrada and Santiago. For some reason I didn’t take the camera out for the communal meals, so only one features - Granon, which has changed very little since 10 years ago. I feared the internet rave reviews might spoil it, but they haven’t - it’s still beautifully true to the camino spirit in its own special way.
Cheers, tom

I loved Pilar's place in Rabanal!!

 

[Irenie]

I loved Pilar's place in Rabanal!!

Thank you for sharing. Your photos are stunning. I loved “walking” again, revisiting so many wonderful memories.

 

[Gailsie]

I loved your photos, brings back great camino memories. One of the things that surprised me the most in Spain was the beautiful scenery.

 

[peregrino_tom]

Hi Gailsie
thanks for commenting and reminding of all the great experiences of a year ago. I see your profile lists your last visit as '09 - time for a return trip?