Pilgrim rescued near Zubiri today

[donalomahony]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1807112955508527373

Multiagency rescue... Hope pilgrim concerned is OK..

 

[joramos]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1807112955508527373

Multiagency rescue... Hope pilgrim concerned is OK..

I sincerely hope our fellow pigrim did not really break the tibia and fibula. I broke mine from a traumatic car accident years back but still bothers me and has severely reduced my mobility and balance despite reconstructive surgeries and physical therapies. Tibia and fibula are the two bones that support the legs. Must have been a really bad accident. I pray and hope for his fast recovery. God bless.

Good job and much gratitude to the "Bomberos y Bomberas" for taking care of our fellow pilgrim.

 

[LetItHappen]

The injury was severe but he was conscious. I was on the trail shortly after the paramedics arrived. I heard the pilgrim tell them that he heard a loud snap after falling. I believe the pilgrim is an Italian gentleman who was walking with his wife and daughter. I’m sending him and his family my prayers.

 

[peregrina2000]

My admiration for the Spanish emergency services just keeps getting greater and greater. They are amazing.

 

[Mananath]

The injury was severe but he was conscious. I was on the trail shortly after the paramedics arrived. I heard the pilgrim tell them that he heard a loud snap after falling. I believe the pilgrim is an Italian gentleman who was walking with his wife and daughter. I’m sending him and his family my prayers.

Where did the fall happen? I just did this section today and certainly found the last few k to be a bit challenging but I don't remember seeing an area with all that grass.

 

[Bradypus]

but I don't remember seeing an area with all that grass.

It is quite likely that the first responders had to carry the injured person on a stretcher to a clearing where a helicopter lift was possible.

 

[LetItHappen]

Where did the fall happen? I just did this section today and certainly found the last few k to be a bit challenging but I don't remember seeing an area with all that grass.

It happened on the descent to Zubiri, maybe only 2 or 3 km from Zubiri itself. My thought is that the paramedics carried him into an open area so that the helicopter could reach them.

It was slippery yesterday because there were on and off rain showers all day. I heard from another pilgrim that a woman broke her wrist in a fall yesterday as well.

 

[Charles Ross]

I was on this path in '22; my partner was about 2 hours behind me. It was warm and dry but even so, a nightmare. about half way through it I texted my partner and said 'do NOT come up this path . . . take a taxi, walk on the highway'. I would go this way again, I WILL go this way again, but will go very slow, pick the places to put my feet and brace myself with my walking sticks. If I can state the obvious: once you injure yourself, the joy, the challenge, the pleasure . . that's all gone. It's a new vacay and you're not going to like it!!

 

[Mananath]

It happened on the descent to Zubiri, maybe only 2 or 3 km from Zubiri itself. My thought is that the paramedics carried him into an open area so that the helicopter could reach them.

It was slippery yesterday because there were on and off rain showers all day. I heard from another pilgrim that a woman broke her wrist in a fall yesterday as well.

Ok, yes that makes sense. I walked from SJPDP yesterday in the rain, I don't envy you walking into Zubiri in the rain!

Glad the injured pilgrim was able to get to definitive medical care quickly.

 

[starrysky]

I was on this path in '22; my partner was about 2 hours behind me. It was warm and dry but even so, a nightmare. about half way through it I texted my partner and said 'do NOT come up this path . . . take a taxi, walk on the highway'. I would go this way again, I WILL go this way again, but will go very slow, pick the places to put my feet and brace myself with my walking sticks. If I can state the obvious: once you injure yourself, the joy, the challenge, the pleasure . . that's all gone. It's a new vacay and you're not going to like it!!

I hate to say it, but when I go again, I may actually start in Pamplona just to avoid that section from Roncesvalles to Zubiri. I love everything else about that section but for me it the descent probably isn't even worth the risk! (I did it in the pouring rain and it was a nightmare!)

 

[VeganCamino]

I hate to say it, but when I go again, I may actually start in Pamplona just to avoid that section from Roncesvalles to Zubiri. I love everything else about that section but for me it the descent probably isn't even worth the risk! (I did it in the pouring rain and it was a nightmare!)

Me too. Starting in Pamplona is a great idea. I vowed to do the same because I also saw someone get hurt on this stage in 2019.

 

[starrysky]

Me too. Starting in Pamplona is a great idea. I vowed to do the same because I also saw someone get hurt on this stage in 2019.

Pamplona is so wonderful - one of my favorite cities along the way. and Buen Camino to you!

 

[Hilly]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

 

[Harland2019]

Is the answer to reroute the "recommended" Camino on the basis that it is an issue where even those who take care injure themselves (no doubt there are other difficult/dangerous paths but this one gets more publicity) - no doubt pilgrims in ancient times either walked it before it became so eroded or a different route. I am not sure that they can do much to make that path safer, infilling with rocks/stones will be washed away after the first deluge of rain. (Zip line!!?)

 

[Bradypus]

- no doubt pilgrims in ancient times either walked it before it became so eroded or a different route.

Almost certainly they would have walked another route. Quite likely similar to the current road. The present Camino Frances is often on smaller more difficult paths because the easier routes in previous centuries have become roads for vehicle traffic.

 

[Tincatinker]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

Taking the road route could have that result. The N-135 from the intersection with the Camino at the Alto de Erro is two-lane blacktop with no shoulders or verges. Street View on Godgl.maps will give you a idea of what it looks like. There are some spectacular hair-pins to add to the fun. It isn't heavily trafficed but it only takes one vehicle to...

 

[Hilly]

Taking the road route could have that result. The N-135 from the intersection with the Camino at the Alto de Erro is two-lane blacktop with no shoulders or verges. Street View on Godgl.maps will give you a idea of what it looks like. There are some spectacular hair-pins to add to the fun. It isn't heavily trafficed but it only takes one vehicle to...

Oh eeek! I'll hope for dry weather then and be practicing slippy, slidey, stoney downhills in anticipation.

 

[Kathor1]

rocks/stones will be washed away after the first deluge of rain

My uninformed guess is that much of the erosion on the way to Zubiri (the "dragon teeth" part and the steep "bare large smooth rocks" part towards the end) is not only due to the rains but due to the hundreds and hundreds of pilgrim's feet that have been kicking away the little soil cover that was there originally when the modern path was signposted a few decades ago. IMHO no sane medieval person would have walked such a path, especially not when carrying goods or walking with pack animals.

 

[cathal Ferris]

Thoughts are with the perigrino for a safe recovery on that stretch 2014 young lad slipped on it later met his friend said he was recovering in hospital his friend mentioned dehydration was the cause of the slip along with the environmental hazards rain soil etc so be careful out there take consideration of the descent proper care and drink plenty for the conditions ahead as to be aware.
Buen Camino

 

[Pilgrim9]

My installation of OsmAnd shows that at approximately 42.94745° N, 1.46739° W, there is a trail junction with GR225, which goes west to Saigots. From Saigots there is a road that I guess could be walked south into Zubiri.

I saw it in 2022 and indeed had planned to follow the GR225 route, specifically as a detour around the dangerous CF trail descent into Zubiri, but could not do so because GR225 was completely blocked off by intense logging activities.

Has anyone walked this GR225 detour, and if yes, what was it like?

 

[Charles Ross]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

You, knowing this is a difficult stretch, are now armed with an important bit of info. Walk this and give yourself ample time and focus with each step. Walking sticks are a must for slowing your descent on the downhill portion of this walk into Zubiri. In my comment above, I guess I am more focused on how delicate the human body is rather than how difficult this short stretch is. Experienced long distance hikers, people who have perhaps done the PCT or the Appalachian Trail would think this portion of the Camino is not much. People like me, and probably you, are not in that good of shape, are older, less experienced and a slight mishap could result in the need for that evacuation. Good luck with your upcoming trip plans!

 

[Mananath]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

When I passed this way a week ago the Guardia civilia were hanging out at the road intersection pulling over motorcyclists. I suspect they would have said something to me had I tried to walk the road.

It's a challenging section but hundreds do it every day. Go slow, focus, and watch your step. IMO it is the hardest descent on the Frances.

 

[Martin Ennis]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

I walked the highway in late February 2018. It was very wet, snow the previous day and whilst it took longer it was "safer" than the trail. When I got to Rio Arga Albergue - great place - those who had taken the trail wished they hadn't. Taking a "diversion" does not devalue your Camino... Do it your way... Stages are just guides... Buen camino

 

[John H.]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

Don't freak out. It is fine. It is not a cliff. Just a long path and sections of it are downward sloping. Hundreds of people walk it on many days. It is beautiful. There are many ups and downs along the 800 KM trail. Walking sticks can be very helpful. People break their legs walking on uneven sidewalks. Stuff happens. Relax and enjoy and be sure not to pack too much.

 

[henrythedog]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

Try reading some of the 99% of accounts of this section which don’t describe it as life-threatening.

Or start in Pamplona.

 

[joramos]

I am quite sure that, as much as possible, pilgrims would rather follow and walk the traditional path of the Camino de Santiago. However, if it becomes a choice between safety and health, and following tradition and popular route/s, and without compromising the intention and spirit of the pilgrimage, there is nothing wrong with using an alternate path.

 

[Tincatinker]

Try reading some of the 99% of accounts of this section which don’t describe it as life-threatening.

Good luck with that. Nobody posts "Had a perfectly ordinary day. Walked for a bit. Got a bed at the Albergue. Washed my knickers, went for a beer..." You're not likely to get many followers on Farcebook with a life as exciting as that

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I am freaking out about this bit of the camino! I know that the guide says not to take the highway route but has anyone walked this way instead? I would hate my camino to finish before I'd even started.

It is possible to trip and fall anywhere.

Thousands of people walk this way every year. I walked it in a severe rain storm that caused flooding in the area. It was fine.

If you are not used to walking in nature then take your time and watch your feet. Use a walking pole.

Some things in life require thinking about and being present. Those are the things that we remember.

 

[Jodean]

I do not ever want to walk this part again. Scared me to death in 2015, when I was only 60.
Took a taxi last year from Lintzoain to Zubiri. Wanted to walk the road, but was advised not to due to the dangerous hairpin curves. Was happy with my decision. Last thing needed would be a hard fall at my age.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Honestly I’m not buying it. There are relatively few dangerous sections and they’re quite short. It just requires care and thinking out your next step. I walked down very slowly with a loaded bike at age 78, and never felt unsafe. And though the road winds around a lot, there are precisely two hairpin bends.

 

[Kathor1]

I do not ever want to walk this part again. Scared me to death in 2015, when I was only 60.
Took a taxi last year from Lintzoain to Zubiri. Wanted to walk the road, but was advised not to due to the dangerous hairpin curves. Was happy with my decision. Last thing needed would be a hard fall at my age.

Judging by online comments, the steep section just before Zubiri must be the most accident prone and injury prone section of the whole Camino Frances. And it is sometimes the end of somebody's Camino that had barely started.

I walked it years ago. It was dry and I managed without problems but I was amazed that the trail had not been conceived and maintained in a different way, especially given the demographic of Camino walkers. There were several spots where it was unpleasant to walk because everything was eroded and only the steep and smooth rockface was left.

I recently walked two similarly steep trail sections elsewhere with similar smooth surfaces - one was on forest soil with bad roots exposure and the other one was large smooth rocks with deep long grooves between them, obviously eroded by rain and heavy use by walkers. My sense of balance and my reaction times are no longer as excellent as they were. The strength in the muscles of my legs is no longer what it was. Even my eyesight is not what it was and glasses don't change that. It took me ages to cover a short distance where a younger and fitter pilgrim just skipped down and past me in no time - as I would have done years ago. I hesitated at nearly every step and even sat down once to slide down. I was glad when it was behind me and I wonder whether I would ever walk either of these sections again because they have become too difficult and even dangerous for me. In addition, for the first of these steep sections I was wearing trainers/sneakers/trail runners and not "hard" hiking shoes - a bad choice.

Of course it is difficult to judge when you've never walked such a particular trail section before. You will only know afterwards. Hopefully without injury.

 

[Marbe2]

Judging by online comments, the steep section just before Zubiri must be the most accident prone and injury prone section of the whole Camino Frances. And it is sometimes the end of somebody's Camino that had barely started.

I walked it years ago. It was dry and I managed without problems but I was amazed that the trail had not been conceived and maintained in a different way, especially given the demographic of Camino walkers. There were several spots where it was unpleasant to walk because everything was eroded and only the steep and smooth rockface was left.

I recently walked two similarly steep trail sections elsewhere with similar smooth surfaces - one was on forest soil with bad roots exposure and the other one was large smooth rocks with deep long grooves between them, obviously eroded by rain and heavy use by walkers. My sense of balance and my reaction times are no longer as excellent as they were. The strength in the muscles of my legs is no longer what it was. Even my eyesight is not what it was and glasses don't change that. It took me ages to cover a short distance where a younger and fitter pilgrim just skipped down - as I would have done years ago. I hesitated at nearly every step and even sat down once to slide down. I was glad when it was behind me and I wonder whether I would ever walk either of these sections again because they have become too dangerous for me. In addition, for the first of these steep sections I was wearing trainers/sneakers/trail runners and not "hard" hiking shoes - bad choice.

Of course it is difficult to judge when you've never walked such a particular trail section before. You will only know afterwards. Hopefully without injury.

I prefer low hiking shoes to trail runners for many reasons! Glad you made it down safe Katherina! My bottom has been used many a time to wedge or slide my way down many potentially dangerous situations. We do what we must to stay safe!