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LIVE from the Camino Welcoming pilgrims at Arrés

Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19
We ended up with only 2 pilgrims. One came backwards from Artieda. She is a French hospitalero volunteer near her home in France. The other was a German pilgrim on his first Camino. He had started in France in Arles.

We had a Caldo Gallego with a salad. I also made a vegan portion and put it in a container in the fridge in case of need another day. Rain all afternoon. No sunset viewing. Phil cleaned tower, too. We got some more wildflowers earlier in the day before the rain. Off to bed early...
 
Our 2 pilgrims are gone. Our hospitalera pilgrim is retired. She does 6 weeks in her albergue rotation rather than 2 like us. She walks a month each year with different routes. Our German pilgrim is in banking. He is on a 7 month sabbatical. He spent time in South Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia and is finishing his last week's with a Camino. He is a first time pilgrim.

We tried to pull up the shower floors to clean underneath, but don't have the correct tools, which tells us it isn't getting done unless there is a plumbing issue. We really need a pry bar or crow bar. I might look for one at the Asian store. In the meantime, I am scrubbing the top mesh and edges where it meets the shower wall with a rubber bristle brush and bleach cleaning product. I hate to leave an albergue issue undone for the next hospitaleros...

We are off to the bank and a little shopping. I have Chilli and Caldo Gallego leftovers so depending on how many tonight we might serve Caldo with the cabbage salad with the crunchy Ramen almond topping and call it good. If there are a lot of pilgrims, we will have the chicken rotelli again.
 
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19
Hi @sunflowers.
We use donations to purchase food for our pilgrims. No stipend here. We eat with pilgrims. If we want something other than that, we purchase it ourselves. For lunch we eat leftovers from the evening meal. If there isn't enough, we purchase our own food. Our goal is to serve pilgrims and hope donations are adequate to cover the costs of food, cleaning supplies, utilities, and any repairs or upgrades necessary. So far we seem to be reaching our goal. Pilgrims eat good meals and we have deposited additional funds for the albergue.

Every albergue is a little different. In 1 albergue I received a stipend of 10 euros for myself. As no pilgrim meals were provided, I purchased all my food using the stipend to help defray the cost. But that has not been the norm.

We enjoy serving as hospitaleros and experience the Camino through different eyes everyday. What a joy to sit at the dinner table and hear several different languages as they share their experiences.
 
Hola
Are you given a daily stipend for food purchases as hospitaleras (hosvol)
Thank you for your updates
At this albergue, we use pilgrim donations to buy groceries. Anything we purchase specifically for ourselves, we purchase out of our own pocket. We eat with the pilgrims and usually eat any leftovers (if there are some) for our lunch. Otherwise, for example we separately bought some body soap, potato chips, some tuna, a couple of beers for Phil, and a six pack of tonic for me and my back cramps.

Every albergue is different as they are owned by different cities, churches, and associations. Some require a strict accounting for purchases and donations. Some don't have a strict system and you don't even count the money except to make a deposit. At some we never touch the money and are reimbursed for groceries. At others,, we have no idea how much is given unless someone tells us. At one albergue, Phil was given a daily voucher for 1 meal per day.

In past years we were told that 3 euros per day was the average. Apparently the word is spreading that donativo does not mean free though. We are averaging about 15 euros per person for a bed, supper, breakfast, hot water, hospitality. Some give more, others less, and some have none to give. I have always said, I don't want to know what someone gives, because then everyone is on equal footing. Each person gets the same care and hospitality regardless of ability to pay.
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
We ended up with 7 pilgrims 1 from Hungary, 1 from Italy, 5 from Spain. Our first pilgrims arrived with small day packs and asked about their suitcase. I told them we did not accept shipped luggage, but it might be at the Casa Rural. Indeed it was there. It is quite large and Phil had to ask them to remove it from another lower bunk and store it upright instead of open on the floor. In any case, they are a nice couple experiencing the hospitality of this type albergue for the first time.

I upcycled the soup from last night. Added more ham, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion. Garlic and a half of a chopped tomato. Used more white wine and added a container of chicken stock had I made from the freezer. I also made the slaw with the crunchy almond and Ramen topping. Every bite was a gone along with the chocolate and the fig pastries from the local bakery. Its nice to see pilgrims enjoying something simple, but tasty.

Tomorrow no shopping so we may take a little drive after cleaning. The days are slipping away and our replacements will be here on Wednesday to shadow a bit. We may go to spend a night in Sos del Rey Catholic if we get away on Thursday. The car is due back in Pamplona Friday at noon and our train to Madrid leaves at 3 pm.
 
Sos del Rey Catholic is especially magical at night once the tourists leave - stay the night if it is at all possible.
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
All quiet except the sound of Phil checking mattress and pillows and finishing up his part of the cleaning. Birds chirping in the background. We have a lot of swallows, probably due to the abundant fly population.

It rained quite hard last night again. Partly cloudy and cool this morning so perfect for walking. Our last pilgrim in last night spoke to me earnestly this morning. He came to us from Ena on the Camino Catalon. He saw only 3 pilgrims until he reached us and one he had begun to walk with and consider a friend. This other pilgrim had an injury and considered leaving the Camino so bade Jose-Luis goodbye and they parted ways.

Our pilgrim JL heard from his friend last night. He had continued and was a day and a half behind. JL was considering going back to Santa Cillia and then he and his companion could continue tomorrow to Artieda together. Or he wondered if he should just go on to Ruesta alone. He has no particular timeline. JL is in construction/remodeling and out of work until he goes back home later this summer or fall. I told him whatever decision he made it would likely be the right one for him. I am turning into the Yoda of hospitaleras, like my partner Phil...

One other thing, its about soap. Before we left home, I bought 2 shampoo bars from the place where we get our hair cut. We started using one on a long camping trip in the spring, but since we didn't shower a lot on that trip, we still had 1+ bars left. We have decided we don't really feel clean and my hair is like straw...could be the hard water, but yesterday we bought the 3 bar pack of ubiquitous Spanish soap. (Yellow package, green soap). I will find some regular shampoo in a small bottle somewhere. We will leave 2 soap bars here. I still have a chunk of laundry bar from last year so should be ok for the next 3 weeks was or so till we go home.

Out for a boondoggle this morning to see Berdun and maybe drive to Ruesta and back just to see it.
 
All quiet except the sound of Phil checking mattress and pillows and finishing up his part of the cleaning. Birds chirping in the background. We have a lot of swallows, probably due to the abundant fly population.

It rained quite hard last night again. Partly cloudy and cool this morning so perfect for walking. Our last pilgrim in last night spoke to me earnestly this morning. He came to us from Ena on the Camino Catalon. He saw only 3 pilgrims until he reached us and one he had begun to walk with and consider a friend. This other pilgrim had an injury and considered leaving the Camino so bade Jose-Luis goodbye and they parted ways.

Our pilgrim JL heard from his friend last night. He had continued and was a day and a half behind. JL was considering going back to Santa Cillia and then he and his companion could continue tomorrow to Artieda together. Or he wondered if he should just go on to Ruesta alone. He has no particular timeline. JL is in construction/remodeling and out of work until he goes back home later this summer or fall. I told him whatever decision he made it would likely be the right one for him. I am turning into the Yoda of hospitaleras, like my partner Phil...

One other thing, its about soap. Before we left home, I bought 2 shampoo bars from the place where we get our hair cut. We started using one on a long camping trip in the spring, but since we didn't shower a lot on that trip, we still had 1+ bars left. We have decided we don't really feel clean and my hair is like straw...could be the hard water, but yesterday we bought the 3 bar pack of ubiquitous Spanish soap. (Yellow package, green soap). I will find some regular shampoo in a small bottle somewhere. We will leave 2 soap bars here. I still have a chunk of laundry bar from last year so should be ok for the next 3 weeks was or so till we go home.

Out for a boondoggle this morning to see Berdun and maybe drive to Ruesta and back just to see it.
Whatever the dickens a boondoogle is, let me pick up on soap. You won't have much time in Pamplona for many things, Janet and Phil. Such a pity. The pintxos on offer in the old town are worth a fortune!
Eroski. Eroski, one of the supermarkets. Others will also have it.
Jabon chimbo. I promise you - it will become a necessity to have and to hold, and to gift! I made the mistake of checking under the sink and I have enough to gift again this year, pretending I have brought them back. 😁So now, I don't need to look for mare bars!
My friends wait for that, and proper dried parsley, Chiquilini biscuits!
No items that need to be used up by a certain date.
Luggage weight now determines a very limited range of return items.
Chimbo is a brand name, by the way, there are other variations, It is called jabón de toda la vida, by my friends in Pamplona.
Once, a Ugandan friend nearly died of excitement upon seeing a bar of it in our kitchen. It is just wonderful. Of course, at home, I use it only for cleaning clothes - a superb way of dealing with stains of any kind.
On the CF, and subsequently we used it for ourselves and our clothes.
The shower gel I like is Magno. Smells nice. Can't bring it back anymore as I do not put luggage into the hold.
I think I have bored you by now... hope your boondoogle is refreshing!
 
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
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Bailo- church and also some Moorish windows in an old home. This community is the one thrat owns the albergue in Arres.
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Now across the Aragon River to Berdun. Phil at one of the gates to the old walled city on the hilltop, the church and a walled up church door. The view of Arres from Berdun is awesome.
 
Boondoggle is a wasteful or impractical trip/project. In the Army we used the term to describe a trip that really led to nowhere although sometimes we would find some good training areas or a shortcut or a hazard we had been previously unaware of. The dictionary says it is also some kind of braid worn by boy scouts in Britain, too.

Basically it means we just went riding around in the car without any agenda or destination in mind...
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Your and Phil’s posts (from this year and years past) are, IMHO, the best hospitalero threads around. You describe the routine, the cooking, the pilgrims, the challenges, and just about anything else that we could wonder about. It is always fun to follow your threads. I hope you will also keep us posted about how your “scouting out” camino from Sarria goes.

Buen camino!!!
 
Your and Phil’s posts (from this year and years past) are, IMHO, the best hospitalero threads around. You describe the routine, the cooking, the pilgrims, the challenges, and just about anything else that we could wonder about. It is always fun to follow your threads. I hope you will also keep us posted about how your “scouting out” camino from Sarria goes.

Buen camino!!!
Thanks, if people with to volunteer, I want them to know what it might be like. BTW, I did figure out how to clean the floor drain today and it didn't look terrible as I had envisioned. No way to pull up the floors, but the drain is accessible.
 
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I’ve stayed at Arres twice; both times were lovely. The first time, the hospis welcomed help in the kitchen and everyone contributed in some fashion to either food prep or clean up. The second time, the hospis waved us away from helping. The food was simple, plentiful and did the job. I don’t recall them taking anyone into the tower but they did open the church for us and those at the Casa Rural.

You two are hospis extraordinaire! It’s no wonder the dinner food disappears, you offer good food that is not of the common sort found along the way. Feeding the body and the soul.

Thank you for your service.
 
Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 & Astorga to OCebreiro in June
I’ve stayed at Arres twice; both times were lovely. The first time, the hospis welcomed help in the kitchen and everyone contributed in some fashion to either food prep or clean up. The second time, the hospis waved us away from helping. The food was simple, plentiful and did the job. I don’t recall them taking anyone into the tower but they did open the church for us and those at the Casa Rural.

You two are hospis extraordinaire! It’s no wonder the dinner food disappears, you offer good food that is not of the common sort found along the way. Feeding the body and the soul.

Thank you for your service.
The tower thing is newer. There is an exhibit of art and it is kind of like a museum of sorts.
 
Tonight we ended up with 6 pilgrims. Our last arrived just before supper and had walked up to San Juan de la Pena and back today. We have a Spanish grandfather with his two 21 years old granddaughters, a peregrina from Denmark, a young man from France and a young woman who does not speak from France. The young French woman understands both English and Spanish. Phil and I don't know sign language, but as a group we all communicated quite well.

Around the table, everyone said their favorite Camino memory in their own language. Beautiful stories. We had 2 vegetarians so some rotelli with Chicken and some without. Taco salad and cherries for dessert. A tiny bit left for lunch for one if us.

We think our replacement Ray will arrive tomorrow sometime. We will see what he needs. We don't know if he is experienced or has even been here before. We'll stay until he's ready for us to go or until we have to return the rental car, whichever comes first.
 
Albergue clean! Extra washing today as Phil and I prepare for our departure. I washed my bedspread and top sheet and there is a clean towel for our replacement Ray. He sent a WhatsApp that he would be here by car later this afternoon.

We drove into to Jaca for a few personal items (stick deodorant we saw at the Warehouse store, etc) and also picked up some fresh bread, bananas, for the albergue. Stopped and picked some fresh flowers at the roadside.

It is breezy today so things are drying quickly. We saw 6 or so pilgrims on the way back to the albergue so it should be a nice group tonight. One last feast of cabbage slaw with the crunchy nut and Ramen topping, pork apples onions cooked in red wine and cinnamon, and a few fresh cherries with a chocolate pastry for dessert.

Unless Ray needs us to stay we'll head out tomorrow for Sos del Rey Catholico and then to Pamplona on Friday. I will close this thread out after we leave and start a new one for our Camino walk to Santiago.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Dear Janet and Phil,
we have never met and I have never stayed at any of the albergues that you have volunteered at over the years. But from the bottom of my heart I want to especially thank you both as well as the thousands of volunteers who come from all corners of the globe, at their own expense, to serve pilgrims at albergues every year.

They say that the Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage or a network of roads. But it is really so much more than that. It is people like you who make the Camino special; without you, it is almost just a walking trail to a religious site.

(Forumers, please add your thanks to the Willhaus-s by clicking the praying hands emoji under the 'Like' function.)
 
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We ended up with 7 pilgrims 1 from Hungary, 1 from Italy, 5 from Spain. Our first pilgrims arrived with small day packs and asked about their suitcase. I told them we did not accept shipped luggage, but it might be at the Casa Rural. Indeed it was there. It is quite large and Phil had to ask them to remove it from another lower bunk and store it upright instead of open on the floor. In any case, they are a nice couple experiencing the hospitality of this type albergue for the first time.

I upcycled the soup from last night. Added more ham, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion. Garlic and a half of a chopped tomato. Used more white wine and added a container of chicken stock had I made from the freezer. I also made the slaw with the crunchy almond and Ramen topping. Every bite was a gone along with the chocolate and the fig pastries from the local bakery. Its nice to see pilgrims enjoying something simple, but tasty.

Tomorrow no shopping so we may take a little drive after cleaning. The days are slipping away and our replacements will be here on Wednesday to shadow a bit. We may go to spend a night in Sos del Rey Catholic if we get away on Thursday. The car is due back in Pamplona Friday at noon and our train to Madrid leaves at 3 pm.
Thank you so much for
Albergue clean! Extra washing today as Phil and I prepare for our departure. I washed my bedspread and top sheet and there is a clean towel for our replacement Ray. He sent a WhatsApp that he would be here by car later this afternoon.

We drove into to Jaca for a few personal items (stick deodorant we saw at the Warehouse store, etc) and also picked up some fresh bread, bananas, for the albergue. Stopped and picked some fresh flowers at the roadside.

It is breezy today so things are drying quickly. We saw 6 or so pilgrims on the way back to the albergue so it should be a nice group tonight. One last feast of cabbage slaw with the crunchy nut and Ramen topping, pork apples onions cooked in red wine and cinnamon, and a few fresh cherries with a chocolate pastry for dessert.

Unless Ray needs us to stay we'll head out tomorrow for Sos del Rey Catholico and then to Pamplona on Friday. I will close this thread out after we leave and start a new one for our Camino walk to Santiago.
Thank you for the wonderful work you do for us pilgrims, I wish you son good resting days at the Camino. Hope to be in Arres early next week.
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Rai, arrived. He has not been here before, but he has volunteered at Ponferrada which is much busier. He didn't have to cook there, but feels prepared to cook here. He will get up early with me and we'll do breakfast together. He went with Phil on the various activities. He's one person doing the work of 2. He will do fine though. We'll help him out in the morning and then hand over the keys.

7 pilgrims tonight. One Italian, 1 Slovenian, 5 French. Supper went well. A small amount of leftovers for Rai's lunch. He helped me prepare what he told me he thought was a weird dinner although admitted it was good and watched pilgrims take seconds. We wish him the best.
 
I have enjoyed reading your posts from Arrés. I have walked the Camino Frances several times and once I walked the Arles Aragones Camino...and I have been a hospitalera eight times. Walking and working on the Camino are fantastic experiences. Thanks for sharing yours!
Enjoy the next chapter in your Camino life.
Mary Lynn
Waterloo Ontario Canada
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Today being the day you will see Arres in the rear mirror - buen camino to you both. Between you, a great service is offered to any pilgrim knocking at the door.
Your way of updating on the daily round, the common task, has perhaps alerted some to the behind the scenes chores, as well as the front of house joys of being in role as hospitaleros. I am envious!
I think I read that you have a camino still to walk this summer, may it go well.
Sorry to miss you, I will not be in Navarra till next Tuesday...all going well.
 
Up early to help Rai with his breakfast set and then let him serve it. Phil and I showered and packed up our backpacks. I asked Rai what he needed and if we could help. He only wanted me to show him how to do the washer again. We tried to leave our final bank deposit with MaryLuz, but she was not in so bid Rai farewell and good luck and drove to Jaca to make the deposit after leaving Rai enough for groceries.

Deposit made and then we continued up to Canfranc Estacion thinking we would have a coffee. The Station looks fabulous, but only opens to non guests for coffee at noon so we took some photos and went back across the street for coffee.
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Then on the road to Sos del Rey Catholico. I do mean on the road. Mr Google took us the back way through a lot of cool towns on a country road that was paved, but little more. Stopped to take photos as a church from the XI century.

Then to the Paradore in Sos del Rey Catholico. My reservation for 2 Sr Citizens with breakfast in a Superior room did not go through for some reason, but they were able to accommodate. 180 euros for our w room with a view and a Paradore breakfast.

Walked around town. May do the tour at 5 pm although it is all in Spanish and Phil won't catch much, but you get to go inside the buildings. A Famous King of Aragon was born here, hence the name. Medieval hill town...

Now we are enjoying lunch on the terrace. Maybe a nap...I am closing out the thread. Such a great experience, but each albergue has been special can't wait until the next one!

Will start a new thread of our Sarria to Santiago recon trip to check out albergues for me and my students this Christmas!
 

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@J Willhaus, I have discovered this thread today and have only read your first few posts, but it is apparent that anyone who stays where you serve as hospis is blessed indeed. You go above and beyond in many ways, and the thought you put into creating wonderful dinners is outstanding!
Now...about those fly swatters.🤔
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
From Wikipedia re Sos del Rey Catholico:

Located on rocky and elevated terrain, this important border town served well as a stronghold from the year 907 when it was reclaimed by Sancho I of Pamplona.
It was incorporated in 1044 by Ramiro I into the Kingdom of Aragon.
In the year 1452, during the Navarrese Civil War, Queen Juana Enriquea de Córdoba moved to the town, then called "Sos". There she gave birth to the infante Ferdinand on March 10, 1452, who later became Ferdinand II of Aragon, one of the Catholic Monarchs. His birth added "del Rey Católico" to the name of the town, which translates as "of the Catholic King".

The history of the Iberian peninsula is fascinating and if you ever visit the palace in Segovia, one of the state rooms has a series of small statues rimming the upper wall of each of the reigning kings and queens from Pelayo (716), through various Sanchos and Ramiros, ending with this King Ferdinand II, his queen Isabella, then their daughter Juana VII (the ‘mad’ queen whom her father and son usurped).

Thank you for the trip report!
 
Hey! Guess what! We were here in the Eroski at Muxia and saw one of our very early in June French pilgrims today. Although I don't recall his name he remembered ours and treated us like long lost relatives. Said he would message his French companions. He took the bus to Muxia from Santiago. Will spend a few days before heading home from Santiago and will walk the 10 km from his final transit destination back to his front door. The Camino provides...
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Hi @J Willhaus and @Phil W,
I'm finally at Arres, holding down the fort with my co-hospi Vidal, from Bilbao. Your detailed information and answers to my questions were invaluable to getting prepared for this. I walked the CF from Pamplona for 11 days prior to this, and made it a point to stay in donativos and municipal when possible, offering my hospitalero services. They were always gracefully accepted but they generally didn't give me much to do. Except Granon, where they had 43 Peregrinos that night, and put me to work checking in and helping prep dinner. Awesome place.
The guys we replaced here graciously stuck around the whole day, and even prepared dinner for us and the 7 Peregrinos we had that day.
Vidal is a great guy and amazing cook, but unfortunately does not speak any English, and my Spanish is rudimentary at best. It's Google Translate all the way. I'm originally Dutch so speak a few languages, but no Spanish. Oh well, we'll figure it out. So far we've agreed that he handles the Spanish guests and I handle the rest.
We've made our first shopping run to Jaca, and hiked around a bit, and it's indeed gorgeous here. The weather is perfect (for now) so all is good. Still lots of flies, but probably less than you had in summer.
I'll try to post about my experience here, if anyone is interested.
Thanks again,
Steven
 
I have a question about the Arres albergue. When I stayed there in May of this year there was only one small dorm room used. There were four bunk beds taking up almost all the available space, and although there were only six of us in the room it was very tight.

Gronze says that there are a total of 22 beds.

I think that the other room was larger but may have been closed due to bed bugs. Any ideas?

Overall I had a good stay there. Great hospitality from Teresa, the lone hospitalera who offered us fruit upon arrival, made us a lovely dinner, and took us on a tour of the church.
 
I have a question about the Arres albergue. When I stayed there in May of this year there was only one small dorm room used. There were four bunk beds taking up almost all the available space, and although there were only six of us in the room it was very tight.

Gronze says that there are a total of 22 beds.

I think that the other room was larger but may have been closed due to bed bugs. Any ideas?

Overall I had a good stay there. Great hospitality from Teresa, the lone hospitalera who offered us fruit upon arrival, made us a lovely dinner, and took us on a tour of the church.
No, actually no bed bugs that I have heard of through my contacts. Each room has 4 bunk beds sets, I think. One may have 5. Sometimes the hospitalero only opens one dorm because it is twice as much work to clean the second one especially if they are alone. The 22 beds may include the hospitalero room? There is also one mattress that is stored up above the kitchen that can be brought down if needed. Anyway, I think Gronze is incorrect.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Hi @J Willhaus and @Phil W,
I'm finally at Arres, holding down the fort with my co-hospi Vidal, from Bilbao. Your detailed information and answers to my questions were invaluable to getting prepared for this. I walked the CF from Pamplona for 11 days prior to this, and made it a point to stay in donativos and municipal when possible, offering my hospitalero services. They were always gracefully accepted but they generally didn't give me much to do. Except Granon, where they had 43 Peregrinos that night, and put me to work checking in and helping prep dinner. Awesome place.
The guys we replaced here graciously stuck around the whole day, and even prepared dinner for us and the 7 Peregrinos we had that day.
Vidal is a great guy and amazing cook, but unfortunately does not speak any English, and my Spanish is rudimentary at best. It's Google Translate all the way. I'm originally Dutch so speak a few languages, but no Spanish. Oh well, we'll figure it out. So far we've agreed that he handles the Spanish guests and I handle the rest.
We've made our first shopping run to Jaca, and hiked around a bit, and it's indeed gorgeous here. The weather is perfect (for now) so all is good. Still lots of flies, but probably less than you had in summer.
I'll try to post about my experience here, if anyone is interested.
Thanks again,
Steven
Best wishes. It's a lovely albergue.
 
I have a question about the Arres albergue. When I stayed there in May of this year there was only one small dorm room used. There were four bunk beds taking up almost all the available space, and although there were only six of us in the room it was very tight.

Gronze says that there are a total of 22 beds.

I think that the other room was larger but may have been closed due to bed bugs. Any ideas?

Overall I had a good stay there. Great hospitality from Teresa, the lone hospitalera who offered us fruit upon arrival, made us a lovely dinner, and took us on a tour of the church.
We currently use both rooms, with 4 bunkbeds each, so total capacity is 16 Peregrinos, plus 2 hospitaleros.
We were instructed to fill up a room before using the next, unless there are special circumstances. Last night one of the guys moved to the other one, and we let him be. Perhaps he got kicked out by the other's for snoring...
 
We were instructed to fill up a room before using the next, unless there are special circumstances. Last night one of the guys moved to the other one, and we let him be. Perhaps he got kicked out by the other's for snoring...
I started to have symptoms of a cold right after dinner, and was worried about exposing the others in such tight quarters, but I didn't ask to move.
Since it was a cool damp night I did appreciate the extra body heat in the room!
 
Perfect memento/gift in a presentation box. Engraving available, 25 character max.
We currently use both rooms, with 4 bunkbeds each, so total capacity is 16 Peregrinos, plus 2 hospitaleros.
We were instructed to fill up a room before using the next, unless there are special circumstances. Last night one of the guys moved to the other one, and we let him be. Perhaps he got kicked out by the other's for snoring...
We usually kept the door locked unless we were going to use the second dorm. Honestly as the hospitaleros, you can do what you want. We didn't like to crowd people too much and there were 2 of us to share the work. There is very little room for backpacks so we often opened the second room when we got 5 or 6 pilgrims. We had one couple with a suitcase (shipped to the Casa Rural, then retrieved it.) WAY too big and the woman wanted to leave it open on the floor in the walkway. Phil had to insist she keep it closed stored under the bed or stored closed upright between the bunk and window so others could pass. Yes, the rooms are tight, but I loved that albergue!
 
No, actually no bed bugs that I have heard of through my contacts. Each room has 4 bunk beds sets, I think. One may have 5. Sometimes the hospitalero only opens one dorm because it is twice as much work to clean the second one especially if they are alone. The 22 beds may include the hospitalero room? There is also one mattress that is stored up above the kitchen that can be brought down if needed. Anyway, I think Gronze is incorrect.
Regarding bedbugs, we were told to clean the beds every 3 days or so. Apparently no major concern here at the moment. Compared to Granon, where they are really hard-core. They do a check of all walls *with a flashlight* every morning, wipe all mattresses(which are on the floor), and then do a *steamclean* of the walls from the floor to as high as they can reach! Incredible, but apparently the rule there.
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Regarding bedbugs, we were told to clean the beds every 3 days or so. Apparently no major concern here at the moment. Compared to Granon, where they are really hard-core. They do a check of all walls *with a flashlight* every morning, wipe all mattresses(which are on the floor), and then do a *steamclean* of the walls from the floor to as high as they can reach! Incredible, but apparently the rule there.
Yes, I have worked at Grañón as well. My husband still does the headlamp check everywhere we volunteer now on walls, mattresses, bunk beds. Also wipes down and closely exams each mattress daily. Not every place has a steamer, but then again, not everyplace gets the traffic they get at Grañón.
 
Hola todos!
Phil and I arrived in our rental car at the albergue about 1:30 pm. Manuel and Maria were waiting for us and after a quick handoff lasting about 90 minutes, they departed for their homes. Phil and I are experienced hospitaleros so they felt the albergue was in good hands.

We have 9 pilgrims tonight. Mostly Spanish. One from Ireland and one from France. Maria had prepared a big pot of spaghetti meat sauce and all I had to do was cook up some pasta and prepare a green salad. Phil took care of the church and tower tours for both our pilgrims and the ones at the Casa Rural. I think that may be a trend?

It rained on and off all afternoon and just before sunset as they were all standing out on the viewing point, the skies just opened up and it poured! Phil said the sunset was beautiful and the sun peeked out just an instant before setting. Most are back in the albergue now. Some may have sheltered at the bar as I hear voices coming toward the albergue just now.

Tomorrow, Phil and I will go to the store to get some essential items and we'll begin our service in earnest tomorrow with our own style of hospitality. I like to cook with pilgrims if they want to help so we will see what tomorrow brings.
My friend and I were there in early April, Jacalina from Brazil was there then, she was wonderful. A special place for sure. Thank you for volunteering. As I did not attend the church opportunity, I washed dishes, my way of giving back. I loved every mindful moment.
 
No, actually no bed bugs that I have heard of through my contacts. Each room has 4 bunk beds sets, I think. One may have 5. Sometimes the hospitalero only opens one dorm because it is twice as much work to clean the second one especially if they are alone. The 22 beds may include the hospitalero room? There is also one mattress that is stored up above the kitchen that can be brought down if needed. Anyway, I think Gronze is incorrect.
Yup, still there. I just looked at that 'loft' above the kitchen and saw a stack of 3 or 4 thin mattresses. Nobody said anything about them, and I doubt that we'll ever exceed our 16 max. BTW today we have none! First 7, then 5, now 0... Oh well, this is a very quiet Camino.
 
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Yup, still there. I just looked at that 'loft' above the kitchen and saw a stack of 3 or 4 thin mattresses. Nobody said anything about them, and I doubt that we'll ever exceed our 16 max. BTW today we have none! First 7, then 5, now 0... Oh well, this is a very quiet Camino.
Yes, it's quiet, but you can go on an outing tomorrow morning if you like!

It was never full when we were there, but full at least one night in the 2 weeks prior when the HosVol volunteer coordinator, Manuel, was serving there.
 
Yes, it's quiet, but you can go on an outing tomorrow morning if you like!

It was never full when we were there, but full at least one night in the 2 weeks prior when the HosVol volunteer coordinator, Manuel, was serving there.
Wow, the man himself is still doing it, that's impressive.
I just checked the book, and there was one night late August that there were 14. Otherwise, numbers similar to yours.
 
Yes, it's quiet, but you can go on an outing tomorrow morning if you like!

It was never full when we were there, but full at least one night in the 2 weeks prior when the HosVol volunteer coordinator, Manuel, was serving there.
We were there on April 4th, very early in the Camino Season.

3 Spaniards
1 Czech Republic
1 Irish
1 USA (me)

Still remember everyone’s name…mostly because you see them every day until Puente la Reina.

We never had more than 9 total until P la R. There were 3 Italian’s who stayed at the Casa Rural.
 
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Again nada! WTH is going on, did we miss the memo?
There's rain coming after tomorrow, so perhaps the folks starting out in Somport are chickening out? You could not ask for better hiking weather than what we have here now.
We're trying to decide whether to cook for ourselves again or go out.
 
You might still get a late, stray pilgrim.
The reason for the low numbers might have to do with the path being blocked a few days back, at Urdos. Someone might have an update about that? Quite a few begin in France on the Arles and might choose to divert to SJPDP.
 
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Still no takers last night. We're heading off to Canfranc for a morning of 'Turismo' and hope for a bit more action this afternoon.
 
Still no takers last night. We're heading off to Canfranc for a morning of 'Turismo' and hope for a bit more action this afternoon.
Hi,,, i stayed there last year,, about this time in September,, and it was nearly full,,,, mostly French walkers who had come across the pass which is now closed!
 
Hi,,, i stayed there last year,, about this time in September,, and it was nearly full,,,, mostly French walkers who had come across the pass which is now closed!
That must be it. We had a group on Sunday that came from Somport, must have gotten through before it closed, or used an alternate.
 
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We returned from our half day of tourism in Panticosa and Canfranc (spectacular area), and so far welcomed 4 Peregrinos. A German lady who started in Pau told a harrowing tale of circuitous bus rides all over NW Spain and France to get to Somport. She had already done the CF and really wanted to do the C. Arragon, rather than switch to St.Jean. Apparently everything is indeed blocked at Urdos, including Camino traffic, so it's very difficult to get to Somport. Two others came up the C. Catalan, and one started in Jaca, near here.
We're almost out of wine, may be an early night.
 
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They do sell coop wine in Puenta de la Reina de Jaca at the small grocery. Otherwise, it is a trip to Jaca. We also bought it at the Warehouse grocery store in the big jugs.
"Warehouse grocery store", you mean Mercadona or something else, also in Jaca?
 
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We had 2 Peregrinos yesterday, Spanish and German. Great guys, and spoke some/perfect English. Vidal made his perfect signature caldo soup and tortilla again, we eat well here. And that's after the 2 of us always having *very* complete lunches; I eat more here than I do at home.
It rained pretty hard all morning. Our 2 guests set off in the rain, and after completing our domestic duties we went off to Jaca for some R&R. Fantastic ~2 hr tour/lecture at the cathedral and surrounding streets and alleys of the old town. Sadly for me all in Spanish of course, so I missed most of the details, but it was exactly what I'm interested in. Symbology of all the decorations in stone and fresco's, their historical significance, etc. I wished that I could have recorded the whole thing for an offline translation.
Shortly after we got back, 4 soaked US Peregrinas showed up. We did the best we could helping hang their clothes to dry inside, it's still wet outside. But we got the electric heater in their room running, so they are OK for now. Vidal is already working on dinner, with vegetarian option.
 
The weather today was better than forecast. Our 4 ladies made a slightly delayed start in a very light drizzle, which didn't last long. We got ready quickly and went to see the Monastorio de Leyre, an impressive and still operating monastery about 40 km away. It is inhabited by 20 Benedictine monks who still offer a mass, complete with Gregorian chants and everything. It is more than 1200 yrs old, and has been beautifully restored where necessary, the latest being a brand new huge pipe organ. Neither Vidal nor I are catholic, but we did attend mass, and it was indeed quite moving. Especially with that organ, one of my favorite sounds, that you could feel in your gut as well as your ears. After it was over we had to rush back to the albergue, to get things ready and open for Peregrinos by 2. But they never came, nada. Perhaps due to the situation at Somport or whatever, but still a bummer.
However, unbeknownst to us, there was a kind of 2 person vaudeville show being set up right in front of our albergue with a most charming show. There were a lot more folks than live in our little hamlet, so apparently it had been advertised in the area. All really enjoyed the pair with their home made instruments singing and playing in an almost medieval style. Fun.

20240922_191819.jpg20240922_103108.jpg20240922_104346.jpg
 
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...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
We're at the halfway mark, 1 week into our hospitalero session. It's been a great experience thus far, and not as hard (work) as I had expected. We generally have a good couple of hours daily to go see interesting things, and we have been able to split the load effectively. The days without guests have been the most difficult, as you're just waiting for nothing to happen, not knowing how many to cook for, wasting time.
Because of the language barrier, we can't really chat with each other, which is frustrating for both of us. But we get along well regardless, and are able to make it work. We've finally gotten better at using Google Translate more effectively, in conversation mode. It also works pretty well on the fly, like when you're trying to follow a tour guide, except that now you're watching your phone continuously instead of your surroundings. Still, a lifesaver. I don't know whether HOSVOL has the bandwidth for it, but I do think that they need to work on a better way of matching hospitaleros regarding language abilities. End of rant.
 
We're at the halfway mark, 1 week into our hospitalero session. It's been a great experience thus far, and not as hard (work) as I had expected. We generally have a good couple of hours daily to go see interesting things, and we have been able to split the load effectively. The days without guests have been the most difficult, as you're just waiting for nothing to happen, not knowing how many to cook for, wasting time.
Because of the language barrier, we can't really chat with each other, which is frustrating for both of us. But we get along well regardless, and are able to make it work. We've finally gotten better at using Google Translate more effectively, in conversation mode. It also works pretty well on the fly, like when you're trying to follow a tour guide, except that now you're watching your phone continuously instead of your surroundings. Still, a lifesaver. I don't know whether HOSVOL has the bandwidth for it, but I do think that they need to work on a better way of matching hospitaleros regarding language abilities. End of rant.
Is it hosvol, or fics? For you the point is, it could be better. Well done on trying to see the rainbow and not the puddle. I wish you tons of pilgrims this week!
 
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Is it hosvol, or fics? For you the point is, it could be better. Well done on trying to see the rainbow and not the puddle. I wish you tons of pilgrims this week!
This one is a Hosvol albergue. Arrés is an isolated albergue with no bus service on top of a very steep hill, so while a car isn't absolutely necessary it makes things much, much easier. The hospitaleros we replaced and the one who replaced us were all Spaniards with cars. I know they have had at least one or two French volunteers here also with cars and we spent the money to rent a car just to have this albergue experience. I don't think many out of country volunteers get posted here. I have also found that the Spanish hospitaleros at any albergues we have worked with rarely spoke English or any other pilgrim language. There are some exceptions of course, but it is Spain and these people are volunteers. No language requirement, but it does make it easier if you do have some other languages.

I also know the albergue is run by just one volunteer sometimes although it is easier with two.
 
Good news, we have 4 guests for the night, a girl and 3 guys, all Spanish. Unfortunately we're having problems with our water heater, and it didn't work right when the girl tried to take a shower just now. We're waiting for the repair guy that Teresa helped arrange, probably won't show up until tomorrow. The heater works, but only if you (also) use the kitchen faucet, to me a sign of problems with the pressure/flow sensor. It's a tankless type, pretty standard in Europe, but with more moving parts and controls than we use in the US. I was able to get warm water downstairs by first opening the kitchen faucet a bit20240923_105429.jpg and sprinting down to the shower.
Nice visit to the Citadel castle in Jaca this morning. It's a huge Pentagon shaped fort of the late 16th century, beautifully restored, and with an excellent tour and exhibits. Possibly the nicest of such type I've ever seen.
 
I member there was some kind of trick to the hot water heater, especially after we changed out the gas bottle. It was some kind of reset. Hope it will be a simple fix for you.

Edit: I don't remember now if it is electric or gas. Did you do a search of how to reset? I think that is what I did.
 
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G
I member there was some kind of trick to the hot water heater, especially after we changed out the gas bottle. It was some kind of reset. Hope it will be a simple fix for you.

Edit: I don't remember now if it is electric or gas. Did you do a search of how to reset? I think that is what I did.
Good tip! It was indeed after a bottle change. Yes, it's gas.
You mean Google search or are there docs somewhere here?
 
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No, I try to look up the brand for reset. I also remember the previous team discussed it and I may have looked it up. YouTube has saved me at more than one albergue.
There is a Reset button on the front, and a mfr online source said to push it 2~3 secs. We did, but it did not give any response (sound, indicator, any). We're loathe to try anything more drastic, as now we can at least limp along with it.
We'll see what the repair guy says, if he ever comes. Whatever the outcome, I'll document it and post it somewhere visible.
 
There is a Reset button on the front, and a mfr online source said to push it 2~3 secs. We did, but it did not give any response (sound, indicator, any). We're loathe to try anything more drastic, as now we can at least limp along with it.
We'll see what the repair guy says, if he ever comes. Whatever the outcome, I'll document it and post it somewhere visible.
Having stayed in the albergue in Arrés recently I’m enjoying your tale. Thank you and good luck with the water heater.
 
Unfortunately we're having problems with our water heater, and it didn't work right when the girl tried to take a shower just now.
The hot water worked fine for me.

Perhaps get another person to shower at the same time in the next cubicle. My memory could be wrong but I seem to remember two shower cubicles.

I did arrive at the same time as an adult mother and daughter Spanish pair and I recollect showering at the same time as one of this pair.

Unlike later in Logroño at Albergue parroquial Santiago El Real where a lady from the USA was one of the first into the showers and insisted on locking the outer door to the bathroom from the inside so that no other people could get into the other shower cubicle and then proceeded to stay in that room for almost an hour doing things I can't imagine and without a single thought for anyone else.
 
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The hot water worked fine for me.

Perhaps get another person to shower at the same time in the next cubicle. My memory could be wrong but I seem to remember two shower cubicles.

I did arrive at the same time as an adult mother and daughter Spanish pair and I recollect showering at the same time as one of this pair.

Unlike later in Logroño at Albergue parroquial Santiago El Real where a lady from the USA was one of the first into the showers and insisted on locking the outer door to the bathroom from the inside so that no other people could get into the other shower cubicle and then proceeded to stay in that room for almost an hour doing things I can't imagine and without a single thought for anyone else.
Yes, I tried that trick opening multiple outlets downstairs, no luck. I guess the line down is too long/small to produce enough pressure drop upstairs to turn on the heater. But sometimes it works, surprisingly, not sure why. The only certain way is to crack the kitchen faucet just enough to turn it on. I'm a ME so this is supposed to be in my wheelhouse, but I think it's with the heater itself. If only I could force a reset, but can't find the relevant info for this model online.
 
Since we're just waiting for the heater guy to show up, we decided to focus on our domestic duties today. No turismo. The kitchen required a LOT of cleaning, so I spent much time and effort there. My acceptance threshold for dirt and messes is rather high, but things started to become sticky and nasty everywhere, too much even for me. Fortunately there is a good assortment of cleaning supplies, and things look within limits of acceptability again. Mine anyway.
Then it was off to the church and Tower, which we so far had neglected. I had the church, which I assumed would be quick, considering the small number of people coming through it daily - just us with our visitors doing the 7pm tour. As I started, the dust/dirt seemed to expand as I was sweeping, creating an ever larger pile. Then it dawned on me that the real source of it is not people but the church itself. These old structures made of stone and plaster are decaying spontaneously, and rather quickly. Dust to dust, so to speak. There were also lots of what appeared to be droppings of some sort, in unlikely places. Whatever it was from probably doesn't do the building much good either.
It's a nice little church though, with lots of interesting little decorations and artifacts. There's a little info sheet in multiple languages that is pretty good, but I've taken the liberty of flowering up my tour a bit. Some insights into the symbology of the artifacts and some cultural perspectives, probably more than intended by the local priest, and people seem to appreciate it. Or maybe just polite.
 
There is a Reset button on the front, and a mfr online source said to push it 2~3 secs. We did, but it did not give any response (sound, indicator, any). We're loathe to try anything more drastic, as now we can at least limp along with it.
We'll see what the repair guy says, if he ever comes. Whatever the outcome, I'll document it and post it somewhere visible.
I just discovered that someone already tried documenting the fix: there is a sticker on the front with some writing and an arrow pointing to the reset switch, but it's completely faded, unreadable...
I've pushed that button a few times now, not sure if it's really fixed.
Apparently 5 Peregrinos are on their way, would be nice to have this fixed.
 
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I would definitely make a note for the notebook on whatever the fix is so the next hospi has the info. We were shown what to do by our prior hospis and it was highlighted as "very important". I don't recall the exact steps or I would help you out...
 
I would definitely make a note for the notebook on whatever the fix is so the next hospi has the info. We were shown what to do by our prior hospis and it was highlighted as "very important". I don't recall the exact steps or I would help you out...
Notebook?
The only one I've seen is the one for Peregrinos to leave their comments. Nothing with info for the hospis.
However, the heater appears to be working now, as 2 Peregrinos successfully took showers without intervention or assistance from us. Perhaps it was the 37 times I hit that reset button.
The repair guy never came, but the Camino provides in mysterious ways.
 
I would definitely make a note for the notebook on whatever the fix is so the next hospi has the info.

Notebook?
I was wondering about this as I read! Is there a hand-off log book recording anything the next hospi might need to know?
I enjoyed reading @J Willhaus 's posts and now your's @AZperegrino in this continuing thread. Thank you! I stayed at Arrés last September and loved it. A highlight of my camino.
 
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There is/was a notebook with history and hospi some tips (all in Spanish) in the bookshelf in the reception/dining area. It had not been updated for a while, but you could give it a shot.
 
Looks like the notebook has disappeared, unfortunately. Lots of books with Peregrinos notes, by year, and binders with recipes, songs, etc.
There is a see-through binder with a couple of pages of general stuff on the registration table, nothing detailed like heater stuff.
Supposedly the repair guy is on his way, planning to clear some lime deposits out of the pipes, which may also contribute to these problems. It's getting late, I'll believe it when I see him.
But I also found the tool boxes! I was ready to buy some screw drivers myself to fix some minor things, won't have to now.
 
Apparently 5 Peregrinos are on their way, would be nice to have this fixed.
Hi, the pilgrims staying at the albergue these nights how do they get there?
Do they come over from France by some other route than the GR653 or do they come by bus to start the Camino there?
 
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
Looks like the notebook has disappeared, unfortunately. Lots of books with Peregrinos notes, by year, and binders with recipes, songs, etc.
There is a see-through binder with a couple of pages of general stuff on the registration table, nothing detailed like heater stuff.
Supposedly the repair guy is on his way, planning to clear some lime deposits out of the pipes, which may also contribute to these problems. It's getting late, I'll believe it when I see him.
But I also found the tool boxes! I was ready to buy some screw drivers myself to fix some minor things, won't have to now.
Mostly it was phone numbers and how to order groceries for delivery. How to take deposits to the bank. I don't remember anything about gas tanks or water heater, bit you could add that.
 
Hi, the pilgrims staying at the albergue these nights how do they get there?
Do they come over from France by some other route than the GR653 or do they come by bus to start the Camino there?
A mixed bag. Many started in Jaca, some Somport or Canfranc, but those numbers will probably be dwindling. Although some bussed up to Somport from points in Spain. We just got 2 young guys from Madrid who are starting here and planned to walk to Somport and beyond. They didn't know about the blockage.
 
Mostly it was phone numbers and how to order groceries for delivery. How to take deposits to the bank. I don't remember anything about gas tanks or water heater, bit you could add that.
OK, most of that is in the see through binder pages. I'll add the heater stuff to it.
The plumber arrived!
 
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The plumber conquered our pipes, heater, and who knows what else. I even saw him caulking around the bathroom sink, so whatever he did, he was thorough. Even raised the setpoint from 40 to 50C, so we now have hot instead of warm water. Vidal said everything is now perfect. We'll see.
Our final count is 4 Peregrinos. Vidal is a bit under the weather so I took care of most of the dinner by myself this time. After our little church and Tower tour our guests retreated to the bar next to it, so I had some time to get everything set up. The young guys are recent college graduates and spoke English well, but the table chat was all in Spanish so I monitored it with GT on my phone. One of the older guys speaks relatively slowly, and I can usually follow most of it, but when they revert to standard Spanish staccato, I'm lost. Vidal tends to speak in a very fast mumble, so not a chance. GT generally has a hard time with him as well.
 
I was wondering about this as I read! Is there a hand-off log book recording anything the next hospi might need to know?
I enjoyed reading @J Willhaus 's posts and now your's @AZperegrino in this continuing thread. Thank you! I stayed at Arrés last September and loved it. A highlight of my camino.
So the direct answer to your question is no, although there is a 5 page document with basic stuff. E.g. here is the page with the most specific info:
20240925_135753.jpg
The rest is more like house rules.

The hand-off is in person with the hospis you're relieving, very hands-on as you walk through the place. A good time to take notes, but in the excitement you tend to forget that. If you're experienced, like Janet & Phil, you probably don't need much more than an extended chat. We were very lucky, as they stuck around for a long time and had already prepared dinner.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I thought one of the more interesting things in the binder is about the cross in the choir loft which points away from the alter towards what was once the door to the castle that was the entry for the royals to come worship. The whole loft is a dangerous venture, and we did not let pilgrims go up there, but interesting info,nonetheless.

No castle/hunting lodge now.
 
We're sprinting toward the finish line, leaving tomorrow. Traffic has been erratic since my last post, between 0 and 7. In total we've had 43 through today, including 4 days of 0 and 2 days of 7. I'm sure the Somport situation has had an impact, but don't know how much.
The new hospis called a few days ago and spoke with Vidal. A couple from Catalonia, also first timers, arriving around noon tomorrow. After the hand-off Vidal will drive me to Pamplona. Next day I'm training to Madrid for some R&R, and then my son who lives in Amsterdam will join me for a week of bopping around Andalusia.
I'll give a summary after all is said and done.
 
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