Mochilla service campaign

[sunshines]

I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????

 

[Bradypus]

Having walked the Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Santiago in three stages over the past year or so I would be very sad to see it developing along the same lines as the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues. I would far rather enjoy the contrast than force something that is very different and beautiful into the same mould. Luggage transport would be a first step in that direction in my opinion.

 

[domigee]

Having walked the Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Santiago in three stages over the past year or so I would be very sad to see it developing along the same lines as the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues. I would far rather enjoy the contrast than force something that is very different and beautiful into the same mould. Luggage transport would be a first step in that direction in my opinion.

I completely agree.

 

[sunshines]

Oh so do I have a volunteer to by my sherpa? what is your daily rate?

yes I understand what you mean but my back doth protest...

 

[trecile]

I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????

It takes more than one individual with a car to provide a service like this.

 

[grayland]

I agree with domigee and Bradypus on this issue. It is refreshing on the VdlP to see and experience the low level of commercialism.

 

[sunshines]

It takes more than one individual with a car to provide a service like this.

yes the whole stretch from Seville but if it was sectioned out Seville to X X to Y etc but yes I do agree with the commercialisation thing except for weaklings like me who love to walk but are not hardened hikers by a long shot.....

 

[Davey Boyd]

Oh so do I have a volunteer to by my sherpa? what is your daily rate?

yes I understand what you mean but my back doth protest...

Well, I usually carry 16kilos quite happily because I freecamp a lot. If I stayed indoors every night I reckon I could carry 8 kilo for each of us no problem. You pay for my camino and we might have a deal! Though you probably couldn't afford my beer intake!

While I agree with the others in not wanting to see the VDLP commercialised, it is a shame that that could disclude people with infirmities/bad backs etc

Have you looked into a hiking trolley? I have seen them used to good effect with people with bad backs (even all the way from Geneva). You would probably need to get advice from your doctor first though. Or, if you have a mate or two who really don't want to walk but fancy a holiday you could walk and use a support car. Seen this done too.

Good luck
Davey

 

[sunshines]

Well, I usually carry 16kilos quite happily because I freecamp a lot. If I stayed indoors every night I reckon I could carry 8 kilo for each of us no problem. You pay for my camino and we might have a deal! Though you probably couldn't afford my beer intake!

While I agree with the others in not wanting to see the VDLP commercialised, it is a shame that that could disclude people with infirmities/bad backs etc

Have you looked into a hiking trolley? I have seen them used to good effect with people with bad backs (even all the way from Geneva). You would probably need to get advice from your doctor first though. Or, if you have a mate or two who really don't want to walk but fancy a holiday you could walk and use a support car. Seen this done too.

Good luck
Davey

a hiking trolley is bigger than I am and not sure I could get it on a ryanair flight it looks very uncomfortable too. but I think you could be onto something there someone is bound to take you up on your offer... I could only do it on a donation basis

 

[C clearly]

I don't see how this could be cheaper than existing taxis and still profitable to the provider, unless the number of pilgrims increased dramatically to the point where enough people wanted it everyday to pay the equivalent taxi rate.

 

[KinkyOne]

I could be a sherpa (as @Davey Boyd ) too. But the beer intake remains to be a "problem"

 

[Tincatinker]

"If you build it they will come..." might make it for Baseball and made for a pretty good movie but doesn't really hack it for a 750km linear route across Iberia. Just how many Kms are you going to drive in one day to move two backpacks from Sevilla to Guillena and one from A Gudina to Laza; oh, and call in at every other Albergue and Abrigo on route in case some one has left their snail-shell with a luggage tag & €6 in an envelope. Two vehicles is two vehicles, two drivers, two over night accommodations etc etc.

It works on the Frances, on the Norte and Portugeueses routes to an extent, because of the sheer volume of pilgrims who elect not to carry their packs or elect to walk those routes because they can't carry their packs. Campaign away, or, get yourself a van and some luggage tags & envelopes and go for it. If its viable you can be certain that someone else will set up a rival institution

 

[KinkyOne]

But seriously. I can really be a sherpa, organizer, translator etc. After 10 different Caminos and many travels to/from/within Spain I know quite a few things
Although it would almost double your budget if I would only "rent myself" for expenses. Depends on the type of accommodation it would be between 30-40€/day (not counting transport costs/airfares to/from Spain from EU). So maybe a trolley would really be your best bet.

I'm available though

 

[Davey Boyd]

I could be a sherpa (as @Davey Boyd ) too. But the beer intake remains to be a problem

I reckon we are on a winner here, guide and sherpa service! I know all the best bushes to sleep under too for the adventurous! But yeah, its a lot of beer.

 

[KinkyOne]

I reckon we are on a winner here, guide and sherpa service! I know all the best bushes to sleep under too for the adventurous! But yeah, its a lot of beer.

Hydration, hydration, hydration

 

[sunshines]

"If you build it they will come..." might make it for Baseball and made for a pretty good movie but doesn't really hack it for a 750km linear route across Iberia. Just how many Kms are you going to drive in one day to move two backpacks from Sevilla to Guillena and one from A Gudina to Laza; oh, and call in at every other Albergue and Abrigo on route in case some one has left their snail-shell with a luggage tag & €6 in an envelope. Two vehicles is two vehicles, two drivers, two over night accommodations etc etc.

It works on the Frances, on the Norte and Portugeueses routes to an extent, because of the sheer volume of pilgrims who elect not to carry their packs or elect to walk those routes because they can't carry their packs. Campaign away, or, get yourself a van and some luggage tags & envelopes and go for it. If its viable you can be certain that someone else will set up a rival institution

ha ha no doubt within a week there would be an easyjet version and an uber version I still like the idea of the two sherpas

the sections of the track would have to be split I think the camino portuguese starts at the Tui border up until Santiago so that s about 140kms . a floting backpack (saw the video) but one that is not attached to you ( a bit like a drone idea) would be great "watch out for flying backpacks please" but hazardous ha ha perhaps I shoud invent a remote controlled backpack on wheels .... the smelly pelegrino seems like the sensible option though ...

 

[Davey Boyd]

Hydration, hydration, hydration

Well, who wants to walk in a straight line all the time anyway?

 

[Davey Boyd]

ha ha no doubt within a week there would be an easyjet version and an uber version I still like the idea of the two sherpas

the sections of the track would have to be split I think the camino portuguese starts at the Tui border up until Santiago so that s about 140kms . a floting backpack (saw the video) but one that is not attached to you ( a bit like a drone idea) would be great "watch out for flying backpacks please" but hazardous ha ha perhaps I shoud invent a remote controlled backpack on wheels .... the smelly pelegrino seems like the sensible option though ...

You need a donkey!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.
I think you can use the Correos service, however. And I have seen pilgrims sending their bags ahead on the bus, as freight!

 

[Davey Boyd]

pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.
I think you can use the Correos service, however. And I have seen pilgrims sending their bags ahead on the bus, as freight!

I'm surprised numbers are dropping there, thought it was getting more popular.

Davey

 

[trecile]

pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.
I think you can use the Correos service, however. And I have seen pilgrims sending their bags ahead on the bus, as freight!

I just checked the Correos site, and they do not cover the VdlP

 

[C clearly]

pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.

I am curious if the hospitaleros confirm that the numbers are down. I have walked portions of the Via de la Plata 3 years in a row without getting a Compostela, so I wouldn't be counted.

 

[camino07]

I agree with C clearly, I saw a big increase in numbers in 2017 from 2012,especially in English speakers.
I also did not collect another Compostela and spoke to others who didn't.

 

[Martyduc]

I agree with C clearly, I saw a big increase in numbers in 2017 from 2012,especially in English speakers.
I also did not collect another Compostela and spoke to others who didn't.

True...virtually all i met on the vldp were repeat offenders and many were not getting a compostela this time

 

[happymarkos]

I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????

Hello Sunshines
There are options to shorten some of the stages. Just requires planning and asking in each albergue.
When I walked in April/ May I saw people with 2 wheel carts to carry their packs. One veteran who could no longer carry a backpack bought a 4 wheel shopping cart in Seville for about 40 euros and put her things in it. She made sure they divided between 2 bags she could take out and put on her shoulders with stream or difficult crossing so she carried the trolley cradle in her arms. So there are alternatives when the back can no longer carry the load. Please see the photo
Happymark

 

[JohnJocys]

Having walked the Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Santiago in three stages over the past year or so I would be very sad to see it developing along the same lines as the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues. I would far rather enjoy the contrast than force something that is very different and beautiful into the same mould. Luggage transport would be a first step in that direction in my opinion.

I agree absolutely!

 

[t2andreo]

That photo gives me ideas... If you could swap out a heavier axle and add air filled, 'puffier' tires, this might be a winner...

 

[Davey Boyd]

True...virtually all i met on the vldp were repeat offenders and many were not getting a compostela this time

Thinking about it you are right. When I walked VDLP last year, many, including me didn't bother collecting the compostela

 

[sunshines]

Hello Sunshines
There are options to shorten some of the stages. Just requires planning and asking in each albergue.
When I walked in April/ May I saw people with 2 wheel carts to carry their packs. One veteran who could no longer carry a backpack bought a 4 wheel shopping cart in Seville for about 40 euros View attachment 46050and put her things in it. She made sure they divided between 2 bags she could take out and put on her shoulders with stream or difficult crossing so she carried the trolley cradle in her arms. So there are alternatives when the back can no longer carry the load. Please see the photo
Happymark

yes actually I was thinking of the shopping trolley option but that actually does hurt the back too if you ar dragging something behind you for a great distance. I am cutting the stages in half but my new nightmare issue is washing clothes, none of the small places have places to wash clothes no washing machine or no drying machine so I might be a smelly pilgrim too having to wear clothes for two days eek and carrying the smellies with me double eek / also concerned about the weather if it rains (hard) and I get wet how will I dry said clothes / althernative might be to do Fromista to Leon hmmm ..... looking for a way to find out if there is any laundry service on the road from Almendralejo to Caceras looking pretty grim at the moment... How much beer money do I need for you ?????

 

[Waka]

Ah yes the smelly pilgrims, when I did my previous camino's I never used a washing machine or dryer once, good old hand washing and if you have the right gear it will dry overnight.
As for a bag carrying service as everyone has said it's probably not cost effective.

 

[sunshines]

Ah yes the smelly pilgrims, when I did my previous camino's I never used a washing machine or dryer once, good old hand washing and if you have the right gear it will dry overnight.
As for a bag carrying service as everyone has said it's probably not cost effective.

really even in March? what materials dry quickly and are warm in March? many thanks it is hanging on the question of whether I do this or opt for the Fromista route....

 

[Kanga]

Gosh I hope not.

 

[jsalt]

strain on the knees because of weight on the back

Hmm, how much weight are you carrying? You can easily get by with less than 7kg. As for washing and drying, when I have a shower I pull off my shirt and toss it on the shower floor, same with undies and socks. Stand on them while I’m showering. Wring them out when I get out of the shower, and hang them up to dry, put on my one other shirt and undies, go out in them and sleep in them and wear them next day. Repeat daily. You do not need any other clothes, except evening pants or skirt, fleece and rain jacket. I am very quick in the shower, using as little hot water as possible. When I get the chance with other pilgrims I’ll share a washing machine load to do a proper wash. Jill

 

[sunshines]

Hmm, how much weight are you carrying? You can easily get by with less than 7kg. As for washing and drying, when I have a shower I pull off my shirt and toss it on the shower floor, same with undies and socks. Stand on them while I’m showering. Wring them out when I get out of the shower, and hang them up to dry, put on my one other shirt and undies, go out in them and sleep in them and wear them next day. Repeat daily. You do not need any other clothes, except evening pants or skirt, fleece and rain jacket. I am very quick in the shower, using as little hot water as possible. When I get the chance with other pilgrims I’ll share a washing machine load to do a proper wash. Jill

but in March will clothes be dry by morning? what materials are easy drying and warm for March? I am quite a big lass so all my clothes are heavy

 

[sunshines]

but in March will clothes be dry by morning? what materials are easy drying and warm for March? I am quite a big lass so all my clothes are heavy

I only want to take 4 sets of clothes but if I can get by with two and wash one set and guaranteed they will be dry in the morning in March, then fab.... then weight on back wont be a problem....

 

[KinkyOne]

really even in March? what materials dry quickly and are warm in March? many thanks it is hanging on the question of whether I do this or opt for the Fromista route....

Well, is it also March inside the albergue???
Yes, technically it is, but the temperature will probably be higher than the outside (March) temps and humidity.
Just don't overthink the "smelly" issue. It's one of the lesser, you'll see

 

[domigee]

I only want to take 4 sets of clothes but if I can get by with two and wash one set and guaranteed they will be dry in the morning in March, then fab.... then weight on back wont be a problem....

Normally there’s no need to wash everything everyday : just the undies, T-shirt and socks. The only things that don’t always dry overnight are the wool socks, so if the weather is going to be ‘iffy’ I take 3 pairs of those.

 

[trecile]

I only want to take 4 sets of clothes but if I can get by with two and wash one set and guaranteed they will be dry in the morning in March, then fab.... then weight on back wont be a problem....

4 sets of clothes is 1 or 2 too many!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

That photo gives me ideas... If you could swap out a heavier axle and add air filled, 'puffier' tires, this might be a winner...

You could always look at adapting one of these sit on top kayak trollies:



Swivel in the uprights and figure out a pull along handle . . .

I have something similar but with pneumatic tyres and it disassembles for ease of transport.

 

[t2andreo]

Le mucho gusto!

 

[Waka]

really even in March? what materials dry quickly and are warm in March? many thanks it is hanging on the question of whether I do this or opt for the Fromista route....

Marino wool or technical fabric.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

there are no guarantees of anything on the camino. Wearing a damp shirt is a possibility in early spring, no matter where you are walking. So far, I have not heard of any related fatalities (they dry quickly with your body heat.)

 

[sunshines]

there are no guarantees of anything on the camino. Wearing a damp shirt is a possibility in early spring, no matter where you are walking. So far, I have not heard of any related fatalities (they dry quickly with your body heat.)

ha ha ha ha ha - have you seen my body heat I sweat in any month if walking its a real problem in the rain I am wet on the inside and outside because of the sweat I should walk in a bikini really but then I would probably freeze

 

[sunshines]

You could always look at adapting one of these sit on top kayak trollies:

View attachment 46072

Swivel in the uprights and figure out a pull along handle . . .

I have something similar but with pneumatic tyres and it disassembles for ease of transport.

show me a picture of yours... perhaps I'll walk with you and you can carry both of our pieces of luggage

 

[domigee]

Hello Sunshines
There are options to shorten some of the stages. Just requires planning and asking in each albergue.
When I walked in April/ May I saw people with 2 wheel carts to carry their packs. One veteran who could no longer carry a backpack bought a 4 wheel shopping cart in Seville for about 40 euros View attachment 46050and put her things in it. She made sure they divided between 2 bags she could take out and put on her shoulders with stream or difficult crossing so she carried the trolley cradle in her arms. So there are alternatives when the back can no longer carry the load. Please see the photo
Happymark

I could never recommend a trolley after I saw three French peregrinas struggling with theirs on the camino francés this year! Actually, I never saw them walking, i heard about them (from worried pilgrims!) and then we actually shared an albergue together.... wow. In Larrasoaña.
They ended up sending their trolleys ahead. Phew.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Le mucho gusto!

Here's my trolley. It carries a 57lb/26kg kayak plus paddles/life jackets over rough terrain without complaint:


The two cranked bars can be removed and are cam locked into position (better IMO than the thumb screws in my previous picture). The wheels have inflatable tyres and come off leaving you with the M chassis. No tools required and it weighs about 6lbs.

I imagine you could rig up an aluminium inverted U handle bar or even a chest harness.

This is it with a 40 litre pack:



Having said all that, although the powers that be are trying to smooth out every dip and bump along the way (trail out of Castrojeriz!!) I wouldn't want to do the descent from Alto de Perdon with this dragging behind and certainly not on the path from Riego into Molinaseca!

 

[janicemf]

To answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,

https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata

buen camino

 

[trecile]

To answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,

https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata

buen camino

The page that you linked to is just a description of the VdlP. On the Correos page that lists the routes for their Paq Mochila service the VdlP is not listed. https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/transporte-mochilas

 

[janicemf]

I apologize I thought they were running a service on that route as well.

 

[trecile]

I apologize I thought they were running a service on that route as well.

The website is a bit confusing

 

[hel&scott]

After spending 4 days travelling just to get to Spain, the luxury of a hand wash of clothes is very appealing right now. Very smelly pilgram and have spent most of my time shlepping around airports, looking forward to a good wash and clean clothes before the train rides to Merida.

 

[LTfit]

Two sets of clothes including Merino wool products is all you need. Merino wool does not retain body odor. Hand wash essentials and wear your socks for multiple days. This is what I have done on winter Caminos.

This summer I trekked and camped in Peru for two weeks without shower or washing facilities. You survive.

 

[Rajy62]

To answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,

https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata

buen camino

Hi, Do they pick up and deliver or we have to take the pack to the postal office in every town.

 

[trecile]

Hi, Do they pick up and deliver or we have to take the pack to the postal office in every town.

Unfortunately, the post office doesn't offer mochila services on the Via de la Plata. See my post above.

 

[t2andreo]

Well, the pilgrims using the Dutch made Radical Designs two-wheel trailers seem to have no problem. Over the years, and several pilgrimage, I have watched several in action. I suspect the reason is that this, and other trailers, use a 16-inch or 20-inch wheel, such as might be on the front of a folding bicycle.

This year, I had the chance to pull one of the Radical Design trailers at Santiago. A pilgrim from the NL had one and kindly allowed me to help her find her reserved hotel. I offered to pull the loaded trailer. I did so for a little over one km, up and down stairs, on city streets and gravel / cinder park paths.

My pocket takeaway is that the trailer IS a viable way to tote more gear. But the issue for most of us is to tote less, innit it? MY feeling after that mini-exercise is that carrying far less is preferable to finding a method to carry more... My sense is that, like a person who uses a far too large volume rucksack, the empty space will attract STUFF over the

 

[Purky]

My pocket takeaway is that the trailer IS a viable way to tote more gear.

For most surfaces the Radical Design Wheelie is brilliant, as long as the path you are walking on is at least a foot wide. If not, you are in for a fight. I tried it out on the St. Olavsleden, but in the end had to conclude it wasn't worth the hassle it created on game trails, narrow paths and the likes. I'm glad I didn't bring it on the Salvador.
Two weeks ago I sold it to a Belgian man who will use it to walk long distance trails but due to injuries can't wear a pack. I'm glad the Wheelie will help him out, but I'm equally glad I won't have to use it again. I'll pack light and happily wear my backpack again.

 

[Richo]

The website is a bit confusing

The Correos page is misleading - many people have made the same error!

 

[peregrina2000]

. . . my back doth protest...

Just to throw in something for you to consider. When people say that the backpack hurts their back, my first reaction is that you have the wrong backpack. Good packs with internal frames transfer the load of the pack to your hips, so your back should not feel anything. I know this is true, because I can walk for weeks and weeks with about 20 pounds in my beloved Mountainsmith Ghost, but let me take a walk for an hour with a couple of things in a regular old day pack and my lower back is screaming at me.

And the amount of freedom that carrying your pack and not being tied to an ending point is another tremendous benefit!

 

[Kanga]

I am one who hates the idea of a regular transport service for mochillas along the VdlP. It will probably inevitably come in time, but I think more is lost than gained by having the option of getting "luggage" carried. For starters, I so much enjoy the freedom from possessions, the knowledge that so little is really necessary to enjoy life, the delight of strengthening my body, the independence from plans and goals (eg where I'm going to finish each day), the benefits of not having to make decisions about what to wear, the simplicity and honesty of the daily chore of hand washing, and the satisfaction when it is done, the removal of status because clothes do not maketh the man when we are all confined to one backpack .... I could go on.

 

[sunshines]

Just to throw in something for you to consider. When people say that the backpack hurts their back, my first reaction is that you have the wrong backpack. Good packs with internal frames transfer the load of the pack to your hips, so your back should not feel anything. I know this is true, because I can walk for weeks and weeks with about 20 pounds in my beloved Mountainsmith Ghost, but let me take a walk for an hour with a couple of things in a regular old day pack and my lower back is screaming at me.

And the amount of freedom that carrying your pack and not being tied to an ending point is another tremendous benefit!

this is a good insight and I understand. I went on a backpack hunt and as you say the cheapy ones service me not I found a good one I put 6kgs in it which is around 12lb (light for a woman, no?) because I was thinking of the extra weight of 3 litres of water washing stuff warmer clothes etc ) and I pranced around the shop for a while, no problem whatsoever with the back, alas the ankle protested (so if it protested just after 20 minutes it is not going to last 6 hours ) ... since I only think I will do this once a year all the extra expense and the strain is outweighs the plan B option ) .. sad to say I have to go the santiago de sin mochilla camino ... No one is harmed that way and I dont have to worry about avoidable injuries - and hey it's still fantastic to be in the open with nature and getting the chance to walk and feel free and be able to acheive something at least and see some beautiful towns along the way ( I didnt realise Spain was so full of treasure and history ) ( Unless anyone wants to be my Sherpa that is )

we all has physical differences and we have to do the best we can which sometimes means sacrificing one thing to be able to perform at another , not every one is Santiago and not everyone is Florence Nightingale ... Life would be boring if we were all the same. Variety is the spice of life

 

[Via2010]

I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal.

Sorry, but I want the Via de la Plata to remain, as it used to be. Long distances, little comfort, great landscape, few pilgrims.

Neither need backpack transport nor a laundry service. Just walk and care for yourself.

I also think that we do not need to tell the local people, how they should run their business.

What makes the Via so different from the other caminos is that you have to learn to take things how they come and to be satisfied with the things being there.

 

[Robo]

I hope it remains 'as is' until I can get a chance to walk it!

With luggage services will come the tour companies.........and lots more people

 

[sunshines]

I am alone too often having nature and people would be a bonus . People only bad if they disrespect the countryside etc that they are walking in .....

 

[C clearly]

I am alone too often having nature and people would be a bonus .

Your avatar doesn't say that you have walked the Camino Frances. I am curious why you don't choose it, instead of the VDLP. It has lots of people and services, including backpack transfer.

 

[sunshines]

ha ha just posted a new thread I am going to do either oveido to beradaco or fromista to Leon....

as weak ankles won't take the weight of a mochilla for that distance every day... on la plata

 

[sunshines]

If I could afford the taxis inbetween on la plata I would do it... but alas

 

[Canche]

I completely agree.

I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.

 

[Canche]

I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????

Count me in to help. I can't do a Camino without a mochila service. I have major back problems, knee replacement and countless other physical problems. It doesn't have to be a big commercial service. Just a taxi or two to help us cripples out.

 

[Kanga]

@sunshines hop on a bus or train and get yourself to the Camino Frances. Last year I took some new walkers to the VdlP and realised after a week or so that it was not a good choice for them. We hopped on a train to Sarria and they had a great time walking the rest of the Francés.

 

[Canche]

@sunshines hop on a bus or train and get yourself to the Camino Frances. Last year I took some new walkers to the VdlP and realised after a week or so that it was not a good choice for them. We hopped on a train to Sarria and they had a great time walking the rest of the Francés.

I do not like the Frances at all, and won't do it just because they have mochila service. The Norte had that service as does the Primitivo and it is not intrusive. Even the San Salvador has that service but it isn't advertised or noticeable.

 

[Kanga]

Which part of the Francés did you walk @Dinah Shaw ?

 

[Canche]

Leon to Santiago. Not very pretty. Crowded even Oct and hot. I had to move to the CF from the Norte, which is great, due to blister problems and time constraints. The stretch from Leon to Villar de Mazarife was awful - hot, boring, no trees, nothing. And from there to Astorga it wasn't much better.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I think we get that some pilgrims like the pack transport service.

This thread, however, was to mobilize a campaign for improved pack service from Seville to Ourense. Correos does not do it, and apparently other services do not do so as well. My guess is that there is not enough demand to make it worthwhile.

I am perceiving a lot of trolling to get someone to say that a pilgrimage is not legitimate if your pack is transported. That arrogant attitude has been eliminated in the Forum for years, so I think you can assume that we all respect your choice.

As to improved service, we need someone who will abuse his vehicle after paying 4 to 5 Euro for petrol to seasonally transport a handful of bags daily for the few pilgrims who do not carry their packs, between obscure locations with no payment for the return trip. Why such a person would be reading this Forum escapes me, but I applaud the effort to find him/her.

 

[Bradypus]

I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.

. The stretch from Leon to Villar de Mazarife was awful - hot, boring, no trees, nothing. And from there to Astorga it wasn't much better.

The Via de la Plata is a very physically demanding route. It is often far hotter than the Frances and the Norte. Distances between accommodation, food and water supplies can be very large. A number of sections are very similar in character to the meseta parts of the Frances which you clearly dislike intensely. Simply providing a mochila service would not overcome those issues. How much of the essential character of the VdlP has to change to make it "fair"?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

How much ... has to change to make it "fair"?

I am still waiting for anything in life to be fair.

It is theoretically possible on an airplane that "yield management" will result in 250 different fares for 250 tickets. And don't get me started on charging 1.10E for a 1E cafe solo...

 

[domigee]

I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.

There are lots of things I don’t feel able to do... I wouldn’t walk to Everest, I wouldn’t do the Appalachian trail etc etc...I know my limits. I don’t even think I could run a marathon (in fact I am pretty sure I couldn’t!)
I don’t feel ‘excluded’
Fair? What is fair?

 

[C clearly]

I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.

Going for long recreational walks in Spain is not a basic human right. It is most certainly not fair that we can do it at all, and most of the world cannot.

The Norte had that service as does the Primitivo and it is not intrusive. Even the San Salvador has that service

The Caminos do not provide that service. Individual entrepreneurs do, when it is fair to them.

Just a taxi or two to help us cripples out.

Those taxis already exist. Do you just want them at a price that is not fair to the driver?

 

[Via2010]

I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.

I do not think that fairness requires to provide backpack transport and similar services on every camino. First of all somebody with physical limitations should accept those and adapt his wishes to his capacities.

The Via de la Plata is a very demanding camino. No bars or albergues every 5 km, nor - in most villages - different albergues to choose inbetween. Nevertheless you can not say, that disabled people in general are excluded from the experience of this camino. The German writer Felix Bernhard did the entire Via de la Plata in his wheelchair and he did not expect that there would be somebody pushing him along the camino.

What I dislike is the idea of some people, that the infrastructure of the Caminos has to adapt to their "needs" (often not a real necessity but a question of comfort - e. g. "I want to walk easy, but I do not want to restrict my wardrobe"). If you come in a situation in which you really rely on somebodys help to continue your camino, it is more likely on an unspoilt camino like the Via de la Plata, that the locals will help you (e. g. by offering you a lift, something to eat or to drink or helping you to find a place where you can sleep).

If you can not walk a camino without having your backpack transported day by day then the Via de la Plata is the wrong camino for you and you should choose another camino which offers more services. Or you must make an arrangement for yourself, e. g. your husband or a friend doing the same stages by car, transporting your backpack and meeting you in the evening.

BC Alexandra

 

[sunshines]

Oh people people, as I say we are our own problems and solutions to them. I really did want to do part of the camino plata I booked the places in advance (did everything topsy turvy) then discovered no rucksack service, so I went to find a good racksack and did a walking test (20 minutes with 6kgs) and my ankle protested so I knew it would be ill-fated to put that much stress on it for 26kms at a time. (the route that i was considering was shorter with most stages being between 16 and 22kms so kind of like albergue hopping if you like) but my ankle dictated so sadly I had to find an alternative that still meant a beautiful walk not without the burden on my ankle.

If there was a miracle of 5 people doing it together stopping at the same places then sure a taxi would be available probably at a cost of about between 7 and 10 euros per stage ( 16-22kms) which is very reasonable.... but its finding those five people

I am a fairweather pilgrim which is better than being a couch potato or sunseeking beach bum....

 

[hel&scott]

Leon to Santiago. Not very pretty. Crowded even Oct and hot. I had to move to the CF from the Norte, which is great, due to blister problems and time constraints. The stretch from Leon to Villar de Mazarife was awful - hot, boring, no trees, nothing. And from there to Astorga it wasn't much better.

Mate, if you thought the CF section was hot, boring, no trees etc then the Vdlp is not for you! The good news is that there are lots of ways to Santiago and half the fun is researching a route that suits you.

 

[sunshines]

To answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,

https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata

buen camino

only from Ourense

 

[sunshines]

Mate, if you thought the CF section was hot, boring, no trees etc then the Vdlp is not for you! The good news is that there are lots of ways to Santiago and half the fun is researching a route that suits you.

madness I have been planning replanning I think I know more of the geography of Spain than most my Spanish friends and clients now ha ha so many options I could walk for another 100 years and still not do them all...... I love nature so that is what I want but I dont want to be a lonely pilgrim on some of these paths there is too nothing inbetween stages to walk all that way alone. Now I am looking at the San Salvador goodness that is six pilgrim walks to discover and albergue investigate and and and I need 15 year days at this rate to process all the information ... the camino is my oyster

 

[domigee]

(...) so I went to find a good racksack and did a walking test (20 minutes with 6kgs) and my ankle protested so I knew it would be ill-fated to put that much stress on it for 26kms at a time.

I am a fairweather pilgrim (...)

Hi sunshines! Obviously I don’t know you at all so I am not sure this reply will be appropriate for you... I have no idea of your level of fitness or non-fitness, if you have existing medical conditions etc. So please, if you do, ignore this post.

What caught my attention was you walking with your fully loaded rucksack for 20 mn.... If you are not used to walking longish distances, you really need to train and to accustom your body to take the strain. It doesn’t happen overnight...
A member of the forum, @dougfitz, once posted a great training programme, unfortunately I cannot find it anymore
What I am trying to say is that it takes time and perseverance to be able to walk long distances in comfort.
Of course people will tell you ‘oh, I walked the Camino without any training beforehand, the actual first week on the Camino was my only training....’. Yes (and in fact, it was more or less my case) but.... they’re usually talking about the Camino francés, where you can walk as little or as much as you wish.

So please don’t feel disheartened if your ankle complained that first day... With a bit of time and patience, it may be just fine and you may overtake us all on the Camino

Oh, and I am a fair weather pilgrim too, I do tend to complain in the rain!

 

[sunshines]

Hi sunshines! Obviously I don’t know you at all so I am not sure this reply will be appropriate for you... I have no idea of your level of fitness or non-fitness, if you have existing medical conditions etc. So please, if you do, ignore this post.

What caught my attention was you walking with your fully loaded rucksack for 20 mn.... If you are not used to walking longish distances, you really need to train and to accustom your body to take the strain. It doesn’t happen overnight...
A member of the forum, @dougfitz, once posted a great training programme, unfortunately I cannot find it anymore
What I am trying to say is that it takes time and perseverance to be able to walk long distances in comfort.
Of course people will tell you ‘oh, I walked the Camino without any training beforehand, the actual first week on the Camino was my only training....’. Yes (and in fact, it was more or less my case) but.... they’re usually talking about the Camino francés, where you can walk as little or as much as you wish.

So please don’t feel disheartened if your ankle complained that first day... With a bit of time and patience, it may be just fine and you may overtake us all on the Camino

Oh, and I am a fair weather pilgrim too, I do tend to complain in the rain!

thank you for your kind words and consideration - unfortunately I have had a weak ankle problem for many years so it is why I know I cannot walk with that weight on my back, sometimes even without weight my ankle gives. Its very sad because I looked at some photos of via del plata and it looks absolutely fabulous my kind of walk.. But I had to be realistic. which is also another reason why I couldnt do the wheelie bin type bag carrying either ( and I would probably be crashing into trees and thing - you should see me with a shopping trolley cant even roll that straight) I did manage to book everywhere en-route and then discovered no mochilla service except one place which was 15 euros.... so if a group of maybe 5 people got together to send their bags forward to each place it would be possible..... but not the great long distances I was going to d 16-22kms the most .......

 

[alexwalker]

Though you probably couldn't afford my beer intake!

I challenge you flatly. Loser pays the bill.

 

[alexwalker]

but in March will clothes be dry by morning? what materials are easy drying and warm for March? I am quite a big lass so all my clothes are heavy

Well, I can give you a few tips we used in the Army: Wet socks: One in each armpit, preferably at night, but also while walking. Dry and warm in the morning. Wet shoes: In the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight. Warm and soft in the morning. Wet underwear: Pinned on your backpack during walking the whole day. If not dry, put in armpits at night.

Of course, others pilgrims will choose the other side of the road from you, but you will be warm, dry and comfortable.

 

[KinkyOne]

I challenge you flatly. Loser pays the bill.

Can I join this? I never rejected free beer

 

[sunshines]

The Correos page is misleading - many people have made the same error!

Oh dear I just read its only available from March23rd I am travelling March 20th Damn that is bad news

 

[sunshines]

Oh dear I just read its only available from March23rd I am travelling March 20th Damn that is bad news

I never saw that date on the website either

 

[sunshines]

Mate, if you thought the CF section was hot, boring, no trees etc then the Vdlp is not for you! The good news is that there are lots of ways to Santiago and half the fun is researching a route that suits you.

the pictures of via plata are amazing its a shame my ankle protests if it had eyes Im sure it would try and be stronger.....

 

[sunshines]

Damn Damn and double damn I have just discovered from Paqmochilla ( the correo ) that they do not in fact start the service until the 14th of April ( or Easter) for ALL routes except O Cebreiro to Santigago - and I dont even know where that is.... damn damn and double damn now my walk is ruined I cannot find another mochilla service does anyone know of one for the Frances route from Palencia? thanks ( that will be available in March)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

does anyone know of one for the Frances route

There are none, as I discovered this last winter. There is service from Sarria by either Jacotrans or Correos (I think it is Correos).

 

[KinkyOne]

Damn Damn and double damn I have just discovered from Paqmochilla ( the correo ) that they do not in fact start the service until the 14th of April ( or Easter) for ALL routes except O Cebreiro to Santigago - and I dont even know where that is.... damn damn and double damn now my walk is ruined I cannot find another mochilla service does anyone know of one for the Frances route from Palencia? thanks ( that will be available in March)

Palencia is not on any Camino, it's a town south of Camino Frances.

 

[KinkyOne]

Oh dear I just read its only available from March23rd I am travelling March 20th Damn that is bad news

Why is that bad news? Start walking on 23rd and make it good news

 

[sunshines]

its even worse it doesnt start til 14th April - I booked the flight already and its a question on timing that is why.....

 

[sunshines]

Why is that bad news? Start walking on 23rd and make it good news

and besides i wanted to be able to go when there are actually beds available most on booking are full ( and more expensive ) and no I am getting up at the crack of dawn to walk to an albergue with 40 beds and find people got there before me. I dont have the will power for that its supposed to be enjoyble and not stressful

 

[sunshines]

Palencia is not on any Camino, it's a town south of Camino Frances.

its part of the camino Frances goes down or up to Palenica and then to Fromista through Carrion......

 

[Bradypus]

I have walked the Camino Frances three times and have never passed through Palencia. If you want to leave the Camino, visit Palencia, then return to the Camino then you are free to do so by all means but that does not mean that it is "part of the camino Frances"

 

[sunshines]

I have walked the Camino Frances three times and have never passed through Palencia. If you want to leave the Camino, visit Palencia, then return to the Camino then you are free to do so by all means but that does not mean that it is "part of the camino Frances"

 

[sunshines]

If you look at the Mochilla service offered it comes under the Frances from Palencia just because you havent seen it doesnt mean it doesnt exist