I didn't double stamp!

[nimsky]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

 

[trecile]

The volunteers in the pilgrims office can and often do, use their discretion to award the Compostela to those who have walked farther but have forgotten to get two stamps per day in the last 100 km. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

 

[donalomahony]

If a problem at the desk, politely and calmly ask for a manager/supervisor.

Volunteer may be "new" and "enforcing" rules, not their fault, as such,

I guess you will be OK!

 

[henrythedog]

Perhaps; but you can’t do much about it now. Collect sufficient stamps from now on and smile politely when you arrive. I wouldn’t worry about it, the reception staff are well disposed unless they feel someone is really not genuine.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola - as usual some good simple advice. Since your start date and location will be clearly evident on the PP your pilgrimage will be clear. The Pilgrim Office staff might as you some questions - like did you walk every KM, what places did you stop for coffee or lunch. But yes if it gets a bit tricky certainly ask for the supervisor, tell the WHOLE TRUTH about being forgetful in getting those two stamps for the last 100 km. Buen Camino

 

[andonius]

You shuld have no problems if you do what others have already told you; explain your case politely and in case that does not work, ask for a supervisor. I that case, you can also try to show them pictures you have made or tickets of purchases of the places you've gone through.

 

[Harland2019]

I suggest you tell them immediately you get to the counter rather than wait for them to spot the issue. More likely to help if you are upfront with them.

 

[MikeJS]

I have never got more than 1 stamp a day and always got the credencial without any issues. I have always had a stamp for every day.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I only had one stamp per day after Sarria on my first Camino in 2015 (unknowing the rule). I was awarded the compostela, and was not even informed of my error.

 

[t2andreo]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

Assuming you took photos with your phone, all photos are date, time, and location stamped. First, present your analog case, with the appropriate regrets and conviction. Then offer to provide photos from your phone to establish your route of march and chronology.

On my iPhone, the town, GPS coordinates, time and date are all "stamped" into the digital .jpg file. I have seen this Plan B method used on several occasions over the years. It depends on when you arrive, and who you encounter at the counter.

Hope this helps - good luck.

Tom

 

[Pepper_E]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

Starting in SHPdP, I didn’t get the two stamps per day in the last 100k either - wasn’t an issue or even discussed when I collected my Compostela.

 

[alexwalker]

If you have trouble, ask to speak with Santi: He is the "head" of many things in the Pilgrim Office.

 

[jabrown]

I suggest you tell them immediately you get to the counter rather than wait for them to spot the issue. More likely to help if you are upfront with them.

They are so busy they are unlikely to notice. If they do, explain politely. Uncomplicated.

 

[Dennis Ferguson]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

I didn’t double stamp and I didn’t bother to get a Compostela but I’m sure they’ll accommodate you if you show them your stamps.
Missing the double stamps must be a regular occurrence.

 

[Trekker One]

I think the penalty is 100 push ups for every day you missed getting a double stamp...
But as others have stated the pilgrim office isn't going to care. Just give them your most winning smile!

 

[Albertagirl]

I walk less busy routes in the late autumn and seldom can get two stamps a day. There are not two locations open as I walk. More are closing for the season as I am walking the last 100 kms approaching Santiago. I can always get a stamp, or just an initial, wherever I stay for the night. But there isn't anywhere else open. It has never been a problem, nor have I ever been asked about it. I realize that you are walking in the summer, so your situation is different. But those who work in the Pilgrim Office are very understanding to the situations of pilgrims. As a first time pilgrim, you will be welcomed. Hopefully, this thread will be information for other first-timers.

 

[Philtration]

I also didn't double stamp the last 100K. Had no problems getting my compostela, the issue wasn't even raised. Don't worry, it will be obvious that you have walked the distance. Relax and have a buen rest of your camino! Congratulations!

 

[WayWalker]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

3 caminos and didn't double stamp on the last 100. Maybe one or two at bars here and there. I wouldn't worry.

 

[KayfromUK]

Wow I thought the same as you, would only need 1 stump a day as I am starting from Porto. Thank you for telling me. I will try to get 2 stumps after Tui. Maybe get as many wherever I am.

 

[trecile]

Wow I thought the same as you, would only need 1 stump a day as I am starting from Porto. Thank you for telling me. I will try to get 2 stumps after Tui. Maybe get as many wherever I am.

When I do a long Camino I usually only get one per day until the last 100 km to make sure that I have enough spaces in my credential (I like to only use one credential per Camino), but on a shorter Camino like yours you may as well get as many as you want each day from the beginning - each one will be a memory for you to look back on

 

[david g]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

I’ve often not double stamped and never had a problem getting my compestella.

 

[CWBuff]

With all Respect Due to those who stated that they had only 1 stamp and "never had an issue" - this has been discussed many time on the Forum and the overall consensus is that "this should be treated as an exception rather than normal"> The rules clearly state 2 stamps minimum per day for the last 100KM walked (IIRC 200 if bike or horse?) Any new Pilgrims who come here for much sought advises should not be mislead (however innocently) to thinking otherwise. yes, perhaps calling the supervisor might help, but if that person is also a 'stickler for rules' one might wind up being a very disappointed Pilgrim walking away without a Compostela...

I myself misunderstood it to be a min of 2 stamps\day EACH DAY and thus having only ONE per my first 3 days from SJPdP (I'm sure it can be understood that my mind was not on stamps what with ascending Mt Everest and descending the Marianna Trench (thankfully dry) ) - I was completely terrified! Of course later on I've learned that all was well, and once I "became (ahem) an experienced Pilgrim" - which I guess happened on the Day 4 - I took my 1st stamp in the 1st bar\cafe\restaurant I stopped to have my Dessayuno Numero Uno and the 2nd one - in albergue-del Dia. Once "in the groove" its not that hard to do and then... God Only Knows how many other places one can get a stamp....

I do hope it works out for you @nimsky
Good luck and Buen Camino

 

[Sue127]

When I do a long Camino I usually only get one per day until the last 100 km to make sure that I have enough spaces in my credential (I like to only use one credential per Camino), but on a shorter Camino like yours you may as well get as many as you want each day from the beginning - each one will be a memory for you to look back on

Iran out of official spaces from Porto to SDC, but had the stamps added across the maps on the back. No-one queried it.

 

[Lydia Le]

I think the penalty is 100 push ups for every day you missed getting a double stamp...
But as others have stated the pilgrim office isn't going to care. Just give them your most winning smile!

Crying loudly should also work if pilgrim is too tired to smile.

 

[JustJack]

I seldom had two stamps per day. The volunteer spent perhaps 10-20 seconds checking my credential before printing my compestella.

 

[t2andreo]

Starting in SHPdP, I didn’t get the two stamps per day in the last 100k either - wasn’t an issue or even discussed when I collected my Compostela.

The Pilgrim Office staff KNOW if you walked all the way from France. They will generally cut you a break when considering the rule about two stamps per day in the final 100 km.

The "long walker pilgrim:" St. Jean Pied de Port, Lisbon, Porto, Hendaye, Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla. etc. has a look, smell, attitude, and overall presentation about him or her that the "short walker pilgrim" (Sarria - Tui) cannot replicate. Their gear also reflects having spent more time on the Camino than a casual walk from the 100 km threshold.

Being a military veteran, I liken it to someone who has actually seen combat, vs. someone who has not. You CAN tell the difference - and more importantly - so can the pilgrim office staff.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[t2andreo]

If you have trouble, ask to speak with Santi: He is the "head" of many things in the Pilgrim Office.

Santi no longer works at the Pilgrim Office - at least he was recently gone when I was there in August 2022. Dunno what the situation is now.

I recommend asking for either Cesar or Suso. Both men are senior staff members or managers and can help you.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[Karij]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

I did the same route as you this time last year and forgot to double stamp once on the last 100km. I still had no problem getting my certificate.

 

[curtc757]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

Whether or not you get a piece of paper with your name in latin, you did the hike and had your own experience that nobody else can credit to you or deny from you. I'm sure they'll give it to you anyway; the paper itself doesn't mean much compared to the memories you made.

 

[Walkalong]

If you did not pick up a Compostela will you still have completed your camino, or pilgrimage?

 

[CA_Pilgrim]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

I was in a similar situation last year. I didn't know about the double stamp rule. When I did find out, I did start double stamping. They either did not notice when got my Compostela or they just figured that someone with stamps going back everyday to SJPDP wouldn't lie about having done the last 100 Km.

 

[SusanH]

Hi everyone,

I'm on the Camino Frances and I started from León. I just realised that I was meant to double stamp on the last 100km. I thought this was just for those only doing the last 100km, which was a silly misunderstanding.

I have 40km (2 days left) so will do it from now on, but will I not be able to get my accreditation because of this? Will it be a problem? Please let me know, thank you!!

Way back in 2014, they said to get double stamps. I didn’t. No one mentioned anything once I got to Santiago. Maybe things have changed…

 

[trecile]

I'm sure that it's very reassuring for @nimsky to hear from so many others who were able to receive their Compostela without having two stamps per day in the final 100 km, but it's best to follow the rule from the Pilgrim Office because it makes it easier for you and the staff in the Pilgrim Office, most of whom are volunteering their time to be there, to whom we are grateful.

Here's the pertinent wording on the Pilgrim Office website (I believe that it's also printed on many credentials):

You must collect the stamps on the “Credencial del Peregrino” from the places you pass through to certify that you have been there. Stamps from churches, hostels, monasteries, cathedrals and all places related to the Way are preferred, but if not they can also be stamped in other institutions: town halls, cafés, etc. You have to stamp the Credencial twice a day at least on the last 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or on horseback) or on the last 200 km (for cyclists pilgrims).

 

[David Tallan]

If you did not pick up a Compostela will you still have completed your camino, or pilgrimage?

Many people consider it so. There are a number of repeat pilgrims who stop asking for Compostelas. Your pilgrimage ends when you reach the destination you are walking to. For those walking for religious reasons, that is often the tomb of St. James. For others, it is the Plaza de Obradoiro in front of the cathedral. For others it might not be in Santiago at all but in Finisterre or Muxía.

If you are walking towards a Compostela, though, you might not consider it complete until the Compostela is received.