Hi,
I'm a high school teacher planning to bring a small group of 2014 grads on the Camino from Astorga to Santiago. I'm wondering if anyone knows if there are restrictions on groups checking into albergues. (I know we can't reserve.)
Any other advice about walking with/ facilitating/arranging small (6-10) groups, especially of young people, would be greatly appreciated!
I've walked a few caminos on my own, but "leading" is new.
Thanks, Kelly
Hi Kelly,
My understanding is that the only Albergue that does not allow large groups is the CSJ refuge at Rabanal. I think that they let in groups up to 6 or 7. Not aware of any others. From Saria to Santiago there are likely to be lots of school groups so the albergues are used to dealing with their needs. In Rabanal there are at least two other albergues to choose from, so accommodation should not be an issue.
With regards to reserving, it might be possible to reserve the private hostals.
I think there can be some prejudice against young people and groups on the Camino. Pilgrims are challenged by their youthful exuberance and maybe jealous that they are part of a group while they themselves are on their own. That said, I think it might be a good idea to give your charges some skills/techniques on how to put fellow pilgrims who are challenged by their behaviour at ease. I do not think that the young people should have to change their behaviour but learn how to defuse tensions with fellow pilgrims and bring them in. I came across a group of Danish pilgrims who did this with me, when I was challenged by their chatter and behaviour. They put me at ease and ultimately in my place (as I got to see the error of my ways) and we became best of buddies, keeping an eye out for each other the whole way to Santiago.
Young people may not be so good at taking care of their feet etc so a good idea to keep an eye on them. Then again it is good to let them learn and not molly coddle them the whole time.
Would it be possible to start at Hosptital De Obrigo. There is a really cool old world albergue there and the walk from Hospital to Astorga is magical, especially if your take the route away from the motorway (turn right outside Hospital) and head through little villages before having a morning coffee at Davids "House of Love" some 5 KMs before Astorga. A perfect way to start.
I also think it would be a great idea if you could derive some sort of "ceremony" to follow through when you get to Cruiz De Ferro; where pilgrims traditionally leave a stone behind symbolising something from the past. I saw a group of tourist do this once and it was lovely to see. The joined hands around the cross, the leader said some words/prayers, then each of the tourists said a few words, sang songs, cried, hugged ..... before heading off. It is a good place to have a picnic as you get to see how different pilgrims experience it. It is not a nice place to picnic but a good place.
The walk from Cruiz de Ferro is magical and very ancient. It would be cool if you could stay at Mandarin with Thomas who is a knights templor. Facilites are very basic, more like what it was like a 100 years ago on the Camino .... Thomas is a fountain of knowledge and the food is great. Looks terrible but it is a place to remember.
I have no doubt that you will have an amazing time as will the young people in your charge.
Regards
Cyril