Jo Jo
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Eight routes; nine pilgrimages 2014-present
Based on the EU announcement today, it seems likely that a July Camino will be possible for fully vaccinated US citizens. And if I read the science correctly, at very little risk to either ourselves or anyone we come into contact with (especially with masking when appropriate).
My question is whether to walk the CF, a less-traveled route (Norte to Primitivo), or an obscure route (Olvidado--starting in Aquillar de Campos, not Bilbao). Here are my preliminary thoughts/concerns, but I'm eager for other opinions (hence this post):
The CF will probably have the most pilgrims, even if nowhere near the usual, non-pandemic numbers. Generally the second-best part of a Caminio is meeting and mingling other pilgrims, but this may not be the year for it with precautions in the alburgues, etc.
The Olvidado has very few pilgrims even in a normal year, and probably even fewer this year. The mountains in July seem more pleasant than CF, and the need to say in hotels or casa rurals might be a benefit this year. My concern would be the lack of infrastructure--often one closed casa rural or hotel or alburgue could require extensive taxi rides (which we try to avoid).
The Norte-Primitivo starts in Basque Country, which has the highest case numbers right now in Spain. If that continues into July, that will probably mean more closures and restrictions.
Background on us (if that shapes your advice). We are veteran pilgrims (see profile), including of fairly obscure routes. Fully vaccinated. For us, the best part of a Camino is walking. We can routinely walk 35kms/day. Our last CF took just over 3 weeks, and that was at a quite enjoyable pace. We carry our own packs (very light) and do not use a luggage transfer service.
Thank you for your thoughts and advice, and buen Camino.
Jo Jo
My question is whether to walk the CF, a less-traveled route (Norte to Primitivo), or an obscure route (Olvidado--starting in Aquillar de Campos, not Bilbao). Here are my preliminary thoughts/concerns, but I'm eager for other opinions (hence this post):
The CF will probably have the most pilgrims, even if nowhere near the usual, non-pandemic numbers. Generally the second-best part of a Caminio is meeting and mingling other pilgrims, but this may not be the year for it with precautions in the alburgues, etc.
The Olvidado has very few pilgrims even in a normal year, and probably even fewer this year. The mountains in July seem more pleasant than CF, and the need to say in hotels or casa rurals might be a benefit this year. My concern would be the lack of infrastructure--often one closed casa rural or hotel or alburgue could require extensive taxi rides (which we try to avoid).
The Norte-Primitivo starts in Basque Country, which has the highest case numbers right now in Spain. If that continues into July, that will probably mean more closures and restrictions.
Background on us (if that shapes your advice). We are veteran pilgrims (see profile), including of fairly obscure routes. Fully vaccinated. For us, the best part of a Camino is walking. We can routinely walk 35kms/day. Our last CF took just over 3 weeks, and that was at a quite enjoyable pace. We carry our own packs (very light) and do not use a luggage transfer service.
Thank you for your thoughts and advice, and buen Camino.
Jo Jo