• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Recent content by truenorthpilgrm

  1. truenorthpilgrm

    Holed Up With a Nasty Cold

    Same here! What is it about those nuns? I fell apart when one of them looked into my eyes and hugged me like my gramma did!
  2. truenorthpilgrm

    LIVE from the Camino Feels Unpleasantly Busy on the Camino Frances (May Day, 2024)

    I think you nailed what I was feeling on my camino exactly a year ago; unpleasantly busy.
  3. truenorthpilgrm

    Who is going to Viloria de Rioja? I forgot to donate in Albergue parada Viloria.

    Rather than asking internet strangers to be the middle man, reach out to the albergue directly and ask if you can send cash via old fashioned mail. If you aren't conversational in Spanish, ask someone who is fluent.
  4. truenorthpilgrm

    Who is going to Viloria de Rioja? I forgot to donate in Albergue parada Viloria.

    Can you contact the albergue itself and pay them via bank transfer?
  5. truenorthpilgrm

    LIVE from the Camino They are recommending the Valcarlos route tomorrow, how foolish would it be to go Napoleon?

    The pilgrims office often has volunteers who speak French, German, English, Spanish - I'm sure those volunteers vary throughout the year. It's not really an unreasonable expectation. Many ppl who live along the border are also dual language speakers.
  6. truenorthpilgrm

    Accommodation worries

    Speaking as a solo female traveler, having walked the CF three times, you'll always find a bed. Having said that, book through at least Pamplona. Once you get a feel for the trail and work out your routine (and muscles), play it by ear.
  7. truenorthpilgrm

    LIVE from the Camino They are recommending the Valcarlos route tomorrow, how foolish would it be to go Napoleon?

    The context behind some of the finger wagging (which I don't wholly disagree with) is the Pyrenees is notorious for sudden weather changes. There are a few shelters along the route expressly for this reason. In the past, pilgrims have completely disregarded weather, trying to outwit the...
  8. truenorthpilgrm

    LIVE from the Camino They are recommending the Valcarlos route tomorrow, how foolish would it be to go Napoleon?

    I understand everyone's concern about safety (and language...though the OP is fluent in two languages), but perhaps piling on someone asking genuine questions in good faith isn't the best look for us?
  9. truenorthpilgrm

    LIVE from the Camino They are recommending the Valcarlos route tomorrow, how foolish would it be to go Napoleon?

    I actually prefer it over the Napoleon route now.
  10. truenorthpilgrm

    Overcrowded Camino Frances

    Me too. I've actually been on this forum for 8 years (despite my "join" date, where in fit of frustration last year, I deleted my profile). However, I'm also observing a new breed of traveler...my totally unproven scientific theory is that post-covid, a lot of people in general are not good...
  11. truenorthpilgrm

    Overcrowded Camino Frances

    Primarily why last year (2023) was my final year walking the Frances. The "cruise ship" atmosphere seemed to be prevalent, with suitcases spilling out of lobbies and demands for certain comforts...it sort of blew me away. agree. Stopovers between guidebook "stages" are hidden gems.
  12. truenorthpilgrm

    Taxi? Can they find us in the middle of nowhere?

    Part of the experience of the camino is letting go of control and seeing what happens. You have so much infrastructure on the Frances that you will never find yourself in a situation where you'll be out on the street. Those unplanned situations, or moments of uncertainty often lead to meeting...
  13. truenorthpilgrm

    Cheap bank ATM fees?

    I’m well aware of this, and my answer was based on OP’s location of Oregon.
  14. truenorthpilgrm

    Cheap bank ATM fees?

    Charles Schwab all the way! *editing to clarify: my answer is based on OP’s location-which I thought would be self-explanatory. Apparently for some it’s not.
  15. truenorthpilgrm

    Overcrowded Camino Frances

    I mean...typically when one is resourceful, the options widen. If booking.com is the sole source of reserving beds, you're not going to get the full picture of what's available, busy weekend or not. I rarely use Booking.com, as they take a cut from local businesses. Email albergues, call them...
See more

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top