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This isn't a popular view, as the comments above illustrated. It is the way the Camino has been from the beginning, is now, and will always be. A pilgrimage in which the duty of the pilgrim is to their soul, and the duty of others ... authorities and other pilgrims alike ... to assist them in...
I had a feeling that when I suggested that the Camino authorities take more responsibility for the intermittent bed crisis that this would evoke an effusion of Uriah Heepery from the usual suspects, and also some new ones, about my modest suggestion, which was termed "ridiculous", "unnecessary"...
I strongly second some of the observations above. Donativos and municipals that don't take bookings are the best solution. If you're there at 12.30 and they open at one you're cc retain to get in. So many people are reserving now there are lots of free places in the albergues that don't take...
Good advice. I did exactly that and I'm now in Santiago, after staying in fine albergues in Ferreiro, Gonzar, Casanova and Santa Irene with lots of free beds in each place.
Santiago or bust! Arriba! 😎
You can use luggage transfer, or use a backpack, but it's better to use a rear rack with a pannier bag attached to each side. You can ride with a poncho, a rain jacket, or both. Albergues have safe storage for bikes, inside or outside, and you can secure the bike with a lock.
I think a bike might be the answer. I had knee pain for years and it used to surface when I walked the Camino, but since I took to the bicycle it's gone away. I think the strengthening of the knee muscles helps it. Knee pain varies, of course, but yours might be the same.
You wouldn't be...
I'm in the third off-stage municipal albergue since Triacastela, and they're all half-empty.
Munis don't accept reservations, so it's first come first served, and if you're there at 1 pm when they open you're certain to get a bed. Nothing to worry about, so much to enjoy.
I carry a tarp, poncho/groundsheet, air mattress, lightweight sleeping bag and silk liner. No idea of the weight, but it's low. It works in all seasons. I'm thinking of adding a lightweight bivibag. Those nights outside are wonderful, but usually the lure of the albergues, the company, the...
In the past one of the main reasons for people to go on pilgrimage was to be healed, in body or mind. It still works.
I met a man in Burgos at one of the sessions common in Donativos where pilgrims sit in a circle and talk about their reasons for doing the Camino.
I noticed how sad and angry...
I think the road should be re-routed away from the arch and the monastery. The pilgrims can take their chances, and if the don't fancy it there are excellent albergues in Casterojeriz. Personally I can think of worse places and ways to go than by a falling stone in San Anton.
According to the hospitaleros a stone fell from the arch onto the roof of a bus. Shame to close the whole place down, but that's local bureaucracy, no friends at heart of donativo hostels in any case. But there will always be such places, they are the Camino imo.
This is a wonderful thing to do, I hope it's there for a long time, it'll do so much good for the many people on the Camino who struggle with this demon. Lots of cheap booze doesn't help and this is something so many people need. God bless you sir.
What luck to have stayed in this magical place two nights ago. One of the best albergues on the Camino and therefore one of the best places anywhere on earth.
Closures are becoming a big problem. To my knowledge Emmaus in Burgos, Luz de Fromista and now San Anton are closed sine die. There...
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