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We stayed in Zabaldika last year, (highly recommend) which got us to Pamplona quite early in the day. Gave us time to tour the cathedral, walk around town, have lunch and then head to our pension that was on the far end of town. We had a dbl room with 2 single beds and shared bath, for 30€...
I fail to understand why people are NOT booking those first few nights. They KNOW they will be stopping there. Why leave it to chance? Book the best place you know that suits your style. When I arrive at a town, I want the albergue making a communal meal rather than the municipal. I want the...
Wow, excuse me for trying to help you with some advice. I was not being presumptious.
100s of people ask this question on FB pages and have never thought about what that weight does to their shoulders with a day pack.
Just ignore my advice then. Easy peasy.
Honestly, the best thing it to wear your back pack, with the hip belt and send on another bag with some of your stuff. That hip belt takes any weight in your pack off of your shoulders.
Once you put your water, poncho, snacks, 1st aid, extra socks, into a day bag, it will drag down your...
Hijacking the post a bit. I stayed here 2 years ago and had such a great time. Filmed her making the paella and she was so pleased.
This is a great albergue to stay in for those who want a wonderful, communal dinner, or to break up the distances or stay in places not packed with pilgrims.
Stayed at Casa Susi in Trabadelo, then walked to La Escuela to overnight. Single beds & great food in the restaurant. Next morning 1.5 km to O Cebrio (sunrise!!!!) then on to Fonfria.
Have ridden the horses too & it makes for a unique experience. Use Jacotrans for transport.
Have walked this stretch the last 2 springs, April and May, and it was cold at night and in the mornings, like around 2°C. most mornings until almost the end of May. I was very glad to have my cosy sleeping bag.
I find that albergue owners know what is happening. Ask them. Then see if they will call to the next town for you and reserve a bed. Buy them a coffee or a beer or a wine when they do this favor for you. Make sure you show up at that albergue the next day so your reservation is not wasted.
I agree, walking to Uterga from Pamplona is far enough for the 1st day. I barely made it to Obanos on my 1st Camino and wished that I had stayed in Uterga.
Another suggestion is to perhaps stay near the edge of Pamplona instead of in the middle near the Cathedral? Saves a lot of km. that 1st...
Boots and shoes are about 50-50. You will see this on the racks in the albergues.
I am a boot person, all year round. It is all I ever wear, cause my feet feel comfortable in them. For all the asphalt and gravel and mud, they are fantastic.
The cafe in front of Albergue Mirador in O Pedrouzo...
Most places do want you to call the day before or sometimes 2 days before, to reconfirm. They have had so many people simply not show up, that some places are turning to booking dot com so they are assured of getting their money. I don't blame them.
Saint Nikolas, a donativo about 11km past Castrojeriz. Go to sleep by candle light. Simply a wonderful experience.
The Parochial in Zabaldika is fantastic.
Church ruins outside of Zubiri that are being restored by a passionate man. Spend some time chatting with him and leave a donation.
The...
Have stayed the last 2 years at the Mirador. Nice beds, great facilities, wonderful pool, and the cafe in front, opens at 06:00, so you can get an early start walking to Santiago.
Lots of other great restaurants in this town. I felt it is the right distance from Santiago for my last days walk.
Well, I am really, really slow due to some breathing problems. Everyone passes me all day long, while I stop and catch my breath. I also like to stop and take photos. A lot of photos. It is my hobby.
That is the good part about the Camino, it works for everyone no matter how slow or fast they...
33 days! That sounds awful and not very much fun.
I spent 47 days last spring and but wish I had even longer. I prefer walking shorter days and I have already seen the popular towns where one takes a rest day.
My recommendations - Burgos, Astorga, Castrojeriz, Navarete, Leon, Samos, Pamplona
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