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This is not a criticism, just a story. On one particular day a couple of times we ran into a small group of pilgrims on a Backroads tour. The van would stop, drop them off, then we'd see the van a couple of miles later waiting to pick them up. Then we caught up to them after lunch and again...
I agree with the decision to not allow suitcases in these albergues as long as it is clearly identified which ones are on this list. There should be plenty of other lodging options for those who have a need to transport a suitcase though the options are likely to be more expensive. Regarding...
I had much the same thought readying this thread. Much of it made me sad. I do think the Camino (all of them but particularly the Frances) is a victim of its own success. All the hype (we all love "The Way" and all the Camino books) and they are some of the best publicity for doing the...
The bus is easy - at least it was when I did it in 2019. Getting to T4 to get the bus was easy. There's an ALSA ticket kiosk right inside the terminal (I bought my ticket the day before), didn't have any trouble finding the bus and off we went. Yes, there's a train, but you have to go into...
Lires, on our way from Finisterre to Muxia, was lovely. We stayed at LIRESCA, a great little inn with a fabulous restaurant. Even if you don't stay at LIRESCA, eat at the restaurant. Great food. Treat yourself to their bleu cheese cheesecake.
Wow, this is good to know. Thanks. I am done with my CF Camino but, who knows, I may do another and find myself on a dirt path next to the cow pasture at the top of the hill and in need of a taxi.
I just finished the Frances and while I am certain there are taxis in cities and villages (or can be called to pick up in smaller towns), there are stretches where if you haven't pre-arranged a pick-up at a certain location, I am not sure how you would summon one. We did a long day, almost 20...
I fly into Madrid on April 24 and am taking a bus to Leon. There is a train that leaves later (from Chamartin?) but it seemed a bit of a hassle to go from the airport to a train station when the bus leaves from the airport. The train is a bit shorter but the bus leaves earlier. So I have...
I don't have a suggestion for the excrement part of the problem (bring a bag, carry it out), but many long distance backpackers (think on the trail in wilderness for days), carry a "pee rag". Yep, they carry it attached to their backpack (always, always remember which side in case you also...
Am I correct that there are 3 routes out of Villafranca? It looks like the Dragonte route is the steepest, the Pereje route the least attractive, and the Pradela route somewhere in between. I like mountain walks but not looking for a "suffer fest" so likely to chose the Pradela. Any thoughts...
Other than sunscreen, I did not bring any kind of lotion. It was warm and dry and I ended up purchasing some hand lotion when my fingers began to crack. But if you need such things, buy them there so that you are not carrying anything you don't need.
Stayed at Juan de Yepes Oct. 2019. Same owner as Santa Brigida. Nice space, great communal meal. They have a little cafe for beverages and snacks upon arrival and for something to eat before heading out for the day. Recommend it.
SJPP to Roncevalles via Napoleon route in the rain and mist. Completely magical. We could hear the bells from the sheep or cows or horses before we saw them. They would rise magically out of the mist. The forested section before you get to the highest point, shrowded in mist, was...
As others have suggested, the Easy Jet flight from Paris to Biarritz and then the Bouricoutt Express shuttle to SJPP works well. Don't know where you are coming from in the US, but regardless, it will be a long day. If you need to rest up before starting your Camino, do it SJPP. Bouricoutt...
A slight twist to this question: I will be returning to finish the Camino Frances which I started this year. In 2020 will start in Leon in early May. I am not particularly worried about finding a bed, but am wondering what the "crowd" size will be at this time of the year from Leon to...
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