This is neither here nor there, but the places I'd love to see a cozy private albergue are O Cebreiro and Astorga. I assume there's a very good reason there aren't more options in those spots (given how saturated with albergues some villages are), but I'm still hopeful. :)
Perhaps also worth talking with Ashley Weaver from Casa Licerio in Samos (a casa rural rather than albergue, and from reading her story it looks like she rents rather than having bought). https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/casa-licerio-a-casa-rural-in-samos.490/
I believe that...
All three have pilgrim menus, and Zubiri and Valcarlos both have small grocery shops. Roncesvalles does not have a shop, but the albergue has a big kitchen and I recall there were vending machines with grocery items (yogurt, microwave meals, etc.). Going in reverse, you can also pick up...
Sounds challenging!
I second the others who have suggested getting private accommodations. I think staying in dormitories with small children and children with special needs would be stressful both for the children and the other pilgrims in the dorm. It sounds like you have the time to keep...
There's a nice gear store called Huracán Astorga on Plaza Santocildes. Owner is really nice and speaks good English, and they have a good selection of outdoor gear.
I've been happy to take the top bunk ever since I saw a pilgrim return to his (lower bunk) bed at the Nájera municipal albergue and the board holding his mattress fell through the frame to the floor with him on it. He was fine and took it in stride (though the whole dorm was awakened), but ever...
I thought this place was great! Excellent meal and beautiful grounds. Really lux bathroom and shower in the dormitory. The dorm is a little small, but perfectly adequate. The place does have more the feel of a resort than an albergue, but I found that kind of refreshing. :)
I get the...
Personally, I think walking alone is a great experience, very empowering to handle the challenge alone and freeing to not have to worry about any one else's schedule or needs. I think walking alone also helps one be more open to meeting new people. My boyfriend (now husband) and I walked...
I had a bit of a rough experience with the reception at San Martin Pinario last fall as well. Nothing too drastic, but the receptionist was obviously stressed and quite curt. I was shocked at how packed the place was, a very far cry from staying there 6 years ago when there were few guests and...
Hi friends,
I've removed my previous posts and offer sincere apologies to anyone they offended.
Here's the list of market days we found in our book research. Corrections and additions welcome!
SJPP: Monday
Puente la Reina: Thursday
Estella: Thursday
Los Arcos: Saturday
Logroño: Sunday
Santo...
Here's a cheap option to plug two items (US or European plug) into a European plug. Probably a good bit lighter than carrying an extension cord:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SY ... ecamino-20
I agree, do it your way.
In our guidebook, we list private accommodations with prices and amenities. This list of websites also shows which private accommodations can be booked online via booking.com: http://www.hikingthecamino.com/book/guidebook-website-links
Yes!
I tried to convince my mom not to take an insulated thermos, but she defied me and carried one anyway, along with some others items I thought were unnecessary. :) She loved having hot water available for morning tea and it was well worth the weight for her, especially on some cold and...
Have a look at the sample chapter of the book we recently published, and see if it is the kind of historical info you are looking for:
http://www.hikingthecamino.com/book
The book has topographical maps, comprehensive accommodations and town amenity information, route descriptions, and we...
I got a similar lightweight backpack at Decathlon (a chain outdoor gear store in Spain) but for only €4. It is 14 liters, 55 grams, comes in many color options, and was sturdy and reliable for me (says it can carry up to 5 kilos). I got a bright purple one, which was always easy to find in my...
I believe the bike path is about 3km longer if you rejoin the primary route in Villava, but it also goes near the Huarte albergue so would be convenient if you want to stay there.
The bike path follows the river, so does a lot of zigzagging between Huarte and Pamplona, so would add much more to...
Had to laugh at this.
The leaking reservoir is the bane of my backpacking existence. I switched back to bottles with screw-on lids for this very reason. ;)
A just-for-fun question.
I know many people (including me) do a lot of cooking along the camino, either to save money or to get out of the "pilgrim menú" rut. I'm feeling nostalgic for the many pasta dinners and bottles of cheap red wine, as well as the impossibly rich Greek yogurt I used to...
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