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I disagree with walking to a schedule on pilgrimage, and especially aiming for a daily mileage. It's not an Olympic sport. Walk short days, stop when you feel like it (lots of options after Pamplona) see how far you get, come back another time and resume. Read "Ithaca" by Cavafy - better to...
People may greet you but if you just wave they almost never persist. Numbers thin out after Logroño, lots of time with few people. Also set off a bit late after the 7am rush hour, and you hit the spaces. Sit in quiet churches, eat alone. Stop in unusual places and above all avoid big towns on...
Why not put rucksack + other suspect items in bin liner, spray in a good blast of fly spray, knot it and leave for a few days? Then rinse in hot shower & drip dry.
Agreed, you can manage with half litre if you drink plenty in the morning, and refill whenever there's an opportunity, also drink there. There's a merciful tap at the top of the steep part of Valcarlos route from St. Jean. Might need more on Meseta in warm weather.
Am on Camino now, currently in Los Arcos. Start from Roncesvalles in good time, bunk in Zubiri should be OK - but be prepared to continue to Larrasoaña if necessary. Municipal is open there. It makes a long day but OK if you're fit.
Minimise weight. Most hostels now open including municipals. St. Jean lively but not too busy. Both routes to Roncesvalles are strenuous - minimise weight and only attempt if you are reasonably fit. Minimise weight. No need to book after Roncesvalles if you arrive at destination in good time...
Maybe the distinction isn't to include or avoid this section or that, but whether or not one gets out of one's head and lets the conversation be between Camino and feet. If our minds are full of debate about the route, how much space is there for anything else? Advice from a hospitalero in 2018...
I've been interested in that route for some time, and would be very grateful to know how it goes, what accommodation is available this early in the season, and how long it takes. I start from St. Jean on 1st April, but slowly, so you might overtake me at some point.
Am arriving St. Jean 31st March (Easter Sunday), and start walking April 1st. Any suggestions about how busy St. Jean is likely to be, and whether it's necessary to book a hostel?
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