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  1. Kitsambler

    Cheap bank ATM fees?

    (American here). Long-time user of Schwab, and very happy with their service when I travel. Several other US banks also offer ATM-fee reimbursement, especially the online-only companies. But this account feature seems to come and go. Bank of America for example, offers some years but not others...
  2. Kitsambler

    Three rescues on the Route Napoleon yesterday

    This story brought to you by the Department of Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should. Glad they were able to reach safety.
  3. Kitsambler

    Where to stay in SJPDP- September 2024

    Given that on that date last year, the number of pilgrims exceeded the number of beds in town and they had to open the fire hall, I recommend taking any lodging that will reserve for your schedule. Some don't use Booking.com; those that do, won't make all their spots available there. So break...
  4. Kitsambler

    Best day to leave Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port ?

    Stay over Tuesday and leave Wednesday.
  5. Kitsambler

    Mid Sept?

    I left SJPP on Sep 13; our gite host there said 500 a day were leaving SJPP (the town does not have that many beds, they had to open the fire hall), and everyone was fully booked through the end of the month.
  6. Kitsambler

    Experience staying at the Monastery of Saint Benedict in Estella?

    You could try WhatsApp-ing a neighboring lodging in the same town, to ask about the monastery situation.
  7. Kitsambler

    LIVE from the Camino @TiedyeAT on the Camino Francés

    Given the weeks of heavy rain in the recent past, and Christmas just around the corner, not to mention the heavy snow in central Europe, I can't say I'm surprised. (It's not just the Camino; I hear that this is regularly a slow couple weeks at Disneyworld too.)
  8. Kitsambler

    Some data on booking ahead on the CF at Rabanal del Camino

    I heard that one could send to the municipal, and then retrieve bag from there, without having a booking (there or elsewhere). Never tried it myself, but would love some comment on this theory.
  9. Kitsambler

    Booking ahead

    What'sApp is your friend. It will also translate your message (works both ways). Regardless of the announced opening/closing times, I'd check in advance even if not making reservations.
  10. Kitsambler

    LIVE from the Camino The September Wave: Increase in Pilgrims and Availability of Beds

    I’m currently in Burgos. All the way since Pamplona, things have been full and people who are only booking for next day are having real trouble finding a spot. Often they need to shorten or lengthen their plan in order to find a bed. Several times I have shared my private room with a friend who...
  11. Kitsambler

    LIVE from the Camino The September Wave: Increase in Pilgrims and Availability of Beds

    When I left SJPP on 14Sep, 500 pilgrims left with me. There are not 500 beds in SJPP, so they opened the fire hall. But, not everyone had mats. Two days later, reports of 900 leaving. Gite host said it wasn’t quieting down until last week of Sept. I am now in Lorca, and everyone is booking out...
  12. Kitsambler

    Camino Frances advice

    https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/forum-tip-how-to-post-question-comment-new-thread-on-the-forum.20844/
  13. Kitsambler

    Coming to the Camino Frances, a flood of tour groups

    This mode is precisely what I saw in Germany; and preponderantly during the July-August holiday period. That's why their routes were so unpopulated the other months that still had nice weather.
  14. Kitsambler

    Hydration pack or water bottles?

    Both! Bladders are hard to refill unless you've emptied the pack, and it's difficult to clean them of electrolyte or juice solutions. So put those in a bottle, which is very easy to fill up from taps along the way.
  15. Kitsambler

    Sketching along the way

    Thank you thank you thank you. I had been thinking about taking up urban sketching, as my European travels slow down, and this has been wonderfully motivational.
  16. Kitsambler

    León pilgrim information point statistics

    Interesting! It appears the French are now (at least in May, their favorite month) walking in Spain. When I was walking the Le Puy (2010-2011), all the French stopped at SJPP. And merciful heavens, the huge numbers of South Koreans! Was there some instigating event for them, like Hapa Kerkling's...
  17. Kitsambler

    How Important Was It To You To Do "Full" CF ?

    Having walked from Prague to SJPP in stages over several years, let me say this: You are not in control of your pilgrimage. Be open to walking shorter, or longer, as seems fitting in the moment. This is the major lesson of the experience: you are not in control.
  18. Kitsambler

    The White Cross (Cross of Roldán)

    Very interesting! And this phenomenon was not confined to Spain. While walking from Geneva, a local guide explained that the ubiquitous cross-road crosses seen in rural France were erected because it was believed the witches met at these intersections.
  19. Kitsambler

    Thinking of walking Camino Frances in summer 2021... in need of advice

    Now is too soon to make a decision that closes off your options. My recommendation is to proceed as though both plans may happen, because they might! One thing perhaps missing from your consideration is that your chosen industry (US higher education) is under terrific economic stress from the...
  20. Kitsambler

    How much longer??

    The water-cooler talk at our local research hospital here in Seattle is: two more years. Ugh.

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