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  1. roving_rufus

    Passport stamps

    If you want to have a look at some there is a website that collects them https://www.lossellosdelcamino.com/index.php/espana/camino-frances-incluye-caminos-navarro-y-aragones From accomodation, bars, churches, townhalls, tourist offices, post offices...
  2. roving_rufus

    LIVE from the Camino Feels Unpleasantly Busy on the Camino Frances (May Day, 2024)

    Or try the Via Kunig from Las Herrerias to Lugo then camino Verde and onto the Camino Norte. (From Astorga the Camino Manzanal would be extremely quiet!)
  3. roving_rufus

    If you had to choose to skip a part of the route. What would be your choice?

    I would probably say if I was going to miss a section- Mansilla to Leon as there are regular buses into the centre, and then take a bus out from Leon to Virgin del camino would total nearly 30km. I loved the meseta. Sarria to SdeC I tried to join in the party but truthfully just tried to avoid...
  4. roving_rufus

    Planning First Camino, February: Advice, safety, comfort

    In winter I do tend to carry a flask. I prefer a raincoat. But financially- would you wear the poncho walking in the UK? Or is a raincoat a better investment?
  5. roving_rufus

    Planning First Camino, February: Advice, safety, comfort

    With the aprinca advice to reserve is more to check the albergue is definitely open, though by February this is generally less of an issue. In winter I generally sent a whatapp message or rang maybe a day or two ahead to see if open and "reserve". And I use "reserve" in a very loose sense...
  6. roving_rufus

    El Camino Frances in January 2024

    Like the VF off-season (I did Vercellito Fidenza in January 2020) , the CF in winter requires more thought, planning and carrying extra gear and food. It's being weather aware - so not setting out in poor conditions particularly in mountainous or isolated sections. There is plenty of winter...
  7. roving_rufus

    From Sarria to Santiago - safety tips and tricks in December

    I have walked multiple caminos alone as a woman from my late 20s till more than a decade later. Even in December there will be other pilgrims walking that section from Sarria. You will not find any gangs seeking to do you harm. Unfortunately, there are very rare events of theft or a man...
  8. roving_rufus

    Weather in November/December

    The 26 days could be an issue in winter as there are fewer accommodation options, so some days might be short between options say 20km. Equally trying to do long 40km days means leaving in the dark and arriving in the dark. (I've done a few of these days and leaving in dark in freezing...
  9. roving_rufus

    Long stretch from Carrión to Calzadilla de la Cueza

    Since I carry an umbrella I use it as a shield, heading off the main track, in this more open situation with no cover. I have a pee rag that I can wash out later (do not leave toilet paper behind!). But truthfully it's a skill to learn to squat in the open air and to stand up again unaided which...
  10. roving_rufus

    LIVE from the Camino Struggling with doubt on the Camino Frances

    You have made it 6 days so far! WELL DONE! And you have crossed the Pyrenees! however...I tell myself "I can" - then I treat myself as bit fragile - a short day (or a rest day), some nice food (a decent meal can help), maybe even a private room if I haven't had great sleep. I have a cry if I...
  11. roving_rufus

    Oct. 12 lodging, National Holiday in Spain

    Given your other posting -about jitters- I am getting a sense of nervousness - don't worry about the 12th just yet. Leave it closer to it and then figure out where you are and make a plan
  12. roving_rufus

    SAINT-JEAN (1st Day) failure rate 40%?!

    If you have concerns - plenty of people pre-arrange to split the day from SJPdP to Roncesvalles - either staying at Orrission/Borda or pre-booking a taxi pick-up and shuttling back down to SJPdP and then returning in the morning.
  13. roving_rufus

    Do I need better rain gear? (or mental strategy for rain)

    Summer season I take a light raincoat, pack cover and an umbrella. Raincoats are hot and sticky so unless it was cool or a terrible downpour I stuck with using the umbrella. (The umbrella comes all seasons - but I do add waterproof trousers outside of summer)
  14. roving_rufus

    Camino Frances, what to expect in October

    By October I tend to carry something reflective & fluorescent for morning starts as sunrise is so late.
  15. roving_rufus

    Camino prep

    I'd concentrate more on getting some walking in to prepare! But less kebabs and chips are generally a good idea. I'd try to get in some decent protein as these help with muscles (eg eggs, chicken etc), and some vegetables too.
  16. roving_rufus

    what to do if i only have 16 days to walk?

    My first time was 2 weeks and I walked CF from Leon to SdeC. But if you are keen to do the whole CF in future how about the CP from Porto as the Portuguese route has plenty of infrastructure and keep the CF for future? That said I enjoyed the last section of the CF from Leon.
  17. roving_rufus

    Camino Congestion - Change routes?

    Another option from Bayonne is the Tunnel Route/Vasco Interior/ Via Bayonne. It is well marked from Irun, and the section from Bayonne (or even Biarritz train station) to Irun is fairly well marked - the Voie Littoral after Biarritz station is definitely recommended. The Vasco Interior goes to...
  18. roving_rufus

    Walking at 4 am. Under a full moon?

    I did it on the Chemin Mont Saint Michel leaving Granville in a heatwave - left about 4am with a full moon, it was quite magical! But as I was the only pilgrim staying that night I didn't disturb anyone leaving. But then had to wait for a long time for hostel in Genets to open at 5pm, and...
  19. roving_rufus

    No hot dinners in Viana on Mondays

    It's also a good reminder to pay attention to any official holidays or big festivals like Easter as often they can effect businesses being open or what hours they are- such as the Monday after a busy holiday weekend. And to make sure to pick up supplies in advance just in case.
  20. roving_rufus

    Has the Camino Frances become a victim of its own success?

    I walked the Via Bayonne from Bayonne to Burgos over the last year- with use of one or two pensions or hostals and a fair number of albergues it's very easy to keep to under 25km days (also known as the tunnel route, it also runs for several days with the Vasco Interior). It would be a new...

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