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Why not, JP? My sis and I prebooked on the CP, had no probs and met numerous fellow pilgrims.I dont begrudge anyone pre-booking but I also hope it doesn't become the norm for a large majority either. Thanks for the updates!
Why not, JP? My sis and I prebooked on the CP, had no probs and met numerous fellow pilgrims.
It may just be an antiquated idea I have. I'm glad you had a good camino and as I said I don't begrudge anyone doing what makes them comfortable. It seems like it could be one of those things in life that as word of mouth passes or people read about it the dynamics slowly change and something that was once the rarity among pilgrims becomes the norm. Increasing numbers of pilgrims adds pressure to secure accommodation I'm sure. It is really just a personal opinion of mine and didn't add or take away anything from my camino experience or wish to return one day.
Can you please elaborate? I'll walk StJPP to RV April 20 and am clueless. Thanks!A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV.
Yeah, i’m With you on that. For me, the serendipity of making my mind up as I go along, is an essential part of the odysseyI dont begrudge anyone pre-booking but I also hope it doesn't become the norm for a large majority either. Thanks for the updates!
Subjective title here, but I normally do April Caminos and this one is a busy one. Arrived on the noon train on April 1st and after checking into the pilgrim office headed up to Orisson. Orisson has a renovation underway with an additional 16 beds (underneath the outdoor patio... quite the view). Still a little "fresh" as the showers are not yet completed (you have to use the older showers behind the restaurant) and the washroom stalls lack doors, but probably will be completed before the Easter rush starts.
Napoleon was obviously open and weather was overcast with short drizzles and later in the day some sunny breaks... good walking weather. No snow on the paths and muddy sections very limited with the typical thick leaves on the Roncesvalles downhill side. A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV. Oh, and the staff at RV warned of caring for valuables and cell phone as they had some thefts last week.
The SJPdP office was at their high efficient best. They do a fantastic service for new and not so new pilgrims.
They were expecting snow today and perhaps the next few days, so they may be shutting the route down for a few days. This report is Monday/Tuesday. Today between RV and Zubiri was ongoing drizzle with some snow pellets and around 2-5c in temperature. Most of the bars and restaurants are in full swing, so lots of places for coffee and zumo along the way. The portable food stand is open at the top of the mountain b4 Zubiri, and was doing booming business.
For early April the Camino is busy! RV was placing pilgrims up into the third floor and pilgrims meals were full in some of the restaurants. Lots of pilgrims on the trail. Seems like an after Easter crowd, rather than 3 weeks before. Zubiri tonight is a noted choke point, but is busy. The restaurants were full so will venture out for dinner Spanish style (ie after 8pm). More pilgrims seem to be prebooking beds these days so apps like Ultreia and a local phone SIM have become par for the course, else that dreaded top bunk!
We'll see how much the crowds thin as options increase along the way. For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
Enough for now... food calls!
P.S. Typos result from this damn tablet!. Oh and I know the Napoleon vs Valcarlos is a touchy subject, but even with some low clouds, I'd choose Napoleon every time (3 time Valcarlos veteran).
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my first Camino was being able to walk all day without worrying about the bed race confident of finding somewhere to sleep when I eventually stopped for the night. The idea of having to pre-book a bed and therefore commit myself to predetermined daily stages sucks most of the joy out of the journey for me. So I now walk quieter routes and in off-seasons where it is still possible to be spontaneous.Calling ahead for a bed is the new unfortunate reality. The camino changes
Starting my Camino April 19-20. New. Do you suggest I do book rm inSJPdP?Subjective title here, but I normally do April Caminos and this one is a busy one. Arrived on the noon train on April 1st and after checking into the pilgrim office headed up to Orisson. Orisson has a renovation underway with an additional 16 beds (underneath the outdoor patio... quite the view). Still a little "fresh" as the showers are not yet completed (you have to use the older showers behind the restaurant) and the washroom stalls lack doors, but probably will be completed before the Easter rush starts.
Napoleon was obviously open and weather was overcast with short drizzles and later in the day some sunny breaks... good walking weather. No snow on the paths and muddy sections very limited with the typical thick leaves on the Roncesvalles downhill side. A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV. Oh, and the staff at RV warned of caring for valuables and cell phone as they had some thefts last week.
The SJPdP office was at their high efficient best. They do a fantastic service for new and not so new pilgrims.
They were expecting snow today and perhaps the next few days, so they may be shutting the route down for a few days. This report is Monday/Tuesday. Today between RV and Zubiri was ongoing drizzle with some snow pellets and around 2-5c in temperature. Most of the bars and restaurants are in full swing, so lots of places for coffee and zumo along the way. The portable food stand is open at the top of the mountain b4 Zubiri, and was doing booming business.
For early April the Camino is busy! RV was placing pilgrims up into the third floor and pilgrims meals were full in some of the restaurants. Lots of pilgrims on the trail. Seems like an after Easter crowd, rather than 3 weeks before. Zubiri tonight is a noted choke point, but is busy. The restaurants were full so will venture out for dinner Spanish style (ie after 8pm). More pilgrims seem to be prebooking beds these days so apps like Ultreia and a local phone SIM have become par for the course, else that dreaded top bunk!
We'll see how much the crowds thin as options increase along the way. For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
Enough for now... food calls!
P.S. Typos result from this damn tablet!. Oh and I know the Napoleon vs Valcarlos is a touchy subject, but even with some low clouds, I'd choose Napoleon every time (3 time Valcarlos veteran).
Sign of the times. We all like to harken back to the days when muni albergues were the only options but you knew you could take your time, walk without running and get a bed. Not so these days even with all the privates popping up. And since privates run on profits, many are not open b4 easter and certainly not in March. Over my past 10 camino years its easy to notice how April has become the new May, yet all the infrastructure is not in full swing (hence the theme of my posts). Calling ahead for a bed is the new unfortunate reality. The camino changes
It seems like it could be one of those things in life that as word of mouth passes or people read about it the dynamics slowly change and something that was once the rarity among pilgrims becomes the norm. Increasing numbers of pilgrims adds pressure to secure accommodation I'm sure
I wouldn’t miss staying at Orisson for anything. The experience of the dinner and each Peregrino being asked to stand and share where they’re from and why they are walking The Camino is priceless. At least to me it was.
Buen Camino
Subjective title here, but I normally do April Caminos and this one is a busy one. Arrived on the noon train on April 1st and after checking into the pilgrim office headed up to Orisson. Orisson has a renovation underway with an additional 16 beds (underneath the outdoor patio... quite the view). Still a little "fresh" as the showers are not yet completed (you have to use the older showers behind the restaurant) and the washroom stalls lack doors, but probably will be completed before the Easter rush starts.
Napoleon was obviously open and weather was overcast with short drizzles and later in the day some sunny breaks... good walking weather. No snow on the paths and muddy sections very limited with the typical thick leaves on the Roncesvalles downhill side. A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV. Oh, and the staff at RV warned of caring for valuables and cell phone as they had some thefts last week.
The SJPdP office was at their high efficient best. They do a fantastic service for new and not so new pilgrims.
They were expecting snow today and perhaps the next few days, so they may be shutting the route down for a few days. This report is Monday/Tuesday. Today between RV and Zubiri was ongoing drizzle with some snow pellets and around 2-5c in temperature. Most of the bars and restaurants are in full swing, so lots of places for coffee and zumo along the way. The portable food stand is open at the top of the mountain b4 Zubiri, and was doing booming business.
For early April the Camino is busy! RV was placing pilgrims up into the third floor and pilgrims meals were full in some of the restaurants. Lots of pilgrims on the trail. Seems like an after Easter crowd, rather than 3 weeks before. Zubiri tonight is a noted choke point, but is busy. The restaurants were full so will venture out for dinner Spanish style (ie after 8pm). More pilgrims seem to be prebooking beds these days so apps like Ultreia and a local phone SIM have become par for the course, else that dreaded top bunk!
We'll see how much the crowds thin as options increase along the way. For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
Enough for now... food calls!
P.S. Typos result from this damn tablet!. Oh and I know the Napoleon vs Valcarlos is a touchy subject, but even with some low clouds, I'd choose Napoleon every time (3 time Valcarlos veteran).
Subjective title here, but I normally do April Caminos and this one is a busy one. Arrived on the noon train on April 1st and after checking into the pilgrim office headed up to Orisson. Orisson has a renovation underway with an additional 16 beds (underneath the outdoor patio... quite the view). Still a little "fresh" as the showers are not yet completed (you have to use the older showers behind the restaurant) and the washroom stalls lack doors, but probably will be completed before the Easter rush starts.
Napoleon was obviously open and weather was overcast with short drizzles and later in the day some sunny breaks... good walking weather. No snow on the paths and muddy sections very limited with the typical thick leaves on the Roncesvalles downhill side. A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV. Oh, and the staff at RV warned of caring for valuables and cell phone as they had some thefts last week.
The SJPdP office was at their high efficient best. They do a fantastic service for new and not so new pilgrims.
They were expecting snow today and perhaps the next few days, so they may be shutting the route down for a few days. This report is Monday/Tuesday. Today between RV and Zubiri was ongoing drizzle with some snow pellets and around 2-5c in temperature. Most of the bars and restaurants are in full swing, so lots of places for coffee and zumo along the way. The portable food stand is open at the top of the mountain b4 Zubiri, and was doing booming business.
For early April the Camino is busy! RV was placing pilgrims up into the third floor and pilgrims meals were full in some of the restaurants. Lots of pilgrims on the trail. Seems like an after Easter crowd, rather than 3 weeks before. Zubiri tonight is a noted choke point, but is busy. The restaurants were full so will venture out for dinner Spanish style (ie after 8pm). More pilgrims seem to be prebooking beds these days so apps like Ultreia and a local phone SIM have become par for the course, else that dreaded top bunk!
We'll see how much the crowds thin as options increase along the way. For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
Enough for now... food calls!
P.S. Typos result from this damn tablet!. Oh and I know the Napoleon vs Valcarlos is a touchy subject, but even with some low clouds, I'd choose Napoleon every time (3 time Valcarlos veteran).
Buen Camino peregrino.Subjective title here, but I normally do April Caminos and this one is a busy one. Arrived on the noon train on April 1st and after checking into the pilgrim office headed up to Orisson. Orisson has a renovation underway with an additional 16 beds (underneath the outdoor patio... quite the view). Still a little "fresh" as the showers are not yet completed (you have to use the older showers behind the restaurant) and the washroom stalls lack doors, but probably will be completed before the Easter rush starts.
Napoleon was obviously open and weather was overcast with short drizzles and later in the day some sunny breaks... good walking weather. No snow on the paths and muddy sections very limited with the typical thick leaves on the Roncesvalles downhill side. A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV. Oh, and the staff at RV warned of caring for valuables and cell phone as they had some thefts last week.
The SJPdP office was at their high efficient best. They do a fantastic service for new and not so new pilgrims.
They were expecting snow today and perhaps the next few days, so they may be shutting the route down for a few days. This report is Monday/Tuesday. Today between RV and Zubiri was ongoing drizzle with some snow pellets and around 2-5c in temperature. Most of the bars and restaurants are in full swing, so lots of places for coffee and zumo along the way. The portable food stand is open at the top of the mountain b4 Zubiri, and was doing booming business.
For early April the Camino is busy! RV was placing pilgrims up into the third floor and pilgrims meals were full in some of the restaurants. Lots of pilgrims on the trail. Seems like an after Easter crowd, rather than 3 weeks before. Zubiri tonight is a noted choke point, but is busy. The restaurants were full so will venture out for dinner Spanish style (ie after 8pm). More pilgrims seem to be prebooking beds these days so apps like Ultreia and a local phone SIM have become par for the course, else that dreaded top bunk!
We'll see how much the crowds thin as options increase along the way. For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
Enough for now... food calls!
P.S. Typos result from this damn tablet!. Oh and I know the Napoleon vs Valcarlos is a touchy subject, but even with some low clouds, I'd choose Napoleon every time (3 time Valcarlos veteran).
If you would like a quiet Camino, try the Camino from Alicante, on my recent journey, arrived in Santiago 05/04/19, I met only 9 pilgrims over 1150km, 7 of those 9 cane in the last 300km, they where all doing the Via da la Plata.Subjective title here, but I normally do April Caminos and this one is a busy one. Arrived on the noon train on April 1st and after checking into the pilgrim office headed up to Orisson. Orisson has a renovation underway with an additional 16 beds (underneath the outdoor patio... quite the view). Still a little "fresh" as the showers are not yet completed (you have to use the older showers behind the restaurant) and the washroom stalls lack doors, but probably will be completed before the Easter rush starts.
Napoleon was obviously open and weather was overcast with short drizzles and later in the day some sunny breaks... good walking weather. No snow on the paths and muddy sections very limited with the typical thick leaves on the Roncesvalles downhill side. A lot of Pilgrims followed the signs at the downhill forest or road option b4 RV (Pilgrim office suggests the little road and I agree). The road might be a little longer, but 100% easier on the knees and toes and has the spectacular views of RV. Oh, and the staff at RV warned of caring for valuables and cell phone as they had some thefts last week.
The SJPdP office was at their high efficient best. They do a fantastic service for new and not so new pilgrims.
They were expecting snow today and perhaps the next few days, so they may be shutting the route down for a few days. This report is Monday/Tuesday. Today between RV and Zubiri was ongoing drizzle with some snow pellets and around 2-5c in temperature. Most of the bars and restaurants are in full swing, so lots of places for coffee and zumo along the way. The portable food stand is open at the top of the mountain b4 Zubiri, and was doing booming business.
For early April the Camino is busy! RV was placing pilgrims up into the third floor and pilgrims meals were full in some of the restaurants. Lots of pilgrims on the trail. Seems like an after Easter crowd, rather than 3 weeks before. Zubiri tonight is a noted choke point, but is busy. The restaurants were full so will venture out for dinner Spanish style (ie after 8pm). More pilgrims seem to be prebooking beds these days so apps like Ultreia and a local phone SIM have become par for the course, else that dreaded top bunk!
We'll see how much the crowds thin as options increase along the way. For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
Enough for now... food calls!
P.S. Typos result from this damn tablet!. Oh and I know the Napoleon vs Valcarlos is a touchy subject, but even with some low clouds, I'd choose Napoleon every time (3 time Valcarlos veteran).
The experience of the dinner and each Peregrino being asked to stand and share where they’re from and why they are walking The Camino is priceless
Commence in Mont St Michel , DG , and when you reach Bordeaux the number will be under a dozen ,For me, I'm quite happy to switch to the Primitivo at Burgos, if bed racing ensues.
It only means that you have the opportunity for unexpected delights and adventures. Perhaps you might have to take a taxi (or walk) a few km off the marked route to a place that might treat you like royalty. The camino is an opportunity to let the universe reveal itself.So does this mean if we dont prebook..I start in mid April and only doing parts some in pyranees and then from O'cebreiro/Sarria..am I risking sleeping on the streets??
The experience of the dinner and each Peregrino being asked to stand and share where they’re from and why they are walking The Camino is priceless.
Thx... Love the Primitivo and just looking for an excuse to switch overCommence in Mont St Michel , DG , and when you reach Bordeaux the number will be under a dozen ,
And in our case 1/2 we going the other way.
It was beautiful and peaceful with much warmth shown by the village people in Nth France.
Im not saying prebook weeks in advance... If I know the place that day i want to get to is a noted choke point (ie limited beds), i call ahead that morning and see how busy they are. If it is a favourite albergue and they are busy then i book for that night. If i dont care i can just walk to the next town or do a return taxi. I dont do this often as like many others i like the flexibiltySo does this mean if we dont prebook..I start in mid April and only doing parts some in pyranees and then from O'cebreiro/Sarria..am I risking sleeping on the streets??
I dont do this often as like many others i like the flexibilty
Yes me too I Not knocking crowds and pre booking etc But I prefer the less travelled caminos where I can pace myself more and stay in a town a couple of nights or do Short Walk one day . Probably age . Things have to change Nd infrastructures a big economical thrust on caminos Spain . Buen caminos to all busy or otherwise it’s still wonderfulOne of the most enjoyable aspects of my first Camino was being able to walk all day without worrying about the bed race confident of finding somewhere to sleep when I eventually stopped for the night. The idea of having to pre-book a bed and therefore commit myself to predetermined daily stages sucks most of the joy out of the journey for me. So I now walk quieter routes and in off-seasons where it is still possible to be spontaneous.
It turns out I was more confident of finding a bed on my second Camino than my first. There were a lot more people. But there were also a lot more beds.One of the most enjoyable aspects of my first Camino was being able to walk all day without worrying about the bed race confident of finding somewhere to sleep when I eventually stopped for the night. The idea of having to pre-book a bed and therefore commit myself to predetermined daily stages sucks most of the joy out of the journey for me. So I now walk quieter routes and in off-seasons where it is still possible to be spontaneous.
Debbi - There's a particular junction point on the descent into Roncesvalles. The Pilgrim Office recommends taking the option which descends more gradually. The alternative is a steep descent through a forested area, notorious for being slippery. If you search for maps on this Forum or check the guidebooks the junction is indicated. Since I have not walked a Camino before, I'm open to receiving advice (but given a choice between road and forest, I have to admit that a forest appeals more...)Can you please elaborate? I'll walk StJPP to RV April 20 and am clueless. Thanks!
It turns out I was more confident of finding a bed on my second Camino than my first. There were a lot more people. But there were also a lot more beds.
The junction is marked, although some blow past without glancing at it. The junction is just after you have started going dowhill. The forest path is straight ahead, the road is to the right.Debbi - There's a particular junction point on the descent into Roncesvalles. The Pilgrim Office recommends taking the option which descends more gradually. The alternative is a steep descent through a forested area, notorious for being slippery. If you search for maps on this Forum or check the guidebooks the junction is indicated. Since I have not walked a Camino before, I'm open to receiving advice (but given a choice between road and forest, I have to admit that a forest appeals more...)
last thing I fancy is a bed race and I don’t intend to prebook anywhere!Fingers crossed I won’t be sleeping in The streets.
O Cebreiro was "full" on my first camino. It was before the albergue was built. But they did let me lay out my sleeping bag in the common room floor in front of the fireplace when I entreated them. It was one of those times I really felt like a medieval pilgrim.I never came across a "full" sign on my first Camino. But I've been reading a few posts in the past few days from people on the early stages of the Frances who are finding full albergues right now and walking much further than they had intended.
I felt like a very upmarket medieval pilgrim in O Cebreiro. I stayed in the hostalO Cebreiro was "full" on my first camino. It was before the albergue was built. But they did let me lay out my sleeping bag in the common room floor in front of the fireplace when I entreated them. It was one of those times I really felt like a medieval pilgrim.
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