- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2015-2023 walked all or part of CF 11 times
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I am following your progress with interest, as I plan on walking much of it in the fall, including the Vasco Interior, the Invierno, and the Frances between. It is only a couple of years since I walked the Invierno, but there seem to have been so many changes, particularly in accommodation. I have purchased a copy of Brierley's guide to the Invierno, but many of the changes which I have heard of seem to have been more recent. I suspect that I shall be able to find my way, but am more uncertain about accommodation, particularly as I shall be going through rather late in the fall. My main concern at the moment is getting covid, which appears to be common on pilgrim routes and unavoidable. I may stay in private accommodation as much as possible, but at present I cannot see how one can avoid covid on the pilgrim routes in Spain. I hope that the two of you are recovering well and enjoying your walk on the Invierno.
I walked a camino in 2021, the Levante. There was hardly anyone else on it and I always had a private room. This fall, I was attracted to the Podiensis and bought my air ticket to Lyon. I have since learned that most of the accommodation is in communal gites, and shared dorms are often the only bedrooms available. The meals are at a common table, indoors. I have my masks, I have had two booster shots, but I cannot see how to avoid covid with friendly diners on both sides of me, and across from me, at meals. I suppose I might take a train south before I begin my camino, and that may be what I decide to do. I cannot understand why I have seen and heard nothing about covid on that route. Pilgrims have walked it all the way from Le Puy to Santiago (seen on youtube) without getting sick. Maybe it's just that the ones who did don't post on this forum. But I cannot be confident to avoid sickness in such conditions.@Albertagirl it is not a fait accompli that you will get Covid next Camino!
Many, many of us did not get Covid on our Caminos in 2021 &2022. Why? We stayed in private accommodations. We always wore good masks,such as N95s or KN95s indoors. We talked with others along the way, but kept circa 12’ distance. We ate outside as much as possible. Whenever we ate lunch indoors, we tried to eat as soon as lunch was served to miss the crowds. In addition, take a train, rather than a bus. If you can go comfort class, reserve a single seat. Wear Masks on planes leaving and returning to Canada.
We are walking again at the end of September and we will take precautions again.
Although there are many dorm-type gites, I always managed to get a private room, except in Le Sauvage and I think that's possible there now. There's not much you can do about friendly diners other than eat alone, which rather detracts from the experience! Courage!I walked a camino in 2021, the Levante. There was hardly anyone else on it and I always had a private room. This fall, I was attracted to the Podiensis and bought my air ticket to Lyon. I have since learned that most of the accommodation is in communal gites, and shared dorms are often the only bedrooms available. The meals are at a common table, indoors. I have my masks, I have had two booster shots, but I cannot see how to avoid covid with friendly diners on both sides of me, and across from me, at meals. I suppose I might take a train south before I begin my camino, and that may be what I decide to do. I cannot understand why I have seen and heard nothing about covid on that route. Pilgrims have walked it all the way from Le Puy to Santiago (seen on youtube) without getting sick. Maybe it's just that the ones who did don't post on this forum. But I cannot be confident to avoid sickness in such conditions.
Well, the other problem with communal eating for me is that I am a vegetarian. If you have the time, information about where you stayed and how you booked could be very helpful.Although there are many dorm-type gites, I always managed to get a private room, except in Le Sauvage and I think that's possible there now. There's not much you can do about friendly diners other than eat alone, which rather detracts from the experience! Courage!
Yes, please! I don't eat animals so am always looking for info on good places to eat.Well, the other problem with communal eating for me is that I am a vegetarian. If you have the time, information about where you stayed and how you booked could be very helpful.
It’s absolutely far from certain you will catch covid. Did 2 caminos in 2020 and 1 in 2021. Last two years been travelling non stop, mainly in dorms. Masks only worn where legally required to, or where surrounded by older or vulnerable folks, and have hugged, kissed, shaken hands with hundreds of people but no covid to my knowledge.Even if you get it, assume you are vaccinated. The vaccine works. Check the stats![Moderator note: some posts were moved from another thread]
@Albertagirl it is not a fait accompli that you will get Covid next Camino!
Many, many of us did not get Covid on our Caminos in 2021 &2022. Why? We stayed in private accommodations. We always wore good masks,such as N95s or KN95s indoors. We talked with others along the way, but kept circa 12’ distance. We ate outside as much as possible. Whenever we ate lunch indoors, we tried to eat as soon as lunch was served to miss the crowds. In addition, take a train, rather than a bus. If you can go comfort class, reserve a single seat. Wear Masks on planes leaving and returning to Canada.
We are walking again at the end of September and we will take precautions again.
Maybe because the majority of the walkers are French and aren't a member? That said, I am a member of a Via Podiensis Facebook group and haven't read about incidents.I walked a camino in 2021, the Levante. There was hardly anyone else on it and I always had a private room. This fall, I was attracted to the Podiensis and bought my air ticket to Lyon. I have since learned that most of the accommodation is in communal gites, and shared dorms are often the only bedrooms available. The meals are at a common table, indoors. I have my masks, I have had two booster shots, but I cannot see how to avoid covid with friendly diners on both sides of me, and across from me, at meals. I suppose I might take a train south before I begin my camino, and that may be what I decide to do. I cannot understand why I have seen and heard nothing about covid on that route. Pilgrims have walked it all the way from Le Puy to Santiago (seen on youtube) without getting sick. Maybe it's just that the ones who did don't post on this forum. But I cannot be confident to avoid sickness in such conditions.
My husband and I did the same thing: wore masks indoors and ate outside and thank God we stayed well on our Camino. We will walk again this fall on the Camino Frances![Moderator note: some posts were moved from another thread]
@Albertagirl it is not a fait accompli that you will get Covid next Camino!
Many, many of us did not get Covid on our Caminos in 2021 &2022. Why? We stayed in private accommodations. We always wore good masks,such as N95s or KN95s indoors. We talked with others along the way, but kept circa 12’ distance. We ate outside as much as possible. Whenever we ate lunch indoors, we tried to eat as soon as lunch was served to miss the crowds. In addition, take a train, rather than a bus. If you can go comfort class, reserve a single seat. Wear Masks on planes leaving and returning to Canada.
We are walking again at the end of September and we will take precautions again.
Well, maybe.I do not believe staying in private rooms keeps you safe from Covid.
I stayed in dormitories and private places and shared "pods" throughout the Covid crisis, and I did not contract Covid in any of them.
When I did catch it, I am pretty sure it came from a nice restaurant in Santiago de Compostela.
When your number is up, you got it. No matter where you sleep.
My friend and I just completed the Portuguese Camino from Porto. We stayed in small hotels, separate rooms, wore KN95 masks at all times when inside restaurants or crowded outdoor area. She got covid, I did not, not sure where she got it but Covid is out there. She was fine, just sinus and cough issues. People just go on hiking in spite of having covid. Not sure what the answer is on how to avoid it! I was lucky or ?????[Moderator note: some posts were moved from another thread]
@Albertagirl it is not a fait accompli that you will get Covid next Camino!
Many, many of us did not get Covid on our Caminos in 2021 &2022. Why? We stayed in private accommodations. We always wore good masks,such as N95s or KN95s indoors. We talked with others along the way, but kept circa 12’ distance. We ate outside as much as possible. Whenever we ate lunch indoors, we tried to eat as soon as lunch was served to miss the crowds. In addition, take a train, rather than a bus. If you can go comfort class, reserve a single seat. Wear Masks on planes leaving and returning to Canada.
We are walking again at the end of September and we will take precautions again.
I loved the demi-pension on the Le Puy, and the food at dinner was exceptional. Often meals were provided by the hosts because there were no towns or restaurants nearby as options. I thought it very convenient and I appreciated it.My experience last September from le Puy is that private rooms are an exception and since demi-pension rules, if you want to eat it will be at the same table as fellow walkers. Some gîte holders will not even accept a reservation (yes needed) if you don't plan on eating too which I found unfortunate.
This year, the only one person I knew who got Covid on the Camino (francés) was staying in private accommodation and because of other health problems was keeping well clear of peopleI do not believe staying in private rooms keeps you safe from Covid.
I stayed in dormitories and private places and shared "pods" throughout the Covid crisis, and I did not contract Covid in any of them.
When I did catch it, I am pretty sure it came from a nice restaurant in Santiago de Compostela.
When your number is up, you got it. No matter where you sleep.
Marbe2,IMO, some people who did not have to test before returning home may have had a mild case of Covid but it went unreported because they were unaware they had it,or had only slight symptoms which did not stop them from walking. On the other hand some folks reported having Covid only when they went to get a Covid test before flying back to the USA or another country requiring the test.
Has anyone heard anything about a 3rd booster this Fall? https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20220405/third-covid-booster-may-be-needed#:~:text=CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD,newly eligible for a second.
You will need to look hard and ask beforehand if you plan to walk from Le Puy. Do not assume there is a kitchen for communal use, especially in the private gîtes which make up the majority of accommodations.Well, maybe.
When I served as a hospitalera at Najera, I spent my days in close contact with pilgrims, but did not catch Covid. Not one person who stayed with us ever coughed or showed any other symptoms. But I shall be in close contact with many people over the length of my nearly three months on caminos this fall, and I should prefer to remain healthy, if possible. And, as I said above, any accommodation which allows me to cook will be preferable for me as a vegetarian.
Respectfully, science indicates that distancing and wearing good masks help mitigate humans from getting or transmitting the disease. I am sure there are people who slept in private rooms who got covid, but more than likely it wasn't transmitted in their room. And I know of pilgrims who stayed in albergues who did not contract it.I do not believe staying in private rooms keeps you safe from Covid.
I stayed in dormitories and private places and shared "pods" throughout the Covid crisis, and I did not contract Covid in any of them.
When I did catch it, I am pretty sure it came from a nice restaurant in Santiago de Compostela.
When your number is up, you got it. No matter where you sleep.
I am aware of these particular challenges. No doubt there will be others. I have been reviewing my French by watching a series of videos on youtube which take a French pilgrim from Le Puy to Santiago. Somewhat to my surprise, I have very little problem with understanding his French. To learn French was the first academic project of my life. But my language skills are, alas, fading in my senior years. Maybe using it in France will help this, as walking for many weeks will help my bodily strength. But I don't expect it to be easy.You will need to look hard and ask beforehand if you plan to walk from Le Puy. Do not assume there is a kitchen for communal use, especially in the private gîtes which make up the majority of accommodations.
As I said above, the majority of walkers use the demi-pension service. This is easier for a vegetarian (I'm vegan) but still ask when reserving with meals. Not everyone will make an exception (which I don't expect) but better to know beforehand. I called myself to clarify the situation so speaking French really helped during the process.
Not trying to disappoint. Doing the Via Podiensis is just very different from walking in Spain.
Me too. Did the same in 2021 and will do the same this September oln the Invierno.[Moderator note: some posts were moved from another thread]
@Albertagirl it is not a fait accompli that you will get Covid next Camino!
Many, many of us did not get Covid on our Caminos in 2021 &2022. Why? We stayed in private accommodations. We always wore good masks,such as N95s or KN95s indoors. We talked with others along the way, but kept circa 12’ distance. We ate outside as much as possible. Whenever we ate lunch indoors, we tried to eat as soon as lunch was served to miss the crowds. In addition, take a train, rather than a bus. If you can go comfort class, reserve a single seat. Wear Masks on planes leaving and returning to Canada.
We are walking again at the end of September and we will take precautions again.
I have continued to think about this. I can walk in faith but also take sensible precautions. Today I watched a new video by Dr. Poland from the Mayo Clinic, a virologist and vaccine specialist. His recommendation was basically to continue to follow sensible precautions, particularly masking and distancing . I shall try to do so, sleeping in single rooms when possible, wearing my mask, and keeping my distance when I can. Cooking for myself is desirable, given my vegetarian diet. These precautions may not be possible everywhere, I shall try to behave sensibly and to do what I can to stay healthy. And I shall walk in faith, accepting what comes.Respectfully, science indicates that distancing and wearing good masks help mitigate humans from getting or transmitting the disease. I am sure there are people who slept in private rooms who got covid, but more than likely it wasn't transmitted in their room. And I know of pilgrims who stayed in albergues who did not contract it.
There are, of course, factors beyond our control, but consistently following CDC or WHO recommendations are likely the best way to avoid or receive a heavy load of the omicron.
Very sensible. Can you post the video site you referenced?I have continued to think about this. I can walk in faith but also take sensible precautions. Today I watched a new video by Dr. Poland from the Mayo Clinic, a virologist and vaccine specialist. His recommendation was basically to continue to follow sensible precautions, particularly masking and distancing
People should just try move on and stop living in fear. Just look at the stats for covid deaths, something like 95% of deaths in Portugal were over 75 with co-morbidities.
I think everyone is entitled to take the level of precautions that feel to be right for them, it effects no one else! People debate how much extra protection some measures provide ( I have no idea) but at the very least it provides folks with the reassurance that they are doing ‘all they can! And aren’t being reckless.Some of us walking ARE or are approaching 75 years of age and probably have at least one comorbidity by then, so I am sure you can understand our interest in sensible precautions!
Some of us walking ARE or are approaching 75 years of age and probably have at least one comorbidity by then, so I am sure you can understand our interest in sensible precautions!
I think everyone is entitled to take the level of precautions that feel to be right for them, it effects no one else! People debate how much extra protection some measures provide ( I have no idea) but at the very least it provides folks with the reassurance that they are doing ‘all they can! And aren’t being reckless.
Abd people are moving on. Many folks on here who talk alot about covid probably wouldn’t have considered international travel two years ago, or even last year, but now they are abd that’s quite a good level of ‘moving on’!
Fair enough, but the risks are still minimal. If you are walking a camino then clearly you are in pretty good health anyway.
Sadly people are not moving on with their lives. Mainstream media seems determined to keep everyone in fear and there is always another crisis waiting to replace the last one.
Going to have to disagree. Many folks on here wouldn’t have considered international travel even a year ago. In fact I was criticised for travelling internationally on here. Now it’s deemed ok by most to travel internationally, and some people focus their criticism on folks who don’t wear masks! Thats a fair shift!Fair enough, but the risks are still minimal. If you are walking a camino then clearly you are in pretty good health anyway.
Sadly people are not moving on with their lives. Mainstream media seems determined to keep everyone in fear and there is always another crisis waiting to replace the last one.
Going to have to disagree. Many folks on here wouldn’t have considered international travel even a year ago. In fact I was criticised for travelling internationally on here. Now it’s deemed ok by most to travel internationally, and some people focus their criticism on folks who don’t wear masks! Thats a fair shift!
But I agree with your broader points about fearmongering and if are healthy enough to walk a Camino you are likely to be fine with covid.
Yes I agree with pretty much all of that though airline travel last year was still much down on 2019. I’m lucky that covid has never really bothered me (even though I suffer from heightened health anxiety issues, so I am sympathetic to those that live in fear of it). I have a friend who has barely left the house for two years and he is the last person you would expect that of.I have been nomadic last two years and just been travelling round world so have avoided most of the restrictions.Many people were travelling last year. I witnessed this myself and was at very busy airports and resorts. What is happening on the ground is often the opposite to what the CNNs and BBCs of the world report, but they no longer report the truth unless it fits their narrative.
Maybe the veteran Camino walkers like those in this forum are more cautious. That's fine, but as a society we need to move on from this eventually. The long term damage this continual circle of fear is going to do will dwarf anything from the last two years.
Totally agree with para 1 and 2. Understand your point re para 3 though May phrase it differently.I guess I mean the long term mental damage from the cycle of fear.
I see people walking around still looking terrified after two and a bit years. I am not suggesting it's all over but there is way too much focus on the virus and not enough on people's well being and mental health.
I just hope people come to their senses.
You are right about that.Anyway the mods will be getting twtchy
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