Common Sense

[scruffy1]

I am reading through older posts regarding lodging, food, difficult stages etc., trying to refresh my memory and my memories before my October "assault" on the Camino ! A subject which pops up is largish groups, families, members of confraternities, groups who wish to walk together, to experience fellowship together, to dine and lodge together. A wonderful idea perhaps, reality may be much different. Such a project requires a bit more planning, not a leader but an organizer. 7-8-9 people and more pilgrims descending on a smaller albergue will possibly find that that there is "no room in the inn' for all and must split their numbers. Plan well. At home we would not dream of going out for dinner in such numbers without a reservation however, many groups of pilgrims seem to have no qualms about simply walking into a Mom and Pop restaurante and are very very surprised that the food was less tasty than expected or took a such long time to prepare. Think ahead-maybe let them know you are coming. People in groups all walk at a different pace, stop off to admire different views, a churchs, or a museum which may not interest others, faster walkers are expected to slow for the less eager and slower walkers are expected to step on the gas for those in the lead-all subjects which may lead to frustration. The solution is the same solution for single or paired pilgrims, flexibility, compromise, and tolerance – not easily sustained if tired, cold and wet, or exasperated. As Baden-Powel stated "Be Prepared".

 

[dougfitz]

slower walkers are expected to step on the gas for those in the lead

As an occasional leader for and regular participant in group walks locally, there are many ways of keeping the group together, but this is the only one we deliberately and specifically avoid. It does not do any particular good in speeding up the group if people are pushed, and subsequently slow down even more once their initial energy reserves are depleted. It is better to let slower walkers set their own pace, and regularly stop to let them catch up to the leaders, and be given enough time for a short break themselves.

It would be interesting to hear from others who have undertaken the camino with larger groups. How did your group handle the complexities? Did you try different approaches until you found one that worked? Was there a strong leader who organised things, or was the group loosely formed and things were allowed to happen? What would you do the same next time? Differently?

 

[RMeredith]

Is it possible to book in at albergues? I'm not going in a very large group, but would like to be prepared! I am walking this July.