Emergency pack moving services?

[Mito]

This is one of the hardest admissions I've had to make: The last time (4 years ago) I hiked the Camino, I carried a 15 lb pack (I'm 5'2, 120 lbs, in my 60s) and easily hiked 18 miles or more per day. Two major surgeries later, I am going to give it a go with my pack again. But depending on how my body responds, I may have to send my pack forward. This is something that really sits badly with me......but it's my reality. I want to be prepared, so can anyone suggest companies, etc that do that and how I would go about it at the last minute? I'm hoping this will just be an unnecessary precaution! Thanks all.

 

[naplesdon]

Jacotrans is ubiquitous on most stops along the Caminos in Spain, you put the fee of 5+euros in an envelop and attach it to your bag and voila it arrives at the destination. Caution: many munis and public albergues do not accept bags from them because Jacotrans normally deliver well before they open their doors. Ask for the list of place they service, sometimes it is a bar near your albergue.

 

[Waka]

Can't help you on the baggage transfer, not quite there yet but I'm sure it will come. You shouldn't worry about possibly going down this route, no one says that to be a good pilgrim you have to carry your load, everyone should do it the best way possible for them. I'll be over 70 on my next camino and intend to carry all my chattels in the pack, but you never know what might befall me.
Buen Camino

 

[Tincatinker]

This is something that really sits badly with me....

@Mito don't feel bad amigo. Lots of pilgrims walk the caminos with a little help from Jacotrans or Correos Paq mochilla. You have already put your chalk-mark on the hard way, if, this time, you need a little help so be it. "God does not count your steps, nor Santiago weigh your pack ( nor ask who carried it) - look to your heart pilgrim for why you pass this way".

 

[Mito]

Can't help you on the baggage transfer, not quite there yet but I'm sure it will come. You shouldn't worry about possibly going down this route, no one says that to be a good pilgrim you have to carry your load, everyone should do it the best way possible for them. I'll be over 70 on my next camino and intend to carry all my chattels in the pack, but you never know what might befall me.
Buen Camino

Thank you I know it's ok to need help. There are no rules. But it's my own personal disappointment to maybe not carry my pack. I love that feeling of complete autonomy and would be sad to give it up. It's a big part of my Camino experience.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Out of France, Jacotrans and Correos cannot help you. You will need one of the French services. Correos seems to cheaper than Jacotrans. You can use either a day at a time or for an entire segment. Correos has a website in English for its Pac Mochila. Look it up on the internet. Neither service operates in the winter.

 

[Mito]

Out of France, Jacotrans and Correos cannot help you. You will need one of the French services. Correos seems to cheaper than Jacotrans. You can use either a day at a time or for an entire segment. Correos has a website in English for its Pac Mochila. Look it up on the internet. Neither service operates in the winter.

I'm starting March 6 in Belorado. I'm assuming that is no longer winter for most places. I've looked at opening dates and some albergues are still closed. What about the pack movers?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Mid-March is the declared start date for both services, since Easter is early.

 

[Mito]

Ok. Thanks! Any other services? Or should I just assume my albergue will know what I should do? Jacotrans actually starts March 15th according to their website.

 

[Mito]

Also, it looks like the Jacotrans doesn't service the towns I'll most likely need pack transport: Villafranca-Montes de Oca to San Juan de Ortega. It's only 8 miles with some elevational change, but it's only my 2nd or 3rd day out and I have no idea how my body will be responding by then. No waypoints to decide to call it quits! Advice?

 

[Waka]

Thank you I know it's ok to need help. There are no rules. But it's my own personal disappointment to maybe not carry my pack. I love that feeling of complete autonomy and would be sad to give it up. It's a big part of my Camino experience.

I'm with you on the complete autonomy bit.

 

[linkster]

My name is @linkster and I am a peregrino that has used a transport service for my backpack on my Camino.

¡Está Bien Peregrino!

 

[Mito]

My name is @linkster and I am a peregrino that has used a transport service for my backpack on my Camino.

¡Está Bien Peregrino!

What service did you use?

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I'm starting March 6 in Belorado. I'm assuming that is no longer winter for most places. I've looked at opening dates and some albergues are still closed. What about the pack movers?

Belorado?

I could swear that one of the bigger bag transport firms (can't recall which) is headquartered at the Hotel Jacobeo in Belorado. https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/jacobeo-belorado.html

Might be worth checking out!

 

[Mito]

It may be the same one I just emailed. They are based in Belorado but don't start until mid-March. Maybe it's a different one....I'll check it out. Thanks!!

 

[Robo]

This is one of the hardest admissions I've had to make: The last time (4 years ago) I hiked the Camino, I carried a 15 lb pack (I'm 5'2, 120 lbs, in my 60s) and easily hiked 18 miles or more per day. Two major surgeries later, I am going to give it a go with my pack again. But depending on how my body responds, I may have to send my pack forward. This is something that really sits badly with me......but it's my reality. I want to be prepared, so can anyone suggest companies, etc that do that and how I would go about it at the last minute? I'm hoping this will just be an unnecessary precaution! Thanks all.

Hard Admission?

Don't over think it

Buen Camino!

 

[Bala]

Jacotrans definitely delivers to and from Belorado because we had a bag delivered to and from there. But that was in October. Whether they are delivering the day in March you will be there..... another question. Hope it works out.

We thought their service was excellent. Put your money in the envelope, tell whoever's in charge. Then my husband, myself, and our bag would leave in the morning, not see one another the rest of the day, then miraculously all show up at the same place later that afternoon. Awesome.

 

[linkster]

I used Jacotrans several times along the Frances. I did see some other transportation service envelopes at desks during check in on occasion, but did not use them or remember their name. I am sure the hospiteleros can arrange transportation.

 

[mcopeland]

Also, it looks like the Jacotrans doesn't service the towns I'll most likely need pack transport: Villafranca-Montes de Oca to San Juan de Ortega. It's only 8 miles with some elevational change, but it's only my 2nd or 3rd day out and I have no idea how my body will be responding by then. No waypoints to decide to call it quits! Advice?

I used Correos for the Frances and was very pleased. You can book just one segment or all the way to Santiago (much cheaper). Set up the multi-day option at a post office. You do not have to know all your dates and places to stay - just figure it out day to day.

 

[Mito]

Update: I emailed Jacotrans because I was told they weren't yet moving packs in early March. Untrue....they are and I can arrange to move my pack when and if I need to on short notice. And they do service any of the towns. So....just in case anyone else needs that info for March, there it is. Thanks for all your replies!

 

[Mito]

Hard Admission?

Don't over think it

Buen Camino!

Thanks....it's just hard to admit to MYSELF.

 

[mcopeland]

Update: I emailed Jacotrans because I was told they weren't yet moving packs in early March. Untrue....they are and I can arrange to move my pack when and if I need to on short notice.

Be sure to check on the rates. If they consider it to still be "off-season" sure, they will transport it, for a hefty charge.

 

[Mito]

Be sure to check on the rates. If they consider it to still be "off-season" sure, they will transport it, for a hefty charge.

Thanks for the heads up on that! I will check. I am planning to carry my pack myself most days as I'd prefer to do that. I just anticipate a few longer/harder days where I will need the break. I'm hoping it won't be often.

 

[Stivandrer]

My name is @linkster and I am a peregrino that has used a transport service for my backpack on my Camino.

¡Está Bien Peregrino!

Jacotrans Anonymous, but ananymous no longer !

 

[WalkingJane]

I was 82 when I walked the Camino in 2015. Carried my pack the first few days, then discovered the pack transport services and decided I needed no excuse to walk unencumbered when I could cover a bit more distance and enjoy the walk more. I used Jacotrans, then discovered Os Correos (the Spanish post office) had a service and was a pinch cheaper. My pack was always waiting for me at whatever place I had indicated. I also boxed up some things and sent them to General Delivery (can't recall the Spanish for that) in Santiago and that was "glitch-free" and inexpensive. To repeat what others have said - it is YOUR Camino. Do it your way and Buen Camino!

 

[FLEUR]

If getting your pack carried means the difference between managing your Camino walk OR not then it's a no brainer. Certainly there's no need to feel failure or disappointment.

 

[Mito]

Update on my update: Jacotrans price is 5 euros. Even off-season. I just need to contact them the day before because they aren't usually moving packs then. Feeling better!

 

[rappahannock_rev]

Update on my update: Jacotrans price is 5 euros. Even off-season. I just need to contact them the day before because they aren't usually moving packs then. Feeling better!

Is it Jacotrans that is based in Belorado?

 

[Mito]

Is it Jacotrans that is based in Belorado?

Not sure. Probably. It's whoever transports in La Rioja to Burgos.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

A week after I returned home from my first Camino (2012) I was was badly injured in an automobile accident (not my fault). A few days into my second Camino (2015) I realized that my back was no longer fit to support a big backpack again, nor even a fairly small packpack.

Without bag transport I could not continue to walk. Simple as that.

 

[Fletchonides]

I think one of the things that can come out of this is that your own personal disappointment makes you look at your heart and question why it is that complete autonomy is such an important thing. Some of the more important inner lessons on the Camino have been when I was struggling and was forced to allow others to help and share the burden, whether professionaly or not. It does help with teaching humility.

So you may not be able to able to walk as you would wish; but yet you will walk.

 

[Kathryn1966]

There are some days you just want to walk without your back pack as you might need some time apart the transport service is great and all you need is a day pack with some basics items and once you get to your albergue you are so pleased to be reunited with your old friend all it takes is some planning on how far you want to walk and where you are syaying

 

[Mito]

Thank you all for your support and advice. I appreciate your motives. But the Camino is a personal journey for us all. Part of my journey this time (this time.....I'm NOT a newbie to the Camino!!) is the physical and spiritual challenge given my recent surgeries. So.....thank you for your words of kindness, but also for your understanding that carrying my pack when I can is personally important to me. I don't need to hear that "it's ok to need help." I get that. I will ask for that when appropriate. Obviously! I'm sorry if this sounds unappreciative. I do appreciate the caring and sentiment. I'm just don't want to hear anymore words of wisdom