Hay Muchos Peregrinos!

[CaptBuddy]

Beth and I are currently in Leon, having just arrived (by car) from Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
There are many pilgrims on the Camino now, more than I or everyone I spoke with have expected.

We leave by train tomorrow , 20 Sept., for Sarria to begin our Camino. And I am glad we have booked ahead.

The 4 albergues in Santa Domingo's Calle Mayor were filled before 2 PM. We just spoke with two American women who have been turned away from several places in the past week. They would give anything for a cell phone to be able to call ahead.

We drove from Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Leon paralleling the Camino, and we were amazed at the number of pilgrims.

Not to dissuade anyone, but be prepared is all I'm saying.

The weather is fantastic. Warmer than normal, and should be good for the next few days. We've had a great trip so far and now the Camino will be the high point, I am sure.

CaptBuddy
http://www.bandbstuff.com/spain_journal_2012

 

[tyrrek]

Hi!

Yes, this supports what I was told by a bar tender in Navarra this year; i.e. that September is their busiest time of year for pilgrims. The stats will say the summer months are busiest for arrivals in Santiago, but perhaps a higher proportion of those walking in summer start closer to Santiago. Those walking further away might try to avoid the heat of summer and start late August/early September.

Buen Camino!

 

[edandjoan]

Muchos Peregrinos? Muchos turistas. We got to Santiago on the 15th last month and from Sarria forward it was exponentially busier with tourists but we were never turned away. Just don't plot a destination where there is only one albergue or hostal.