Misc questions

[bellocian]

I leave on Tuesday for Madrid, and have a bunch of misc. questions.

I have my pilgrim credential already. Are there also maps of sorts listing the refugios along the way? Where can these be easily obtained? Can I get this in Burgos where I begin my Camino?

It seems the Camino is becoming a 'trend' and each year picks up more and more walkers. Has anyone noticed if the routes, especially the French route, have more people this Aug-Sept?

What is the weather generally like from Burgos to Santiago around this time of year? I'm not too worried whatever it is, just a general idea would be good. And are the rains long and harsh or short and kind to a pilgrim?

Do people frown upon smoking along the Camino?

I thought I read somewhere that it is necessary to get your pilgrims credential stamped twice a day during the last 100 km or so? If so, why is that?

What are mass times at Santiago? I understand the pilgrims mass is at 12pm?

Is there a consistent problem with theft at the refugios in Santiago?

Thanks,

Adam

 

[frescotours]

Hello Adam,

Let's see:

I have my pilgrim credential already. Are there also maps of sorts listing the refugios along the way? Where can these be easily obtained? Can I get this in Burgos where I begin my Camino?

Here's a good list: http://www.caminosantiago.org/cpperegri ... ances.html
Not 100% complete but a good start. Once on the Camino, you'll be able to get more info.

It seems the Camino is becoming a 'trend' and each year picks up more and more walkers. Has anyone noticed if the routes, especially the French route, have more people this Aug-Sept?

The Camino certainly is becoming more popular every year, but if you are worried about massive crowds, you should be ok in the second half of September.

What is the weather generally like from Burgos to Santiago around this time of year? I'm not too worried whatever it is, just a general idea would be good. And are the rains long and harsh or short and kind to a pilgrim?

The worse rains are in the Spring, but be prepared for anything, especially in Galicia.
Have a look at: http://www.weatherreports.com/_/Spain
This will give you a very general idea of the weather that you will be facing. You can look up various cities, like: Santiago, Burgos, Leon, and Ponferrada and then click “More Averages >>” – in blue.

Do people frown upon smoking along the Camino?

No

I thought I read somewhere that it is necessary to get your pilgrims credential stamped twice a day during the last 100 km or so? If so, why is that?

You need to prove that you walked the last 100KMs and your stamps are your proof of passage, get at least 2 a day - 3 is even better.

What are mass times at Santiago? I understand the pilgrims mass is at 12pm?

There are quiet a few, depending on the day you arrive. Inside the Cathedral, they have big posters with the scheduled masses.

Hope this helps - good luck and buen camino!

 

[spursfan]

From what I understand the recommendation to have more than a single stamp for each day applies ONLY if you start your pilgrimage in Galicia - since you're starting from Burgos, one stamp for each day will be fine