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I completely agree.Having walked the Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Santiago in three stages over the past year or so I would be very sad to see it developing along the same lines as the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues. I would far rather enjoy the contrast than force something that is very different and beautiful into the same mould. Luggage transport would be a first step in that direction in my opinion.
It takes more than one individual with a car to provide a service like this.I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????
yes the whole stretch from Seville but if it was sectioned out Seville to X X to Y etc but yes I do agree with the commercialisation thing except for weaklings like me who love to walk but are not hardened hikers by a long shot.....It takes more than one individual with a car to provide a service like this.
Oh so do I have a volunteer to by my sherpa? what is your daily rate?
yes I understand what you mean but my back doth protest...
a hiking trolley is bigger than I am and not sure I could get it on a ryanair flight it looks very uncomfortable too. but I think you could be onto something there someone is bound to take you up on your offer... I could only do it on a donation basisWell, I usually carry 16kilos quite happily because I freecamp a lot. If I stayed indoors every night I reckon I could carry 8 kilo for each of us no problem. You pay for my camino and we might have a deal! Though you probably couldn't afford my beer intake!
While I agree with the others in not wanting to see the VDLP commercialised, it is a shame that that could disclude people with infirmities/bad backs etc
Have you looked into a hiking trolley? I have seen them used to good effect with people with bad backs (even all the way from Geneva). You would probably need to get advice from your doctor first though. Or, if you have a mate or two who really don't want to walk but fancy a holiday you could walk and use a support car. Seen this done too.
Good luck
Davey
I could be a sherpa (as @Davey Boyd ) too. But the beer intake remains to be a problem
Hydration, hydration, hydrationI reckon we are on a winner here, guide and sherpa service! I know all the best bushes to sleep under too for the adventurous! But yeah, its a lot of beer.
ha ha no doubt within a week there would be an easyjet version and an uber version I still like the idea of the two sherpas"If you build it they will come..." might make it for Baseball and made for a pretty good movie but doesn't really hack it for a 750km linear route across Iberia. Just how many Kms are you going to drive in one day to move two backpacks from Sevilla to Guillena and one from A Gudina to Laza; oh, and call in at every other Albergue and Abrigo on route in case some one has left their snail-shell with a luggage tag & €6 in an envelope. Two vehicles is two vehicles, two drivers, two over night accommodations etc etc.
It works on the Frances, on the Norte and Portugeueses routes to an extent, because of the sheer volume of pilgrims who elect not to carry their packs or elect to walk those routes because they can't carry their packs. Campaign away, or, get yourself a van and some luggage tags & envelopes and go for it. If its viable you can be certain that someone else will set up a rival institution
Hydration, hydration, hydration
ha ha no doubt within a week there would be an easyjet version and an uber version I still like the idea of the two sherpas
the sections of the track would have to be split I think the camino portuguese starts at the Tui border up until Santiago so that s about 140kms . a floting backpack (saw the video) but one that is not attached to you ( a bit like a drone idea) would be great "watch out for flying backpacks please" but hazardous ha ha perhaps I shoud invent a remote controlled backpack on wheels .... the smelly pelegrino seems like the sensible option though ...
pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.
I think you can use the Correos service, however. And I have seen pilgrims sending their bags ahead on the bus, as freight!
I just checked the Correos site, and they do not cover the VdlPpilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.
I think you can use the Correos service, however. And I have seen pilgrims sending their bags ahead on the bus, as freight!
I am curious if the hospitaleros confirm that the numbers are down. I have walked portions of the Via de la Plata 3 years in a row without getting a Compostela, so I wouldn't be counted.pilgrim numbers are down on the Via de la Plata and they continue to drop. I don't think anyone's going to invest in specialized bag-carrying services there.
True...virtually all i met on the vldp were repeat offenders and many were not getting a compostela this timeI agree with C clearly, I saw a big increase in numbers in 2017 from 2012,especially in English speakers.
I also did not collect another Compostela and spoke to others who didn't.
Hello SunshinesI wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????
I agree absolutely!Having walked the Via de la Plata from Sevilla to Santiago in three stages over the past year or so I would be very sad to see it developing along the same lines as the Camino Frances and the Camino Portugues. I would far rather enjoy the contrast than force something that is very different and beautiful into the same mould. Luggage transport would be a first step in that direction in my opinion.
True...virtually all i met on the vldp were repeat offenders and many were not getting a compostela this time
Hello Sunshines
There are options to shorten some of the stages. Just requires planning and asking in each albergue.
When I walked in April/ May I saw people with 2 wheel carts to carry their packs. One veteran who could no longer carry a backpack bought a 4 wheel shopping cart in Seville for about 40 euros View attachment 46050and put her things in it. She made sure they divided between 2 bags she could take out and put on her shoulders with stream or difficult crossing so she carried the trolley cradle in her arms. So there are alternatives when the back can no longer carry the load. Please see the photo
Happymark
Ah yes the smelly pilgrims, when I did my previous camino's I never used a washing machine or dryer once, good old hand washing and if you have the right gear it will dry overnight.
As for a bag carrying service as everyone has said it's probably not cost effective.
strain on the knees because of weight on the back
Hmm, how much weight are you carrying? You can easily get by with less than 7kg. As for washing and drying, when I have a shower I pull off my shirt and toss it on the shower floor, same with undies and socks. Stand on them while I’m showering. Wring them out when I get out of the shower, and hang them up to dry, put on my one other shirt and undies, go out in them and sleep in them and wear them next day. Repeat daily. You do not need any other clothes, except evening pants or skirt, fleece and rain jacket. I am very quick in the shower, using as little hot water as possible. When I get the chance with other pilgrims I’ll share a washing machine load to do a proper wash. Jill
I only want to take 4 sets of clothes but if I can get by with two and wash one set and guaranteed they will be dry in the morning in March, then fab.... then weight on back wont be a problem....but in March will clothes be dry by morning? what materials are easy drying and warm for March? I am quite a big lass so all my clothes are heavy
Well, is it also March inside the albergue???really even in March? what materials dry quickly and are warm in March? many thanks it is hanging on the question of whether I do this or opt for the Fromista route....
Normally there’s no need to wash everything everyday : just the undies, T-shirt and socks. The only things that don’t always dry overnight are the wool socks, so if the weather is going to be ‘iffy’ I take 3 pairs of those.I only want to take 4 sets of clothes but if I can get by with two and wash one set and guaranteed they will be dry in the morning in March, then fab.... then weight on back wont be a problem....
4 sets of clothes is 1 or 2 too many!I only want to take 4 sets of clothes but if I can get by with two and wash one set and guaranteed they will be dry in the morning in March, then fab.... then weight on back wont be a problem....
You could always look at adapting one of these sit on top kayak trollies:That photo gives me ideas... If you could swap out a heavier axle and add air filled, 'puffier' tires, this might be a winner...
Marino wool or technical fabric.really even in March? what materials dry quickly and are warm in March? many thanks it is hanging on the question of whether I do this or opt for the Fromista route....
there are no guarantees of anything on the camino. Wearing a damp shirt is a possibility in early spring, no matter where you are walking. So far, I have not heard of any related fatalities (they dry quickly with your body heat.)
You could always look at adapting one of these sit on top kayak trollies:
View attachment 46072
Swivel in the uprights and figure out a pull along handle . . .
I have something similar but with pneumatic tyres and it disassembles for ease of transport.
I could never recommend a trolley after I saw three French peregrinas struggling with theirs on the camino francés this year! Actually, I never saw them walking, i heard about them (from worried pilgrims!) and then we actually shared an albergue together.... wow. In Larrasoaña.Hello Sunshines
There are options to shorten some of the stages. Just requires planning and asking in each albergue.
When I walked in April/ May I saw people with 2 wheel carts to carry their packs. One veteran who could no longer carry a backpack bought a 4 wheel shopping cart in Seville for about 40 euros View attachment 46050and put her things in it. She made sure they divided between 2 bags she could take out and put on her shoulders with stream or difficult crossing so she carried the trolley cradle in her arms. So there are alternatives when the back can no longer carry the load. Please see the photo
Happymark
Here's my trolley. It carries a 57lb/26kg kayak plus paddles/life jackets over rough terrain without complaint:Le mucho gusto!
The page that you linked to is just a description of the VdlP. On the Correos page that lists the routes for their Paq Mochila service the VdlP is not listed. https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/transporte-mochilasTo answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,
https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata
buen camino
The website is a bit confusingI apologize I thought they were running a service on that route as well.
Hi, Do they pick up and deliver or we have to take the pack to the postal office in every town.To answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,
https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata
buen camino
Unfortunately, the post office doesn't offer mochila services on the Via de la Plata. See my post above.Hi, Do they pick up and deliver or we have to take the pack to the postal office in every town.
My pocket takeaway is that the trailer IS a viable way to tote more gear.
The Correos page is misleading - many people have made the same error!The website is a bit confusing
. . . my back doth protest...
Just to throw in something for you to consider. When people say that the backpack hurts their back, my first reaction is that you have the wrong backpack. Good packs with internal frames transfer the load of the pack to your hips, so your back should not feel anything. I know this is true, because I can walk for weeks and weeks with about 20 pounds in my beloved Mountainsmith Ghost, but let me take a walk for an hour with a couple of things in a regular old day pack and my lower back is screaming at me.
And the amount of freedom that carrying your pack and not being tied to an ending point is another tremendous benefit!
I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal.
Your avatar doesn't say that you have walked the Camino Frances. I am curious why you don't choose it, instead of the VDLP. It has lots of people and services, including backpack transfer.I am alone too often having nature and people would be a bonus.
I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.I completely agree.
Count me in to help. I can't do a Camino without a mochila service. I have major back problems, knee replacement and countless other physical problems. It doesn't have to be a big commercial service. Just a taxi or two to help us cripples out.I wonder if and how we could start a campaign to get the mochilla (backpack) forwarding service up and running from the beginning of the Sevilla road up to Ourense . It might be a good littler earner for a small private individual with a car or small van at their disposal. the Ourense people said it is not logistical. can we start a petition or put posters up at the beginning of every town or in every bar....I m sure that is how these other forwarding services started. Its kind of making me doubtful because my problem is knees and back .... (strain on the knees because of weight on the back) .. I wouldnt mind a sherpa but that would cost a pretty penny. it is a big stretch of road though but what about the bus service or the local bus service I wonder... Should we put our heads together????
I do not like the Frances at all, and won't do it just because they have mochila service. The Norte had that service as does the Primitivo and it is not intrusive. Even the San Salvador has that service but it isn't advertised or noticeable.@sunshines hop on a bus or train and get yourself to the Camino Frances. Last year I took some new walkers to the VdlP and realised after a week or so that it was not a good choice for them. We hopped on a train to Sarria and they had a great time walking the rest of the Francés.
I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.
. The stretch from Leon to Villar de Mazarife was awful - hot, boring, no trees, nothing. And from there to Astorga it wasn't much better.
I am still waiting for anything in life to be fair.How much ... has to change to make it "fair"?
I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.
Going for long recreational walks in Spain is not a basic human right. It is most certainly not fair that we can do it at all, and most of the world cannot.I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.
The Caminos do not provide that service. Individual entrepreneurs do, when it is fair to them.The Norte had that service as does the Primitivo and it is not intrusive. Even the San Salvador has that service
Those taxis already exist. Do you just want them at a price that is not fair to the driver?Just a taxi or two to help us cripples out.
I don't agree. There are many of us who could not physically do the Camino without mochila transport. It is not fair to exclude us.
Mate, if you thought the CF section was hot, boring, no trees etc then the Vdlp is not for you! The good news is that there are lots of ways to Santiago and half the fun is researching a route that suits you.Leon to Santiago. Not very pretty. Crowded even Oct and hot. I had to move to the CF from the Norte, which is great, due to blister problems and time constraints. The stretch from Leon to Villar de Mazarife was awful - hot, boring, no trees, nothing. And from there to Astorga it wasn't much better.
only from OurenseTo answer your first question; the post office offers a courier service from town to town on the Via la Plata,
https://www.elcaminoconcorreos.com/es/camino/via-de-la-plata
buen camino
Mate, if you thought the CF section was hot, boring, no trees etc then the Vdlp is not for you! The good news is that there are lots of ways to Santiago and half the fun is researching a route that suits you.
Hi sunshines! Obviously I don’t know you at all so I am not sure this reply will be appropriate for you... I have no idea of your level of fitness or non-fitness, if you have existing medical conditions etc. So please, if you do, ignore this post.(...) so I went to find a good racksack and did a walking test (20 minutes with 6kgs) and my ankle protested so I knew it would be ill-fated to put that much stress on it for 26kms at a time.
I am a fairweather pilgrim (...)
Hi sunshines! Obviously I don’t know you at all so I am not sure this reply will be appropriate for you... I have no idea of your level of fitness or non-fitness, if you have existing medical conditions etc. So please, if you do, ignore this post.
What caught my attention was you walking with your fully loaded rucksack for 20 mn.... If you are not used to walking longish distances, you really need to train and to accustom your body to take the strain. It doesn’t happen overnight...
A member of the forum, @dougfitz, once posted a great training programme, unfortunately I cannot find it anymore
What I am trying to say is that it takes time and perseverance to be able to walk long distances in comfort.
Of course people will tell you ‘oh, I walked the Camino without any training beforehand, the actual first week on the Camino was my only training....’. Yes (and in fact, it was more or less my case) but.... they’re usually talking about the Camino francés, where you can walk as little or as much as you wish.
So please don’t feel disheartened if your ankle complained that first day... With a bit of time and patience, it may be just fine and you may overtake us all on the Camino
Oh, and I am a fair weather pilgrim too, I do tend to complain in the rain!
I challenge you flatly. Loser pays the bill.Though you probably couldn't afford my beer intake!
Well, I can give you a few tips we used in the Army: Wet socks: One in each armpit, preferably at night, but also while walking. Dry and warm in the morning. Wet shoes: In the bottom of your sleeping bag overnight. Warm and soft in the morning. Wet underwear: Pinned on your backpack during walking the whole day. If not dry, put in armpits at night.but in March will clothes be dry by morning? what materials are easy drying and warm for March? I am quite a big lass so all my clothes are heavy
Can I join this? I never rejected free beerI challenge you flatly. Loser pays the bill.
The Correos page is misleading - many people have made the same error!
I never saw that date on the website eitherOh dear I just read its only available from March23rd I am travelling March 20th Damn that is bad news
the pictures of via plata are amazing its a shame my ankle protests if it had eyes Im sure it would try and be stronger.....Mate, if you thought the CF section was hot, boring, no trees etc then the Vdlp is not for you! The good news is that there are lots of ways to Santiago and half the fun is researching a route that suits you.
There are none, as I discovered this last winter. There is service from Sarria by either Jacotrans or Correos (I think it is Correos).does anyone know of one for the Frances route
Palencia is not on any Camino, it's a town south of Camino Frances.Damn Damn and double damn I have just discovered from Paqmochilla ( the correo ) that they do not in fact start the service until the 14th of April ( or Easter) for ALL routes except O Cebreiro to Santigago - and I dont even know where that is.... damn damn and double damn now my walk is ruined I cannot find another mochilla service does anyone know of one for the Frances route from Palencia? thanks ( that will be available in March)
Why is that bad news? Start walking on 23rd and make it good newsOh dear I just read its only available from March23rd I am travelling March 20th Damn that is bad news
Why is that bad news? Start walking on 23rd and make it good news
Palencia is not on any Camino, it's a town south of Camino Frances.
I have walked the Camino Frances three times and have never passed through Palencia. If you want to leave the Camino, visit Palencia, then return to the Camino then you are free to do so by all means but that does not mean that it is "part of the camino Frances"
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