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Buen Camino! Stay safe!Greetings from Zubiri! I had a great walking day, beautiful forest paths, clouds but no rain and I enjoyed the stops on the way.
I am staying in albergue La Segunda Etapa. It is clean, the shower was heaven and we are sharing a room for four with the two of us (because of covid).
Quite a few pilgrims walked on. I assume that the albergues that are open are all fully booked. Some pilgrims didn't mind to walk on, because there is nothing else open here. The only bar closed at 15.00h. My lunch so far has been a small bag of crisps...
Loved that section, still all new to me at the time. A great, memorable night in Legrono, in the bars and cafes in Calle de Laurel.It is definitely more crowded now than in June (from what I heard from the reports). And more international, I think. Apart from Spaniards, in one day walking I met pilgrims from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the US and China. On the stage from Roncesvalles to Zubiri there must have been a little over a 100 pilgrims walking.
I wouldn't be surprised about a covid outbreak on the Camino. Most pilgrims seem relaxed about it and behave accordingly. Masks are worn when entering albergues and bars, but taken off quickly. Nobody is keeping distance.
Last night all windows were closed in the albergue in Roncesvalles. I opened a few, but they were closed again by other pilgrims (and then opened by me again in the middle of the night). Yes, it was a bit cold. But better cold than covid. I was also a bit surprised that covid measures were not much stimulated from the side of the albergue. Nothing was said about it in the introduction talk, there were no signs stating that windows should stay open for ventilation and hospitaleros didn't check on it either. Several pilgrims took lower beds while they were assigned to an upper bed and I didn't notice any correction on that either. I can imagine that hospi's don't like to walk around as policemen, but I hope this relaxation doesn't lead to new outbreaks.
Thanks for the post Luka. Your observations and experience are much appreciated by us looking to walk in the coming weeks and months. Onward and Buen Camino!It is definitely more crowded now than in June (from what I heard from the reports). And more international, I think. Apart from Spaniards, in one day walking I met pilgrims from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the US and China. On the stage from Roncesvalles to Zubiri there must have been a little over a 100 pilgrims walking.
I wouldn't be surprised about a covid outbreak on the Camino. Most pilgrims seem relaxed about it and behave accordingly. Masks are worn when entering albergues and bars, but taken off quickly. Nobody is keeping distance.
Last night all windows were closed in the albergue in Roncesvalles. I opened a few, but they were closed again by other pilgrims (and then opened by me again in the middle of the night). Yes, it was a bit cold. But better cold than covid. I was also a bit surprised that covid measures were not much stimulated from the side of the albergue. Nothing was said about it in the introduction talk, there were no signs stating that windows should stay open for ventilation and hospitaleros didn't check on it either. Several pilgrims took lower beds while they were assigned to an upper bed and I didn't notice any correction on that either. I can imagine that hospi's don't like to walk around as policemen, but I hope this relaxation doesn't lead to new outbreaks.
I would think the vast majority (like 95%) are vaccinated.It is definitely more crowded now than in June (from what I heard from the reports). And more international, I think. Apart from Spaniards, in one day walking I met pilgrims from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the US and China. On the stage from Roncesvalles to Zubiri there must have been a little over a 100 pilgrims walking.
I wouldn't be surprised about a covid outbreak on the Camino. Most pilgrims seem relaxed about it and behave accordingly. Masks are worn when entering albergues and bars, but taken off quickly. Nobody is keeping distance.
Last night all windows were closed in the albergue in Roncesvalles. I opened a few, but they were closed again by other pilgrims (and then opened by me again in the middle of the night). Yes, it was a bit cold. But better cold than covid. I was also a bit surprised that covid measures were not much stimulated from the side of the albergue. Nothing was said about it in the introduction talk, there were no signs stating that windows should stay open for ventilation and hospitaleros didn't check on it either. Several pilgrims took lower beds while they were assigned to an upper bed and I didn't notice any correction on that either. I can imagine that hospi's don't like to walk around as policemen, but I hope this relaxation doesn't lead to new outbreaks.
I would be surprised if the rate were anywhere near that high.I would think the vast majority (like 95%) are vaccinated.
Why would you think that? In Spain most under 40 are still awaiting their first jab.I would think the vast majority (like 95%) are vaccinated.
Spain is making good progress and they are in line with most of the other EU countries but as you say it's far from 95% vaccinated. Here are the current percentages by age group during this current week and during the last two weeks before that, confirming what you wrote:Why would you think that? In Spain most under 40 are still awaiting their first jab.
Edit: I Just looked it up, 41,2% of Spaniards fully vaccinated (part of them still in their 14 days), 56,4% one jab. And Spain isn't much different from the rest of Europe.
I doubt if 95% or even 85% will ever be achieved. Too many are refusing the vaccine.Spain is making good progress and they are in line with most of the other EU countries but as you say it's far from 95% vaccinated.
Thank you, @wayfarer.this is a Live thread not a Covid thread.
That's HORRIFIC!! I feel physically ill?!Greetings from Zubiri! ........................ The only bar closed at 15.00h.
Thanks for sharing Luka. I know exactly where you are. Being in Los Arcos twice has left me with fond memories.Greetings from Los Arcos! Another dusty, little village in 'La España vacía'. I always wonder what villages like these would look like without the Camino.
It is going to be a long and warm afternoon. Left early and stopped early because of the heat and the lack of shade. I am staying in La Casa de la Abuela. The owner advised to get up at 5.00am tomorrow, but I don't like walking in the dark and I am only walking until Viana.
Thank you Luka. I’m doing your same itinerary in 10 days and all these updates are Very useful.It is 'No San Fermines' here. The bullruns have been cancelled for the 2nd year. But there are still quite some folks dressed in white with the red handkerchief around their necks. So far I have only spotted pilgrims in my albergue, so let's hope for a quiet night!
My albergue was fully booked beforehand, Suseia was closed because of holidays (I have seen more 'holiday during San Fermín' signs), normally Jesus y María is closed as well during San Fermín. Don't know about this year.
I don't want to ignite another covid discussion, but I am the only one wearing a mask in the albergue.
I was already fast asleep when you wrote that. Did the barranco without much problems, but I was happy not to encouter any mountainbikers. Seems like a bad combination...Luka,
Thanks for sharing your foot-steps.
Tomorrow after Torres del Rio near the Hermitage of the Virgen del Poyo the camino will cross a deep ravine, Mataburros/Mule Killer(!), leading towards Viana. If the heat is heavy you might consider following the route NA 1110 into Viana instead.
Take care and Buen camino.
It seems risky. It looks like the Camino is getting close to saturation. But it also depends on your flexibility. If you are willing to walk a bit further, to stay in tiny villages with not much going on, to share a private room or to pay more, you will probably be fine. Today the muni in Logroño isn't completo to my surprise (first albergue where I am staying that isn't full).Hi @Luka
I'm planning to start from st-jean on 25/7 on my first Camino! The two weeks after my second shot just ended so I'm finally ready to go. How are you going about making reservations at the albergues? My plan was to go without reservations, but after reading your updates that seems like a mistake.
Thanks and buen camino
I am quite a beer snobHi Luka
Thats comical when you said, you were spending more on beer than a bed!
Sorry, referring to the Pilgrims. General population of Spain is a different matter.Why would you think that? In Spain most under 40 are still awaiting their first jab.
Edit: I Just looked it up, 41,2% of Spaniards fully vaccinated (part of them still in their 14 days), 56,4% one jab. And Spain isn't much different from the rest of Europe.
Then I wouldn't count on that either. I saw many pilgrims under 30 on the Camino. Spaniards can travel within the country without PCR-tests and foreigners can enter the country with a negative PCR-test but without vaccine.Sorry, referring to the Pilgrims. General population of Spain is a different matter.
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