RumAndChupacabras
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Jul-Sept 2019: Six weeks in Northern Spain.
Apr 2018 Asturias
May 2016 CP: Portuguese
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Whether people get there early to queue up or not seems less of an issue than how people clump up. There can be pulses of crowdedness that happen (as for example when a larger number of people all started on a weekend), and then move along the Camino together as a 'pilgrim traffic jam') as well as certain stage-ending towns tending to be more crowded, when places on either side are not...Is this happening mainly because some are able to consistently get there really early and que up; is it simply a case of the early bird gets the worm???
...how people clump up...pause by walking a short stage...I'm saying this as regards everything before the 100km mark from Santiago. After that (especially on the Frances), all bets are off. There it's just plain busy...But you know?...A night spent in one's sleeping bag under the entry of a church is not necessarily a bad thing...
Walking with my guy. It's not so much the higher price, it's the potential of how many times/days would add up. So this is another good point you bring up about 'doubles'. Thank youAlso, are you walking alone? usually if you walk with someone else, the cost of a private accommodation for 2 can be very similar to 2 beds in an albergue...
Why I asked this is because I don't expectThe answer to this isn't any more complicated than you expect...
I am on my 2nd day on del Norte. The weather has been just beautiful and it is not that crowded. Nevertheless, there are less choice. If you are doing it during the busy season, I recomend reservation when possible. I am in GetariaHaving an upcoming 6 weeks in the North of Spain (all of August and half of September and not sure which Camino/s yet), I find myself getting very concerned about accommodations and the high prices of Summer. I've read so many threads where Pilgrim's aren't able to get a Municipal bed and then, other's reply that they had no problem.
While it seems fundamental, here's my question...Is this happening mainly because some are able to consistently get there really early and que up; is it simply a case of the early bird gets the worm??? If so, how early IS early? Is there a technique and if so, what is it?
My head is spinning
II was writing and something happened and it disappeared. I am in Getaria on my 2nd day of del Norte. The weather has been just beautiful. Lodging choices are limited compare to CF. Recommend reservation.Having an upcoming 6 weeks in the North of Spain (all of August and half of September and not sure which Camino/s yet), I find myself getting very concerned about accommodations and the high prices of Summer. I've read so many threads where Pilgrim's aren't able to get a Municipal bed and then, other's reply that they had no problem.
While it seems fundamental, here's my question...Is this happening mainly because some are able to consistently get there really early and que up; is it simply a case of the early bird gets the worm??? If so, how early IS early? Is there a technique and if so, what is it?
My head is spinning
That's great observation, Luka! Then there's that part about August being worse which makes me a bit nervous!...Especially in peak season. August is the worst. It is a combination of too few municipal beds and high prices (and limited availability) in the alternatives, because you compete with tourists. I think the problem starts somewhere in Cantabria. In the Bask Country the municipals tend to be bigger.
Lucky you! I've been reading your blogI am mostly familiar with Asturias (as I live there)...
...Most albergues open at 3pm, but I have seen pilgrims cueing up from around noon.
I made a start in August two summers ago and had to quit from lack of beds (albergues/hotels) at any price. A German friend 2 weeks ahead of me made it half way and exited for the same reason. It's not just that there are a lot of caminantes, August is the month of vacation in Spain and everyone goes to the coast. I'd choose another month.Having an upcoming 6 weeks in the North of Spain (all of August and half of September and not sure which Camino/s yet), I find myself getting very concerned about accommodations and the high prices of Summer. I've read so many threads where Pilgrim's aren't able to get a Municipal bed and then, other's reply that they had no problem.
While it seems fundamental, here's my question...Is this happening mainly because some are able to consistently get there really early and que up; is it simply a case of the early bird gets the worm??? If so, how early IS early? Is there a technique and if so, what is it?
My head is spinning
Sorry to read about that.I made a start in August two summers ago and had to quit from lack of beds (albergues/hotels)...I'd choose another month.
Do yourself a couple of favors: start in Hondarrabia instead of Irun and enjoy the beautiful town and pintxos; stray from the path to Lekeitio. You'll miss GaztelugatxeSorry to read about that.
Our intent was to avoid another blazing hot August in Las Vegas. Coupled with the incredible airfare of $748.00 for both of us, round trip, non-stop, we purchased. So, now I'm going to learn what it's like, firsthand!As always, I know that Camino will provide.
What is the reason for this suggestion?Do yourself a couple of favors: start in Hondarrabia instead of Irun...
...stray from the path to Lekeitio. You'll miss Gaztelugatxe ☹
I’m close to Burgos now on the CF and the shortage of beds in what was to have been a shoulder season has me wondering. My goal was to walk and stop rather than book and run. But so many have their packs transported ahead, made reservations months ago from home, and treat this like a race that I sometimes get discouraged. I’m traveling alone and a few albergue owners have taken pity on me and sweetly found room in the inn. But also I’ve been turned away in late afternoon or forced to walk 34 km to find a bed. Was it always thus? Is this a test? Not sure...Having an upcoming 6 weeks in the North of Spain (all of August and half of September and not sure which Camino/s yet), I find myself getting very concerned about accommodations and the high prices of Summer. I've read so many threads where Pilgrim's aren't able to get a Municipal bed and then, other's reply that they had no problem.
While it seems fundamental, here's my question...Is this happening mainly because some are able to consistently get there really early and que up; is it simply a case of the early bird gets the worm??? If so, how early IS early? Is there a technique and if so, what is it?
My head is spinning
You are walking in high season for the CF, but all the same, from all these reports like yours, it does sound like this year is unusually busy. It certainly wasn't always thus.I’m close to Burgos now on the CF and the shortage of beds in what was to have been a shoulder season has me wondering. My goal was to walk and stop rather than book and run. But so many have their packs transported ahead, made reservations months ago from home, and treat this like a race that I sometimes get discouraged. I’m traveling alone and a few albergue owners have taken pity on me and sweetly found room in the inn. But also I’ve been turned away in late afternoon or forced to walk 34 km to find a bed. Was it always thus? Is this a test? Not sure...
Main season on the Norte is a month or two later than on the Frances, because of the temperature difference being close to the Atlantic brings. You may actually be better on the Norte right now@yesshesaid, wow! It's the first time I'm reading something like this, regarding the CF! My focus was on the northern coast. So considering what you have experienced on the CF (discouraging, indeed!), I can't begin to imagine CdN. Racing for beds doesn't appeal to my spirit. Keep your JOY! Buen Camino
You are walking in high season for the CF
I’m close to Burgos now on the CF and the shortage of beds in what was to have been a shoulder season has me wondering. My goal was to walk and stop rather than book and run. But so many have their packs transported ahead, made reservations months ago from home, and treat this like a race that I sometimes get discouraged. I’m traveling alone and a few albergue owners have taken pity on me and sweetly found room in the inn. But also I’ve been turned away in late afternoon or forced to walk 34 km to find a bed. Was it always thus? Is this a test? Not sure...
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