Sending bags again

The one place that will normally not admit (within reason) transported packs is the CSJ UK run Albergue Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino, it is due that it is a donativo albergue and that the other local albergues should have first priority.

http://www.csj.org.uk/about-us/hospitality-our-refuges/refugio-gaucelmo-at-rabanal-del-camino/

No arrangements midday: the van does the run once a day, in the morning.

No sending bags to munis to hold your spot either.

Many private albergues allow you now to reserve a bed which you have to do independently from sending your pack to them. So, you first would need to reserve your bed and then tell your transport company where to deliver your pack to.

You can send your pack to an albergue that doesn't allow reservations BUT that doesn't mean they will hold a bed for you.

Buen Camino, SY

Also be aware that if sending a pack forward, the transport is usually booked the night before and the bag normally needs to be ready for collection at 8 or 9 am.

So it's not really a 'spur of the moment' type of thing.

There may be odd exceptions such as locations that get dozens of bags picked up everyday where the staff may just say 'add yours to the pile'. Suitably tagged and paid for of course.

You will not have a problem if you pre-book private albergues or hostals, in stead of relying on municipal or public albergues. I find that www.booking. com is very good at everything from five-star paradors to one-star hostals and private albergues. Note, many private albergues actually have limited private rooms you can pre-book.

As my ability to walk long distances with a heavy pack is diminishing for health and age reasons, I will be looking into this modus-operandi for future Caminos. I've finished three full Caminos, and had to quit at Sarria this year for these reasons. However, I WILL adapt and overcome.

Mochila transport services are one, viable adaptation method. I do not criticize anyone who is compelled to use this assistance to accomplish their Camino. Know that, if you use this service every night, you can transport a conventional piece of luggage, like a carry-on size rolling suitcase. The "mochila" does not have to be an actual backpack. I see them all the time. You walk with a smaller <30 liter day pack.

This might make packing easier for many folks and increase your comfort level with special items or diet foods being sent ahead by the service. I must supplement my diet using protein powder daily. A weeks worth weighs about one kilo. A month is four kilos, or nearly nine pounds. See my point?

I hope this helps.