Sleeping solutions during the summer

[earnrunner]

Hi,
I'm planning to walk from SJ to Santiago, starting on mid July
I read that on this high season, it happens that the albergue might get full.
1. How often does this happens? On how many night will I need to find an alternative sleeping solution?
2. Will a sleeping bag and a mat be enough for those nights? I really don't want to carry a tent...
Any other advice regarding albergue overload during summer time?

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Mats are the most discarded item on the Camino! If you should ever need one, impose on a fellow pilgrim and borrow! Many worry about not finding a bed, but very few don't find one. You may need to use an alternative albergue or hotel, but there are lots of beds. Last year they accommodated 271,000 pilgrims. New places were opened for the crowds. Stop in the smaller places, and you improve your chances. Try not to worry about the bed race, and be flexible.

 

[Ajda]

I found sleeping mat very useful.

I walk my first camino from july 16 to august 13. I didnt find bed for 6 times. First (it was my 6x day on camino) it was shock for me. After 32 km woman in alberg said to me there is no place for me. Not really in nice voice. I was almost crying. And i was stupid enough i walk 10 more km to Logrono.

It was 5 more times i didnt find a bed (last 100 km). 2 i slept in gymnasium (concrete) and i was soooooo thankfull for my sleeping mat. My camino friends who didnt have mats, were freezing during the night.

So... when i'll be on the way again (hopefully it would be in july) i'll bring my mat with me.

 

[Caminando]

Sorry you had this problem so often Ajda. You're right to bring a mat next time - or you could maybe avoid this camino.

 

[Ajda]

Sorry you had this problem so often Ajda. You're right to bring a mat next time - or you could maybe avoid this camino.

Hahaha Caminando... I think i have read this words before on the forum. Am i right?

It's no my intention to frightened people. I just want to tell my experience. And i know it would be easier if someone told me this could happend. But everybody before my camino said: "No, you dont need sleeping mats, you cannot stay without bed at the evening." But i did. And its change my experience. Not in the bad way of course. Actually, im glad a had this experience.

And for july and august is well known fact there is a lot of people on the way. Why not said to people:"Yes, it can happend. Not very often, but still."


Avoid camino? No way.

Buen camino.

 

[earnrunner]

That was both quick and useful; thanks!

 

[ParistoCapeCod]

Hahaha Caminando... I think i have read this words before on the forum. Am i right?

It's no my intention to frightened people. I just want to tell my experience. And i know it would be easier if someone told me this could happend. But everybody before my camino said: "No, you dont need sleeping mats, you cannot stay without bed at the evening." But i did. And its change my experience. Not in the bad way of course. Actually, im glad a had this experience.

And for july and august is well known fact there is a lot of people on the way. Why not said to people:"Yes, it can happend. Not very often, but still."


Avoid camino? No way.

Buen camino.

There are more "caminos" than just the overcrowded Frances.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There are more "caminos" than just the overcrowded Frances.

There are dozens in France and Spain. At least five end in Santiago.

 

[november_moon]

Ajda - I am curious about your experience not finding a bed on multiple occasions. I understand that the alberques do fill up, but were the local hotels, guesthouses, and other options also full? I have heard of other people not finding beds at albuerques, but from most accounts that I have read, when people open their search up a bit, they usually find something. Was this not your experience? We are walking in June and I want to be prepared.

 

[Jnlee99]

On my October walk on Camino France I only heard on one occasion where pilgrim had to sleep outside because she was refused check-in due to late arrival, and it resulted in her sleeping on a park bench. I was surprised to hear this because if I've seen anyone turned away I would just open the door for them to come in and sleep - there were plenty of empty beds!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I would just open the door for them to come in and sleep - there were plenty of empty beds!

You would think. I also would open the door. And in Leon one year, I arrived very late, and the kind hospitalero let me in. But it should not be expected.

Even the Christ Child, after all, found "no room in the Inn!"