Morning Glory
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances
(2013)
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Hi Jim,Hi. I arrive in SJPP on Sept 27th and begin my Camino on Sept 28th. I'm from NY. Just wanted to say hi. Jim
Thanks - I have a week before I leave - maybe things will slow down a bit.My wife has told me that the section from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is busy.
She left Saint Jean September 12 and stopped in Orison (had prebooked a room) and then continued to Burgette the next day.
Found a place in Zurbiri last night and I believe she has found a place in Pamplona for this evening. (At least she was able to email me but from where who knows?)
Told me last night that she must get up early and leave before sunrise (she is not a morning person) since everybody is doing the same rushing I gather to the next albergue. So there is definitely a pilgrim rush hour(s)
Hopefully things get better after Pamplona but I really dont think will slow down until after Logrono or maybe even Burgos. By then it will be late September and the crowds should be thinning out a bit
For what it is worth, book a place at a private pension in Burgette - it is only 2-3 km west, easy walking, and you be there by 18:00, enough time to head out to a dinner that night. The next morning you will have an 45 min head start over the others leaving RoncesvallesI am now very concerned about finding a place to spend the night in Roncesvalles. I won't get in by bus from Pamplona until 17:10 on September 23. I very much would like to stay at Albergue de Peregrinos (the web site shows that it is quite large). But if it is full then = Yikes! In checking the Internet the only rooms available in a hostal are at the Hostal Rural Haizea in Espinal which is 3-5 miles from Roncesvalles. Should I take my chances on Alberque de Peregrinos or book a room? Any advise would be appreciated.
Buen Camino
Good idea - thanks againFor what it is worth, book a place at a private pension in Burgette - it is only 2-3 km west, easy walking, and you be there by 18:00, enough time to head out to a dinner that night. The next morning you will have an 45 min head start over the others leaving Roncesvalles
Will do. Buen Camino!Definitely please keep us posted! I'm leaving for SJPP in two weeks, curious to hear what you are experiencing.
We left at first light. We're not keen to start out in the dark. Guess the crowd is a mixed blessing. Thank you for your thoughts. Buen CaminoHmm...a good thing so many people are walking still at this time of year? Or a bad thing so many people are still walking at this time of year?
I'm sorry if the "rush" is hindering your own Camino. I like your idea of getting off the "stages" and walking as you like as much as possible. Would it be better for the mindset to start off a bit earlier (you might already)? Perhaps in the next few days, the big "bulge" of marchers will spread out a bit more. There will be many who will stop at Logoño which might help a little as well.
Whatever may come, you're on the Camino! Wahoo!
Yes, after scurrying about like a couple of ants, but all is well. This is a very nice albergue and the pilgrim's dinner was delicious. Staff is also very nice. Highly recommend.But your found beds, right?
Hola Jim. Thanks for your greeting and best wishes on your Camino!Hi. I arrive in SJPP on Sept 27th and begin my Camino on Sept 28th. I'm from NY. Just wanted to say hi. Jim
Hola Jirit! Thanks for the info. We are seeing people heading off in the dark. We also know people are making advanced reservations from comments from fellow happy campers at this albergue. I know there has been discussion on the forum about whether to do that or let the Camino provide. It was not our intention to her caught up in the rush to arrive, but in the absence of a reservation, it seems dicey not to. Hopefully, things will open up after Pamplona, our next projected stop. Buen Camino!My wife has told me that the section from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is busy.
She left Saint Jean September 12 and stopped in Orison (had prebooked a room) and then continued to Burgette the next day.
Found a place in Zurbiri last night and I believe she has found a place in Pamplona for this evening. (At least she was able to email me but from where who knows?)
Told me last night that she must get up early and leave before sunrise (she is not a morning person) since everybody is doing the same rushing I gather to the next albergue. So there is definitely a pilgrim rush hour(s)
Hopefully things get better after Pamplona but I really dont think will slow down until after Logrono or maybe even Burgos. By then it will be late September and the crowds should be thinning out a bit
I agree. And Burgette is postcard pretty. Buen Camino!Good idea - thanks again
Hi Morning Glory, In Roncesvalles did you stay at the Albergue de Peregrinos/Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles? As you may have seen in my above posts that I am concerned about getting a bed when I arrive in Roncesvalles at 17:10 in the evening on Sept 23 (via bus from Pamplona). Your response would be greatly appreciated.I agree. And Burgette is postcard pretty. Buen Camino!
In September 2011, we called from Madrid upon arrival and booked a room at Casa Rural Piedra Arena in Burgete. We wanted to attend the Pilgrims Mass in Roncesvalles and after mass, walked down to Burgete through the woods in the semi darkness. In fact it was totally dark when we arrived in Burgete. It was abolutely beautiful. In fact one of my most favourite memories of all my Caminos. This B&B b cost us €35 double with bath. We always sleep in a hostel or hotel on our first night to hopefully recuperate from our long flight and 8 hour jet lag.Thanks supersullivan! jirit had also mentioned Burguete as an option. You all have helped to calm my nerves.
This may sound like a silly question but . . . how do you know where the wave is and when it is coming? Is there a particular day that people start that is busier than others? Is it the group of people starting from St Jean or other major cities along the way? I will be starting in Pamplona later this week and walk at a slower pace but I have the opportunity to choose the day I start out. My first few days to a week will be at a much slower pace and not connected to the main stages as best I can. Do you have any thoughts?
Hi. I arrive in SJPP on Sept 27th and begin my Camino on Sept 28th. I'm from NY. Just wanted to say hi. Jim
Hola Santiago_67, yes we did. I don't think you should be too concerned as there is overflow space if needed. Burn Camino!Hi Morning Glory, In Roncesvalles did you stay at the Albergue de Peregrinos/Real Colegiata de Roncesvalles? As you may have seen in my above posts that I am concerned about getting a bed when I arrive in Roncesvalles at 17:10 in the evening on Sept 23 (via bus from Pamplona). Your response would be greatly appreciated.
Buen Camino!
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the big departure days from all the major starting points. That means the SJPdP bubble hits Pamplona about Monday night; hits Puente la Reina on Tuesday, Estella on Wednesday, etc. The last 100km from Sarria gets jammed with mobs departing on Saturday (Friday of a holiday weekend). Friday and Saturday are the big arrival days in Santiago.
Plan accordingly.
It is kinda of like swimming in the ocean.
You really do not notice the wave until it suddenly sneaks up and crashes upon you. After the second wave, you start to figure out the timing and plan accordingly. You really do not know when they start, or even where they came from, but you certainly know when they have arrived. The bigger waves tend have to have a bigger impact obviously. Some people never figure the waves out and spend their time bobby up and down in the ocean.
Also the waves are always bigger near the shoreline and less so in the deeper water.
Waves of pilgrims are pretty much the same thing.
Waves of pilgrims are always bigger nearer the bigger cities and urban centres and less so, in the rural countryside like the Meseta.
After the first week, you should have figured it out.
Whatever you do, try not swimming against the current. Go with the flow instead.
Buen camino
I was planning to post this additional information too, but falcon269 beat me to it.Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are the big departure days from all the major starting points. That means the SJPdP bubble hits Pamplona about Monday night; hits Puente la Reina on Tuesday, Estella on Wednesday, etc. The last 100km from Sarria gets jammed with mobs departing on Saturday (Friday of a holiday weekend). Friday and Saturday are the big arrival days in Santiago.
Plan accordingly.
Hola Christer1! IMHO, too. Wasn't quite expecting it this time of year, but live and learn, I guess. We gave in and booked in Pamplona for 2 nights to let the wave roll by, plus a rest day seemed entirely reasonable after the busyness of the past few days. Buen Camino!The busyness sucks imho. We are at Boadilla today and it is rammed. Lucky we gave in and booked. This particular aspect i did not "sign up" for.
I am glad I am doing it this year if it is going to get worse in future years!
Buen Camino
That's why we start the Primitivo this Thursday. Last year we did the Argones, starting in Jaca. AnneThere are several ways to avoid the crush of the Frances during peak times. You can start in Irun on the Vasco and intersect the Frances at Santa Domingo de Calzada or Burgos. Start on the Madrid and intersect the Frances in Sahagan. These two starting points will give you more solitary starts but also allow you to experience the Frances. You can walk the Norte, Primitivo, VdlP or one of several other routes. These routes are way-marked, more sparsely traveled and could use some love.
Ultreya,
Joe
All Saints Day
There are three albergues in Boadilla. They all were full?The busyness sucks imho. We are at Boadilla today and it is rammed. Lucky we gave in and booked.
Well, if you are on the Camino I hope you find a place to stay for the night....There are three albergues in Boadilla. They all were full?
If someone is considering a more quit camino: I just finished the camino madrid yesterday, am in Sahagun right now. Will continue on the frances, salvador and the primitivo to sdc. It is a really beautiful camino with very gof
Whatever you choose, buen camino!
Don't pay too much attention to the panicked stories. Even in the dire posts, everyone seems to be finding a bed! I have heard the same stories for over a dozen caminos, yet have found it is rare to not find a bed, and I have encountered the "completo" sign quite a few times. Just because a place fills it does not mean that there are no beds! Just no beds there at that time. When pilgrims are reporting that everything is full, I am not sure that they are aware of all the possibilities. For example, Portomarin has five or six albergues, some of which are probably filling. However, there are two albergues just before Portomarin which never fill. Anyone in a bubble would be wise to stop in one of them instead of following the herd to Portomarin. Follow a strategy that minimizes the problem for you, if you find you are in a bubble.
Fire regulations have pretty much stopped the floor sleeping, though it still happens when necessary. I don't think you will have any problems in May. It is before the really busy times in July and August.
Not sure that anyone out here now is panicky, just reporting current conditions. For general info, the monastery albergue run by the Padres Reparadores in Puente la Reina is full tonight. There are other options in town but I do not have firsthand info on their availability.Don't pay too much attention to the panicked stories. Even in the dire posts, everyone seems to be finding a bed! I have heard the same stories for over a dozen caminos, yet have found it is rare to not find a bed, and I have encountered the "completo" sign quite a few times. Just because a place fills it does not mean that there are no beds! Just no beds there at that time. When pilgrims are reporting that everything is full, I am not sure that they are aware of all the possibilities. For example, Portomarin has five or six albergues, some of which are probably filling. However, there are two albergues just before Portomarin which never fill. Anyone in a bubble would be wise to stop in one of them instead of following the herd to Portomarin. Follow a strategy that minimizes the problem for you, if you find you are in a bubble.
Fire regulations have pretty much stopped the floor sleeping, though it still happens when necessary. I don't think you will have any problems in May. It is before the really busy times in July and August.
Sounds like you are just one day behind my wife, who indicated that the route was busyNot sure that anyone out here now is panicky, just reporting current conditions. For general info, the monastery albergue run by the Padres Reparadores in Puente la Reina is full tonight. There are other options in town but I do not have firsthand info on their availability.
Yes it has been busy. We have yet to stay in an albergue that has has an empty bed. After a rest stop in a hostal in Pamplona, hoping the wave would wash over us, we seemed to have picked up a second wave resulting in full albergues where we have stayed in Puenta la Reina, Estella, and Los Arcos. We heard that due to the wine festival in Logronos, hotels, pensions and hostels were full. Looking at the number of albergue beds available in Logrono, we thought there would likely be a squeeze. So we caught a bus to skip over Logrono. It still is busy this side of Logrono, but this wave seems smaller. In chatting with fellow peregrinos, there is a recognition that September has become more busy in the past few years, but one peregrina from Europe thought this September was especially busy due to people having postponed their Caminos until the fall because of the cool and wet spring (those who wished to avoid the crowds and heat of summer).My wife is reporting that the section through to and including Logrono is busy due to the wine festival this weekend. Basically Logrono was booked out completely, so she was forced to stay in Viana.
Actually as per our brief conversation via FaceTime, she has told me it has been non stop busy since Roncesvalles expect for odd place or occasion.
Hi GregIn Naverette tonight and finding that reservations are a wise thing. Over the last 12 days our experience is that most albergues are nearly at their limit by mid to late afternoon.
Burgette is reasonably sized and only 2km down the road.. Also, the lady in the bar/cafe in Roncesvalles ferried some people on to Espinal a few days back..... I think you will find options
In Naverette tonight and finding that reservations are a wise thing. Over the last 12 days our experience is that most albergues are nearly at their limit by mid to late afternoon.
Seems to be working well, as that's what we've been doing since skipping over Longrono. It beats the heat (it has been somewhat warm in the afternoon) and allows for a less hectic walk.A wise man would start early, 6.30-7.00 am , walk 6 1/2 hours with coffee breaks and stop..
This puts the time around 1-2pm and 18km-20km should have been covered.
Have a shower, have lunch in the village and relax .
Simple but effective way to avoid the rush.
Seems to be working well, as that's what we've been doing since skipping over Longrono. It beats the heat (it has been somewhat warm in the afternoon) and allows for a less hectic walk.
Last night, we met a peregrina who said the albergues were full so she and about 20 other peregrino(a)s slept outside Saturday night in Longrono. She said there were a lot of drunk people wandering the streets. Not surprised by that.My wife did the same thing given that Logrono had a wine festival this past weekend.
She has decided to call ahead and book a bed for herself especially in the more popular places
Last night, we met a peregrina who said the albergues were full so she and about 20 other peregrino(a)s slept outside Saturday night in Longrono. She said there were a lot of drunk people wandering the streets. Not surprised by that.
We also started our walk on the 12 sept. Very busy in SJPP But got in Albergue Le Chemin du etoile the night before not the best to start with but did the job. Stayed at Roncevalles Thursday and there was plenty of beds haven't heard anyone turned away ! The best chance you have is to start the walks no later then 7 am and all should be ok regarding beds. The problem begins around 3 pm we did have a problem in Villa Mayor Monjardin and was lucky to get a place as many had to carry on to Los Arcos or take a Taxi. After a hard days walk it can be demoralising to be turned away but this was the only time we experienced this. We ended our walk in Burgos 23 sept has work commitments get in the way but we will return for sure next year to complete the walk. One of the best times of my life to walk with so many great people from all over the world. Missing the walk and the amazing people all with a purpose to achieve. Buen CaminoWe started in SJPdP on 12 Sept and felt lucky to get 2 beds at Albergue de Peregrinos. The next night, Orrison was fully booked, we made reservations back in July, so that was good. Roncevalles was jammed last night. Today felt like a military march to Zubiri and all was completo by 3pm. The strategy to go off the Brierly stage by stopping short in Zubiri did not work for many tired Peregrinos today, but we snagged bed space at Albergue El palo de avellano due to having picked up the pace. I wonder what the next few days will bring?
The food is too good in Logrono to stay in an albergue! I have stayed in a one-star hostal the last three times, and headed out for dinner at 2100 when the real restaurants open. Even at that late hour, the Spanish were just showing up as I was finishing!
During the wine festival, even hotels may be full. The tourist office can help, if you can find it. The one in the park in the middle of town is now closed. The new one is on the circle on the Camino as it leaves the city center (keeping in mind that leaving the city takes a couple of hours!!).
Yes the overflow dorm filled up and about a dozen people in the sports hall. With no shop the main problem was getting food at the only establishmentThere are three albergues in Boadilla. They all were full?
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