Resting my poor feet in Pamplona and think I need to let this out of my chest.
Have you notice a support brigades - mostly ladies of mature age - who drive their group from point to point on the camino, dropping them off and race over to the day's destination to secure accommodation (not the albergue - I am talking the private accom where I desire). Yesterday from Ron to Zubiri, the going got a bit tough because of the rain so most of us were quite relieved to get out of the forest and hit the hill before the down hill drop to Zubiri. A lady in impeccable walking gears (tracksuit, raincoat, walking boots, etc) was busy on her cell phone directing her husband who's still slogging in the mud back there where to go and where she has his lunch waited and his gear ready. Another group of French walkers has their lunch set up and waited at a half way village complete with table cloth. Naturally all these walkers travel light so they can make good time.
What annoys me is the support brigades snatch all the accom away from the real walkers who have to get there on our own steam. If I walk too slow and I get there too late to get my choice accom, I don't complain. It's just tough luck. But to be beaten by the support brigades is a bit much and totally unfair. I don't know how to retaliate except calling Francisco in Pamplona and engage his taxi as my one man brigade.
Or should I give it up and go home?
Have you notice a support brigades - mostly ladies of mature age - who drive their group from point to point on the camino, dropping them off and race over to the day's destination to secure accommodation (not the albergue - I am talking the private accom where I desire). Yesterday from Ron to Zubiri, the going got a bit tough because of the rain so most of us were quite relieved to get out of the forest and hit the hill before the down hill drop to Zubiri. A lady in impeccable walking gears (tracksuit, raincoat, walking boots, etc) was busy on her cell phone directing her husband who's still slogging in the mud back there where to go and where she has his lunch waited and his gear ready. Another group of French walkers has their lunch set up and waited at a half way village complete with table cloth. Naturally all these walkers travel light so they can make good time.
What annoys me is the support brigades snatch all the accom away from the real walkers who have to get there on our own steam. If I walk too slow and I get there too late to get my choice accom, I don't complain. It's just tough luck. But to be beaten by the support brigades is a bit much and totally unfair. I don't know how to retaliate except calling Francisco in Pamplona and engage his taxi as my one man brigade.
Or should I give it up and go home?