LIVE from the Camino What a difference

[Andybm3]

On my third Camino, started from SJPDP on Saturday and head to Estella today, with the prior ones (Portuguese & French) done in late summer, early fall/autum and the difference is stunning, particularly from the number of Pilgrims on the route. On Sunday from Espinal to Burlada, I saw no pilgrims and yesterday from Burlada to Puente La Reina, saw 10-12 tops. Plus, I have noticed many places are closed, not just albergue’s (which I expected), but may of the cafe’s where you would normally stop, drop your pack and eat/drink, thus am carrying more food/water than I expected. But overall it’s great to be back on the Camino and looking forward to the days ahead. For those that wish to follow me on Facebook, I provide daily updates on “Camino for the Soul” group - Buen Camino

 

[Bradypus]

@Andybm3 I walked the Frances in January this year. My previous walk along the Frances was in September 2016 when the pilgrimage "season" was in full swing. A totally different experience! There were many times when I thought that it was very like stepping back 30 years in time but with better accommodation.

 

[truenorthpilgrim]

I’m near Zubiri now and this is definitely more my style. Smatterings of pilgrims, low key, relaxing and quiet.

 

[Pelerina]

I’m near Zubiri now and this is definitely more my style. Smatterings of pilgrims, low key, relaxing and quiet.

Bliss ❤️

 

[nzotto]

On my third Camino, started from SJPDP on Saturday and head to Estella today, with the prior ones (Portuguese & French) done in late summer, early fall/autum and the difference is stunning, particularly from the number of Pilgrims on the route. On Sunday from Espinal to Burlada, I saw no pilgrims and yesterday from Burlada to Puente La Reina, saw 10-12 tops. Plus, I have noticed many places are closed, not just albergue’s (which I expected), but may of the cafe’s where you would normally stop, drop your pack and eat/drink, thus am carrying more food/water than I expected. But overall it’s great to be back on the Camino and looking forward to the days ahead. For those that wish to follow me on Facebook, I provide daily updates on “Camino for the Soul” group - Buen Camino

I walked this time last year and it was similar to your Camino. I noticed places closed too and I also carried more food and water. Buen Camino!

 

[Jagdev D.]

On my third Camino, started from SJPDP on Saturday and head to Estella today, with the prior ones (Portuguese & French) done in late summer, early fall/autum and the difference is stunning, particularly from the number of Pilgrims on the route. On Sunday from Espinal to Burlada, I saw no pilgrims and yesterday from Burlada to Puente La Reina, saw 10-12 tops. Plus, I have noticed many places are closed, not just albergue’s (which I expected), but may of the cafe’s where you would normally stop, drop your pack and eat/drink, thus am carrying more food/water than I expected. But overall it’s great to be back on the Camino and looking forward to the days ahead. For those that wish to follow me on Facebook, I provide daily updates on “Camino for the Soul” group - Buen Camino

Buen Camino , Amigo.. stay safe, keep well. Cheers !

 

[Wanderwoman2]

I'll be starting in a couple weeks! How's the rain?

 

[Andybm3]

I'll be starting in a couple weeks! How's the rain?

Has rained 2 out of 4 days thus far

 

[Wanderwoman2]

Has rained 2 out of 4 days thus far

Is it generally a like refreshing rain or a torrential rain? I hiked in Kauai and really dont mind the wetness of it's not also cold and windy. Do you have any recs on gear that i should grab? Like waterproof gloves or socks? Thanks!

 

[Andybm3]

Is it generally a like refreshing rain or a torrential rain? I hiked in Kauai and really dont mind the wetness of it's not also cold and windy. Do you have any recs on gear that i should grab? Like waterproof gloves or socks? Thanks!

I would call it steady for periods of time, not the whole day, but not cold and not much wind. The windy days I have had, had no rain, but pretty windy, like today from Puente La Reina to Estella, pretty strong headwind, but no rain

 

[Laura Olsen]

I will be leaving SJPP on April 7th. I hope the cafes will open up by easter, as I really enjoy the many cafe con leche stops

 

[Pamalama]

I will be leaving SJPP on April 7th. I hope the cafes will open up by easter, as I really enjoy the many cafe con leche stops

We will be leaving the same day from SJPP.

 

[Laura Olsen]

We will be leaving the same day from SJPP.

Wonderful. Maybe we will meet!

 

[Lindsay from Scotland]

We will be leaving the same day from SJPP.

I’m leaving SJPP on 5th April
Lindsay

 

[SirRon]

Buen Camino! Excited to read your reports. I have 70 days until I leave.

 

[DeansFamily]

Left snowy Roncesvalles on the 4th of March. Mainly solitary walking till Burgos with a great group of fellow pilgrims from all around the world. No rain, but very strong head on winds for many days and mainly lower temperatures while walking (from the perspective of Aussies who left Sydney in 37oC). Many albergues that list as open on Gronze haven't been open but it is starting to improve now we are on the meseta. Really enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere even with the more challenging conditions.

 

[David Tallan]

On my third Camino, started from SJPDP on Saturday and head to Estella today, with the prior ones (Portuguese & French) done in late summer, early fall/autum and the difference is stunning, particularly from the number of Pilgrims on the route. On Sunday from Espinal to Burlada, I saw no pilgrims and yesterday from Burlada to Puente La Reina, saw 10-12 tops. Plus, I have noticed many places are closed, not just albergue’s (which I expected), but may of the cafe’s where you would normally stop, drop your pack and eat/drink, thus am carrying more food/water than I expected. But overall it’s great to be back on the Camino and looking forward to the days ahead. For those that wish to follow me on Facebook, I provide daily updates on “Camino for the Soul” group - Buen Camino

I also found many more pilgrims when I walked the Frances in the summer than when I did the Frances in early spring. Then again, I walked in the summer in 2016 and did the Camino in early spring in 1989.

 

[Bradypus]

I also found many more pilgrims when I walked the Frances in the summer than when I did the Frances in early spring. Then again, I walked in the summer in 2016 and did the Camino in early spring in 1989.

Indeed. But I had the opposite experience. The quietest Camino Frances I've ever walked was in July and August. Sometimes walked for two or three days without even seeing another pilgrim. But that was 33 years ago. I've been wondering what metaphysical metaphorical spin the Blessed JB would put on that...

 

[YvonneKT]

Wonderful. Maybe we will meet!

We will be leaving the same day from SJPP.

Leaving the same day too!