I woke up last weekend and realized I was three weeks from leaving for Spain. I had made a few reservations: my favorite albergue in St Jean Pied de Port, France, and at Borda Albergue on my first night of hiking, but had done very little else. So I started making my way through the Buen Camino App, planning treks of about 12 miles a day, and soon discovered that lots of the small villages were completely booked. I wouldn’t say that I panicked, but I did decide to do some serious planning. The difference each year on the French is the number of people vs the number of beds available. On my first two hikes, I could walk into a village and find a place to stay or book one day ahead; now it takes a bit more planning.
I am determined not to let that get in my way, nor take up my evenings on the Camino sending emails the night before and waiting for a response from busy hospitaleros. I spent the entire day planning my Frances and reserving beds for my five weeks on the Camino. In getting that settled, I also decided not to take any days off, but to do several short days of 5-8 miles. I get restless spending time being a “tourist” when I have two days in one city. The trail calls me. Now I can have the best of both worlds; moving forward yet a short day to let my body rest from a lengthy hike.
We are excited for you! It sounds like you are perfectly planned for another great Camino. Soak it all in and enjoy! – Barb and Alan
I’ll be going with you, vicariously as always. Is anyone local going with you this time. Blessings for your journey. 💕