Welcome to the 1st edition of the monthly Camino Hacks and Tips newsletter.

Contents

• Camino News - Bed Race, Sad News + Massive Data Bundles

• Accommodation Recommendation

• Camino Reflections

Camino News

The Bed Race on the Camino Frances

The Camino Frances bed race is over…for now. Reports coming back from the Camino Frances are saying the mad rush for beds has eased. It’s useful to bear in mind that May and September are traditionally the busiest months along the Frances.

If you’re planning on going in September, then my recent post could help:

John Brierely Guidebook Writer Unwell

John Brierley and his brilliant guidebooks have played a big part in helping to make the Camino accessible to people from all over the world.

Sadly, John is seriously ill. He spoke recently on the Camno Café podcast about how he was suffering with cancer. Reports indicate that his condition has worsened. If you’ve not listened to his interview, I highly recommend it:

Leigh Brennan, Patti Pie Silva and Johnniewalker are inviting the worldwide pilgrim community to SEND THEIR PERSONAL THANKS TO JOHN, so that he can feel the love and support of his fellow pilgrims, during this difficult time.

In order to expedite this whilst respecting John's privacy, they ask that you please email your message, by Wednesday 14th of June to:

[email protected]

All messages will be printed and bound into a Book of Thanks, which they will be couriering to John. Please note, they are making this invitation with John's permission.

Massive Mobile Data Bundles

I stumbled across this pre-paid SIM only deal today and had to share it! Vodaphone are offering 50GB for only 10 euros a month:

You have to have it delivered, so to make this work simply put the details of a hotel you’ll be staying at and get it delivered there…but don’t forget to let the hotel know! I’ve done this before with something I ordered and I arrived at my chosen hotel to find my package waiting for me. Or, you can simply pop into a Vodaphone store in the larger towns and cities.

Camino Accommodation Recommendations

I will be recommending albergues, hostals and hotels I’ve slept in along various Camino routes, places that have stayed with me long after I’ve left. It could be down to an amazing host, a communal spirit going on inside it or simply because it’s a quirky place that made me a feel more like a pilgrim after a night there.

Albergue De Peregrinos Del Monasterio De Urdax - 8 euros for a bed

A small little albergue in a 12th century monastery that is now a museum. Situated on the Camino Baztan in a town called Urdax. It is clean, basic and a classic albergue experience.

For 10 euros the hospitalero will provide you with a basic two course meal, first course was noodle soup and then meat and potatoes for the main - a no frills dinner that hit the spot after a long day of walking.

The showers were lovely and warm, it was super quiet and with the Baztan being a less travelled route, there was only 3 of us in a 25 person dorm.

It is open all year round, but it’s advisable to call the hospitalero to let him know you’re coming - contact details

Camino Reflections - Why We Walk

I’ve asked myself this question a lot lately. I know why I started. After a health scare, the traditional 'lads' holiday that had been a staple for many years simply didn’t appeal, and truth be told, I didn’t know if it was something I could do anymore. I was after something quieter, closer to nature, and less stressful. By chance, the Camino was mentioned to me by a relative, and initially, I looked into a cycle tour of the Camino Frances route, but the idea of cycling must not have resonated, as it soon faded away.

The adventure and alienness of the whole Camino experience stayed in the back of my mind, occasionally popping up, then disappearing back down again with no action taken to make it happen. Truth be told, I didn’t feel strong enough or confident enough at the time to go and walk on my own – it scared me. But the desire remained, and I would often talk to friends and family about wanting to do it one day, when I felt ready.

By chance, one evening after work, having a drink with colleagues in 2016, I mentioned the Camino to a new starter. His eyes lit up, and he replied that he’d wanted to walk it for some time but had never gotten around to it. Was this the sign I’d been looking for? Who knows, but something inside me pushed through the fear, and I blurted out, "Would you want to walk it together?"

Cut to many months later, plans poured over, routes mapped, and hours of time logged on booking.com, we settled on a date and our route. End of August, walking from Leon to Santiago on the Camino Frances. Would we get on? Would we enjoy it? And would an actual 'walking holiday' be fun?

I experience a range of emotions when I think back to that first trip. I’m proud we took the plunge because the Camino has given me so much, and I have grown each and every time I have walked it. It has given me friendship, love, laughter, and some tears. I was as green as a pilgrim could be back then, backpack overstuffed and uncomfortable as hell, but rather than look back with embarrassment, I look back and acknowledge that the lessons I’ve learned have been hard-won and have helped build me back up.

The Camino is something special and means different things to everyone who walks it. For some, it is about getting closer to God as they walk on the ancient pilgrimage route towards the tomb of St. James. For others, it's about connecting with nature, community, or simply getting away and having time to think, or even grieve. Thanks to the Camino, I have discovered the pleasure, both physically and mentally, of a long walk. Why do you walk? Could you incorporate more walking into your life? And remember, we don’t always have to be on Camino to have a long walk…

Over the coming issues of this newsletter, I want to try and put into words what the Camino has done for me and can do for you. I hope you will choose to share this journey with me.

Buen Camino.