Sleeping Bag Advice/September Camino

[Eyskens]

I was a 'Hospitalero' the last two years in September, and we were full
within an hour of opening; 3 pm and had to turn people away.  Those who
wanted however, were free to pitch a tent or spread out their sleeping
bag in our garden.  Its true the numbers of Spanish dropped somewhat,
but not dramatically, while the numbers of other nationalities
increased.  I expect this year will be extremely crowded.  Most Refugios
are planning to open early-March and staying open through at least
October with a few through November.  The villagers in Rabanal del
Camino for instance are both looking forward to the Holy Year and
dreading it, for the same reason, i.e. numbers.  I'll be back on the
Camino this October.

Lots of Luck

Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage [mailto:GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU] On
Behalf Of and Jennifer Wing
Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2004 8:30 PM
To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
Subject: Sleeping Bag Advice/September Camino


Happy New Year everyone.  I need some advice about a sleeping bag I'm
about to purchase.  I will be doing the Camino Frances in September of
2004, and I am quite sure I should be prepared with a sleeping bag as it
is a Holy Year.  I have a feeling I may have to use it due to the number
of people that will be on the Camino.

I am wondering if a 20+ degrees Farenheit sleeping bag will be warm
enough on the Camino in September, just in case I ever have to sleep
outside.  I have been told to avoid down-filled as it is very slow to
dry.  However, I am still not sure about the warmth factor.  Any advise
would be appreciated.

By the way, I have been spending a great deal of time reading everyone's
posts and taking notes for my trip this September.  I can't thank you
all enough for sharing your insights and experiences.  It has been
invaluable to me, and I am so grateful.  Thank you.

JB