[Gocamino] Crowds on the Camino

[Tim]

Hi Susan and all,
    As some of you will know I live in St Jean Pied de Port and I can 
confirm that the predicted large increase in numbers just hasn't 
happened.  The bad weather in April/May and possibly all the publicity 
about massive increases in numbers seems to have had a dampening affect 
and as of the end of last month numbers were down on last year by 3%.  
This may improve as the weather improves but, of course those wanting to 
be in Santiago for the last week in July are almost past the point where 
it is possible to make it.
Regards to you all.
Tim Proctor
 
Susan Alcorn wrote:
> Whether it is crowded on the Camino or not depends on where you are. Ralph and I just finished a portion (180 miles) of the Arles Route/Camino Aragones (GR653) from Oloron St. Marie, FR to Logrono, SP and there were some days that we were the only ones staying in the hostals/private facilities and saw no other pilgrims on the trails. We were hiking from June 3-19.
> Once we linked up with the Camino Frances (at Obanos), we definitely met more, but we still had no difficulty finding a bed in the albergues. 
>
> Clearly it gets more crowded the closer one gets to Santiago, so if pilgrims wish to avoid crowds, they might do a portion of a route more distant from Santiago. 
> Buen Camino,
> Susan and Ralph Alcorn
> www.backpack45.com 
> Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.
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