Sept 2010, still the crowds?

[jetter]

I'm planning on going on the camino (first timer here), and am going from Ponferrada, due to time crunch (two week max). I've checked out most of the old postings and it seems like a pretty decent time to go from all I've read. Will it still be crowded? I'm flying in to SDC and taking a bus to Ponferrada. Will I have a problem getting a bus? Just want to say thanks to everyone who has posted on here. The information is fantastic! I wish I had more time but will hopefully get to do a part of the journey every year until I get it done. I also want to take a hike across Ireland, but that's for another post. Buen camino to all who are making the trek this year. Jen

[Covey]

The bus service from SDC to Ponferrada is run by ALSA.

ALSA - Hacemos tu viaje m?s f?cil

You can buy a ticket on line and even book your seat! The booking system is not open for September yet as it only works 6 months in advance. From the airport you catch the airport bus to the Santiago Bus Station and the ALSA bus goes from there.

I hope Sept will not be crowded because I am flying to Bairritz on the 3rd Sept and walking from St Jean to Roncesvalles on the 4th.

[Rod]

Hi covey,
I fly out to Biaritz on the 1st of September. how busy will it be. I hope to see you along the way.

[Covey]

I have started in early September twice before and have had a very enjoyable time, with good weather and good company.

[jetter]

Thanks for the info! We're hiking about 10 miles a day on the weekends and will increase it to about 20 with my new Keen hiking boots... love 'em. We're also trying to walk with semi full packs (just got an osprey and it was a terrific buy as well). Oh, the one question I didn't ask before is what about the water? I know there are fountains around but is it safe to drink or do you advise buying bottled?
Thanks again. Jen

[Covey]

I usually carry bottled water because it comes in a handy container which I change every other day!! I usually carry 2 x 1.5L bottles which are usually half full. I carry 2 so the weight on either side of my pack stays equal. Across the Meseta, I fill both bottles to full as it can get very very hot in August .

It is much easier to carry water in the bottle than mess around with drinking bladders which you need to constantly clean out.

The drinking water in the albergues and fountains in the main towns is OK, but I would avoid the fountains in the small villages. Fountains are usually marked if they are not for drinking!!

[karenleeg]

Thanks for the info! I am starting off on Sept 4th from St. Jean! Looking forward to less crowds than the summer attracts! Walking boots or shoes - anyone got a strong recommendation? Karen-Lee

[Covey]

Karen - That's two of us starting at dawn on the 4th Sept from St Jean and it is still only January!!

Covey

[Covey]

Karen - Shoes!