sleeping outside

[kelz]

has anyone slept outside whilst on the camino?

my mom and her friends slept on the steps of a church once, but it was 'with permission' because the refugios were full. i was thinking more along the lines of in a field or something (but without tent). it is improper (ie if land belongs to a farmer) or can you just do it as long as you are tidy and are up and out early...?

also, would you then get your passport stamped at a bar in place of the refugio's stamp?

cheers!

[Covey]

You quite often see pilgrims with tents etc, but carrying the extra weight to "go camping" appears hardly worth the effort to avoid spending the ?5 a night for a bed under a roof with showers and a toilet to use and facilities to do laundry!!

The land along the Camino Frances route is 95% cultivated, which means it is owned by someone, and you should get their permission before using their land. Unless you speak very good Spanish, finding out who owns the bit of land you want to use will be a problem.

Walking 25kms a day is hot dusty work usually, and the ability to grab a bunk in the albergue, have a shower and do the dhobi before wandering out with your friends to have a beer and something to eat is well worth the ?5