To stay in the pilgrim hostels (albergues) we need a Pilgrim's Passport (credencial). Ours come from the CSJ in England and have good large spaces for the stamps (sellos) we will collect as we walk. Sellos can be had from churches, town halls, hotels, cafes etc as well as the albergues themselves. Some places just leave the rubber stamp and ink pad for pilgrims, others do it for you. Some are very picturesque, others simple. We need at least one a day to start with, and then at least two a day for the last 100kms, to show that we have walked the Camino.
Also from CSJ we have the selection of Bible verses and meditations called 'Forty Days'.
The guide to the Camino is also important, giving directions, distances and some places to stay as well as the albergues. We will probably use a mix of albergues, both municipal (not bookable) and private (bookable), hostals and maybe some hotels.
That means we need a PAYG mobile phone to call ahead, or for emergencies. Next on the list is money, in a secure form and our tickets for the journey.
So much to think about as the time gets nearer; and still the need for that all important walking practise. To quote a Stanley Holloway monologue "the sky's took a turn since this morning; I think it'll brighten up yet", although so far the forecast for the next few weeks round here doesn't look too good.
Last year's sellos:-
from our journey and the Camino Inglés
Hello I am preparing to walk the camino del norte myself soon and I was wondering what guide book you would recommend? Thank you
ReplyDeleteWhat is the actual size of these pass ports [ credencials ]? I would like to make sure I bring with me a proper size zip lock bag to keep it from getting wet. One site said they are about 3.5" x 6.30" [9cm x 16cm and 70cm spread open ].
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't appear that the ones shown above could be that small unless the sellos are very small.
Can you help?
Sorry we have not been logged in for some time. Our pilgrim Records (credenciales) come form the Confraternity of St James (csj.org.uk) and are A5 size. They are opened out in the photo to A4.
DeleteDetails on their website and only for CSJ members.
We also use the CSJ guide books - see their on-line bookshop for details and how to order.