As we enter a new season, I thought I would write a post just to keep you in the loop with things in my part of the world. It is a public holiday here in Ireland and it is gorgeous outside. Blue skies everywhere. It’s just unfortunate we can only wander 5km from our household. We are still in Phase 1 of the roadmap to re-opening the economy. Phase 2 starts on June 8th and from then I will be able to visit other households within 20km of my locality. The advice is still to stay at home and to travel for essential reasons only but I long to see my family once June 8th passes. I have been in this part of the world since March 13th, but I have been kept busy.
Spain & Portugal
The situation in Portugal is much the same. It has been rumoured that Portugal will welcome tourists in as soon as June 15th but nothing has been confirmed.
For tourists going to either country, social distancing and the wearing of face masks in public will need to be maintained. For how long, that is the question? For many pilgrims, they will wait until a vaccine is available. Many will travel and face the risks.
Some links:
- Caminho in Portugal: Some challenges
- Information on measures and restrictions in Portugal
- Lifting of lockdown in Spain – full details
Camino in 2021?
I still have hopes to return to the Camino in 2021. This all depends on if there is a second or third wave or if there is a vaccine. Ideally, I would love to travel there with a vaccine but it will take 12-18 months before it will be freely available. So the Camino will look vastly different to the one I walked last. Fewer people will be on it. The albergues will be curtailed and there will be a new normal. Many albergues/hostals will require you to reserve ahead. I was leaning toward walking from Burgos in April but as the situation in Portugal looks more stable that I am more inclined to walk from Santarem to Porto. On the other hand, walking from Madrid to Sahagun sounds appealing.
Regardless, I have many months to think it over and I have flights bought from this year so I don’t need to worry about flights.
Camino in 2020?
I won’t be walking in Spain this year unfortunately but I may be walking one of the many pilgrim routes in Ireland later this Summer. More details to follow.
Clearskies Camino 
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