Albergue news on the Vdlp

[peregrina2000]

Cubo de Vino is going to privatize their albergue. With 7,000 euros of yearly expenses, they report that the pilgrim contributions don't cover their expenses. I have never stayed here, but remember some posts that were pretty critical of the alberge. I can't imagine why they don't meet their 7,000 euros in expenses, with the numbers on the Vdlp -- was this perhaps a donativo albergue?

The other news is that the prefab, 13 module, 36 bed albergue in A Bandeira, will be inaugurated in March of this year. Calle Agro de Balo. Maybe I'll get to sleep in my first prefab albergue this year!

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[camino07]

Hi Laurie
El Cubo was not my favourite stop. I was told at the bar there was no private accommodation until the refugio was full. It was very basic 5E no one was allowed to pick a bed until the hospitalero arrived and a few who dared were given a lecture in no uncertain terms. He arranged for all to go for dinner to Casa Carmen but she did not take overnighters either. Meal very good however! Actually the evening ended well when the hospitalero brought out his homemade Hierbas and we had a laugh. I even had a photo taken with him.
In Bandeira is the refugio you mention the one which is 3kms out of town or a new one? I will be passing this way in June.
Cheers
Heather

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Heather,
This albergue is being built right in town. When in June do you expect to be there? If things go well from Valencia, I will join up with the Vdlp in Zamora and hope to be in Bandeira or thereabouts in mid-June. Maybe we will finally connect! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[camino07]

Laurie
It would be wonderful to finally meet you. I have yet to work it all out but after walking the Aragones and some of the Frances I want to bus down ,perhaps from Leon to Montamarta/Granja where I will walk the Sanabres. I will follow your stages. 17 to 18 days from there? Probably around end of May/beg of June. Perhaps earlier if the crowds on the Frances prove too much! Last year after walking from Seville I was craving crowds.
Heather

 

[LTfit]

Yes, I agree that the hospitalero in El Cubo was a bit particular - he placed my male walking companion in a separate room as we were not a "pareja" although he later put 2 other men in my room. Go figure. But the facilities are definately adequate. We had a pleasant dinner in one of the local bars (unfortunately can't remember the name but it was on the left when entering the main street). The owner was very friendly and helpful. And although we were late for lunch and requested a vegetarian alternative to the menu that was no problem, the chef whipped up a delicious meal.

I look forward to any new insights regarding this route as I won't be starting on the Sanabrés until July.

 

[Senyor Pirotecnic]

I stayed there in 2011, a little off the main drag just past the morgue If I remember. I was the first to arrive and had to ring for someone to come and open up, some young fellah arrived soon after and let me in and then later on after it had filled up a little, someone came back to collect money. Thought the place was fine myself, not sure why they can't make it break even.