WestKirsty
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Next up: Viejo/Olvidado
Hi again!
I've just finished up 2 days on the Invierno and it's been a great start to the route. Lots of folks have posted on here but I thought I'd share some of what it's been like so far, particularly in light of my other post from a few days ago about poor trail conditions in some areas.
Day 1: Ponferrada to Las Médulas
A wonderful start to the Camino! Not much was open on route this time of year, though I did see some bars and a panadería open in Toral de Merayo. It was quite soon after Ponferrada so I didn't stop and can't comment on them but a potential option if in need of an extra coffee before really setting off.
There were low clouds and off and on rain yesterday so I wasn't sure if I should bother with the official trail up to the Castle or take the shorter option. I went for the castle and the clouds made it all the more spectacular. And to my surprise, it was open! Free for pilgrims to enter. There's a room with a glorious view and seats and it was the perfect spot to have lunch - warm, dry and scenic.
I also opted for the alternative route to the Mirador de Orellan. I found it very worthwhile and worth the effort! There were some parts with a little bit of a rock slide - easily passable but I did think that I'm glad I wasn't there the moment the rock fell.
I was following a Wikiloc route and the Wise Pilgrim app map and there was a part when in the Las Médulas formation that was blocked off and a sign saying it was dangerous to pass. I backtracked a little and there are lots of signs to Las Médulas town so it was an easy workaround. The first part down from the Mirador was also quite steep and muddy with the rain. Not too bad but careful footing is required.
Day 2: Las Médulas to Villamartin
Beautiful walk through the first this morning and a great cross over into Galicia. They really have put effort into making you feel welcome! Pumares was a delight as locals made sure I found the little rest stop with a stamp for pilgrims and the Christmas decorations were wonderful!
I can't remember which village I was in but I met an old gentleman who was so excited to have someone to talk to. He told me he is a singer and insisted that I open YouTube on my phone so I could here him sing. He then insisted on walking with me through town telling me I was the first Pilgrim he's ever met and then asked if I would live with him and then he sang to me etc. etc.
I was chatting with another peregrina in the Albergue just now and turns out she was also the first peregrina he's ever met etc. etc. Ahhh, the people you meet...
It started to rain later in the morning and it just hasn't stopped. There's work being done on the grounds around the Albergue in Villamartin and it's a literal mud pit to walk from the Camino to it. There are 4 of us here tonight (who knew there's be so many! All of us solo female walkers) and none found a decent way to the front door.
However, there's and amazing gas fireplace in the room and it's blasting out very welcome heat! All our gear is currently laid out in front of it, drying. It's a good place, once you get inside!!
I've just finished up 2 days on the Invierno and it's been a great start to the route. Lots of folks have posted on here but I thought I'd share some of what it's been like so far, particularly in light of my other post from a few days ago about poor trail conditions in some areas.
Day 1: Ponferrada to Las Médulas
A wonderful start to the Camino! Not much was open on route this time of year, though I did see some bars and a panadería open in Toral de Merayo. It was quite soon after Ponferrada so I didn't stop and can't comment on them but a potential option if in need of an extra coffee before really setting off.
There were low clouds and off and on rain yesterday so I wasn't sure if I should bother with the official trail up to the Castle or take the shorter option. I went for the castle and the clouds made it all the more spectacular. And to my surprise, it was open! Free for pilgrims to enter. There's a room with a glorious view and seats and it was the perfect spot to have lunch - warm, dry and scenic.
I also opted for the alternative route to the Mirador de Orellan. I found it very worthwhile and worth the effort! There were some parts with a little bit of a rock slide - easily passable but I did think that I'm glad I wasn't there the moment the rock fell.
I was following a Wikiloc route and the Wise Pilgrim app map and there was a part when in the Las Médulas formation that was blocked off and a sign saying it was dangerous to pass. I backtracked a little and there are lots of signs to Las Médulas town so it was an easy workaround. The first part down from the Mirador was also quite steep and muddy with the rain. Not too bad but careful footing is required.
Day 2: Las Médulas to Villamartin
Beautiful walk through the first this morning and a great cross over into Galicia. They really have put effort into making you feel welcome! Pumares was a delight as locals made sure I found the little rest stop with a stamp for pilgrims and the Christmas decorations were wonderful!
I can't remember which village I was in but I met an old gentleman who was so excited to have someone to talk to. He told me he is a singer and insisted that I open YouTube on my phone so I could here him sing. He then insisted on walking with me through town telling me I was the first Pilgrim he's ever met and then asked if I would live with him and then he sang to me etc. etc.
I was chatting with another peregrina in the Albergue just now and turns out she was also the first peregrina he's ever met etc. etc. Ahhh, the people you meet...
It started to rain later in the morning and it just hasn't stopped. There's work being done on the grounds around the Albergue in Villamartin and it's a literal mud pit to walk from the Camino to it. There are 4 of us here tonight (who knew there's be so many! All of us solo female walkers) and none found a decent way to the front door.
However, there's and amazing gas fireplace in the room and it's blasting out very welcome heat! All our gear is currently laid out in front of it, drying. It's a good place, once you get inside!!
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