My very first Camino in 7 weeks

[Julia_NL]

Hello people,

Im doing my very first Camino in 7 weeks, Im doing a part of 200km of the french way.
Been wanting to do this since years and finally I have made up my mind to do it in 2015 (I actually decided a month ago).
I have already arranged my outgoing flight to Madrid, one night there in a hostel. The second day I take a train and go to Ponferrada where I start my trip. The train should arrive around 16:00. Do you think I will manage to get an albergue at this time? Or shall I book something? How and where can I obtain a Camino Credential in Ponferrada?
I have already got everything ready for my trip, now reading a lot of books and I am counting every day. I am so excited I have finally decided to do it.
Ohhhh the best part is - I am travelling alone

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome Julia, I would book a Hostal through Booking.com and then its one less thing to worry about plus you will get a good rest with your own private bathroom and shower before you leave. I'm not sure about the credential but someone will and let you know soon. I hope you have a great Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[mspath]

Julia,

In Ponferrada you can obtain your Credencial at the parish albergue San Nicolas de Flue. They are open from 15:00 until 22:00 and offer over 180 bunks. However you need not stay there in order to obtain a Credencial.
Good luck and Buen camino!

MM

 

[Julia_NL]

Thank you both for your replies!
So in order to get the Credential I need to stay in one of the albergues even on my very first day when I arrive at 16:00, did I understand it right?
Other option would be to book a hostel and get the Credential the next day, but I guess they will not be open in the early morning yet.

 

[mspath]

You do NOT need to stay in the albergue in order to obtain the Credencial from the albergue. The albergue is open until 22:00 pm. It is open in the morning from 06:00 until 08:00 am. You could get your Credencial then. Click on the highlighted name of the albergue in my above post to see more info in Spanish.

 

[NualaOC]

Hi Julia,

I agree that it's a good idea to book your first night, so that you have less to worry about on your first day.

You can also order your credencial in advance through this forum: http://www.santiagodecompostela.me/...passport-from-the-pilgrims-office-in-santiago.

Good luck and Buen Camino,

Nuala

 

[trevorcc]

Hello people,

Im doing my very first Camino in 7 weeks, Im doing a part of 200km of the french way.
Been wanting to do this since years and finally I have made up my mind to do it in 2015 (I actually decided a month ago).
I have already arranged my outgoing flight to Madrid, one night there in a hostel. The second day I take a train and go to Ponferrada where I start my trip. The train should arrive around 16:00. Do you think I will manage to get an albergue at this time? Or shall I book something? How and where can I obtain a Camino Credential in Ponferrada?
I have already got everything ready for my trip, now reading a lot of books and I am counting every day. I am so excited I have finally decided to do it.
Ohhhh the best part is - I am travelling alone

Buen Camino enjoy this time as I am sure you will be back to walk the rest.

 

[Julia_NL]

Good morning all,
thank you so much for your support and encouragement, feels good to receive advises from the experienced walkers
To be honest, I am a bit worried that I might miss some of the landmarks, is it easy to spot them?

 

[Julia_NL]

Hi Julia,

I agree that it's a good idea to book your first night, so that you have less to worry about on your first day.

You can also order your credencial in advance through this forum: http://www.santiagodecompostela.me/...passport-from-the-pilgrims-office-in-santiago.

Good luck and Buen Camino,

Nuala

million thanks! I just ordered one online