Virgin Pilgrims 21st Feb 2012, Help request.

[Farquary]

Hola Pilgrims, on Feb 21st 2012 we will be walking for 10 days from Ponferrada. Never walked any part of the Camino before. We are looking for any tips available, especially about winter walking. Will the Albergue be open? We have tents, just in case, but will it be to cold in high places like O'Cebreiro? Our spanish is not to good, do many people along these parts speak English? Just how cold can we expect it to be, snow? Any tips very welcome, por favor, Gracias.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

A couple of years ago I walked from Ponferrada over new year. There have also been reports since then. The albergues will be open and well heated in my experience. I would advise you to leave the tent at home - it is extra weight and the weather may very well be adverse. It will be cold especially when you are crossing the mountain - it may very well be snowy too. You will need to be able to layer your clothes with a good base, mid and outer layer + rain shell. In my experience ponchos are not the best in that it can be windy too - but if using a poncho you will need waterproof trousers too. Gaiters are a great help in the snow.

As I've said the albergues will be open - check in Ponferrada before departure what is open ahead of you just to be sure.

Pack light, pack for warmth, be careful with the weather and all will be well.

Enjoy.

John

 

[Deleted member 3000]

do many people along these parts speak English?

No. You will communicate just fine with hand gestures, smiles, and a few words of Spanish, but do not expect anyone to be able to carry on a conversation in English except some fellow pilgrims. Remember, louder is not clearer. When there is a lack of mutual understanding, just smile and back out of the conversation.

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

To echo what Johnnie said, I walked Sarria to SdC in December 2010. The municipal albergues were open though many of the private ones were shut. The one exception was Ligonde. It was necessary to walk a short distance further to Eirexe if you wanted to stay in that part of the world. The bar opposite the refugio was open.

The main pilgrim albergue in SdC, the seminor minor, doesn't usually open till the beginning of March but the touirst office at Rua do Vilar can offer plenty of alternatives.