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Recent content by Marian Patricia

  1. M

    Break O’Cebreiro climb

    We walked from Vega de Valcarce to O Cebreiro (age 66) carrying our packs and didn’t find it that bad at all. Uphill, yes - but we are from the prairies where hill training was not available - all we had at our disposal was stair climbing and we didn’t do that much of it. We were fit enough to...
  2. M

    Most Dangerous stage on Camino Frances.?

    I would not want to do the section from Riego de Ambros to Molinaseca in snow or rain. It was challenging enough in good weather, but not what I would call dangerous if you watch your step.
  3. M

    LIVE from the Camino Muddy stretches between Rabanal and Molinaseca

    We walked that path when the weather was perfect and it was challenging enough! I wouldn't want to do it if it's wet, snowy or muddy. I would agree with taking the road in these conditions.
  4. M

    Advice for Camino journey starting from Madrid/Leon

    Hospideria Monastica Pax is nice. You can pick up your credential right next door at the albergue. Just be sure to request a room facing away from the square as there are bars and since you’re arriving on a weekend it could be noisy. I would recommend 2 nights in Leon - it is a lovely city with...
  5. M

    Where to stay in O Cebreiro

    We tried to book a private room in O Cebreiro but most of the places weren’t answering our repeated emails or were fully booked. We contacted Casa Carolo by phone and they booked us a room. We had a very nice stay there. I feel comfortable recommending it.
  6. M

    6 Month Training & Weight Loss Plan for an Overweight/Plus Size Pilgrim

    The weight loss is a good idea - the less you “carry”, the better. We walked in our mid-60s, fit enough but not super fit, a bit overweight, arthritic knee and used to walking long distances (12-15 miles/20-25 km) without incident. What we found was that although we could handle long distances...
  7. M

    I finished my Camino Frances in July

    I’m betting you’ll do it more than just once. We went at age 66 and it was wonderful. All I could think about when I got home was “where will we do the next one!” But between Covid and a severe ankle injury it now may never happen. So start planning, do it while you can, maybe be discover...
  8. M

    Using Trekking Poles

    We walked from Leon to Santiago so I can’t comment on all of the CF. I didn’t use poles (I like to do a lot of photography so would have found them to be a nuisance) but I really would have found them helpful on steep downhill (such as El Acebo to Molinaseca) and just descending on all those...
  9. M

    Slower [easier?!] route from Astorga to Sarria?

    We did Leon to Santiago in 19 days. Many days we could have walked a lot further. We broke it down as follows: Leon to Villar de Mazarife, Hospital de Orbigo, Murias de Rechivaldo, Rabanal, El Acebo, Molinaseca, Componaraya, Villafranca del Bierzo, Vega de Valcarce, O Cebreiro, Biduedo, Samos...
  10. M

    What to do with three weeks after Santiago?

    For a wonderful, relaxing time and great food to eat I would recommend Salema, Portugal - not overdeveloped and close to beautiful beaches (Zavial, Ingrina). You can also hike along the coast to Carrapateira (Costa Vincentina natural park) and further north. Such an incredibly beautiful area.
  11. M

    Going "off stage" - Camino Frances

    We only walked from Leon to Santiago but we made a point of staying in the smaller centres wherever we could. These included: Villar de Mazarife, Hospital de Orbigo, Murias de Rechivaldo, Rabanal, El Acebo, Molinaseca, Camponaraya (but Cacabelos is nicer), Villafranca Del Bierzo, Vega de...
  12. M

    Photo book or blog documenting your camino

    I have used Blurb for several books including a beautiful one I did on our Camino walk. If you search their site you can find Camino books that others have posted for public view and may even sell. I have always been pleased with their quality, turnaround time and support. I have found the...
  13. M

    Leaving Leon - take a taxi to the outskirts????

    Bus is good, cheap and works well. We boarded at 8:30 am and we started at Virgin Del Camino by 9:00. The route we drove along through Leon didn’t look very appealing, industrial, busy traffic.
  14. M

    How far to walk in 15 days? Ponferrada to Santiago?

    It depends on what she wants out of the walk. If she wants to explore and enjoy the surroundings, 14 walking days is certainly enough. Otherwise it may be more than she needs. We walked from Leon to Santiago in 19 days - more than enough time for that distance and we could have gone much further...
  15. M

    Accommodation in O Cebreiro

    We had the same experience with Casa Navarro in 2017 - they never replied to any of our emails or phone calls and we saw no other way to reserve a room. We ended up booking at Casa Carolo - we were hesitant because we had seen negative comments online, but our experience with them was good. We...
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