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We did that segment last year, 2023. Took train from Madrid Chamartin station to Leon. Changed trains to Ponferrada. Super easy and quite comfortable. There is a metro that took us directly from the Madrid airport to Chamartin. Frankly the hardest part to get right was the shuttle bus at the...
I actually stayed in the treehouse suite at Jakue. Fun experience. Only one large bed. Was certainly unique. Unfortunately I took no pictures of the interior. It literally is a treehouse. Bedroom, en suite bathroom, private porch. On a windy night it actually creaks a bit. Certainly an...
Others are giving you the same advice, but I will pile on by saying stop in Madrid and catch the train the following day to Sarria. Trains are easy and Monday trains will likely have more options. I just did the return from Sarria to Madrid in May and it was easy. It sounds like your plans...
You are welcome! Camino is such a unique experience I always enjoy talking with people about it. Something else you should think about is how much you want isolation vs the company of other pilgrims. Some people - I think Brierly falls into this category - really emphasize solitude. I, on...
Welcome! We did CF both in the fall (2017) and the spring (2023). Both were great. Weather was fantastic both times. Not too hot. Not too cold. Spring was nice because the days were longer and got longer as we went. But either one is a fantastic experience.
Brierly's book is one of the...
My greatest disappointment on my 2017 CF journey was the litter along the trail. It seemed there were bottles and trash strewn everywhere to the point that my wife and I started carrying waste bags and picking some up as we could.
By contrast I am on CF now having started a week ago in...
On Camino now, currently in Melide. O Cebrero is great, but you have to get there. I suppose you can Taxi there and start. You might also consider Tricastella. Seven days to Santiago totally plausible from there. Sarria is also a great choice. People I have encountered have reported bed...
I think you have exactly the right spirit. Prepare, but let the Camino speak to you and be willing to adjust as you go.
I prepared by reading, following this forum, watching YouTube. All of these resources give you insight of how to pack, manage the trip, and prepare yourself. You will not be...
I remember that stretch. We did OK by taking it slow and stopping at one of the towns up the hill from Molinaseca. I recall it was Ascebo. I agree it was a particularly steep and rocky patch. We met a woman walking alone who was really struggling. We slowed down and walked with her because...
First of all, congratulations on doing your first Camino. I am doing a partial again this spring with my 10 year old grandson, so I share your enthusiasm.
The travel arrangements to/from can feel daunting. I am from Minneapolis, so I have the same challenges. Simple fact is that no options...
Injinji liners (toe socks) and lightweight Darn Tough or Smartwool outer socks. Paired with well fitting boots (Keen, me; Salomon, wife) we walked SJPD to Santiago without a single blister or hotspot.
Having the budget of 4 extra days is great. I would tell you to have a plan for them, but be willing to take a spontaneous day off if you encounter a place that just captures your attention, or, listen to your body and take an extra day or part day if you need it. That said I found Pamplona...
Mark. I am anxious to hear how this goes for you. I am taking my grandson on a short Camino in May. He will have just turned 10. My son in law will also be going. When I did SJPP to Santiago in 2017 I only encountered two examples of children on the Camino so I am trying to learn and prep as...
Regarding the Camino, I would recommend some of the latter segments taking you into Santiago. I would not skip Santiago. The feeling of walking into Santiago and seeing that Cathedral is one of the best moments. Sarria to Santiago gets a bad rap from many. It IS busier, but that just means...
All I can tell you is we went early Sept through mid Oct. SJPP to Santiago. Had a blast. One day of rain. Meseta was gorgeous in the morning and late in the day, and not super hot. We missed the wildflowers but the grapes were at harvest. Nothing like eating a bunch of grapes fresh off the...
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