I definitely regret not choosing the Pradela variant both times I walked the Frances. Leaving Villafranca and looking up that big hill off to the right looked unnecessarily difficult. In 2015 and 2017 I hadn't read any forum posts or seen pictures. Had I known more about it I probably would have...
I stayed there on October 16th '23, and arrived at the albergue a little early, so we headed over to that nice bar and had lunch before checking in. It was not very busy and there was plenty of floor space to put our backpacks up against the wall near the table we were sitting at.
We stayed here too in Coca. Our very attractive room had a small balcony overlooking the square and church. We had a very personable and friendly gal meet us and show us the apartment.
I would be "up a creek" if I were in the OP's situation as I only use my Android phone to make all of my reservations on my booking.com app. Thankfully I bring a copy of my spreadsheet with each night's lodging reservation, location, and phone #; definitely better than nothing. Next time I will...
A few years ago I thought I might possibly be interested in this Mission route, but after I read a few things about these apparent facts I tossed the idea as I envisioned walking on mostly busy highways with no shade in too warm of weather.
Ooops, forgot to post the thread...
Thread 'Chrissy on the Camino de Madrid' https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/chrissy-on-the-camino-de-madrid.83568/
Here is my "Live in the Camino" thread for the Camino de Madrid for anyone who may be interested in skimming or looking at the pictures I posted.
Also, I just took a screenshot of my spreadsheet distances between the places I stayed. I think my itinerary worked out well. I never taxied or bussed...
This was mostly true, but since I walked it with three camino girlfriends, we felt very comfortable in spite of that because we had each other. Since I speak so little French, and Spanish, I do not like pouring over menus in other languages and don't always have good success in choosing. Google...
In rechecking my spreadsheet and sequence of photos I'd taken, I see I told you wrong, so I apologize😞. The albergue with 3 beds was in Tamariz de Campos at the muni there. These Gronze photos are identical to my own.
Edited to add my photos and one of the bar owner and his dog in the little...
...and ended in Sahagan. We never saw any pilgrims while walking, but of the five albergues we stayed in there were also 2-5 other pilgrims staying. *My favorite was the muni in Santervas de Campos; a very nice repurposed stone building on two floors and the museum connected to it was a nice...
I have walked the marvelous Via Podiensis and absolutely loved the awesome demi-pension meals at the Gites, and would not have wanted to miss them. They also were quite different and a nice change from the pilgrim meals and del dias in Spain.
That's interesting how everyone is different. Birkenstocks have a definite stiff shape underfoot. I can not wear them at all as I have quite flat feet and their arch hurts me.
OTOH, I have two sister-in-law's and a daughter-in-law who all have occasional plantar fasciitis and they love Oofa's...
For me, checked bags are a big no no on any flight that includes a needed transfer, however minimal the risk, is not worth it. I prefer to have peace of mind; travel connections are stressful enough.
I was going to suggest leaving in early March because I've read about the heat many times on the forum if you start out too late, but since I have not walked it, I felt I didn't have a voice. I'm glad you have chimed in with great advice.
You used a very generous word in describing the few rather unusual characters waiting in a dank, dark bus or train station at times. With your many travels you have probably "seen it all".😅
You most often have an upbeat attitude in your posts, TM22, and I really like this...public transport is always "lively". It says so much in just one little word.🙂
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