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When I walked the VDLP in 2017 I didn't realize that there were 2 Caminos leaving from Zamora and managed to take the wrong one. When I arrive at Hiniesta and saw the inscriptions on the church referring to the the Camino Portuguese I went into a little tienda and found out that I was on the...
I walked the VDLP in May 2017. The weather was very rainy and we had to make some detours where rivers were overflowing and the trails impassable along with wading through others. When I got the Sanabres and heard that the rain and snow made it difficult I stayed on the VDLP to Astorga and...
I was there on April 16, 2016. The albergue was open but there was no heating and only cold water. It was cold, with rain most of the day so I needed somewhere with a warm shower and somewhere to dry my clothes. I decided to go to a Casa Rural and was led to a very nice one with three bedrooms...
I stayed there for one night in May 2013 and had the same bad experience. Noise, drinking, shouting outside the window and in the hostel until 5:00 am. I met one other person there who was starting the VdlP there and we both agreed that we would never stay there again for all the reasons given...
I agree that the situation is somewhat different now but I was able to do this in late March 2016 flying from Philadelphia to Madrid. I then took the train to Merida
I use Black Diamond poles which fold into 3 sections so I put them in my backpack and carry them on. It has always worked for 4 Caminos traveling from the US, including to Seville. I don't know if Pacer poles fold or retract so I can't comment on them but I am sure mailing them will be expensive.
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