LIVE from the Camino 19 Apr 15 -- Loving The Mountain Routes

[Grogan]

19 April 2015 - Cacabelos to La Portela de Valcarce -- 21.7 Kms

After a great night and a solid sleep -- began today's hike pretty fresh -- not too many folks on the route today -- so pretty quiet --

Pushed into Villiafranco -- really neat place -- some stores were open (on a Sunday) so grabbed a couple of oranges and a small loaf of bread -- sat in the center park and had a nice little snack before continuing with the hike.

In Villafranco you have two options - road or mountains -- I wanted to go mountains -- but missed the turn and before I knew it was a km down the road -- stopped -- pulled out the map -- thought about it -- and turned around to go back to the city and get on the right route -- that was a tough decision since it probably added 2 kms to my day that will not count for anything -- but really wanted to take the Mountain route.

Be Careful what you ask for -- man -- that was a steep climb! Once you get to the top of the Mountain -- not so bad -- it was really very nice and did not see anyone -- just me, the mountain, some fresh bread, and my Zombie book -- All so good -- UNTIL -- I had to go down the Mountain -- ugh -- Knees and Toes -- took me awhile to get off the mountain.

Once I got back down to where only mortals hang out -- pace began to pick up a bit -- finally made it to a place to crash - Spanish truck stop (Valcarce Hotel) -- 22 euros, bed, clean sheets (I think), hot water, good internet and a place to wash my funky clothes -- all around a good deal.

Tomorrow will have to make up some time lost on the Mountain -- but it was worth it.

Buen Camino

 

[Peter Aulbury]

19 April 2015 - Cacabelos to La Portela de Valcarce -- 21.7 Kms

After a great night and a solid sleep -- began today's hike pretty fresh -- not too many folks on the route today -- so pretty quiet --

Pushed into Villiafranco -- really neat place -- some stores were open (on a Sunday) so grabbed a couple of oranges and a small loaf of bread -- sat in the center park and had a nice little snack before continuing with the hike.

In Villafranco you have two options - road or mountains -- I wanted to go mountains -- but missed the turn and before I knew it was a km down the road -- stopped -- pulled out the map -- thought about it -- and turned around to go back to the city and get on the right route -- that was a tough decision since it probably added 2 kms to my day that will not count for anything -- but really wanted to take the Mountain route.

Be Careful what you ask for -- man -- that was a steep climb! Once you get to the top of the Mountain -- not so bad -- it was really very nice and did not see anyone -- just me, the mountain, some fresh bread, and my Zombie book -- All so good -- UNTIL -- I had to go down the Mountain -- ugh -- Knees and Toes -- took me awhile to get off the mountain.

Once I got back down to where only mortals hang out -- pace began to pick up a bit -- finally made it to a place to crash - Spanish truck stop (Valcarce Hotel) -- 22 euros, bed, clean sheets (I think), hot water, good internet and a place to wash my funky clothes -- all around a good deal.

Tomorrow will have to make up some time lost on the Mountain -- but it was worth it.

Buen Camino

Sounds like Camino Dragonte, reputedly one of the most difficult options. ..Congrats on your mountain sojourn

 

[Icacos]

Sounds like Camino Dragonte, reputedly one of the most difficult options. ..Congrats on your mountain sojourn

I was thinking so too, but the Dragonte route has three peaks I believe, and @Grogan mentions just the one peak. I wonder if it was the Alto Pradela that he hiked - on the other side of the valley. Either way, to walk an extra 2 kms to add some serious altitude in one's day takes some commitment. I second the congrats, @Grogan.

 

[cherrys]

I would think it was the Alto Pradela too. I really enjoyed that day being up so high and except for a couple I knew who caught up to me, all alone. Loved the chestnut trees. I amused myself my kicking the spiny things for quite a distance!

 

[Icacos]

I would think it was the Alto Pradela too. I really enjoyed that day being up so high and except for a couple I knew who caught up to me, all alone. Loved the chestnut trees. I amused myself my kicking the spiny things for quite a distance!

Sounds like you had a wonderful walk also, @cherrys. I had an injury lurking that day and shared a taxi to Laguna de Castilla with another injured pilgrim, so I missed that section. But will bear it in mind for next time. I take it that, unlike the Dragonte, there are no problems with the way marking.

 

[yolanda Mejia]

19 April 2015 - Cacabelos to La Portela de Valcarce -- 21.7 Kms

After a great night and a solid sleep -- began today's hike pretty fresh -- not too many folks on the route today -- so pretty quiet --

Pushed into Villiafranco -- really neat place -- some stores were open (on a Sunday) so grabbed a couple of oranges and a small loaf of bread -- sat in the center park and had a nice little snack before continuing with the hike.

In Villafranco you have two options - road or mountains -- I wanted to go mountains -- but missed the turn and before I knew it was a km down the road -- stopped -- pulled out the map -- thought about it -- and turned around to go back to the city and get on the right route -- that was a tough decision since it probably added 2 kms to my day that will not count for anything -- but really wanted to take the Mountain route.

Be Careful what you ask for -- man -- that was a steep climb! Once you get to the top of the Mountain -- not so bad -- it was really very nice and did not see anyone -- just me, the mountain, some fresh bread, and my Zombie book -- All so good -- UNTIL -- I had to go down the Mountain -- ugh -- Knees and Toes -- took me awhile to get off the mountain.

Once I got back down to where only mortals hang out -- pace began to pick up a bit -- finally made it to a place to crash - Spanish truck stop (Valcarce Hotel) -- 22 euros, bed, clean sheets (I think), hot water, good internet and a place to wash my funky clothes -- all around a good deal.

Tomorrow will have to make up some time lost on the Mountain -- but it was worth it.

Buen Camino

Thank you for your update Continu with your buen Camino, and reports the are Great!

 

[musicagl]

I would think it was the Alto Pradela too. I really enjoyed that day being up so high and except for a couple I knew who caught up to me, all alone. Loved the chestnut trees. I amused myself my kicking the spiny things for quite a distance!

I love Alto Pradela and yes -- it was a steep uphill, but worth it for the views. And all those chestnut trees. Anyone know if it was a commercial patch where the chestnuts were gathered and sold?

 

[Nandy61]

19 April 2015 - Cacabelos to La Portela de Valcarce -- 21.7 Kms



In Villafranco you have two options - road or mountains -- I wanted to go mountains -- but missed the turn and before I knew it was a km down the road -- stopped -- pulled out the map -- thought about it -- and turned around to go back to the city and get on the right route -- that was a tough decision since it probably added 2 kms to my day that will not count for anything -- but really wanted to take the Mountain route.

Be Careful what you ask for -- man -- that was a steep climb! Once you get to the top of the Mountain -- not so bad -- it was really very nice and did not see anyone -- just me, the mountain, some fresh bread, and my Zombie book -- All so good -- UNTIL -- I had to go down the Mountain -- ugh -- Knees and Toes -- took me awhile to get off the mountain.

Once I got back down to where only mortals hang out -- pace began to pick up a bit -- finally made it to a place to crash - Spanish truck stop (Valcarce Hotel) -- 22 euros, bed, clean sheets (I think), hot water, good internet and a place to wash my funky clothes -- all around a good deal.

Tomorrow will have to make up some time lost on the Mountain -- but it was worth it.

Buen Camino

I've walked both the road route and Pradela. There's no comparison. The views, the beauty, the chestnut trees.....amazing and totally worth the uphill (and down) slog. If you think have it in you, you should try it!