- Time of past OR future Camino
- Portugués Porto'17,Lisbon'18
Inglés A Coruña y Ferrol '18
Invierno'19
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Your photos are beautiful. I am quite in awe of you going for a second timeCamino de invierno day 2
Las medulas a sobradelo
Today, unlike yesterday, went as planned. I woke up and decided 8 km was too little but 27 was to far so the middle chair won and I'm in Sobradelo at Bar Mar. Manuel is a wonderful host, I'm the only pilgrim today but he said he is seeing 3-4 a day!! Who knows maybe I will catch up to someone or more likely someone will catch up to me!! The walk was nice, cloudy sky's for the most part but a little sun throughout, the views were still nice. Other then in the towns I saw no one today, yesterday I saw many bikers, runners and walkers out for a beautiful Sunday. I don't mind being alone at all , I live with my husband who encourages me to walk (than you!!) and 3 of 4 adult children ( university) and 5 small dogs, the silence is very very welcome. Time to shower, I'll check in from A Rúa.
Buen camino,
MaryEllen View attachment 141466View attachment 141467View attachment 141468
I’m glad you’re posting this thread! Keep the pics coming so we can all come vicariously.
Thanks for taking the time to post pics
Thank you for posting. We're going to be walking the Camino de Invierno at the end of March. I'm having problems getting answers to my emails regarding my booking at las medulas agoga. I asked a Spanish friend to ring today, to check if we do have reservations, but the 2 numbers we tried did not connect. I will try to email again. At least the name you mentioned- Fina, is the same name as the person we got one email from.Hello to all!!
I’m out here walking the invierno. Usually I wait until I’m done walking to write but I’ll try to post as I walk this time. This is my second invierno I walked during Semana Santa in 2019, taking 9 days, never again for me!! Today I was all set to stay in Villavieja, I took the bus from A Coruña to Ponferrada this morning at 640, arriving around 9:15, I searched for a stamp, albergue was closed so a little backtracking to Hotel Castillo and I was ready to go around 1030.
I'm walking alone so I took my time....the walk is just as beautiful as I remember and I was looking forward to stopping in Villavieja a perfect distance for a first day but as you all know on camino we need to expect the unexpected. I had my code but that door was not going to open...I could see everything waiting for me....I called the emergency number and Christina was lovely but she really could not say that there would be a solution at any time on a Sunday....and I didn't want to walk in the dark so on I marched to las medulas, trying to reach any accommodation and no one was answering the phone, finally 3km before las medulas agoga answered and I'm here trying to warm up. Nice place, Fina has been great,not the cheapest but it was my only choice, usually I wait for this luxury further on but the hot shower was heaven and I know I will sleep like a baby. Even the 'big hotel' is closed....I was not going to walk to Puente de domingo Florez, been there done that in 2019!!
So now I will sleep and decide where to walk tomorrow, I have a reservation with Rosa in Puente de domingo Florez but 8-9km is very little.....we shall see. I'll keep you posted!!
Buen camino to all!!
MaryEllen
Did you try sending a whatsapp to Fina at 34 699 72 24 88?Thank you for posting. We're going to be walking the Camino de Invierno at the end of March. I'm having problems getting answers to my emails regarding my booking at las medulas agoga. I asked a Spanish friend to ring today, to check if we do have reservations, but the 2 numbers we tried did not connect. I will try to email again. At least the name you mentioned- Fina, is the same name as the person we got one email from.
What? No food? What’s going on here! I have read this comment a couple of times, and I wonder if it’s just that forum members all have the same bad luck of arriving on rest days for the restaurant, or whether something else is going on.Now I am at O pillaban no food but the room is nice and the shower soothing,
Thank you. I've now received an email confirming our booking. However, I'll programme the number into WhatsApp in case we need to make contact on the day.Did you try sending a whatsapp to Fina at 34 699 72 24 88?
I have stayed there several times, and always got prompt responses from her at that number. In my experience, you may have better luck using WhatsApp to text than calling.
I asked about food....she said no but told me where the super is so I can make a bocadillo for tomorrow. The truth is last night Manuel at Bar Mar made me a fresh huge tortilla..when he asked me how much I showed a 'slice' but he put half on my plate...then when he asked if I wanted more salad, kicking myself for saying yes, he brought me more then my first serving....delicious but I'm not too hungry....but he was great, 30€ for a bed and that big meal, and he washed and dried my clothes I'm a happy pilgrim!!What? No food? What’s going on here! I have read this comment a couple of times, and I wonder if it’s just that forum members all have the same bad luck of arriving on rest days for the restaurant, or whether something else is going on.
My memory is that the mom was the one most in charge of the lodging and the cash register, while the son was the cook. I hope all is well in O Pillaban, because it’s a lovely place to stay (and eat, if you’re lucky?).
This is a great thread — not only for us Invierno addicts, but for all of those who have had a hard time with the way in which the pandemic has messed with our camino plans!
The club is accepting new members if anyone is interested.@peregrina2000
I should mention I joined the coil club!! I'm sitting here with my second cup of coffee as we write. Forever grateful for this forum!!
Wonderful! Really enjoying your posts. Buen Camino!Invierno day 4 A Rúa - Quiroga
I'm tired today, that is to be expected!! It was a beautiful walk, blue skies and fresh breezes, one would think it is spring. Today I was as I remembered from 2019,happy that it wasn't raining. Those ups and downs would be tough in the rain. I already decided yesterday that I wouldn't and more appropriately shouldn't try to walk to Monforte from Quiroga so have a reservation at Pensión Pacita for tomorrow. I think the toughest part of these stages is the lack of services, I happily took advantage of the pilgrim benches I found along the way but I never seem to stop more then 5 minutes....again I've haven't seen any pilgrims, a few locals enjoying the sun.....I'll take today just as it was presented to me. Now I need to find the energy to go to the store, I've eaten all my stash...I am enjoying a earl grey brewed with my electric coil, maybe the caffeine will give me a boost!! I'll check in from Pensión Pacita.
Buen camino,
MaryEllen
View attachment 141597View attachment 141598View attachment 141599View attachment 141600View attachment 141601View attachment 141602View attachment 141603
Following a link, I found this - super interesting, because it's about a stone circle right on the Invierno, not far from Monforte,
Hi,I don't know if you have any interest in archaeology, @Betterisgood, but I just found a very interesting trove of information about an archaeological site, coming up after Pobra de Brollon; info in this post:
Older means more limitations but engenders new and creative ways for everything and and standing still while walking and being truly aware of all creation is also for me an ongoing realization. In my 20’s I knew nearly everything and now I know, I know nothing. I so resonate with what you’re experiencing.The older I get the more I realize that I don't fit into any box and the older I get the more I embrace this fact about myself. However I do believe one thing something that is absolutely true to me and that is this; for me all people animals plants trees, fungi bacteria, virus etcétera etcétera were born or grown on this planet we call earth and that means we are ALL connected, other then that, I know nothing.
So sad to walk through this devastation, I too cried in November 2022 when the embers were still smoldering and marveled at new life with lichens and wildflowers pushing through. The fact that it was arson was heart rendering.day of smiles and tears. The devestation from the fires is immense, much of the walk today was unrecognizable from 2019, I was on top of a baren mountain, where I remember a forrest walk. Today I just can't help think that unless we as humans pull together and think of the whole and not our individual selves what I saw today will spread everywhere and faster then we can imagine. But even with the changes I could see life trying to come through again.
The club is accepting new members if anyone is interested.
I would like to propose the Invierno club. I love this Camino so much that I have been thinking of walking part or all of it yearly.we will be celebrating our tenth year anniversary this year, so maybe we should be offering special deals for new members.
There seems to be one and you're in it. The entrance fee is love.I would like to propose the Invierno club.
Oh, no. That does make it more heartrending.The fact that it was arson was heart rendering.
There seems to be one and you're in it. The entrance fee is love.
Hi,really enjoying your journey @Betterisgood and your photos are a lovely reminder of my own Invierno journey last Sept. It is up on the top of my favourite caminos. Take care up that "slope" into Chantada!
I remember that path, the photo in the middle! I was so glad to have trail runners on for the Invierno!Hi,
For me down is always harder then up....knees, but it is daunting that while on the way down you know you have to go back up!!
Pics from 2019
View attachment 141708View attachment 141709View attachment 141710
Thanks for sharing. Love the pictures and the updates. Buen camino!Hi,
For me down is always harder then up....knees, but it is daunting that while on the way down you know you have to go back up!!
Pics from 2019
View attachment 141708View attachment 141709View attachment 141710
What a difference from November 2022, this pic. One month ago this spot was impassable after the heavy rains.
Whaddaya think, Laurie? Living dangerously and using sticks, I went over the rocks. “There are no atheists climbing stones over raging streams.”Here’s a pic of my considerably younger Peregrina friend doing the crossing. The mill is slightly visible.So did you have to take the road almost all the way up?
Awesome pics!
I saw those two cuties!!Whaddaya think, Laurie? Living dangerously and using sticks, I went over the rocks. “There are no atheists climbing stones over raging streams.”Here’s a pic of my considerably younger Peregrina friend doing the crossing. The mill is slightly visible.
You may appreciate that she also stopped to befriend every pup on this Camino. This was subtitled El Camino de los perros feroces del Invierno.
No road for me, I was lucky today was beautiful, just those darn leaves on the way down. They were not a problem on the other side.Prudence is the better part of valor.So did you have to take the road almost all the way up?
Trailrunners I wear Hoka good luck!!Awesome pics!
Just joined this forum due to a last minute plan and choose the Camino Invierno after seeing your posts @Betterisgood
Have plans to fly from Brazil - Madrid next Tuesday (Feb-21) and get started from Quiroga on Feb24 (i know, it sounds odd).
Now i'm off to a sports/trekking store to get a footwear and get used to it.
Rob's youtube channel are a must to help getting prepared.
Suggestions are welcomed to a last minute plan.
Keep it going @Betterisgood
Buen camino
Hi GailThank you for posting. We're going to be walking the Camino de Invierno at the end of March. I'm having problems getting answers to my emails regarding my booking at las medulas agoga. I asked a Spanish friend to ring today, to check if we do have reservations, but the 2 numbers we tried did not connect. I will try to email again. At least the name you mentioned- Fina, is the same name as the person we got one email from.
22 for a room with a bath, 15 peregrino. I went for my own bathroom. The renovation is nice (I haven’t been here before) not an expensive one but the room is bright and very clean!!Lovely pictures. Belesar looks pristine in winter...! Yoel renovated - yes they told me they were working on it last year, so I couldn't stay there. I have to go see how it looks now. Does the renovation come with a higher cost? How much is Yoel now?
Buen Camino!Hi Gail
We are also walking the Invierno at the beginning of April - had no replies form e mails, so as someone else suggested on this forum, I tried Whatsapp and then I actually got a reply! So have managed to make some reservations in advance. Buen Camino
Which app did you have to download?I remember staying in the A Posa de Asma Albergue in Chantada. It was a great albergue once you could get in! Like a few more places, I found that I had to download an app to get an access code to get into the place. Got to say, that is not my ideal way of getting in anywhere. In the end I had to phone the manager/owner and she even had trouble with the "app". Just give me a key anyday! But I did like Chantada very much especially after the climb up to it!
Hope you rest up tonight @Betterisgood
Haha. The camino paradox.'has it been worth it' ‘absolutely’ ‘no’ both came to mind quickly.
Eeek! Hope there are no lingering ill effects!I slid down to Belesar on 5–10 inch thick leaves, couldn’t see the rocks,
Ditto.stayed in the Hotel Mogay, but was never thrilled with it.
I was kidding!! I stayed on my feet but I was doing a jig all the way down!!Mary Ellen, I can't say how much I'm enjoying your posts!
Haha. The camino paradox.
Eeek! Hope there are no lingering ill effects!
But then what is musin without diligence
View attachment 141876
View attachment 141877
A parade just went by lucky me!!View attachment 141874
View attachment 141875
This is truly a sea change. Even two years ago, these numbers would have been unheard of in summertime, much less winter! I am glad for the people who have taken the risk to start businesses on the Invierno for pilgrims, and I am glad that some of the camino wealth will be spread around to parts of Galicia that have not partaken of the golden goose yet. After so many years wondering when it would ever take off, it looks like we’re seeing it right now.However the owner said a German left this morning, two pilgrims yesterday
and another phoned for tomorrow.
Love this it looks like any HS marching band except for the conga!A parade just went by lucky me!!
View attachment 141875
Ain’t there always a reason, any reason to repeat the Invierno!The views were nice, most down below was still fogged in so I couldn't see all of Galicia, I guess a third invierno is in my future!!
Really liked the Carpinterías on Rodeiro. Remember though coming into town and then having to walk up the hill to the place. The Albergue was the best choice and I had a meal with 4 other peregrinos that night with a shared bounty of food we bought in the shop. In all I met 6 others on my trip. At one point it started to feel a bit crowded lol !!Invierno day 8 Chantada- Rodeiro
Here I am at Carpinterías an albergue just for me. However the owner said a German left this morning, two pilgrims yesterday
and another phoned for tomorrow. We are a long choo choo train of pilgrims. Today started out super foggy, I was thinking about trying the other way around, in 2019 we had pea soup fog all the way up couldn't see in front of ourselves. But the fog burned off after a nice stop with Liliana in Penasillas. Having a place to stop really makes a difference. The walk up was nice and this time I went to the top I luckily had read the app last night so I saw the stairs that really look like they are to nowhere, a nice soft grassy walk up through the crosses. This entire area was completely buried in the fog my last trip. I also took the time to walk to the lookout tower. The views were nice, most down below was still fogged in so I couldn't see all of Galicia, I guess a third invierno is in my future!! Last trip the walk down to Rodeiro was the low point of my Camino 'why am I doing this!!!!' You all know the thoughts. But not today, it still felt long but I enjoyed the day. A group of teenagers on horses came bounding up the mountain on my way down I later ran into them at the bar O Returno 2km out of Rodeiro. They must have gone down another way. 3 stamps today!! So now I let my feet recover to walk again. It is amazing every morning that are good to go, but I know they will be screaming at the end no matter how far the last 2km.....but this exhaustion is part of why I walk, I crave it!! Tomorrow a little past Lalin.....
Buen camino,
MaryEllen
View attachment 141863View attachment 141864View attachment 141865View attachment 141866View attachment 141867View attachment 141868View attachment 141869View attachment 141870View attachment 141871View attachment 141872
Ditto!!Mary Ellen, I can't say how much I'm enjoying your posts!
Haha. The camino paradox.
Eeek! Hope there are no lingering ill effects!
But then what is music without a bit of dissonance?
Ditto.
Ain’t there always a reason, any reason to repeat the Invierno!
It will be my sixth time this year. Someone save me from myself
I'll be getting on board this choo choo early May! I am full of anticipation = thanks to this thread!This is truly a sea change. Even two years ago, these numbers would have been unheard of in summertime, much less winter! I am glad for the people who have taken the risk to start businesses on the Invierno for pilgrims, and I am glad that some of the camino wealth will be spread around to parts of Galicia that have not partaken of the golden goose yet. After so many years wondering when it would ever take off, it looks like we’re seeing it right now.
Buen camino to all those on the Invierno choo choo train!
Oh no! Hope you can somehow make it better tonight!at least 6) kms, I have a foot that is struggling
Oh no! Can’t you possibly break it in half? Especialmente con el problema de tu pie.I love savoring the end of the Invierno, the thrill of seeing el Pico Sacro and having it looming over your right. Stay with Carmiña and Bruno in Deseiro, they’ll make your foot all better. Cuídate mucho, MaryEllen.32km tomorrow....
Oh no! Hope you can somehow make it better tonight!
Oh no! Can’t you possibly break it in half? Especialmente con el problema de tu pie.I love savoring the end of the Invierno, the thrill of seeing el Pico Sacro and having it looming over your right. Stay with Carmiña and Bruno in Deseiro, they’ll make your foot all better. Cuídate mucho, MaryEllen.
So sorry for your fall. Great good and good people coming out of this bad accident. May you continue this friendship with this artist couple. So glad that you were cared for so well . Unbelievable that you managed to take pictures. MaryEllen Buen Camino all the way to Santiago.As I left I thought about what to do and there was Lucía the woman who told me to see the Dr, she had waited for me, she and her husband are local artisans working in glass and ceramic, she wanted to give me a shell charm she had made....she then took me home and fed me. Lucia and her husband showed me their workshop, incredible, my husband and I are musicians so we understood eachother, of all the people to meet.
Hope you are not too sore tomorrow. The Camino does indeed provide. Glad you were helped by your Camino Angels.Invierno day 10 Espiño- A Ponte Ulla
Today was a day of wonder for me. If you have been along for this ride of mine you have read of my one truth that we are all connected. So today I fell and I fell hard. Of course it wasn't in a forrest or slipping on a rock hopping a stream...it was on the sidewalk of the polígono 1km into my day. By chance someone had just pulled up in their car on a festivo at 7am, she helped me get to my feet and told me she was a peregrina having done the Camino last summer and that she understood me, I'm sure she would have driven me anywhere but knew I wanted to walk and my legs were fine, I went down like a weeble shouldn't (remember that toy? Weebles wobble but they don't fall down) she said there should be a bar at the end of the poligano and she let me go. I then walked for 12kms to silleda nothing was open but as the forrest cleared the Camino enters Silleda right at the centro de saude. I really had no idea what I looked like but I knew I was bleeding from my face and hand. As I was contemplating if I should go in or not another woman appeared, these are the first two people I saw today. I asked her if the center was open she said yes and that I needed to go and get cleaned up if not there then she would take me to her house!! So I went and the nurse cleaned me up, I was a stitch away from needing stitches on my nose, I have a black eye, my right hand is kinda gross, and my left chest hurts but everything works nothing broken. The Dr told me I will feel worse tomorrow as the fall catches up with me. I asked if it was OK to continue and she said no problem. As I left I thought about what to do and there was Lucía the woman who told me to see the Dr, she had waited for me, she and her husband are local artisans working in glass and ceramic, she wanted to give me a shell charm she had made....she then took me home and fed me. Lucia and her husband showed me their workshop, incredible, my husband and I are musicians so we understood eachother, of all the people to meet.
I decided to walk and start the day as If from 0, a new day with a new friend, and I made it the 20km to Ponte Ulla with out any trouble. I'm sore and I look like hell but I'm happy and amazed at the people in this world. I may have fallen but I met Lucía, I can't have one with out the other so I'll take it. 20ish kms tomorrow....I'm ready, I have not seen one other pilgrim, and now I feel like finishing like I started....though I will be there to help anyone in need, just as I have been helped. What a day......
If you made it this far thank you, each and everyone of you have been with me each and every step.
Buen camino,
MaryEllen
View attachment 142027View attachment 142028View attachment 142030View attachment 142031View attachment 142032View attachment 142033View attachment 142034View attachment 142035View attachment 142036
Invierno day 10 Espiño- A Ponte Ulla
Today was a day of wonder for me. If you have been along for this ride of mine you have read of my one truth that we are all connected. So today I fell and I fell hard. Of course it wasn't in a forrest or slipping on a rock hopping a stream...it was on the sidewalk of the polígono 1km into my day. By chance someone had just pulled up in their car on a festivo at 7am, she helped me get to my feet and told me she was a peregrina having done the Camino last summer and that she understood me, I'm sure she would have driven me anywhere but knew I wanted to walk and my legs were fine, I went down like a weeble shouldn't (remember that toy? Weebles wobble but they don't fall down) she said there should be a bar at the end of the poligano and she let me go. I then walked for 12kms to silleda nothing was open but as the forrest cleared the Camino enters Silleda right at the centro de saude. I really had no idea what I looked like but I knew I was bleeding from my face and hand. As I was contemplating if I should go in or not another woman appeared, these are the first two people I saw today. I asked her if the center was open she said yes and that I needed to go and get cleaned up if not there then she would take me to her house!! So I went and the nurse cleaned me up, I was a stitch away from needing stitches on my nose, I have a black eye, my right hand is kinda gross, and my left chest hurts but everything works nothing broken. The Dr told me I will feel worse tomorrow as the fall catches up with me. I asked if it was OK to continue and she said no problem. As I left I thought about what to do and there was Lucía the woman who told me to see the Dr, she had waited for me, she and her husband are local artisans working in glass and ceramic, she wanted to give me a shell charm she had made....she then took me home and fed me. Lucia and her husband showed me their workshop, incredible, my husband and I are musicians so we understood eachother, of all the people to meet.
I decided to walk and start the day as If from 0, a new day with a new friend, and I made it the 20km to Ponte Ulla with out any trouble. I'm sore and I look like hell but I'm happy and amazed at the people in this world. I may have fallen but I met Lucía, I can't have one with out the other so I'll take it. 20ish kms tomorrow....I'm ready, I have not seen one other pilgrim, and now I feel like finishing like I started....though I will be there to help anyone in need, just as I have been helped. What a day......
If you made it this far thank you, each and everyone of you have been with me each and every step.
Buen camino,
MaryEllen
View attachment 142027View attachment 142028View attachment 142030View attachment 142031View attachment 142032View attachment 142033View attachment 142034View attachment 142035View attachment 142036
I've only just come across this fantastic thread!What? No food? What’s going on here! I have read this comment a couple of times, and I wonder if it’s just that forum members all have the same bad luck of arriving on rest days for the restaurant, or whether something else is going on.
My memory is that the mom was the one most in charge of the lodging and the cash register, while the son was the cook. I hope all is well in O Pillaban, because it’s a lovely place to stay (and eat, if you’re lucky?).
This is a great thread — not only for us Invierno addicts, but for all of those who have had a hard time with the way in which the pandemic has messed with our camino plans!
One of these days I'm sure we'll coincide on the Invierno. I'm a few ahead of you for the moment!It will be my sixth time this year. Someone save me from myself
Invierno day 11 A Ponte Ulla - Santiago
I made it!! Today was just what I'd hoped for, a gentle walk to Santiago. Rain loomed the whole morning but never amounted to much so I can't complain, weather was on my side my entire camino. I made a stop at Reina Lupa and low and behold my first pilgrims!! And who other then @Karin309 and Sarah!! We had a nice time chatting. I also got to meet Bruno and Carmen from the albergue, a very special couple. 10km to go!! I stopped to put on my poncho and ran into Karin and Sarah again about 3km before the cathedral. What a special day, as usual the arrows disappeared as they do in Santiago and I walked in a few circles until I got to the plaza, and there was my son waiting for me ( we usually walk together) what a nice surprise. ( My husband had told me...) then off to get my certificate, no line and now they print them off right there!! Soooo fast. This walk I made for my very best and oldest friend (from age 10) who is battling a blood cancer, we spoke every morning before I left and every evening when I was done she truly was with me the entire way. My son and I went to eat at an Italian restaurant and filled eachother in on the last 11 days. Amazing how much is the same and different.
So I guess that is it...the ending, so abrupt. But the journey of a lifetime. I will try and make a summary of my trip with distances and places I stayed but now the fall and the 263kms are catching up with me. Shower and bed. What a ride...
Buen camino,
MaryEllen
View attachment 142097View attachment 142098View attachment 142099View attachment 142100View attachment 142101View attachment 142102View attachment 142103View attachment 142104View attachment 142105
Yes!! I had to look it up with the time stamp. This place must flood easy, we haven't had rain for a month well now today, and it was very wet. I was lucky overall just amazing weather but I still got to use my poncho justifying dragging it along!!Your fifth picture with the water flowing must be from Transfontao (?). Was it difficult to get through in the water/slippery stones?? I have only walked in summer, when that part is soggy, hot and often full of mosquitos! I always thougth it must be difficult to cross in winter/spring if water levels rise.
Thanks!! I'm back home in A Coruña after a30 min train ride!! And still we walk!!Congratulations and sorry you fell but you got to met Lucia and her husband. That was so kind of them too. Sharing your journey was very much appreciated. I enjoyed all your pictures and journey. Buen Camino!
Rest in Santiago!!
Congratulations on completing your Camino. I've really enjoyed following along. I now have some information to help when I begin my Camino in 4 weeks' time.Invierno day 11 A Ponte Ulla - Santiago
I made it!! Today was just what I'd hoped for, a gentle walk to Santiago. Rain loomed the whole morning but never amounted to much so I can't complain, weather was on my side my entire camino. I made a stop at Reina Lupa and low and behold my first pilgrims!! And who other then @Karin309 and Sarah!! We had a nice time chatting. I also got to meet Bruno and Carmen from the albergue, a very special couple. 10km to go!! I stopped to put on my poncho and ran into Karin and Sarah again about 3km before the cathedral. What a special day, as usual the arrows disappeared as they do in Santiago and I walked in a few circles until I got to the plaza, and there was my son waiting for me ( we usually walk together) what a nice surprise. ( My husband had told me...) then off to get my certificate, no line and now they print them off right there!! Soooo fast. This walk I made for my very best and oldest friend (from age 10) who is battling a blood cancer, we spoke every morning before I left and every evening when I was done she truly was with me the entire way. My son and I went to eat at an Italian restaurant and filled eachother in on the last 11 days. Amazing how much is the same and different.
So I guess that is it...the ending, so abrupt. But the journey of a lifetime. I will try and make a summary of my trip with distances and places I stayed but now the fall and the 263kms are catching up with me. Shower and bed. What a ride...
Buen camino,
MaryEllen
View attachment 142097View attachment 142098View attachment 142099View attachment 142100View attachment 142101View attachment 142102View attachment 142103View attachment 142104View attachment 142105
Hi @jennysa , I remember you following me last year when I did the Invierno. You will love it! Buen Camino.Congratulations!!! I am now counting down to the 21 April which is when I start from Ponferrada
I could not agree more. I understand that people walk with different intentions and different time pressures, but this is really a stage to be savored.I recommend that all first timers walk through Villavieja, it is absolutely stunning on a clear day and a beautiful start to the invierno.
Good advice, because I have read about a few peregrinos who walked all the way up to the and then missed the turnoff to the Ermita and the views. When you see the large crosses (I believe it’s for Catholics who want to pray the Stations of the Cross), turn up and left and you will get there. Easy to get back to the camino, but it seems that there is better marking needed at the turnoff. It’s a pity, because the high point is only a few hundred meters from the camino!I also recommend walking to the Alto if it is a clear day, don't miss the steps to walk up on grass through the crosses.
The coil is the best thing EVER!! I used it every single day morning and night. Love it!!
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?