LIVE from the Camino Astorga to Santiago mid March

[nidarosa]

We started our walk three days ago in Astorga and have had beautiful sunshine every day so far, and even though it is very cold in the morning it gets nice and warm in the day, about 12-15 degrees. The camino is very wet in places but there is no longer snow on the path, we have only seen small patches. The descent into Acebo seems looser and rockier than I remembered it, but no mud or ice. Take care walking it though. From Acebo to Molinaseca was steep as usual, but dry and in good condition. Very few pilgrims though, it's like being on your own in the mountains! Also albergue Pilar in Rabanal is *not* open, nor are the bottom two or Gaucelmo. We stayed in Hostal Refugio. At least one open in foncebadon.

 

[natefaith]

I loved that stretch. Glad you have good weather! Buen Camino.

 

[clearskiescamino]

Linda
Can't wait to hear how you got on when you return.
I am dreading the descent to Molinaseca as well you know
Gaucelmo opens up on the 1st of April. Not sure about Pilar however it is unlikely I will stay in Rabanal this time around.
Buen Camino!

 

[mspath]

...
I am dreading the descent to Molinaseca as well you know ....

To avoid that slippery descent on shale and scree to Molinaseca walk down from El Acebo on the verges of the parallel road LE-142. Generally there is very little vehicular traffic other than pelotons of bike riders on sunny Sundays aiming for Ponferrada.
Buen camino,
MM

 

[nidarosa]

Just wanted to warn others that many places are shut so to plan accommodation ahead a bit. We are in private rooms, not albergues, so with hitting the bigger towns we should be fine. Worst bit was Pillar's El Llar being closed so no empanada!!! I have dreamt of that empanada since September!!! Please anyone passing when it is open again, have a big piece for us. Today was overcast and chilly, spending the night in La Gallega in Cacabelos. Will report on the state of ascent to O Cebreiro later.

 

[rlang290]

I did a lot of preparation prior to leaving on our Camino (we get into SdC in three days) including getting emailed confirmation that places we hoped to stay would be open. So far two were closed when we arrived. We stayed in a hotel the first time but had to walk an extra 8 kms the second time.
Same goes for cafes along the way. Don't count on them being open. Bring food with you!

Ron

 

[clearskiescamino]

Just wanted to warn others that many places are shut so to plan accommodation ahead a bit. We are in private rooms, not albergues, so with hitting the bigger towns we should be fine. Worst bit was Pillar's El Llar being closed so no empanada!!! I have dreamt of that empanada since September!!! Please anyone passing when it is open again, have a big piece for us. Today was overcast and chilly, spending the night in La Gallega in Cacabelos. Will report on the state of ascent to O Cebreiro later.

So sorry to hear that Pillar's place is closed. I'll buy an extra piece for you both in May!!

 

[nidarosa]

Sorry I meant the El Llar in Murias, run I believe by a woman called Pillar? before going to Rabanal, not the Pilar albergue in Rabanal. Hope El Llar isn't being sold!
Took the up-and-over route out of Villafranca today, still great weather and very beautiful but steep both ways.

 

[clearskiescamino]

No, this one ....I can't find a website for her restaurant

 

[nidarosa]

Spent the night in Triacastela, there was a short sharp shower just after we were shown into our room but otherwise the weather is lovely still, if a little bit cooler yesterday, and the trail is great. San Xil route tomorrow and we expect more accommodation options as we hit the usual last week towns. Last night there were six pilgrims in the Complexo Xacobeo restaurant and even more in the adjoining albergue plus some in the municipal. Let's see how many join us in Sarria!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Let's see how many join us in Sarria!

The last three Wednesday compostela counts have been 41, 66, and 114. The number of pilgrims is rising rapidly!

 

[nidarosa]

Leaving Portomarin this morning with a damaged ankle for a day's rest. Weather is still good and the trail is mostly dry with a few muddy bits in the forest after Sarria. Numbers are definitely up!

 

[nidarosa]

Two days before Santiago and all is still well apart from my silly ankle but hope to be able to walk tomorrow. Weather was cooler and windier today than it has been but still good walking temperature. Don't know if I want it to slow down or speed up now...