Bad Pilgrim
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Yes
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Please, do bother usHello pilgrimitos and pilgrimitas,
It's me again… Sorry to bother... :OP
Just a heads up that I will be starting from Alicante in about 10 days. For the third time from Alicante, and my second time on the Lana.
Why walk the Lana again, you may ask?! :Oo
Well that is because:
1) It is my favorite camino so far.
2) I am a repeat Camino offender.
3) Two years ago I hurt my foot on the Lana... And I am back for revenge!!
Luckily, Maggie and Undermanager have recently written about the Lana and posted loads of photos. I have no idea what I could possibly add.
I carry a simple cell-phone and it takes forever to write anything on it, and I cannot upload any pictures.
Therefore I will post very short info about each stage, with mostly practical information. It will give me something to do in the afternoons…
I hope to discover the San Olav and the Vasco Interior, and revisit the Invierno as well… But the best laid plans... I know!
Tag along! ;OD
/BP
Buen Camino! Post away. It'll be great to read.
"I carry a simple cell-phone and it takes forever to write anything on it, and I cannot upload any pictures."
Outrageous! No Excuse!
Make this Camino's resolution to pop out and buy a new phone tomorrow, get it set up and practice posting before you go! It can be a new and rewarding hobby - Bad Pilgrim - Top Blogger. Huawei P20 Pro - not the cheapest but a top choice and great camera. And all the help you need is here.
There are now buses all through the night from the airport to Alicante, every hour after 11 pm or midnight. No need for a taxi. But should you decide to take one, there are plenty waiting, on the first floor of the airport - the buses are on the 2nd floor. A taxi is about €25, the bus €3.85.Hi ho,
Less than a week before I go.
I wonder if any Laners have arrived late in Alicante - and how did you get from the airport into town?
I have never arrived this late (around midnight) and last time I checked, there were no bus into town this late (?) I think I will have to take a taxi. Should I phone the taxi company before my arrival, or can I grab a cab when I get there? I never use taxi service.
There are now buses all through the night from the airport to Alicante, every hour after 11 pm or midnight. No need for a taxi. But should you decide to take one, there are plenty waiting, on the first floor of the airport - the buses are on the 2nd floor. A taxi is about €25, the bus €3.85.
Bus C6 Alacant-Aeroport - ALICANTE City & Beach
El Bus 6C Alacant- Aeroport (ALC) és una linia circular que opera els 365 dies de l'any i connecta la ciutat d'Alacant amb l' aeroport. Més info ACÍwww.alicanteturismo.com
No, they don’t accept credit card. I think (it’s new) you may be able to pay with your phone, I’ll check....Wow,
You just made my life so much easier! Do you know if I can pay with my credit card on the bus... or do I need cash??
:Oo
No, they don’t accept credit card. I think (it’s new) you may be able to pay with your phone, I’ll check....
Well, apparently you can now pay with a contactless credit card or a mobile phone for just a ‘one-off’ ticket
I wouldn’t rely on it though, just in case: my CC (from UK) doesn’t always work ‘contactless’ here... Better to have some cash methink!El alcalde presenta el nuevo sistema de pago bancario contactless para el transporte
Este nuevo sistema de pago permitirá a los usuarios acceder al autobús simplemente acercando su tarjeta bancaria contactless, móvil o wearebles al dispositivo de pago.www.alicante.es There is an ATM at the airport.
I don't think you'll have any problem with muni albergue in Alpera. If the Ayto. is closed (after 3pm I think) the key should be in the bar on the corner across that little square.
BP - I loved the Albergue in Alpera. If the Ayun is open it’s a breeze to find and lovely to stay there.
@Undermanager was there in May - here are some edited exercpts from his description - (I’m sure he won’t mind). . .
"Alpera is a really nice, small, open town with at least six bars that I've seen. There is also a general shop for supplies on Paseo Constitucion, on the right as you walk into town that's open late (closes at 10:00pm on Sundays) and wasn't closed for a siesta……..
When I was in the shop asking about the town hall, the major came in! So, we arranged to meet at the town hall in five minutes, and I quickly got booked in and stamped then driven down the road to the albergue. Don't you just love the albergue system and the lovely Spanish everywhere? The albergue at 46 Calla Garcia Trejo is brilliant and bright and light. It has five beds, all mod cons and a place to wash and hang clothes in the sun. My bed faces the French doors on the first floor and faces the park. It's wonderful. The mayor recommended Las Koplo opposite the town hall for tapas, and El Rincon and La Parrilla for cheap and good meals! I tried the meal of the day at El Rincon and it was fantastic."
When I walked it last year, if I am remembering correctly, I walked in the field alongside the train track, soft surface, the side bits are not cultivated so the surface is ok, I'm sure that's the official way. You eventually come to a bridge or a 2nd bridge which you cross then you are away across farm tracks to Alpera.The embankment from the train line was the only obstacle to the wind that day which was quite intense.
I. Am. Envious.
The only snake I've ever seen on the camino was flattened on a road.
Excellent stuff. Good to see you are in the swing now, both walking and writing. You bring it all back - it seems like years ago instead of about a month. Maybe a photo or two ..... ?
I noticed if I used the 'pro' setting on my Android phone camera, the files were easily twice the size of the ones taken on auto. Maybe that?I have no idea why that is...
What phone do you have? There is a file size limit on the forum. You need to download any free 'photo compressor', compress the photo first and then send that. I use Lit Photo on my Android phone, at about 40%. Dead easy to use.
Half of what you just wrote sounds like ancient Greek to me... But I will sit down and have some quality time with my cellphone this afternoon. I will see what I can do!I noticed if I used the 'pro' setting on my Android phone camera, the files were easily twice the size of the ones taken on auto. Maybe that?
And I had no interest in walking the Ebro before Soria. You truly are a Bad Pilgrim.
OMG, your doppelgangers, BP!Perhaps I will meet the ghosts of ancient, bad pilgrims in there...!
Have a great night! I hope you are on your own in the sports hall and there are thunderstorms - it'll be a great experience!. I'm enjoying reading your accounts every day. How hot is it?
Whoops. That sounds hot, but I think next week could get hotter! Please take care with the water thing. It's tricky cos it weighs so much but running out in extreme heat can be dangerous. Someone should invent dehydrated water we can carry!
Have a great night! I hope you are on your own in the sports hall and there are thunderstorms - it'll be a great experience!. I'm enjoying reading your accounts every day. How hot is it?
Just catching up on this thread BP. As it happens when I stayed in the polideportivo in Campillo in April, there was a thunder/lightning storm with heavy rain pelting the tin roof all night and a gale blowing in under the door. @Ninja and I huddled in the middle of a huge landing mat, sharing the one blanket. Such great camino memories.
There are two of them, in the main hall. They were by the exit door when we were there and we manoevered one away from the cold air coming in under the door. They are huge and not easy to move alone. We thought they would be infinitely more comfortable than the yoga mat provided. It is bound to be a lot warmer now than when we walked, so you might be grateful for some cool air! Sleep well.That sounds amazing...! But if you know where this landing mat is stored now, please let me know ;0D
There are two of them, in the main hall. They were by the exit door when we were there and we manoevered one away from the cold air coming in under the door. They are huge and not easy to move alone. We thought they would be infinitely more comfortable than the yoga mat provided. It is bound to be a lot warmer now than when we walked, so you might be grateful for some cool air! Sleep well.
Are you staying in Cuenca for a day?
I know, but we do the right thing. You know, if the landowner doesn't even care to wash away or to destroy the yellow arrows... then he can't really care about the camino?! There were freshly painted arrows all through the property, even near the farm houses and the ermita. So strange. With people coming and going every week, I think he knows he lost the battle...!Ha, those signs attempt to be very intimidating. Luckily pilgrims are fearless (or foolish?) fellows!View attachment 59872
Exactly the reason why I always suggest people buy French SIM card to use In Spain (for example) because after annuiment of roaming fees within EU foreign SIM card will search for the best signal whichever provider's it may be.... My phone also went on strike, so I couldn't call to tell Sandra I was approaching. The man in the (only?) bar helped me to get hold of her. Apparently, the whole village is connected to Movistar. If you don't have Movistar you can't use your phone. (Have anyone else had this problem in Monteagudo??)
...
I (under-)managed to process the photos ;ODExcellent stuff. Good to see you are in the swing now, both walking and writing. You bring it all back - it seems like years ago instead of about a month. Maybe a photo or two ..... ?
I downloaded some strange stuff so I can post pictures now, hooray!I noticed if I used the 'pro' setting on my Android phone camera, the files were easily twice the size of the ones taken on auto. Maybe that?
I am publishing as we speakSo let's see 'em, BP! More, more!
I didn't know that. Ok. I have the habit of phoning ahead so no connection is a nuisance! Half of the time people can't hear me when I am talking either, or my calls just shut down (even when I have connection).Exactly the reason why I always suggest people buy French SIM card to use In Spain (for example) because after annuiment of roaming fees within EU foreign SIM card will search for the best signal whichever provider's it may be.
Thanks K1, I am taking notes of this. I had no idea what was going on with my phone. If I can learn how to compress my photos, maybe I can even learn how to handle my phone...The thing is that let's say Spanish Vodafone SIM card will search for Vodafone signal. If it is weak you'll have problem hearing the one you call or vice versa. Or maybe there even won't be any Vodafone signal and you would be cut off. Happened to me once on Sanabres while having Orange SIM card but the signal was only from Movistar. So - no signal, no calls, no connection, nada.
BUT if you have foreign (not Spanish, but from EU) SIM card in your phone it will search for the best or any available signal possible regardless of signal provider without extra roaming fees. Especially useful on less walked Caminos in remote areas and for using on-line GPS.
You just make sure you can top up that foreign SIM via internet.
I'm coming from EU so I already do have my SIM card with no roaming fees but having dual SIM phone I always buy prepaid Spanish SIM card just in case.
Also it was one of my non-shower days, I don't care how hot the water is, if the shower is filthy I'll make do with a wash down!
Yes I thought about dipping my head in the fountains today. But then, in the end, it didn't get as hot as I expected...! Perhaps tomorrow!Glad you've mastered the photo upload, BP. I think it makes the daily blog even better. Take extra care in the heat. I love my big floppy canvas hat for hot days - it gets a total soaking at every fountain and keeps the brain cool for the next six or seven kilometers.
I spent the evening in the bar after having dinner from one of the shops in the very nice square in front of the Ayuntamiento, going through the tapas on the counter one by one. Fabulous and recommended. 41 degrees C at 5 pm? Wow! That's impressive. I think I'd want my bed by 9 o' clock after that. I remember the next morning though was absolutely freezing because the sun didn't get up over the valley side for a few hours after rising. No chance of that tomorrow I guess!
Great stuff Bad Pilgrim. I'm planning on starting the Ruta de la Lana end of September. I'll be using your blog as a guide, as I did on a previous Camino (Levante/Sureste/Don Quijote, I think it was). I'll give it more attention when I get home. Presently about to complete La Ruta del Argar with some Ruta Don Quijote thrown in. Should reach Mora tomorrow. I started a thread (Ruta del Argar) with my daily input here on the forum, if anyone is thinking of doing that one.
Enjoying the sun and heat BP? Up to 44C here!
Buen Camino.
Alfin del Asfalto
What a nice picture! I have never met Paolino, or the other guys. Jealous...! Maybe next time... If they don't get tired of meWhat a wonderful report BP. There were six of us at the albergue at Villaconejos. We were treated to a wonderful tour of the cave. Pepe signed us in at the albergue but couldn’t join us in the evening due to an out of town taxi job (a man of many employments!). But Antonio, his cousin Martin, and the characterful Paulino prepared a feast for us (including catering to my vegan diet) and entertained us with tales of old about the cave and how the wine was produced. Such wonderful, charming and uplifting people who go to so much trouble for we pilgrims. Paulino drove to find us on the road to the next day and bought us hot drinks before bidding us ‘buen camino’.
View attachment 60264
View attachment 60265.
Totally agree about El Cazador being dreadful; dim, grim, depressing, like a bad funeral run by someone who just doesn't speak more than a word at a time and only stares (another 'local bar for local people'), in contrast to La Mazmorra, which was very jolly. Getting food in the village was a problem when I was there - the shop shut around 2.00pm and didn't open in the evenings, but La Mazmorra did knock up some boccadillos (i.e. bread with lumps of cheese in) so I didn't starve. For future Lanas, consider staying in the village before - far more bars with better facilities, or at least stock up on your way to here.
In Mandayona I ran into pilgrim nr 2 since Alicante. He had been to the Ayuntamiento to ask about the albergue, but it was closed and he didn't know what to do. Well I was on my way to Cumbres de Castilla (a hostal rural) so I couldn't help him. Later I met him in the bar Milagros: the people working there had phoned the mayor who would open up the place, so problem solved for him. But a señora whom I met in the street - she first mistook me for the other pilgrim - said that the so-called albergue was in really bad conditions. She seconded my choice of Cumbres de Castilla.
Wow, it was free... Ok I guess I am reminded to make an effort and stay at the Convent in Sigüenza tomorrow... It will be kind to my wallet... As long as it is not damp!!We loved staying in the albergue in Mandayona. It is situated in a meeting room/town theatre. Stage with four inflatable mattresses. Only one blanket. No shower but two good cloakrooms with hot water, and no facilities for cooking, but food available in the bar/restaurant and a good little supermarket at the end of the road. And its free! Ana in the ayuntamiento told me the number to ring to give advance warning of your arrival is 949 305 002, and gave me permission to share her personal number 649 721 552.
We had such fun that we put on a show...
View attachment 60490
Actually, I didn’t like the convent. Not really sure why. 15 euros. No atmosphere even though the the building beautiful. I wouldn’t stay there again. @Undermanager mentioned a nice albergue/hostel in Sigüenza. Not sure if he mentioned the cost.Wow, it was free... Ok I guess I am reminded to make an effort and stay at the Convent in Sigüenza tomorrow... It will be kind to my wallet... As long as it is not damp!!
I can do hot and cold, but I can't do damp... !
Actually, I didn’t like the convent. Not really sure why. 15 euros. No atmosphere even though the the building beautiful. I wouldn’t stay there again. @Undermanager mentioned a nice albergue/hostel in Sigüenza. Not sure if he mentioned the cost.
We stayed in hostal San Cristo in Atienza. 15 euros each to share a room. I have a feeling it might be the same if you are alone. It was a great place right at the entrance to town. We had waited around for ages to get access to the municipal albergue, but when we finally saw it we turned right around and walked out. Very cold and damp. But then so was the weather! It might be a very different story now that it’s warmer.Ok, I called the convent half an hour ago to tell them I was coming. But I guess that can be reversed. Undermanagers alternative looks interesting! It's just that I feel like I have to start saving my money for a whammy of 50+ euros that's coming my way in the next few days...
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