Dream coming true - starting Camino October 19th 2019

Iza · Oct 10, 2019

Hello fellow pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be!

I just wanted to share my excitement about finally setting off on the Camino on October 19th!
This journey has begun for me 7 years ago when the idea of Camino first came to me. Then there were years of dreaming, planning, postponing, researching, reading... Two years ago I joined the forum and it brought me so much closer to the Camino and all of your beautiful, inspiring and informative stories. And here I am ready to walk alone but knowing that I am not alone. I decided to walk Camino Primitivo because I only have 2 weeks and I really wanted the feeling of completing the "whole Camino", which I might have missed if I chose to walk a part of Camino Frances. I am trying not to have any expectations from the Camino or myself.
My Wise Pilgrim just arrived, I am packing up my gear and counting the days down...

Buen Camino everyone!

nycwalking · Oct 10, 2019

Enjoy.

Buen camino.

Dani7 · Oct 10, 2019

The planning is pure fun. Safe journey and Buen Camino. Let us know your impressions when you get back

Iza · Oct 10, 2019

Dani7 said:
The planning is pure fun. Safe journey and Buen Camino. Let us know your impressions when you get back

Sure will and thank you!

steve 217 · Oct 10, 2019

Have a wonderful Camino

Buen Camino

MikeJS · Oct 10, 2019

If you use a smartphone I would strongly recommend getting Wikiloc with a Primitivo track. You can just let this run in the background with no need to look at the phone as it wi alarm if it thinks you are going off route.
Also, if possible use the Albergue at Samblismo and Vilar de Cas.

JohnMcM · Oct 10, 2019

Iza said:
Hello fellow pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be!

I just wanted to share my excitement about finally setting off on the Camino on October 19th!
This journey has begun for me 7 years ago when the idea of Camino first came to me. Then there were years of dreaming, planning, postponing, researching, reading... Two years ago I joined the forum and it brought me so much closer to the Camino and all of your beautiful, inspiring and informative stories. And here I am ready to walk alone but knowing that I am not alone. I decided to walk Camino Primitivo because I only have 2 weeks and I really wanted the feeling of completing the "whole Camino", which I might have missed if I chose to walk a part of Camino Frances. I am trying not to have any expectations from the Camino or myself.
My Wise Pilgrim just arrived, I am packing up my gear and counting the days down...

Buen Camino everyone!

I hope that like me you will find the beauty of the Primitivo more overwhelming than the difficulty of some of the terrain.

One small suggestion, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand if you are choosing to go over the Hospitals route.

Buen (truly beautiful) Camino

MikeJS · Oct 10, 2019

Ignore the weather forecast! Both the forecast and the local farmer told me the next day would be fine. It wasn’t. Not that I’m any way it was a problem as it’s only 14km to where the 2 routes join and it is extremely well marked.

Camino Chrissy · Oct 10, 2019

I loved the Primitivo! Before you go over the Hospitales stage you will get the weather report from where you are staying the night before, which will help you determine if you should take it or choose the alternate route. Buen Camino!

Iza · Oct 10, 2019

Thank you guys for the tips and support! I am going to neither check the weather forecast nor ignore it - I will try to be prepared for all scenarios. Waterproof pants and jacket are number one on my packing list though I am secretly wishing for a beautiful sunny Fall

Iza · Oct 10, 2019

MikeJS said:
If you use a smartphone I would strongly recommend getting Wikiloc with a Primitivo track. You can just let this run in the background with no need to look at the phone as it wi alarm if it thinks you are going off route.
Also, if possible use the Albergue at Samblismo and Vilar de Cas.

I am going to check out this app, though I don't know if my smartphone can handle it. I don't want to depend on my phone too much since the battery doesn't last long.
Albergue tips much appreciated, thank you.
And kudos on completing your Camino today!

Camino Chrissy · Oct 10, 2019

Iza said:
Thank you guys for the tips and support! I am going to neither check the weather forecast nor ignore it - I will try to be prepared for all scenarios. Waterproof pants and jacket are number one on my packing list though I am secretly wishing for a beautiful sunny Fall

I will say this...if foggy you will see nothing going over...absolutely nothing. A man we'd enjoyed the companionship of on the way, arrived a day later than us. While we had a beautiful trek up in sunshine, he said he could see nothing and had gotten disoriented and almost fell off some sort of cliff on it... Do not over estimate the potential perils! Take the advise of the locals before you venture out.

Iza · Oct 10, 2019

Camino Chrissy said:
I will say this...if foggy you will see nothing going over...absolutely nothing. A man we'd enjoyed the companionship of on the way, met showing up a day after our beautiful trek up with us later. He said he could see nothing and got disoriented and almost fell off some sort of cliff on it.. Do not over estimate the potential perils! Take the advise of the locals before you venture out.

Wow... thanks for the warning. Gonna watch out for the fog.

ExiledSW · Oct 10, 2019

Buen Camino !

MikeJS · Oct 11, 2019

Camino Chrissy said:
I will say this...if foggy you will see nothing going over...absolutely nothing. A man we'd enjoyed the companionship of on the way, met showing up a day after our beautiful trek up with us later. He said he could see nothing and got disoriented and almost fell off some sort of cliff on it.. Do not over estimate the potential perils! Take the advise of the locals before you venture out.

There are markers about every 50 m on the higher parts. I had visibility of less than 100 m and it was really not a problem! In fact unles they drew a yellow line all the way you couldn’t make it easier. As both routes end up at the same high point I think the hospitalis route is the easiest as it has a longer,more gentle clime. Also pleas stay in Samblismo before as the Albergue is excellent- especially the home baked bread!

Camino Chrissy · Oct 11, 2019

The man I spoke of said he could not see those markers. I was shocked to hear him say that as they were right along the side of the trail.

MikeJS · Oct 11, 2019

Never walk without a gps track!

peregrina2000 · Oct 11, 2019

I was surprised the last time I walked on Hospitales to see that the markers were so close together, just like Mike says. If there is really heavy fog, I would recommend going with at least one other person because that way one can go ahead to the next marker and call back to the other. (Or GPS of course) I have walked Hospitales in good weather and in bad weather, and both times it was much easier than the time I walked to Pola in heavy rain. There were some slippery dangerous rocky channels, and a Brazilian peregrino slipped and took a bad fall and had to be carried back up to the road. His camino ended there. I would take Hospitales, with its gradual ascent, all on dirt, any day in bad weather. Now, the descent to Montefurado.... that’s another story, but by then the two alternatives have merged and there’s no other way to get to Berducedo.

Camino Chrissy · Oct 11, 2019

Laurie, do you or anyone else recall on the Hospitales route that rather treacherous downhill section that followed the powerlines on large stones of gravel? I was so glad I had poles because those stones wanted to tumble with every step and it was difficult to stay balanced. For me, that particular portion was one of my scariest times on the five caminos I've walked so far!

peregrina2000 · Oct 11, 2019

Camino Chrissy said:
Laurie, do you or anyone else recall on the Hospitales route that rather treacherous downhill section that followed the powerlines on large stones of gravel? I was so glad I had poles because those stones wanted to tumble with every step and it was difficult to stay balanced. For me, that particular portion was one of my scariest times on the five caminos I've walked so far!

Oh, I remember it well! That is the stretch between the Puerto de Palo (the pass where the Hospitales route joins with the Pola de Allande route) and the beautiful abandoned little village of Montefurado. So that’s going to be something you have to navigate no matter which alternative you take.

Camino Chrissy · Oct 11, 2019

peregrina2000 said:
Oh, I remember it well! That is the stretch between the Puerto de Palo (the pass where the Hospitales route joins with the Pola de Allande route) and the beautiful abandoned little village of Montefurado. So that’s going to be something you have to navigate no matter which alternative you take.

Sometimes I am oblivious...I didn't even realize the paths intersected there and that this rocky stretch was what you had already mentioned!

Tia Valeria · Oct 11, 2019

If the weather is bad walk to Pola and preferably stay overnight. Take the road up to where the Camino cuts across it, avoiding the steep and slippery ascent and water in the valley bottom. Take the track rather than the zig-zag road if weather permits, then check that you can see where it crosses the road at the top and if necessary walk the road again. When Terry walked he could not see more than one snow pole ahead and walked the road all the way from Pola to Berducedo.
Even with the guide marks Hospitales would be a challenge in those conditions and no view so compensate.

When we walked together we had sunshine and could see to Lugo! Also could see where the track crossed the road multiple times and not always 'straight across'
Stay safe, take local advice and if you think your phone battery is not up to it then don't rely on that gps.
Buen Camino

MikeJS · Oct 11, 2019

Tia Valeria said:
If the weather is bad walk to Pola and preferably stay overnight. Take the road up to where the Camino cuts across it, avoiding the steep and slippery ascent and water in the valley bottom. Take the track rather than the zig-zag road if weather permits, then check that you can see where it crosses the road at the top and if necessary walk the road again. When Terry walked he could not see more than one snow pole ahead and walked the road all the way from Pola to Berducedo.
Even with the guide marks Hospitales would be a challenge in those conditions and no view so compensate.

When we walked together we had sunshine and could see to Lugo! Also could see where the track crossed the road multiple times and not always 'straight across'
Stay safe, take local advice and if you think your phone battery is not up to it then don't rely on that gps.
Buen Camino

When I asked the locals for advice about the weather for the hospitalis route they said it would be fine - they were wrong. A phones battery should be ample for the route - it’s less than 15 km to where it joins the pola route - my phone lasts easily for a 50km day even on a route when I have to lol at the map lots of times.

Camino Chrissy · Oct 11, 2019

I couldn't resist sharing a few photos!...
Laurie, is this the abandoned village you speak of? I loved the blue slate surrounding the windows which reminded me shutters!
Ahhh, some great memories!

Iza · Oct 11, 2019

All your tips are priceless! I think I will invest in a GPS. And will start some serious map studying right away!

Former member 69452 · Oct 12, 2019

Iza said:
Hello fellow pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be!

I just wanted to share my excitement about finally setting off on the Camino on October 19th!
This journey has begun for me 7 years ago when the idea of Camino first came to me. Then there were years of dreaming, planning, postponing, researching, reading... Two years ago I joined the forum and it brought me so much closer to the Camino and all of your beautiful, inspiring and informative stories. And here I am ready to walk alone but knowing that I am not alone. I decided to walk Camino Primitivo because I only have 2 weeks and I really wanted the feeling of completing the "whole Camino", which I might have missed if I chose to walk a part of Camino Frances. I am trying not to have any expectations from the Camino or myself.
My Wise Pilgrim just arrived, I am packing up my gear and counting the days down...

Buen Camino everyone!

Buen Camino Peregrina!

Bob from L.A. ! · Oct 12, 2019

You will not be alone.

Buen camino !

MikeJS · Oct 12, 2019

Iza said:
All your tips are priceless! I think I will invest in a GPS. And will start some serious map studying right away!

Every smart phone has gps.

alipilgrim · Oct 12, 2019

I walked the Hospitales route 2 days after Mike and at times had visibility well under 30m yet I had no worries about finding my way as it was EXTREMELY well marked, and almost all is an apparent trail; all except the R-hand jog one takes right before Puerto de Palo(?), but if I’d gone straight I’d have hit the road within a few meters anyway.

Sitting on the concrete block with the big arrow marking the R-hand turn

peregrina2000 · Oct 12, 2019

Is that little hut at the pass still there? A bunch of us once went over Hospitales in bad weather and we used the wall of the hut to make a tarp covering, but the inside was so disgusting we preferred to sit in the rain and eat.

MikeJS · Oct 12, 2019

alipilgrim said:
I walked the Hospitales route 2 days after Mike and at times had visibility well under 30m yet I had no worries about finding my way as it was EXTREMELY well marked, and almost all is an apparent trail; all except the R-hand jog one takes right before Puerto de Palo(?), but if I’d gone straight I’d have hit the road within a few meters anyway.View attachment 65720 View attachment 65721 View attachment 65722
Sitting on the concrete block with the big arrow marking the R-hand turn

Glad to see you are back on the trail. I’m currently in SdC airport waiting for my flight home.

alipilgrim · Oct 12, 2019

peregrina2000 said:
Is that little hut at the pass still there? A bunch of us once went over Hospitales in bad weather and we used the wall of the hut to make a tarp covering, but the inside was so disgusting we preferred to sit in the rain and eat.

There’s an emergency hut, or so I think it was, back by the ruins midway and yes, there’s still a building there at the pass on other side of the road but I didn’t go investigate as I was cold and ready to descend into daylight!

Ana Santos · Oct 12, 2019

Iza said:
Hello fellow pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be!

I just wanted to share my excitement about finally setting off on the Camino on October 19th!
This journey has begun for me 7 years ago when the idea of Camino first came to me. Then there were years of dreaming, planning, postponing, researching, reading... Two years ago I joined the forum and it brought me so much closer to the Camino and all of your beautiful, inspiring and informative stories. And here I am ready to walk alone but knowing that I am not alone. I decided to walk Camino Primitivo because I only have 2 weeks and I really wanted the feeling of completing the "whole Camino", which I might have missed if I chose to walk a part of Camino Frances. I am trying not to have any expectations from the Camino or myself.
My Wise Pilgrim just arrived, I am packing up my gear and counting the days down...

Buen Camino everyone!

Have fun! I just finished today (I’m sitting at a cafe in Santiago having a well deserved piece of Santiago pie) my Portuguese Coastal and it’s life changing. I’m already planning my next one for next year. Nothing can compare to this. I did alone and was perfect. Enjoy the silence of your mind. It’s life changing.

Ian Afloat · Oct 13, 2019

Highlights: Grado on a Sunday, Salas, the Albergue at Bodenaya, Hospitales, the descent to the dam at Grandas de Salime, the youth hostel at Castro, Lugo, the church at Boente...

Ian Afloat · Oct 13, 2019

If you’re on Facebook, check out Camino Primitivo English Speakers.

paul Flanagan · Oct 13, 2019

Iza said:
Hello fellow pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be!

I just wanted to share my excitement about finally setting off on the Camino on October 19th!
This journey has begun for me 7 years ago when the idea of Camino first came to me. Then there were years of dreaming, planning, postponing, researching, reading... Two years ago I joined the forum and it brought me so much closer to the Camino and all of your beautiful, inspiring and informative stories. And here I am ready to walk alone but knowing that I am not alone. I decided to walk Camino Primitivo because I only have 2 weeks and I really wanted the feeling of completing the "whole Camino", which I might have missed if I chose to walk a part of Camino Frances. I am trying not to have any expectations from the Camino or myself.
My Wise Pilgrim just arrived, I am packing up my gear and counting the days down...

Buen Camino everyone!

Good luck to you.

It will be life changing of that I am certain,
"May the road rise to meet you, and the wind always be at your back. and the rains fall softly on your fields. May God hold you gently in the palm of his hand. ..

LesBrass · Oct 13, 2019

alipilgrim said:
I walked the Hospitales route 2 days after Mike and at times had visibility well under 30m yet I had no worries about finding my way as it was EXTREMELY well marked, and almost all is an apparent trail; all except the R-hand jog one takes right before Puerto de Palo(?), but if I’d gone straight I’d have hit the road within a few meters anyway.View attachment 65720 View attachment 65721 View attachment 65722
Sitting on the concrete block with the big arrow marking the R-hand turn

I think we sat on that block too

Karma_m · Oct 13, 2019

Hi Iza,
We may see you on the way... currently in Leon and tossing up whether to do the San Salvador and then Primativo but the forecast is for rain most of next week so might have to skip the Salvador and just do the primativo... am a bit apprehensive after leaving our Meseta family and familiarity of the Frances!

Richmond Gardner · Oct 13, 2019

Iza said:
I am going to check out this app, though I don't know if my smartphone can handle it. I don't want to depend on my phone too much since the battery doesn't last long.
Albergue tips much appreciated, thank you.
And kudos on completing your Camino today!

I second the Sanblismo albergue recommendation... very nice hospiletero and gets you away from the smell of dung and flies at Borres. Also recommend La Mesa versus

Iza said:
I am going to check out this app, though I don't know if my smartphone can handle it. I don't want to depend on my phone too much since the battery doesn't last long.
Albergue tips much appreciated, thank you.
And kudos on completing your Camino today!

you will be fine along the Primitivo. Generally well marked an a beautiful, hilly route. I agree with the Sanblismo recommendation- nice albergue beyond the flies and dung odor in Borres. Also, choose La Mesa over Berducedo.
Buen Camino! You have selected a excellent route!

Richmond Gardner · Oct 13, 2019

Richmond Gardner said:
I second the Sanblismo albergue recommendation... very nice hospiletero and gets you away from the smell of dung and flies at Borres. Also recommend La Mesa versus

you will be fine along the Primitivo. Generally well marked an a beautiful, hilly route. I agree with the Sanblismo recommendation- nice albergue beyond the flies and dung odor in Borres. Also, choose La Mesa over Berducedo.
Buen Camino! You have selected a excellent route!

Sorry for the duplication...I thought the first paragraph had disappeared

Richmond Gardner · Oct 13, 2019

Ian Afloat said:
Highlights: Grado on a Sunday, Salas, the Albergue at Bodenaya, Hospitales, the descent to the dam at Grandas de Salime, the youth hostel at Castro, Lugo, the church at Boente...
[/QUOT

Richmond Gardner said:

Sorry for the duplication...I thought the first paragraph had disappeared

Click to expand...

also forgot to enthusiastically support the youth hostel in Castro. Managed by a very very good hospiletero. Super nice women and beautiful location- good food as well! A can’t miss albergue

Canche · Oct 15, 2019

Iza said:
Hello fellow pilgrims and pilgrims-to-be!

I just wanted to share my excitement about finally setting off on the Camino on October 19th!
This journey has begun for me 7 years ago when the idea of Camino first came to me. Then there were years of dreaming, planning, postponing, researching, reading... Two years ago I joined the forum and it brought me so much closer to the Camino and all of your beautiful, inspiring and informative stories. And here I am ready to walk alone but knowing that I am not alone. I decided to walk Camino Primitivo because I only have 2 weeks and I really wanted the feeling of completing the "whole Camino", which I might have missed if I chose to walk a part of Camino Frances. I am trying not to have any expectations from the Camino or myself.
My Wise Pilgrim just arrived, I am packing up my gear and counting the days down...

Buen Camino everyone!

Buen Camino. Utreia

mvanert · Oct 15, 2019

The camino awaits, enjoy your walk!

Iza · Oct 15, 2019

Karma_m said:
Hi Iza,
We may see you on the way... currently in Leon and tossing up whether to do the San Salvador and then Primativo but the forecast is for rain most of next week so might have to skip the Salvador and just do the primativo... am a bit apprehensive after leaving our Meseta family and familiarity of the Frances!

How exciting! Hope our roads will cross

Karma_m · Oct 17, 2019

Iza said:
How exciting! Hope our roads will cross

It’s absolutely beautiful but boy the meseta did not get me fit ready for this

!! Some guide books say gentle rolling hills ... I say bloody steep mothers with even steeper descents!!!

KariannNor · Tuesday at 9:58 PM

https://www.alojamientoloshospitales.com/albergue I found a link to this place in an old thread, but can't find it on WisePilgrim, the Gronze map or if I search by address. Can someone tell me...

billandjothorne · Tuesday at 2:56 PM

Hi all Heading out for a meal tonight and Pilgrim mass before starting the Primitivo tomorrow. Any recommendations on where to get a great meal in Oviedo?

Dream coming true - starting Camino October 19th 2019

New Member

Veteran Member

Stop wishing, start doing.

New Member

Active Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

New Member

New Member

Veteran Member

New Member

New Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Moderator

Veteran Member

Moderator

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Attachments

New Member

Former member 69452

Guest

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Moderator

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

New Member

Active Member

Active Member

New Member

Likes Walking

New Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Volcano Climber

Active Member

New Member

New Member

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency