Thomas Yingst
Tom ... “the kid”
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Portugal. May 2019
Anybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
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Thanks Dave there are a few of these websites out there. Once we can walk again who knows what damage the pandemic has caused albergues. I am sad just thinking about how badly people have been hurt economically, let alone physically and emotionally.I have done the VdLP in April / May. The one advantage of October / November is the you should avoid intense heat. July / August could be almost impossible on that particular Camino.
Somebody has already mentioned the possibility of snow in November and I couldn't comment further. I did a section on the Levante in October 2019 and it was lovely weather, cold mornings but fine.
My only concern about doing the Camino at any time in 2021 would be the status of Covid and any restrictions that might prevail both in Spain and on return to your home country. The vaccine program is underway, but it is slow and particularly slow in Spain I understand.
I myself had planned on April 21, but I pushed that back to October 21, and now I am resigned to 2022. I really don't expect to be able to do it safely and with any degree of certainty about travel and facilities during 2021.You might also want to do some research on which albergies will be open in 2021.
Very Good planning website at: https://www.pilgrim.es/en/the-silver-route/
It's a great Camino, no matter when you get to go. Enjoy.
Buen Camino
Dave
Yes, in 2018 started out from Seville mid Sept, arrived Santiago end of October. Weather was generally good, got cooler and a some wet days as we got into Galicia. I have also done the VDLP in the spring ( April/May 2016) and would choose the fall over the spring if I did it again. Spring had muddy tracks, flooded waterways, and a lot of very wet days. There was also no apples to pick along the route, no grapes to sample, no figs, no plums.....Anybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
Dave, I am from Australia, used to walking in 30+, not that I like it much. My preference is for April/May 2021, but does not look like it will happen. Next best option is Sept 2021start for me, I will attempt to start as late as possible. I received Gerald Kellys guide to the route today and have a rough plan which I will modify now. One can only plan and hope, if not I can always go next year.I have done the VdLP in April / May. The one advantage of October / November is the you should avoid intense heat. July / August could be almost impossible on that particular Camino.
Somebody has already mentioned the possibility of snow in November and I couldn't comment further. I did a section on the Levante in October 2019 and it was lovely weather, cold mornings but fine.
My only concern about doing the Camino at any time in 2021 would be the status of Covid and any restrictions that might prevail both in Spain and on return to your home country. The vaccine program is underway, but it is slow and particularly slow in Spain I understand.
I myself had planned on April 21, but I pushed that back to October 21, and now I am resigned to 2022. I really don't expect to be able to do it safely and with any degree of certainty about travel and facilities during 2021.You might also want to do some research on which albergies will be open in 2021.
Very Good planning website at: https://www.pilgrim.es/en/the-silver-route/
It's a great Camino, no matter when you get to go. Enjoy.
Buen Camino
Dave
Ivar spoke with a pilgrim who completed the VDLP about a month ago he walked during the pandemic, may be of interest.Thanks Dave there are a few of these websites out there. Once we can walk again who knows what damage the pandemic has caused albergues. I am sad just thinking about how badly people have been hurt economically, let alone physically and emotionally.
Having a few resources to find as many options as possible to lay your head at night is really important especially on a Camino with less infrastructure.
I just finished watching this video ... I loved it ... thanks for letting me know about it.Thomas...no I haven't, but considering it closely. Busy with research at present. If I might recommend a YouTube video on the Via.....have a look at a gentleman called Nalutia. HIs video 'Silent Struggle - Via de la Plata & Camino Sanabres' is particularly interesting, and gives a fantastic perspective of the Via. Good luck with your research!
I had a look at this planning-tool and from my experience on the VdP I can not recommend it....
Very Good planning website at: https://www.pilgrim.es/en/the-silver-route/
Still have a lot of time on your hands!Thinking about it myself, but it all depends on the ... VID!
As far as temps, I added a resource that may be of interest. It has the average temps on the VldP and others.
It is a good video. It is long but it gives you a good taste. It was the first VDLP video I watched when I first thought of walking this routeLink to the video if needed. Surprisingly high production values for one taken on a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone.
Thanks for putting the link up! I think it's a fantastic bit of filming with equally enjoyable commentary.Link to the video if needed. Surprisingly high production values for one taken on a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone.
That's a long trip Dodger from Australia. Have they allowed international travel yet to / from Australia. I was speaking to somebody in Spain today who told me that resturants are open in the morning for a couple of hours and the same in the afternoon, largely closed by 3.00pm in many places. I am sure that will improve later in the year. I hope that your dream happens but it absolutely will at some point. The VdLP is an amazing Camino.Dave, I am from Australia, used to walking in 30+, not that I like it much. My preference is for April/May 2021, but does not look like it will happen. Next best option is Sept 2021start for me, I will attempt to start as late as possible. I received Gerald Kellys guide to the route today and have a rough plan which I will modify now. One can only plan and hope, if not I can always go next year.
I kinda like stubborn walkers!! Thanks for your insights..sounds like an amazing walk.I walked the VdlP in Oct.-Nov., 2017, leaving Seville on Oct. 3 and arriving in Santiago on Nov. 21, with only one day off. For the first half of the walk, the temperatures were in the mid-30's, from Seville the 500 kms to Salamanca. After that, it was comfortable for me, with only one morning of frosty weather leaving Albergue Rehoboth on the Sanabres, after Villar de Farfon. There was no snow, but the days were getting shorter as I approached Santiago. I would not, personally, consider walking the VdlP earlier than October. I had only one day's walk longer than 30 kms, from Casar de Caceres to Canaveral (32 km), because the albergue at the Embalse was, as usual, closed when I walked through. My most difficult day was the 28 km from Fuenterroble to San Pedro de Rozados: long, hot, with a bit of route finding and a fair bit of road walking. By the time that I was a couple of kms away from San Pedro and hiding in a ditch from the heat, I would happily have joined a couple of monstrous pigs which I saw running across the field and leaping into a pond. This was a day short of Salamanca, where the temperature finally fell.
The few longer days on the VdlP can mostly be shortened, if you care to do so, by taking the occasional taxi. I did not care to do so, and I don't know whether I could have found a taxi to take me from the Embalse to Canaveral, not having chosen to book one in advance. I was 69 at the time and not in great shape, but a stubborn and experienced walker.
Stubborn = tenacityI walked the VdlP in Oct.-Nov., 2017, leaving Seville on Oct. 3 and arriving in Santiago on Nov. 21, with only one day off. For the first half of the walk, the temperatures were in the mid-30's, from Seville the 500 kms to Salamanca. After that, it was comfortable for me, with only one morning of frosty weather leaving Albergue Rehoboth on the Sanabres, after Villar de Farfon. There was no snow, but the days were getting shorter as I approached Santiago. I would not, personally, consider walking the VdlP earlier than October. I had only one day's walk longer than 30 kms, from Casar de Caceres to Canaveral (32 km), because the albergue at the Embalse was, as usual, closed when I walked through. My most difficult day was the 28 km from Fuenterroble to San Pedro de Rozados: long, hot, with a bit of route finding and a fair bit of road walking. By the time that I was a couple of kms away from San Pedro and hiding in a ditch from the heat, I would happily have joined a couple of monstrous pigs which I saw running across the field and leaping into a pond. This was a day short of Salamanca, where the temperature finally fell.
The few longer days on the VdlP can mostly be shortened, if you care to do so, by taking the occasional taxi. I did not care to do so, and I don't know whether I could have found a taxi to take me from the Embalse to Canaveral, not having chosen to book one in advance. I was 69 at the time and not in great shape, but a stubborn and experienced walker.
Very true. Tom...it also equals commitment. To complete a 1000km....indeed....a whole lot of commitment on your part.Stubborn = tenacity
That is why I got a Distance Certificate after walking this route. I may get another if I can walk the Levante this fall.Very true. Tom...it also equals commitment. To complete a 1000km....indeed....a whole lot of commitment on your part.
Good luck with the Levante! That will be a terrific walk indeed.That is why I got a Distance Certificate after walking this route. I may get another if I can walk the Levante this fall.
Yep a long way, I walked the CF in 2018, need a rest day prior to starting. We are not allowed to leave Australia yet. I had planned for a spring walk, however now looking at the fall. travel will all depend on how the CoviD19 vax goes and international travel. Check out a video by Ivar he interviewed a pilgrim who recently finished the VDLP in early Dec last year I think.That's a long trip Dodger from Australia. Have they allowed international travel yet to / from Australia. I was speaking to somebody in Spain today who told me that resturants are open in the morning for a couple of hours and the same in the afternoon, largely closed by 3.00pm in many places. I am sure that will improve later in the year. I hope that your dream happens but it absolutely will at some point. The VdLP is an amazing Camino.
I hope to make Levante my next camino after my VDLP this fall. If I can walk hopefully!!!!That is why I got a Distance Certificate after walking this route. I may get another if I can walk the Levante this fall.
Yes it's a great time to do it especially the early stagesAnybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
Yes, I walked it in September-October 2011. The weather was great the whole time, although pretty hot at the beginning. I left Seville on September 12 and the temperature that day was 39 C. The next day it was 40. Arrived at Santiago around October 24. Met some great people along the way and never had a problem finding accommodation. But...alas...that has probably changed.Anybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
Wasn’t it super hot for you early on? What day did you leave Sevilla?Yes it's a great time to do it especially the early stages
I am glad you said the weather and the temperature. As in so many things in life and discussing the Camino all opinions are subjective. You wrote the weather was great the whole time. 39 and 40° for me is a nightmare. I probably would’ve left at five in the morning at the latest. Temperatures like that for me would be dangerous and thoroughly unenjoyable. But for others like yourself it’s not a problem. It’s all subjective. Thanks for including that information because it truly does make for a clearer picture for someone to decide especially when to walk because of conditions.Yes, I walked it in September-October 2011. The weather was great the whole time, although pretty hot at the beginning. I left Seville on September 12 and the temperature that day was 39 C. The next day it was 40. Arrived at Santiago around October 24. Met some great people along the way and never had a problem finding accommodation. But...alas...that has probably changed.
I have in oct/nov it is a great time to walk the DLPAnybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
Anybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
Yes it’s a perfect time…Anybody ever walk Via de la Plato in Oct Nov time frame?
This is one really well-made documentary. I loved it. It is slow, but seems to be deliberately so, and captures the more realistic pace of a walking pilgrimage. This video pushed the Via de la Plata to the top of my list for my next Camino walk.Thomas...no I haven't, but considering it closely. Busy with research at present. If I might recommend a YouTube video on the Via.....have a look at a gentleman called Nalutia. HIs video 'Silent Struggle - Via de la Plata & Camino Sanabres' is particularly interesting, and gives a fantastic perspective of the Via. Good luck with your research!
James...glad you liked it. I think I’m on my third or fourth viewing. I think Chris (Nalutia) did a fantastic job of filming, but having watched it now a number of times...I’m even more drawn to his thoughtful dialogue/perspective of his pilgrimage. A definite favorite of mine.This is one really well-made documentary. I loved it. It is slow, but seems to be deliberately so, and captures the more realistic pace of a walking pilgrimage. This video pushed the Via de la Plata to the top of my list for my next Camino walk.
Buen Camino!
--james--
I started the Levante in 2019 and was due to resume on Spring 2020. Looking forward to getting back. A very quiet Camino. I covered 300 klm without meeting another Pilgrim.I hope to make Levante my next camino after my VDLP this fall. If I can walk hopefully!!!!
Thomas...no I haven't, but considering it closely. Busy with research at present. If I might recommend a YouTube video on the Via.....have a look at a gentleman called Nalutia. HIs video 'Silent Struggle - Via de la Plata & Camino Sanabres' is particularly interesting, and gives a fantastic perspective of the Via. Good luck with your research!
James...glad you liked it. I think I’m on my third or fourth viewing. I think Chris (Nalutia) did a fantastic job of filming, but having watched it now a number of times...I’m even more drawn to his thoughtful dialogue/perspective of his pilgrimage. A definite favorite of mine.
There is another good video about the Norte that I think is really beautifully done. It is set to music.Have you watched his one on the Norte?
Again a great video.
Though it put me off the Norte.
85% road walking according to him.
I plan on starting VDLP on 15 Sep. Finish on 2 Nov. Taking the Sansbres route. Concerned about the one 40 km day ... that will be a challenge.There is another good video about the Norte that I think is really beautifully done. It is set to music.
I have done the Norte. There is alot of road walking but no where near 85% in my opinion. There are numerous vairants you can take especially along the coast to avoid roads. It is absolutely beautiful. It is much more difficult, in my opinion than the CF. It is similar in difficulty to the Le Puy camino. It gets easier as you go of course. I walked the whole of the Norte. Most people when I walked split and took the Primitivo. When I met them in Santiago they all said it was harder than the Norte but in many respects as or more beautiful. Of course a different landscape. I am sure younger people would say that the Norte is not difficult at all. I walked it at 64.The first couple of weeks almost every day it is up a long hill and every afternoon down. With lots of ups and downs in between. Many of the villages that you sleep in are on the ocean and really lovely. Alot of the walking is up on cliffs and plateaus. I walked in October and November. It was pretty mellow. Not alot of pilgrims especially after Santander. At that time of year, at least when I walked a good percentage of pilgrims walked only a week or two. After the split in Villaviciosa there were really very few pilgrims until the last 100K. There were many days I saw no more than a few pilgrims and sometimes none. At night I think the most people I met in an albergue was 4 or 5 and some nights I was alone.
Looking forward to doing the VDLP this year (I know we have exchanged messages about this). I am making plans for an October start. Have had my Pfizer vaccine and my fingers are crossed.
Hi, Thomas,I plan on starting VDLP on 15 Sep. Finish on 2 Nov. Taking the Sansbres route. Concerned about the one 40 km day ... that will be a challenge.
Above is @peregrina2000 's link to Isabelle's post about this alternate route, which worked for me. But if you are happy to call from the Arca de Capara for pickup by Hostal Asturias, that should work as well. I fully understand the feeling of panic that the apparent necessity of a 40 km day can arouse. Buen camino, however you go.Post number 8 in this thread is very clear and has a schematic map of some of these options.
As I remember this route, and renewing my memories from @isabelle304 's post, I did not walk the same routes going to and from Oliva de Plasencia. Isabelle provides a photo showing a marked right turn within view of the Arca, and that is the route which I took to Oliva, returning by the direct route the next morning.I would also add just one little tidbit to @Albertagirl’s wonderful explanation — if you walk this way, you will reach the Arco de Cáparra on your walk from Carcaboso after 19.5 km. That gives you plenty of time to explore the site (which is much more than the arch, and contains a small museum plus many information plaques throughout the ongoing excavations of the larger city). The 4.5 km walk from the arch to Oliva takes you past bull farms — I remember it as off-road and pleasant. And you don’t have to worry about not getting a bed, because you can reserve in the albergue ahead of time. It is an albergue turístico, which is geared towards, but not exclusively for, peregrinos.
The next day, you retrace those 4.5 km and will arrive at the Arch in early morning. If you are lucky, the rising sun will turn the arch to gold.
There are (or were, pre-pandemic) two options for sleeping in Oliva de Plasencia — the albergue, where I stayed, and a more recent addition of a casa rural.
Yep...I think it's an amazing recording of the VdlP. I think I'm onto my third viewing....I seem to see/learn something each time I check it out. Glad you enjoyed Thomas.I just finished watching this video ... I loved it ... thanks for letting me know about it.
Yep...watched and enjoyed that one too; however, there's just something about the VdlP that is attracting me to that particular pilgrimage. I haven't really focused on the Norte as yet, but have seen a number of videos...and yeah.....definitely outstanding vistas, but a bit of ugly stuff as well. Efren Gonzalez's (efrengonzalez.com) depiction is very good (as are all of his videos). Sort of thinking the Norte might be a good walk to couple with the Portuguese at some point (?).Have you watched his one on the Norte?
Again a great video.
Though it put me off the Norte.
85% road walking according to him.
Hi Thomas.....I'd be interested in detail on the 40k day. I've drafted an initial itinerary and I'm not getting any days at that high end of the kilometer spectrum. My longest day is Aljucen to Aldea del Cano at 33.9 kilometers (and could shorten this further with a stay in Alcuescar).I plan on starting VDLP on 15 Sep. Finish on 2 Nov. Taking the Sansbres route. Concerned about the one 40 km day ... that will be a challenge.
Hi, Kev&Kath,Hi Thomas.....I'd be interested in detail on the 40k day. I've drafted an initial itinerary and I'm not getting any days at that high end of the kilometer spectrum. My longest day is Aljucen to Aldea del Cano at 33.9 kilometers (and could shorten this further with a stay in Alcuescar).
Taking the Sansbres route. Concerned about the one 40 km day
I have detailed planning sheets on the VDLP to Astorga (which I've walked) and the Sanabres (which I plan to do next). I see no 40 km days, except for a problem if certain albergues are closed. (For example, there might be a problem in Alija del Infantado on the Astorga section.(I'd be interested in detail on the 40k day.
I definitely mirror your thoughts on the Sanabres (and the stages on the VdlP). I suppose my planning is based on an 'abundance of time'. I'm thinking 50 days - start to finish - is my expected schedule.Another option for the Caparra area is this. You can also walk from Caracaboso to the Arco (18 km), 8 km more along the VDLP, then a side trip 2 km to Hostal Asturias - that makes a 28 km day. Then the next morning, walk 2 km back to the exact spot on the VDLP where you left off, or you can take a slight short cut onto the VDLP from the Hostal. Either way, the walk to Aldeanueva is less than 15 km.
I have detailed planning sheets on the VDLP to Astorga (which I've walked) and the Sanabres (which I plan to do next). I see no 40 km days, except for a problem if certain albergues are closed. (For example, there might be a problem in Alija del Infantado on the Astorga section.(
If Thomas is planning to go the Sanabres route, exactly which section is the concern? All my expected stages on the Sanabres are under 25 km! Many people choose to combine 2 short stages to make 40 km, but they don't need to do that if they have time to break up the stages.
@Kev&KathI definitely mirror your thoughts on the Sanabres (and the stages on the VdlP). I suppose my planning is based on an 'abundance of time'. I'm thinking 50 days - start to finish - is my expected schedule.
Thanks for sending this to me. I have a question, How closely do you usually follow your planning and where to stop and where to rest? Just wondering.I have given up on this year. The next best option for me is next spring. I have attached my stages below. It would put me in SdC Easter weekend. I have plenty of slack with at least a week before and after.
Day 29, Calzada de Valdunciel - Villanueva de Campeán, 34,6 km is my longest day. It is 20,7 km to El Cubo del Vino. I figure a long lunch break before knocking out the remaining 13.9 km.
Color coding: green = zero day, white < 20 km, yellow < 25 km, orange < 30 km, pink < 35 km, dark red > 35 km (ouch). Sundays and holidays = bold.
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I really like seeing the different spreadsheet approaches, and get great ideas from each.I have attached my stages below.
I always have a lot of uncertainty about how I will feel when I start walking, and what will transpire. My spreadsheet tries to include an expected/hoped for scenario (Plan A) and a Plan B that I can easily go to.How closely do you usually follow your planning and where to stop and where to rest?
I like the population number. It may help decide if there is something interesting etc. For me the spreadsheet is just a plan, and use something like the wise pilgrim app on the Camino.I really like seeing the different spreadsheet approaches, and get great ideas from each.
I always have a lot of uncertainty about how I will feel when I start walking, and what will transpire. My spreadsheet tries to include an expected/hoped for scenario (Plan A) and a Plan B that I can easily go to.
I include information on all of the places that have accommodation along the route, so I can easily see what my options are, and what I might need to do to catch up with whatever schedule I have. I note the populations since that gives an idea of what facilities can be expected. I can quickly see the implications of any change to my stopping point. I'm attaching a screenshot of part of my VDLP spreadsheet. It shows a 16-day option to Grimaldi, and a 19-day option. Usually my walks will land somewhere in the middle and I can add some rest days here and there, or an extra excursion to Finisterre. (But that latter has not yet happened!)
If you would like the Excel version, send me a private Conversation with your email address.
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