Hi friends. Had to bail Spain unplanned. Dental issue. Go back in January?

[Damien Reynolds]

So I had completed the Norte from Irun to Santiago for the 5th time starting in mid September and arriving in mid October 2023. I then hopped on a long train ride / taxi to SJPdP. During the Norte, on the walk, I enjoyed the best weather I've ever enjoyed on that route. I got a tan!

Then, on the taxi ride into SJPdP from Pamplona, I noticed the trees swaying in the wind. The same day I took the Napoleon route. OMG IT WAS CRAZY! Winds like I've never experienced before in my life. Like I am not a small man, and I was blown across the trail.

The foul weather was relentless on the Frances. I've done the exact same route at the exact same time of year before, but it was so windy and rainy this time. I love the Camino, and this one started to suck.

Well, it got really bad when I arrived in Astorga. After a day of cold weather and relentless rain, I decided to chill, just a walk from Hospital de Orbigo to Astorga instead of continuing on to Rabanal. I sat on my bed and chewed a nail. (Bad habit). My right front tooth broke off at the gum line. (It was an old sports injury from my teenage years).

I was on a train the next day to Madrid, and the day after that a flight back home.

So after a month of dental visits, everything taken care of, I want to finish what I started.

I feel I fly back into Madrid, train to Leon, walk to Ponferrada, and then take the left turn to the Invierno... in January... Then get to Seville...

-OR- Fly into Madrid, train to Seville. Do the VDlP again, maybe this time taking the route to Astorga, then going to Ponferrada, and continuing on the Invierno?

Thoughts, suggestions for a mid January to end of Feb. route?

 

[J Willhaus]

Have you done the Mozarabe? If not that might be a change. Not sure about lodging in winter, but I would think the weather would be milder? You'd still end up on the VdlP.

That's a bummer about your dental work.

 

[nycwalking]

I like plan A.

Finish where you left off.

Then start anew in Seville.

Buen camino no matter which way you choose.

 

[roving_rufus]

Personally I'd probably like to finish what I started. But the January return date - I like winter caminos - but the VDLP and Seville might be a better start given the bad weather in the autumn tinged your CF experience.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Have you done the Mozarabe? If not that might be a change. Not sure about lodging in winter, but I would think the weather would be milder? You'd still end up on the VdlP.

That's a bummer about your dental work.

I have not and I'm researching it now! I am a little nervous about the Sierra Nevada tho... to me that sounds like snow! Any thoughts about that? Also, I notice multiple starting points... I'd be inclined to just choose the furthest one (Almeria) but I think if I start instead in Malaga I avoid the sierras?

 

[J Willhaus]

There is apparently an awesome Amigos group that helps you with the first several stages (albergues, etc.) if you start in Almeria. I don't know about Malaga. I have not walked this route, but have always wanted to do it in winter. I'm sure others will chime in and you may see some threads from the last couple of years that will give you some wisdom.

 

[OzAnnie]

I'd be inclined to just choose the furthest one (Almeria)

I’d say definitely start in Almeria …. (There are 3 starting points). Almeria , Malaga & Jaén. @AJGuillaume & wife Rachel have walked all three. He has posted lots of info on all three, here in forum.

The amigos from Almeria to Granada are second to none …. You will have access to support at any time with them and they will
send contact info /code to Albergues along the way. South will be a good choice starting in winter .

Buen camino.

Edit: Walking from Sevilla again would also be a good choice. You would more than likely meet a few more peregrino/as on that route . I’ve got a feeling you’re not a great fan of walking completely solo??

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I’ve got a feeling you’re not a great fan of walking completely solo??

That all depends on expectations. If I know I am going to be alone, I'm totally cool with it.

"The route to disappointment is expectations."

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Decisions... I love this map..

 

[OzAnnie]

Decisions... I love this map..

I agree., it’s a great map …..there are so many routes to choose from and you’ve walked many of them.
I have just seen on the forum calendar Damien, that you are starting in Almería on Mozárabe on Jan 16.. . so, wishing you a great journey along the different routes you have chosen to takes from Mérida to arrive at Santiago.
Buen camino and take care.