LIVE from the Camino Hola from Leon!

[caitlin_s]

Hi everyone! I´m writing now from Leon, just over half-way through my Camino.
In many ways, the Camino has been exactly what I expected... you know, a *lot* of walking... enjoying the company of other pilgrims (...most of the time)... some lovely albergues and other not-so-lovely ones.... plenty of snoring... etc!
On the other hand, some things I was not expecting. First, being 28, pretty fit, with broken-in boots, a light pack and no history of injuries, I never thought that I would find myself experiencing big knee problems that began when descending Alto de Perdon on the 3rd day, and that haven´t let up since. MUCH to my disappointment, I´ve had to take rest days and even a few buses, which was not something I had envisioned, and was a bit of a blow to my pride! I guess it just goes to show that our bodies all react differently to the walking, and you can´t necessarily predict or control it.
Second, I wasn´t expecting to experience so much friendliness. I´ve had so many other pilgrims, bartenders, hospitaleros etc. that have treated me so well, being amazingly friendly, welcoming and helpful. I don´t know if this is what all pilgrims experience, or if it´s partly related to being a young woman travelling solo, but in any case it´s been really heartwarming!
Third, I was surprised to find myself feeling *really* sick and tired of walking over the stretch from about Carrion de los Condes to here in Leon. I suppose it´s partly the fairly uninsiring landscapes on this stretch as well as the reality of just walking day in, day out, over what I came to realise is actually quite a long period! But we carry on! I´m hoping my walking mojo returns soon.
Along the way, having read the information and advice on this forum has really paid off. I´ve been really happy with my packing - I have everything I need and some luxuries, but nothing that I haven´t used, and carrying it all is very manageable (knee problems aside). I´ve stayed in some beautiful albergues that I wouldn´t have known about otherwise, most notably San Bol (do NOT miss it!) and the cosy and friendly San Saturnino in Ventosa, where I spent an absolutely MAGICAL afternoon and evening. So thanks everyone!

 

[David]

Lovely post - sorry about the knees, that downwards can really do them in can't it :|

Ultreiya!!

Buen Camino :wink:

 

[mspath]

Hello Caitlin,

From your description it sounds like all is going quite well for you on the Camino in spite of tedious landscape and knee problems.

Perhaps after leaving Leon you might enjoy the peaceful alternative camino route going slightly southwest towards Villar de Mazarife. You pick this up seven km out of Leon in the village La Virgen del Camino named for a famous 15th century figure of the Virgin holding the dead body of Christ. Today the figure is within a splendid contemporary church designed in the 1960s by a Dominican monk. Basically a glass box, giant stylized metal sculptures of the Apostles cover the west façade. It, too, is a gem.

From the church cross the main street and follow the alternate arrows. On the alternate it is very pleasant to escape the N120 highway noise and suburban sprawl. At Villar de Mazarife the Tio Pepe private albergue is a nice place to stay. http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es./albergue-tio-pepe Last November I was welcomed there like royalty and had most delicious copious dinner! From there the alternate trail leads towards Hospital de Órbigo and the main CF.

Whichever route you follow I wish you Buen Camino!

Margaret

 

[ffp13]

I am in lorca, and will pencil in some of the places mentioned, i will be travelling slower to take care of the feet/knees/back, because being a 56 YO male help and attentiong will not be as forthcoming, but to be fair my chances of being offered help is best on the camino, compared to any other place.

Frank


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[Deleted member 3000]

Congratulations on your persistence.

Trekking poles can reduce the downhill stress on knees, though what you did up to the Alto de Perdon had its effects, too, so that hill was not the only problem. It is tough to see through the exhilaration of beginning the pilgrimage to discover when physical limits are being exceeded. Arriving tired at the top of the Alto hill can result in ankle and knee twists going down that can return to haunt you later.

Ice and rest (and an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen) will be the best treatment. Over-stressing the knee now that it is weak will not help cure it, so I suggest continuing on gently, or even a couple of days of complete rest. I hope the injury is not permanent! A doctor visit when you get home may be a good idea.

Animo! And buen camino.