León to Santiago

[code_monkey_001]

I've been on the forum for a couple of months but haven't properly introduced myself (or added to the calendar). Weather here in the midwestern U.S. has been atrocious of late (forecast high of -9° C today, currently -16° C) so the relatively balmy weather from León onward looks particularly inviting.

There's nothing exciting or special about me or my plans; not planning on writing some grand picaresque novel based on my journey or posting hours of selfie video to youtube. I'm doing only a portion of the Camino because that's all that my job will allow; I haven't taken more than two consecutive days of vacation from my job in the past 10 years (and that was to watch my kids on days when there was no school), so I'm burning through most of my annual leave in one go to clear my head and do something I've been dreaming of for years.

Thanks to Ivar for running this excellent forum, and to all of you for all of the valuable information in these threads. It's made my preparation a fun experience.

 

[nidarosa]

We'll be right behind you, starting from Astorga the week after. Fingers crossed for good weather!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

not planning on writing some grand picaresque novel based on my journey or posting hours of selfie video to youtube

What will we do with all of our support and false praise? A monkey at a typewriter can get a good review here. I even get "likes."

 

[Arn]

Welcome to the Forum and the Class of 2015. Enjoy the break...but be forewarned; the Camino will call you back...so save up more time!

 

[Al the optimist]

Enjoy. When are you walking? I believe that here in Europe have more annual holidays than you. That makes repeat Caminos more doable for many. I am one of those lucky ones who as a retired guy have simply oodles of time for my addiction. Also getting there is a lot cheaper too. Buen Camino and let us know how it goes for you.

 

[code_monkey_001]

Enjoy. When are you walking? I believe that here in Europe have more annual holidays than you. That makes repeat Caminos more doable for many. I am one of those lucky ones who as a retired guy have simply oodles of time for my addiction. Also getting there is a lot cheaper too. Buen Camino and let us know how it goes for you.

Thanks - departing my home in 7 days and 3 hours, arriving in Madrid about 18 hours later, then a train to Leon and I'm off. Seniority at work is a blessing and a curse, because despite being bumped up from 10 to 15 days of annual leave last year, I could only use two days due to my workload. I'm feeling a bit frayed about the edges and looking forward to ignoring the world beyond my next footfall.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

departing my home in 7 days and 3 hours

The weather across the Pyrenees is terrible at the moment, so there likely will be a lot of snow on the ground even if the snow stops. Once you leave the road on the Route Napolean, the markers for the route cannot be found in the snow. The Pilgrim Office in SJPdP gives good advice!

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome code_monkey_001, have a safe Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[Al the optimist]

Holiday entitlement in the UK is 5.6 weeks per year. When I used to run my business so much holidays meant lots of coverage headaches. We only operated 5 days a week so as well as having much less days off than the others I would find myself working alone on Saturdays. Perhaps that is why I love my current situation so much. The experience of so much time at one go, combined with the Camino effect will be an interesting one. I look forward to how you feel afterwards. If you are so minded may I suggest calling in the church at La Virgen on your first days walking. The priest speaks English and has a very special way of making you welcome and giving a blessing for your journey.

 

[pilgrim b]

Lovely part of the Camino from Leon code_monkey_001, enjoy your coming adventure. Buen Camino

 

[KinkyOne]

The weather across the Pyrenees is terrible at the moment, so there likely will be a lot of snow on the ground even if the snow stops. Once you leave the road on the Route Napolean, the markers for the route cannot be found in the snow. The Pilgrim Office in SJPdP gives good advice!

code_monkey will walk from Leon

 

[Jacy]

Have a great trip code_monkey_001, I'm doing Leon-Santiago (first time!) at the end of April!

 

[DurhamParish]

Code Monkey, with such a demanding job, you will truly enjoy the peacefulness and solitude of the Camino, as well as the camaraderie of your fellow pilgrims. I'll be doing that same route (Leon to Santiago) in June. I'll think of you and how much you must have enjoyed your experience.

Good Luck and Buen Camino

 

[mspath]

.... If you are so minded may I suggest calling in the church at La Virgen on your first days walking. The priest speaks English and has a very special way of making you welcome and giving a blessing for your journey.

As Al suggests DO try to visit this extraordinary 20th century church. The town, La Virgen del Camino, is named for a famous 15th century figure of the Virgin holding the dead body of Christ. Today the figure is in a splendid church designed in the 1960s by a Dominican monk, Francisco Coello, a follower of the Brutalist style of Le Corbusier. Located directly on the Camino Frances at Av Astorga, 87, in the midst of chaotic suburb the church is a superbly maintained architectural gem as well as a haven of peace; the calm interior is splendidly lit with deep chrome yellow glass.

MM

 

[code_monkey_001]

After a frustrating day of dealing with American Airlines (one canceled flight, 80 km drive through ice storm, replacement flight late so I missed flight to Madrid and rebooked Chicago-Heathrow-Madrid itinerary, mechanical problems on Chicago-Heathrow meant missing connection to Madrid, bareley made last express train to Leon, got into the Franciscan albergue at 11:54pm) I started walking today. Beautiful weather all day, and I'm currently staring at the foot massager in Hospital de Óbrigo pondering dumping €20 into it to see how long it will run.

 

[Al the optimist]

OMG What a baptism by fire! So stressful. Time now to relax, unwind and enjoy. Glad it was a beautiful day and hope you have many more. Now just create a few activity subroutines and start a from until count.

 

[naplesdon]

It looks like a nice week of weather where you are headed, forget the snow reports in the Pyrenees, obviously you are well beyond the Pays Basque. BTW it looks like you are already on your way beyond Leon based on one of your earlier posts.

 

[DurhamParish]

Code Monkey, I'm so glad you made it. Relax and enjoy.

 

[Mike Savage]

Buen Camino Code Monkey, now that you are there you can enjoy the rest of the journey. You've earned it.

 

[Bren]

I hope you enjoy your camino, will be walking the same route end of April.