Hi Annie,
No, I am home sadly. I'm going to do this Camino in sections and this was the first step.
Staying at the monastery was great. I called up ahead as I was going to be in late but a key and credencial was left for me at the hotel's reception. There was no official charge.
From there it was a 26km stretch to Igualada where they have a stunning new 12 bedded albergue and a very warm welcome at the seniors home around the corner who keep the key. They seem VERY pleased to see pilgrims. I received handshakes, a 'tourist' gift pack with bed sheets, shampoo and shower gel, local maps, info on the following days accommodation and keys. Felt very VIP. The cost was €15 but showers don't get heated until the end of April but there was a full kitchen.
I could've split this first day in two with a stop at the old school at Castelloli, some 16km from Montserrat.
The day after Igualada was a long, hot, tarmac ridden walk which is very tough on the feet!
You have two options. To stay at the shocking little truckstop at km 22 or continue, as I did through stunning, more 'Camino scenery' to Cervera but this makes a 37km day. The afternoon though fields of poppies and rapeseed made up for the tarmac of the morning.
At Cervera, you stay with the nuns for €10.
It may be that I just could not remember from my past Caminos, but after I had got showered after a day's walking and headed back into town for some food, I could not find anywhere serving food. I mean, this may be how they do it in Catalonia, and more fool me for not doing me research, but I noticed that as you walk into towns, the 'menu del dia' is displayed up until about 6pm, then afterwards, no eats and bars begin to close up.
I had to make do with bread and chorizo the first night and a rather bland microwaved seafood paella the second night followed by (ashamed to say) a kebab from a fast food joint on the third night.
I suggest eating dinner before you finish your days walking.
Ive attached a guide I put together from several sources and google translated if someone finds it helpful. I also have consumer eroski's maps of the three stages if anyone would like them. Ill upload them if needs be.
Overall, a wonderfully quiet, colourful walk. Only 2 other pilgrims seen.