Starting on Sunday, May 8, 2016

[Martha567]

Dear fellow pilgrims,

I am taking a plane tomorrow, starting to walk from Astorga on Sunday early afternoon, once my train rolls in.

Please advise me where to go to get my pilgrim passport before I start.

Also, is safety still a concern on the way to Rabanal del Camino? Obviously, I don't mean the usual precaution and sensible behavior, but the issues that seemed very real last year in May.

Thank you for your guidance.

 

[mspath]

Martha567,

You must be so very excited since in a few hours you will be on your way!

In Astorga you can obtain your Credencial at the albergue de Siervas Maria which is located at the plaza San Francisco on eastern side of the city.
See more here on their Gronze.com site.

There is no further need to be over concerned about walking towards Rabanal and further west. Do, however, continue to be prudent wherever you go.

Soon after leaving Astorga you will quickly arrive in Valdeviejas at the site of the recently planted Memorial tree in honor of Denise. I am sure that you will wish to stop and remember her before continuing on.

Please let us on the Forum know how your journey evolves.

Buen camino!

Margaret Meredith

 

[Kylo_Ren81]

I'm about to start too but from el Camino Frances around the 15th of this may too!
Buen Camino! Just enjoy the way, not only the destination... ;]

 

[Martha567]

Thank you both for your response. I am very excited and looking forward to the journey!

 

[Martha567]

In Santiago today, boarding the train for Astorga in the morning. The weather is not welcoming, so my rain gear is ready!
How likely is it that peole would start walking in the afternoon? I am wondering (novice!) whether there will be another person on Camino at that time of the day.

 

[Devon Mike]

In Santiago today, boarding the train for Astorga in the morning. The weather is not welcoming, so my rain gear is ready!
How likely is it that peole would start walking in the afternoon? I am wondering (novice!) whether there will be another person on Camino at that time of the day.

Hi Martha,

Most people walk in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat, but you will surely see some walking through Astorga to get to Albergues further on in Murias de Rechivaldo (2.3kms), Santa Catalina de Somoza (6.6kms), El Ganso (10.9kms) or Rabanal del Camino (17.7kms). After Rabanal there is a big climb up to Foncebadon so I guess you will do that on your second day.

Buen Camino,

Mike

 

[Martha567]

Hi Martha,

Most people walk in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat, but you will surely see some walking through Astorga to get to Albergues further on in Murias de Rechivaldo (2.3kms), Santa Catalina de Somoza (6.6kms), El Ganso (10.9kms) or Rabanal del Camino (17.7kms). After Rabanal there is a big climb up to Foncebadon so I guess you will do that on your second day.

Buen Camino,

Mike

Hello Mike, thank you. I'm a bit more experienced by now. Reached Villafranca del Bierzo today!