Strategies for 3 problem long stages on the VDLP

[notion900]

notion900 submitted a new resource:

Strategy for problem long stage on the VDLP - Text, image and links on how to solve the problem of the missing albergue

The Embalsa Alcántara (reservoir) is currently the biggest problem stage for most people on the VDLP. This is because the Albergue Turistico there has been closed for several years and the only other option is a 'fishing hotel' that does not welcome pilgrims and I have even heard a report of them taking a reservation and then refusing to open the door. Therefore the lack of accommodation at the reservoir causes a 'double stage' of nearly 40km.

One solution is to miss the stage entirely...

Read more about this resource...

 

[HeidiL]

Excellent! I'm the one with the reservation (I still have the e-mail) who arrived at a locked door.

All in all, it was a pleasant day (and only 38 km if you choose to follow the road where the Camino starts zigzagging), but this sounds very good.

 

[Deleted member 83944]

Update - the albergue at the reservoir is now open again:
https://www.gronze.com/extremadura/caceres/embalse-alcantara/albergue-embalse-alcantara

Still take care on this stage due to the lack of shade. If you need to phone for help and find it difficult to describe your location, use the km markers on the roads, which show the road number and km.

 

[notion900]

Apparently the albergue at the reservoir opened and then shut due to problems (presumably with the drains again) and is now open again. Best to make enquiries in Casar de Caceres before setting out. A German man died of heatstroke on this stage this summer, so it's best to start out with a specific plan on how to tackle it.

 

[notion900]

The albergue seems to be settled into being open again, so I've updated the resource to reflect this. Advice above on using the km markers on the roads is very very useful - phone Guardia Civil, and with that info they will know exactly where to find you.

Also there's never any harm in collecting taxi numbers just in case.