VDLP - Anyone walking from Merida on Wed 16 sept?

[liz70]

Hi all
I'm arriving into Merida on 15 sept evening and planning to start walking wed 16th. Is anybody walking from Merida that day as well? I've just got Gerald Kelly's Jan issue book on the Vdlp and he writes about a 'stretch with poor waymarkings after the reservoir Embalse de proserpina' It would be good to have some company for that stretch. I do have Melanie's App and she gives good advice and warns about that as well. Otherwise any reassurance would be appreciated.
Thanks
Liz

 

[LTfit]

Lucky lady! I never had a problem finding my way on the VdlP, the second time didn't use an app or even a guide, just followed the arrows. Last Feb. there was a lot of construction after the embalse but once again, just follow the arrows.

Cheers,
LT

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Hi Liz, I was in Merida a little later in Sept last year and the albergue was full! I doubt you’ll be on your own. Many people start here so you’ll make friends soon enough.
Have an awesome trip - it’s so lovely to Salamanca. I hope you’re planning a few days there when you finish.
The Salamanca albergue used to have quite strict closing rules in the evening. I have never stayed there - prefering instead to stay in a central pension and take advantage of the colourful nightlife.
Buen camino, Grace

 

[liz70]

Thanks LT and Grace. You have reassured me. Think I'm having the usual apprehension and excitement now that my camino is getting so close. VDLP has been quiet on the forum. I was beginning to imagine myself all alone. It's good to hear there will be people about. When I walked in April I met about 12 people. We kept passing each other on the road and met up in the albergues in the evening. It was a great experience . Solitude when I wanted it and company when I wanted it. What more could you ask for? I plan a full day in Salamanca before coming home. Do you remember the name of the Pension you stayed in Grace? Would you recommend it?
Thanks again to you both
Saludos
Liz

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Sorry Liz, I can’t but it was near the market just behind the Plaza Mayor, (mercado central).

I find that heading ‘away’ from the more touristy areas is a good idea in towns. In this area there are quite a few pensions and little hotels. And as a bonus, there are lovely cafes around the market for morning coffee - cheap and cheerful and open early for the vendors.

If you love good food, get a city map and walk to Calle Van Dyck about 9.00pm. It is jam packed with bars and restaurants and very ‘local’. We had some of the best food and wine here - local delicacies, suckling pig etc. A great night out.

The turismo also has a great list of ‘whats on’ in town. I’m a little jealous, have a wonderful camino.
Cheers, Grace

 

[liz70]

Sounds great Grace. I like what you are saying. I'll google around the market area. Many thanks for the info.
Saludos
Liz

 

[camino07]

I stayed two nights in the comfortable Hotel Emperator on a pedestrian street in the centre. It cost 30E in 2012
There was a Pension a few doors down but it was full.Sorry can't remember its name.

 

[liz70]

Thanks

I stayed two nights in the comfortable Hotel Emperator on a pedestrian street in the centre. It cost 30E in 2012
There was a Pension a few doors down but it was full.Sorry can't remember its name.

thanks camino07 I'll check that out as well!