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or in Banos de Montemayor if I can find convenient bus transportation to get there from Madrid.
Thank you so much. That is a big help! I like the idea of starting there and walking into Salamanca.Enjoy every step and every stop of your camino(s).
Cevesa (www.cevesa.es) has direct buses from Madrid to Baños de Montemayor.
I have never been to Salamanca, but I have long thought about taking a Spanish course there! Where are you doing it? We might just arrive on March 9 - will you be leaving that day or the next?I will be in Salamanca February 29th to March 9th (Spanish course) - drop me a line here if you would like to meet for some tapas there!
we'll probably start walking in Salamanca, or in Banos de Montemayor
Good idea, if we decide we need a day to recover from the journey before we start walking. I'll see what I can find out about it!If you do start in Baños de Montemayor, I'd recommend doing the "circuito romano" of sauna etc in the balneario there. Most relaxing, although probably more so after a fortnight on the camino than just before setting out.
I've booked a flight to arrive in Madrid on March 5. (I confess that this is less than 5 months after I started at SJPP in October 2015, but it is the only suitable period I have in 2016, so I am forcedto go again this soon.)
The VdlP was my original plan, but when my sister-in-law (first time pilgrim) agreed to come with me, I thought about doing part of the Camino Frances first for its "classic" experience and more flexible itinerary. However, the idea of Easter week crowds didn't appeal and I would probably take on the annoying role of tour guide with her. The VdlP will be new to both of us. We are keeping the trip to 6 weeks total, and don't want to plan an average of over 20 km/day, so even Merida was a bit far as a starting point. I considered Caceres, but the next stage or 2 seemed a bit uncertain for timing and accommodation, and I'd like the first couple of days to be straightforward. So, we'll probably start walking in Salamanca, or in Banos de Montemayor if I can find convenient bus transportation to get there from Madrid. Any suggestions about the starting point would be welcome.
Now that the flight is booked, I can turn to the more entertaining planning minutia and "To Do" lists!
I've booked a flight to arrive in Madrid on March 5. (I confess that this is less than 5 months after I started at SJPP in October 2015, but it is the only suitable period I have in 2016, so I am forcedto go again this soon.)
The VdlP was my original plan, but when my sister-in-law (first time pilgrim) agreed to come with me, I thought about doing part of the Camino Frances first for its "classic" experience and more flexible itinerary. However, the idea of Easter week crowds didn't appeal and I would probably take on the annoying role of tour guide with her. The VdlP will be new to both of us. We are keeping the trip to 6 weeks total, and don't want to plan an average of over 20 km/day, so even Merida was a bit far as a starting point. I considered Caceres, but the next stage or 2 seemed a bit uncertain for timing and accommodation, and I'd like the first couple of days to be straightforward. So, we'll probably start walking in Salamanca, or in Banos de Montemayor if I can find convenient bus transportation to get there from Madrid. Any suggestions about the starting point would be welcome.
Now that the flight is booked, I can turn to the more entertaining planning minutia and "To Do" lists!
I've booked a flight to arrive in Madrid on March 5. (I confess that this is less than 5 months after I started at SJPP in October 2015, but it is the only suitable period I have in 2016, so I am forcedto go again this soon.)
The VdlP was my original plan, but when my sister-in-law (first time pilgrim) agreed to come with me, I thought about doing part of the Camino Frances first for its "classic" experience and more flexible itinerary. However, the idea of Easter week crowds didn't appeal and I would probably take on the annoying role of tour guide with her. The VdlP will be new to both of us. We are keeping the trip to 6 weeks total, and don't want to plan an average of over 20 km/day, so even Merida was a bit far as a starting point. I considered Caceres, but the next stage or 2 seemed a bit uncertain for timing and accommodation, and I'd like the first couple of days to be straightforward. So, we'll probably start walking in Salamanca, or in Banos de Montemayor if I can find convenient bus transportation to get there from Madrid. Any suggestions about the starting point would be welcome.
Now that the flight is booked, I can turn to the more entertaining planning minutia and "To Do" lists!
Thanks for the info about getting the bus right from the airport. For the benefit of others who might be looking, I think you meant the Avanza bus. (I couldn't find it on the Alsa site, but I did on Avanza.I caught the ... bus directly from the Madrid airport.
I considered Caceres, but the next stage or 2 seemed a bit uncertain for timing and accommodation, and I'd like the first couple of days to be straightforward.
Oops! You are correct. It was the Avanza bus.Thanks for the info about getting the bus right from the airport. For the benefit of others who might be looking, I think you meant the Avanza bus. (I couldn't find it on the Alsa site, but I did on Avanza.
swoon -I've booked a flight to arrive in Madrid on March 5. (I confess that this is less than 5 months after I started at SJPP in October 2015, but it is the only suitable period I have in 2016, so I am forcedto go again this soon.)
The VdlP was my original plan, but when my sister-in-law (first time pilgrim) agreed to come with me, I thought about doing part of the Camino Frances first for its "classic" experience and more flexible itinerary. However, the idea of Easter week crowds didn't appeal and I would probably take on the annoying role of tour guide with her. The VdlP will be new to both of us. We are keeping the trip to 6 weeks total, and don't want to plan an average of over 20 km/day, so even Merida was a bit far as a starting point. I considered Caceres, but the next stage or 2 seemed a bit uncertain for timing and accommodation, and I'd like the first couple of days to be straightforward. So, we'll probably start walking in Salamanca, or in Banos de Montemayor if I can find convenient bus transportation to get there from Madrid. Any suggestions about the starting point would be welcome.
Now that the flight is booked, I can turn to the more entertaining planning minutia and "To Do" lists!
I'm also from the average-20-km/day school of thought. Using godescalco.com and the albergue listing available here on the forum, I've reassured myself that it is do-able. Before Merida, there is one 28-km stage that can't be avoided, and another one afterward, and there is not a lot of flexibility in some other stages. I am hoping now to start in Merida, and fit the 790-km journey into 39 days, including 3 rest days, I have worked out a schedule that relies on the assistance of a taxi 3 times for a total of about 50 km. There are 5 days with distances between 25 and 28 km, but none are more and the average is only 22 km per walking day. That plan seems reasonable to me, but I fully realize that many things could interfere and change things. The schedule is a bit tight - if we lose one day, we'd have to catch up with a 35-km day before Santiago. That's OK! I've done what I can to prepare and will now let the camino unfold.have been holding off though mainly because of those tales of 40km days - and as i clearly do not belong to that tribe who accomplishes that on a regular basis
Oh my, how very tempting! Am afraid you already told me too much and i am in danger to be 'hooked'.I'm also from the average-20-km/day school of thought. Using godescalco.com and the albergue listing available here on the forum, I've reassured myself that it is do-able. Before Merida, there is one 28-km stage that can't be avoided, and another one afterward, and there is not a lot of flexibility in some other stages. I am hoping now to start in Merida, and fit the 790-km journey into 39 days, including 3 rest days, I have worked out a schedule that relies on the assistance of a taxi 3 times for a total of about 50 km. There are 5 days with distances between 25 and 28 km, but none are more and the average is only 22 km per walking day. That plan seems reasonable to me, but I fully realize that many things could interfere and change things. The schedule is a bit tight - if we lose one day, we'd have to catch up with a 35-km day before Santiago. That's OK! I've done what I can to prepare and will now let the camino unfold.
I agree!the VdlP had somehow intrigued me most
Yes, of course. I will probably blog along the way, if you want to follow (see my blog address below).would you be willing to share with me - when returned - how the stages walked out?
I agree with Dave Murray on the Melanie McManus app. I found it very helpful.
I can't seem to find this app. Does anyone know if it has been discontinued?
Thanks @Anniesantiago and @peregrina2000 for your pressure. I had pretty much decided to move my start back to Merida and use a bit of taxi assistance if necessary to gain time. I am also thinking about all the suggestions you have made in your post, Laurie. I am tempted by the idea of starting in Seville, and don't think that reaching Santiago is critically important. Getting halfway there would certainly raise the "need" to do the other half next year! Also,I prefer the idea of just walking without worrying about any bus/taxi logistics and timelines.
I just looked in the App Store (iPhone) and can't see it listed anymore, although it is still operating on my iPad.
I have just checked out Melanie's website with a link to the app. When I click the link I am told the app is no longer available at the UK store, but is available at the US store.
I think that Anniesantiago has contacted Melanie directly (which can be done via her website, http://www.melaniemcmanus.com ) and learned that there is some "issue" with the app. Not sure what it is, but it's too bad because a lot of people seem to like it. As a fallback, I'd get the free Eroski site on my phone if I were you. Even if you don't read Spanish, all the details about distances, albergues, etc. are easy to understand.Hi Magwood,
Thanks for checking.
My Canadian itunes store tells me it is not available too, including in the U.S. store.
mla
Hi there, there is a bus that runs from Madrid airport direct to Salamanca see avanzabus.es hope this helps for anyone planning to do the VLP from there.Thanks for the helpful comments, @murraydv . Yes I am rethinking my starting point and may go back to Caceres or Merida.
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