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The Escolania de Montserrat is a liturgical choir whose music project focuses on rendering service to the Sanctuary of Montserrat. At the same time, it is a centre for the Christian and moral education for the boys who perform in the choir. Based in the heart of Catalonia, it has revived the centuries-old tradition of a Benedictine school whose origins lie in the 13th century, and is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Europe.
The boys who attend the Escolania receive a very thorough education during their stay at Montserrat, based on theoretical stdies as well as the practical experience yhey acquire while studying, singing, and travelling.
Or Castelloli (19.5km):As the stage between Montserrat and Igualada is arduous for a first day (33km by google maps) and unless you leave Montserrat fairly early, you might want to look at staying at El Celler de la Guardia, Sant Pau de la Guàrdia (https://elcellerdelaguardia.cat/+34937710323), where they have an albergue in an out building. I contacted them through their FB page. I saw the albergue rooms, which looked comfortable. The innkeeper was very hospitable (and sympathetic, as I had been pickpocketed in the train up to Montserrat from Barcelona). This would break it up to a Sant Pau to Igualada stage of 15km and one of 18-19km from Montserrat to Igualada.
On the camino 9 kilometers before Igualada is the town of Castellolí. It has a new albergue with 10 beds although it only has 5 available right now due to covid precautions. It appears to be open. The details you want to know can be found using this short thread:
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/new-albergue-in-castelloli.71010/
With a shorter walk you could spend more sightseeing time in Monserrat.
for anyone looking for places to stay in Igualada or nearby, here is what I found in addition to the albergue:
Canaletas http://restaurantcanaletes.com/ (has a pensión in addition to the restaurant, but looks to be on the outskirts)
Casa Ramón -- not too much info: http://www.infohostal.com/guia/barcelona/igualada/alojamiento/13992/pension-casa-ramon.html
Casa Gonzalez -- 15 Carrer de Sebastiá Artés (though its google streetview does not look at all inviting)
the hotel America on the north side of Igualada where a single can be had for 48 euro. I have stayed there and, while dated, the room was comfortable and the staff very pleasant. I have also found a more centrally located pension, Casa Gonzalez at Carrer de Sebastià Artés, 15, +34938031153 but it does not look open to me.
Any useful memories that bubble up as we go along are most welcome!it's fun to walk down memory lane
OMG. That's saying something becaise you're no wimp.The 5 km climb up is to this day the toughest of all my Caminos and that includes both the Salvador and Primitivo!
You made me curious and I checked what I did. I went on the south route out of Monistrol. It was mainly dirt road, it only seemed to be mainly staircases. It was an average 15% grade over 4 kilometers.Hard because...?
Sounds like I was a whiner, and I’ll admit it, I found the endless BROWN DEAD grain fieldsI don't remember having the endless grain fields bother me as much as Laurie
Same here but in late October and early November the crops had been harvested and the fields plowed. There were many orchards along the way and when the trees are in bloom in spring it must be spectacular.Sounds like I was a whiner, and I’ll admit it, I found the endless BROWN DEAD grain fieldsa bit depressing.
I have in fact walked this route up to Montserrat twice. Steep? Yes. Rocky? Yes. Relentless? Certainly. Scary? Perhaps, if you look down in certain areas where there is a narrow path and nothing between you and the long decline to the bottom. Despite all of this, it is a spectacular Camino stage and is highly recommended. I would not say that it was my most challenging day of walking on various Camino routes: that honour belongs to walking the Dragonte.OMG. That's saying something becaise you're no wimp.
Hard because...?
Steep? Rocky? Relentless? Scary? All of the above?
In fact this is the only route I have ever walked in the springtime (as I prefer to walk in the cooler temperatures starting at the end of September). The fields in the springtime, as you imagined, were awash in glowing colours. Aside from the numerous pink and white blossoms on the local fruit trees, the fields were carpeted with red and orange poppies and yellow mustard blossoms. It was a feast for the eyes to be sure!Here are two views of Cervera that I captured from afar —- one with mud fields, one with brown stubble fields. I know that’s jumping ahead, but just imagine what those fields would look like in spring!
just imagine what those fields would look like in spring!
May is when you walked, right, Laurie?The fields in the springtime, as you imagined, were awash in glowing colours. Aside from the numerous pink and white blossoms on the local fruit trees, the fields were carpeted with red and orange poppies and yellow mustard blossoms. It was a feast for the eyes to be sure
No, I started from San Pere de Rodes in early June. LT and I met up in Montserrat on June 15. Way too late for green fields.May is when you walked, right, Laurie?
I'd have imagined that to be spring, but maybe April is better. When did you see it like this, Linda?
Oh boy. Another reason to come here. As if we needed one.*cheese* made at the monastery; it is called Mato, and I swear that next time I eat it I will walk from Barcelona to Monserrat to have it (embellished with fresh cinnamon and local honey). I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I stopped for a coffee and snack in Castelloli (Bar Cal Betes on the right) walked the interminable length of Igualada (needing Laurie’s map to find the correct route leading out of town) and walked on to the village of Jorba. I didn’t mind the industrial area approach to Igualada, and the exit through residential areas had interesting modern architecture. It was the middle portion of city that I found challenging, probably because I lost the yellow arrows and just headed west.
(From a Tripadvisor review.)Mediaeval walls, amazing church with baroque carved and gilded altar. Lots of modernist, noucentisme and renaixencia architecture. Amazing stained glass in one of the pharmacies. Lots of squares. Arches with shops in covered walk ways. Stunning late C20 cemetery.
We began from our home in Barcelona about the second week of May. We had intended to leave earlier but had a surprise visit from a Camino friend from Australia who came to spend a few days with us. Luckily, it was a cooler than usual spring and early summer as I had been somewhat dreading the hot days that would likely be awaiting us as we got closer to Santiago.When did you see it like this, Linda?
Same here but in late October and early November the crops had been harvested and the fields plowed. There were many orchards along the way and when the trees are in bloom in spring it must be spectacular.
It didn't help that it was just my second day and that the climb was after about 30 km (I got lost at one point). I just remember stopping every 100 meters to rest, something I never do when climbing. It was also quite warm if I recall correctly.Any useful memories that bubble up as we go along are most welcome!
OMG. That's saying something becaise you're no wimp.
Hard because...?
Steep? Rocky? Relentless? Scary? All of the above?
I'd be tempted to take the cablecar. Which is why you are fit and I am less so.
I was joking about the cablecar. Maybe I shouldn't have been. It sounds intense.I managed to find the toughest one
That will be because you went on the path that goes past San Benet, on the "official" camino. You can see San Benet from Santa Cecília, about 200m lower down, and hear its melodious bells.As far as the Ermita de Santa Cecilia goes, my mind draws a blank.
Yay, @alansykes is back — we’ve missed you, but you’ve come at the perfect time.That will be because you went on the path that goes past San Benet, on the "official" camino.
But now I'm confused, or my map is missing something. Or both.That will be because you went on the path that goes past San Benet, on the "official" camino. You can see San Benet from Santa Cecília, about 200m lower down, and hear its melodious bells.
I am censoring my sputtering comment.Never quite got over hearing him claiming to have "inherited the mantle of Mondrian".
But I did find one that shows the way up that I did from Monistrol de Monserrat. There is a bit of drone footage too.
That will be because you went on the path that goes past San Benet, on the "official" camino. You can see San Benet from Santa Cecília, about 200m lower down, and hear its melodious bells.
What you describe looks like something one could do going towards Montserrat from Manresa but not in the other direction:
I'm sorry, I got confused: your wikiloc that shows your arrival at Montserrat from Manresa went past San Benet, and you left the next for Igualada vía Santa Cecília. I took a route called the camí de les Ermites Romàniques, which goes straight up to Santa Cecília, mostly on GR4 (the northern torquoise line on the screen grab @VNwalking shows) from Manresa.I did not know anything about an alternative to the official camino. And I can’t find any trails of yours in the area on wikiloc. So can you point us in the direction of something showing the routing?
So, then I DID pass by it! That gets me back to the original explanation that I didn’t see it because I was having so much fun chatting with LT after two weeks walking totally alone that I missed it completely.and you left the next for Igualada vía Santa Cecília.
It also shows that it can be done by most peregrinos. He and his companion did it in a hour and a half in high heat and neither fell off the trail.That’s a great video because it shows the actual trail. Did you take a train to Monistrol? Or bus? Surely there is good public transport. I cannot imagine doing it in such heat though.
I did find one that shows the way up that I did from Monistrol de Monserrat. There is a bit of drone footage too.
I assume that this is NOT the way you went up, @LTfit?It also shows that it can be done by most peregrinos. He and his companion did it in a hour and a half in high heat and neither fell off the trail.
The mystery deepens.If @LTfit walked the same route we did to get up to Montserrat, then no this is NOT the route taken. It looks considerably easier in the video than the trail we followed.
The mystery deepens.
It might be a good thing to identify the way you and @LTfit went, to warn off the faint of heart and the less super-fit. If Lee found it hard, it's HARD.
From the thread Laurie mentioned:There are at least 5 paths up to Monserrat. 1 starting from Monistrol near the start of the rack railway that splits halfway up into Camí del tres quarts gr-96 and Camí de les aigues gr5, from near the aero/cable car/ gondola, and from Olesa the gr-6, sender de Montserrat, and the gr-5/6.1.
I have found that there are three routes from Barcelona to Monserrat. One goes through the valley and the other two through the sierra de Collserola via Sant Cugat and Terrassa. One of these routes is the GR6 and the other is a camino with yellow arrows from the Amics of Terrassa.
Routes: foll0wing the GR 6 entirely from the Laberinto de Horta (outskirts of Barcelona) or a combo of the GR 6 and other marked routes (what I will do).
I started at Laberinto de Horta. Very steep part up then down with rocks.
Up to Monserrat was a bitch especially as I added an hour to an already 34 km walk from Les Fonts.
There is lots of great info here if you intend to walk from Barcelona! No need to repeat it all here, but just to enthusiastically recommend this thread for planning purposes.And here is the report after walking.
Be warned.After Monserrat though one thing to be prepared for is the first 70kms about 80% (maybe 90%) of the route is on paved road. The roads are fortunately largely devoid of traffic, but it is hard on the feet.
We also walked from Montserrat to Jorba, rather than stopping in the albergue in Igualada. This was actually on the advice of some members of the Cervera amigos group, and it had the benefit of equaling the days from Montserrat to Cervera (by that I mean that the stages from Montserrat to Jorba and Jorba to Cervera are roughly equal).
Two years ago, with my daughter.we did the Huesca route and stayed at the Albergue in Jorba, had a fine meal, one of the best three on all the Caminos I've done (( in total).
This year, I walked 34/35 km from Montserrat to Jorba, rather then stopping mid-way, to enjoy a fine meal again. Surprise! "Rick" the hospitalero said that since I was the only perigrino, it wasn't worth his while to prepare a meal. Last time there was only the two of us. This time, he also caters to large parties (this time a First Communion party for local children and their families) he was just finishing this event. He remembered me from the last time, We both are chefs, but still no meal. He said go to a restaurant in the village - they don't start preparing meals until 9, only snacks. The point being, why advertise on your price list meals are offered, and then refuse because not enough.
We also arrived (on a Saturday to be fair) kand the priest was obviously much more interested in feeding his communion dinner than taking care of us In fact, he told us that the opening time was 6 pm (that's true, Eroski says that though we hadn't seen it), but he let us in so we could shower and go down the road to the restaurant.
It would have been absolutely no problem to serve us leftovers after the dinner was over, but oh well. I think the problem is that his "dinner business" has gotten pretty big and he now doesn't have as much interest in us pilgrims. But the place was clean and it did give us a much better walk into Cervera the next day.
Bares, restaurantes y tiendas (including a large Bon Area up at the truck stop) a pie de carretera. Small, friendly local bakery. Bar/restaurante La Gallega, Ctra. N-II. Tel. 938-078-014 (Marisa. Cerrado los domingos). Albergue juvenil y de peregrinos en la antigua rectoría. Plaça de la Font, 3 (24 plazas) Tels. Josep 651-344-7438 y 938-094-101. 10 euros, good kitchen (equipped with cooktop and fridge), welcoming host with a free bottle of wine but not usually available until 6 pm. Try calling ahead to get in sooner. El hostal Jorba (sin habitaciones) (Tel. 938-090-052) está a 4,3 km pasado el pueblo y siguiendo el camino.
It sounds like this has been replaced by a modern strucure. Right nearby is the Ermita Mare de Déu del Camí, with a curious round window visible from the street. Apparently it's used as an agricultural warehouse.The church of Santa Maria del Camí, located in the municipality of Argençola, was initially the chapel of a hospital located at the foot of the old royal road of Aragon (Wikipedia)
Varios bares y restaurantes. El hostal Bayona (Tel. 938-092-011) hace descuento a los peregrinos (40 euros double and 22 euros single) en el menú y en el alojamiento.
That was partially to blame for a problem I experienced on the way to La Panadella where my left knee often gave way. It dropped me to the ground three times. I had well broken-in boots and an arch support and had walked many training miles with them. Finally I tried a trick I had used before for a different problem and stuffed tissue under the insole to reinforce the arch support. The next day went way better and I had no problems during the rest of the walk.I don’t have much to add to what you’ve said, except that there is a lot of asphalt. Even though you are walking alongside those amazing rock formations, mountains, whatever they are called, it is asphalt.
You are 100% right about that one — La Panadella has a few streets emanating off the intersection with the rest stop but none looked very enticing or even habitable. But the café itself was just fine. We coincided with a busload of school kids headed to Barcelona to fly to Menorca, I believe, for a school trip. Some of the girls wanted to practice English and insisted that I take a picture and send it to them. Since this all happened in 2015, I would be surprised if I was able to figure that out, but maybe I did.There's obviously not much here as it's basically a highway rest stop.
Neighboring the Hostel Bayona is the Hostel Parada. The Parada is no longer in the business although the sign remains up.There's obviously not much here [in La Panadella] as it's basically a highway rest stop. Eat and sleep will be our entertainment tonight, and writing up our day's impressions to post on the Forum.
Turns out this place has a past.La Panadella has a few streets emanating off the intersection with the rest stop but none looked very enticing or even habitable
In 1242 Guillen de Pujalt gave it as a testament to the monastery of Santes Creus, a donation that was confirmed and ratified by Guillen de Cervera in 1252. In 1325 the place and term belonged to the king.
The next 15-18 kms to Cervera [from La Panadella] were extremely nice, through a few towns with very nice restored churches, plazas and fountains, nice wooded areas, some of the time on agricultural paths.
Sant Pau is a church in the center of Pomar (Segarra) protected as a cultural asset of local interest . There are no documentary references to the church before 1300, although there is information about this place and the castle of Pomar since 1101. Due to the precariousness of construction, the bells were removed about forty years ago.
The original construction of this church had a single nave structure, topped with a semicircular apse and an access door to the south wall. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, a second nave was added on the south side, which annulled the old Romanesque access door and a north façade was opened.
Don't say you weren't warned.Very damaged. Accessible, although it is quite dangerous to walk around the ruined interior of this building, as it is not at all unlikely that something falls on our heads, or the floor we step on collapses.
Currently the site is completely abandoned and in a dilapidated state. Its origin is in a castle documented from the 12th century , on which this 17th or 18th century farmhouse was built, inhabited until the second half of the 20th century.
Located at the top of the hill, surrounded by vegetation and in a dilapidated state, we are presented with the remains of two types of terraced structures. On one side to the west, there is a broken wall filled with irregular stone and mortar, of strong power.
On the high side, located in the highest area there is a semicircular structure of apparatus better formed by ashlars, which is part of the structure of a defensive tower.
The Montpaó lineage appears documented from the year 1112, and soon linked to Sant Pere dels Arquells.
The remains found in this place tell us about two different construction moments. The defense tower built in the 11th century and the remains of the demolished wall correspond to an old farmhouse from the 17th or 18th century, which has been abandoned and demolished throughout the 20th century. ”
Getting into Cervera requires heading up a pretty steep bunch of steps to the old fortified town, and finding the streets that are hidden and somewhat tunnel-like. The mysterious atmosphere added to the tradition of witches and witchcraft in the town, which has been exploited by the town for touristic purposes
The albergue in Cervera is very nice. It is in the Residencia de la Sagrada Familia, where some nuns still live. Pilgrims have a huge section of one floor, which consists of a long hallway with private curtained off individual rooms, and bathrooms and showers at the end. This was the place where the novitiates used to live, but my bet is there have been no novitiates here for decades. The sisters remaining are extremely gracious and kind, some must be well into their 90s. 10€
Bonpreu grocery story (a cooperative) with good prices and quality.
A picture tells 1000 words.I can't write much for awhile.
It's a bit of both, taking you to the Castell de Montpaó, as on my purple line, but then going closer to the autovia again rather than heading to the PR-C 141 from there. I can't take a screenshot, but if you use the topographic overlay on Wikiloc, it shows the PR-C 141 as a dashed pink line, a straighter shot to Cervera. There must be a reason the amics go the zig-zaggy way, but it's not clear on the map.But the amics of Cervera have posted a track and that would be the one I would follow if I were going today
I have hiked from the Monastery to the peak. It was a beautiful hike! Good trail. Looking forward to walking the entire route to Pamplona. Hope to figure out how many days it will take me to get to the Aragones Route from Montserrat doing stages around 22k or less each day. Thanks so much for this thread!Getting back to getting to Monserrat, I put in a lot of time this morning trying to find a video showing any hike to the monastery from base of the mountain. Of the numerous videos of hiking Monserrat it seems that 95% of them are about the monastery area or getting from there to the peak. But I did find one that shows the way up that I did from Monistrol de Monserrat. There is a bit of drone footage too.
Thank you @VNwalking , my darling slow walker would have asked me to investigate short stages.Day 4. Cervera - Linyola (36.8 km)
(@AJGuillaume, pkease don't be concerned: there are shorter stage alternatives: Tarrega 12.4, or off camino Vilagrassa 15.7)
Your wish is my command, @AJGuillaume!Thank you @VNwalking , my darling slow walker would have asked me to investigate short stages.
This was not a terribly inspiring walk, but it was almost all off road.
Flattish land with cereal crops, some flooded with irrigation water. Almond trees in bloom
There is a great “self-service” pastry shop/café on the right just 3 blocks before turning off the main Rambla street in Tarrega to the right onto the Huesca route. There is a rather fancy frutería opposite on the left. I recommend the café.
This is also where the Camino Catalán splits -- left to Lleida/Lérida, then Zaragoza and Logroño, and to the right, Huesca, San Juan de la Peña and onto the Aragonés at Santa Cilia de Jaca.
First part to Tarrega, where there is a new albergue, supposedly very nice, in an old home donated by its now deceased owner for use as an albergue.
or a more upmarket alternative:El albergue Ca n’Aleix (Pl. del Carme, 5. Tel. 973-314-635) hace descuento a los peregrinos. Es necesario reservar con antelación. (No accesible durante la Fira del Teatre en septiembre) Reservation needed. Look for the sign "Ca n'Aleix" on the building, which is next (left of) to an ATM (Caixa bank?) and is at the far end of the placa from the split of the camino where you first entered the placa. We didn't have any luck searching the address "Pl. del Carme, 5".
Pension Habitaciones Sant Pere Claver, C. Sant Pere Claver , 15, open 13h , 44 euros double. Habitaciones Maria Sole, Ave. Raval del Carme, 77, first floor, 30 euros double 680 771 975.
In A Fuliola, we had a nice stop for a cold drink,
This last place., Castell del Remei looks like a flash bodega:137,4 9,9 Tornabous
Bares.
140,9 3,5 La Fuliola
Bares y tiendas de comestibles. Restaurante en la carretera.
144,8 3,9 Ermita del Remei
Bar-restaurante.
Welcome to Castell del Remei, a property which has been a strategic settlement throughout history and today has the most ancient winery of fine wines in Catalonia,
In Linyola, there is no albergue and no private accommodation, but Josep Caba offers acogida (shelter) to pilgrims in his old complex of farming buildings (the farm seems to have been eaten up by modern development but the little set of buildings and unused farm implements are still there). He is an extremely nice man, offers this as a favor, wants no money, and we were very grateful.
Heads-up, though, because it may not always be available:Calle Anselmo Clave 11 (Tel. 973-57-50-30 or 626-66-35-45) Daughter’s phone (apparently the one to call): 696725326.
but there are alternatives:The albergue in Linyola often has agricultural workers staying there--- when you call, you will find out if this is the case at the time. Two other alternatives in the pueblo,
Habitaciones Piñol, where a very basic room cost me 15€ in 2007, and a posh but very comfortable casa rural, Cal Rotes, where I was able to get a midweek rate of 50€ after some discussion--- the spa is extra.
In Linyola I had meant to sleep in el señor Josep Caba’s refugio, unheated and with no blankets, but I met 2 other pilgrims in the streets in Linyola who asked me to share the cost of the 3 bed apartamento turistico. So that is what I did.
Apartamento turístico con precios especiales para peregrinos: Teresa Pinyol (Tel. 679-183-943). Friendly local woman greeted us on the church square with a gift of walnuts and freshly baked empanadas. A real welcome gift on a long Sunday!
I have walked this route a few times with my husband. As we prefer to prepare our own meals along the way (using either the kitchen facilities made available to us or the small stove we carry with us), I can't comment on suggested places to eat. Other than in some of the larger communities on this route, it would likey be dificult to find local options. There were often days when we had to be sure to carry all food supplies as there were no options for purchasing groceries while en route.Just putting this here as a placemarker moving us along - but I have gathered no information yet. Please stay tuned! Or feel free to chime in. No-one who's walked this route seems to have many recomnendations about places to eat - does this mean nothing stands out in your memories?
Day 4. Cervera - Linyola (36.8 km)
(@AJGuillaume, pkease don't be concerned: there are shorter stage alternatives: Tarrega 12.4, or off camino Vilagrassa 15.7)
The Vilagrassa stop is along the leg of the Cami Catalan headed to Zaragosa; it would be very easy at this point to cut over to the northern leg we are following.
Lovely to have another option! And a very pilgrim-friendly one! Gràcies, @lindam !The place is spotless, has a lovely private terrace and the host is warm and friendly, providing anything you might want as a pilgrim. The second time we stayed at her place, she presented us with slices of coca as a welcome back upon our arrival.
While I’ve been lost on every Camino I walked on except the Primitivo (and the single stage of the Portugues I walked), so clearly not a good judge, trying to get to Monserrat wins for overall failed attempts to get there from here. I got lost twice getting to monistrol before finally accepting offer of ride to train so I could go back to my hotel in Barcelona. Two different days of taking train back to monistrol to try to climb, getting lost part way up, retracing steps, getting pointed to a different path by local, getting lost and repeat. I think my final success route is similar to the one on the video Rick posted but I couldn’t swear to it—I remember more stairs but it may have just felt like it…and being really glad I wasn’t going to have to walk DOWN off the mountain as once I was done exploring I was taking the cable car. I was also glad no one was walking in the opposite direction as I wouldn’t want to squeeze past in some parts…although at those points I may have been off the route.It's obviously confusing:
From the thread Laurie mentioned:
Also:
There is lots of great info here if you intend to walk from Barcelona! No need to repeat it all here, but just to enthusiastically recommend this thread for planning purposes.
There is also:
And
Looking ahead again, I stumbled upon this:
Be warned.
Oh no, a road spilt. Someone please watch for my backpack happily moving down the wrong path and call me backBe mindful of where you are going, because Tarrega is where the two variants of the Cami Catalan split!
I can’t figure out how to post old photos that are stored in the old google/picasa archive. Does this link work? If so, it shows you the split. I would not say it is very well done.Oh no, a road spilt. Someone please watch for my backpack happily moving down the wrong path and call me back
Didn’t for me but I suppose the worst that could happen is I end up 7km off the way and someone turns me around. Wouldn’t be the first timeI can’t figure out how to post old photos that are stored in the old google/picasa archive. Does this link work? If so, it shows you the split. I would not say it is very well done.
Google Photos
Home for all your photos and videos, automatically organized and easy to share.photos.google.com
@VNwalking kindly posted the picture from your thread. I probably will miss that column all togetherI can’t figure out how to post old photos that are stored in the old google/picasa archive. Does this link work? If so, it shows you the split. I would not say it is very well done.
Google Photos
Home for all your photos and videos, automatically organized and easy to share.photos.google.com
So can anyone tell me how to take a picture off the google photos online archive and post it? When I click on it, the “save photo” option comes up, but it doesn’t actually goes to my photos, all it does is save the link, which apparently no one else can see.Didn’t for me but I suppose the worst that could happen is I end up 7km off the way and someone turns me around. Wouldn’t be the first time
Oops, I posted before reading the next installment. Where did VN post that picture? I can’t seem to find it.@VNwalking kindly posted the picture from your thread. I probably will miss that column all togethermost of the time I got lost was in cities, sensory overload. One spectacular exception was in the woods on the Norte in April, when my guidebook told this SoCal beach-town raised pilgrim to be sure to turn at the two beech trees
In post #58, @VNwalking quotes one of your posts, and it has the photo.Oops, I posted before reading the next installment. Where did VN post that picture? I can’t seem to find it.
One quick way is to take a screenshot of it.can anyone tell me how to take a picture off the google photos online archive and post it? When I click on it, the “save photo” option comes up, but it doesn’t actually goes to my photos, all it does is save the link, which apparently no one else can see.
Slices of coca? That should help with the walking.Lovely to have another option! And a very pilgrim-friendly one! Gràcies, @lindam !
And yes, thank you...at this time it's prudent to contact any accommodation to make sure it's open.
And a dangerous one, because any local seeing you will assume you're headed for Zaragosa on purpose and won't say anything.Oh no, a road spilt. Someone please watch for my backpack happily moving down the wrong path and call me back
Coca: A Catalan speciality, can be either sweet or savoury. A thin crust topped with a variety of different ingredients such a grilled peppers, aubergine, anchovies, tomatoes, etc. Sweet coca is generaly topped with candied fruits and pine nuts or almonds. The gift of a savoury version was a welcome treat at the end of a Camino stage.Slices of coca? That should help with the walking.
I can’t figure out how to post old photos that are stored in the old google/picasa archive. Does this link work? If so, it shows you the split. I would not say it is very well done.
Google Photos
Home for all your photos and videos, automatically organized and easy to share.photos.google.com
Your photo should also be much easier to find at https://photos.google.com/So can anyone tell me how to take a picture off the google photos online archive and post it? When I click on it, the “save photo” option comes up, but it doesn’t actually goes to my photos, all it does is save the link, which apparently no one else can see.
Like pizza, @lindam ? And can it be found in bars or restaurants, or is it one of those things you only make at home?Coca: A Catalan speciality, can be either sweet or savoury. A thin crust topped with a variety of different ingredients such a grilled peppers, aubergine, anchovies, tomatoes, etc. Sweet coca is generaly topped with candied fruits and pine nuts or almonds
Oops wash my mouth out! That is Eggbert. A different ginger male who also adopted us but much earlier while I was in my early 20's.View attachment 107759
I downloaded this photo from an old picasa album via the photo archive. I might go back and write down what I did a bit later but I just followed the instructions.
I did have to "touch" the photo about 3-4 times, each time going down another level in the archive until I got to the actual photo.
Perhaps that is what you need to do. Keep touching the photo until this no longer changes anything and then click the menu on the right side and choose download.
Edit: That is Bruce, btw, a beautiful champagne coloured cat that just turned up and adopted us one day. We did try to find his owners but were unsuccessful and so he lived out the rest of his life with us and is buried under one of our lemon trees
Yes, similar to pizza. You would be most likely to find it in bakeries. As is is best when fresh, in order to retain the slight crispiness to the crust. I do not know if you would find it in restaurants or bars but perhaps in cafes where you might see it on display along with other pastries. Regional variations exist, I love the Catalan type.Like pizza, @lindam ? And can it be found in bars or restaurants, or is it one of those things you only make at home?
I see what you mean.Regional variations exist, I love the Catalan type.
Your photo should also be much easier to find at https://photos.google.com/
Very off topic, but Bruce is gorgeous, @Doughnut NZ ! Thanks for the tutorial. Did it work @peregrina2000?
Wanna bet?Since this photo has now been posted multiple times no forum member now has any reason to wander onto the wrong branch of the camino at this crucial intersection
Well it certainly is unless one of our virtual band wants to be assigned to keeping an eye on me as I follow a bunny in the wrong directionOne quick way is to take a screenshot of it.
I don't use google photos online archive so I'm no help. But presumably you can downloa it? @Rick of Rick and Peg and @Doughnut NZ will know.
Just in case I added the pic to the quote. It seemed important!
Wait.I suppose it can be the same person assigned to keeping me from knocking on doors looking for a key to the little locked church.
I have trouble getting my food order taken. This could work out well for us on this virtual walkWait.
What the heck is wrong with that?
A very useful skill, if you ask me. I'm too shy to do that. But I do have a nose for pastellerias.
At the start of your tale I thought to myself “nope, no, uh uh, I learned on the Frances: no muni albergues and no private albergues where the owner doesn’t sleep there. That’s how I ended up with drunks trying to climb into my bed my mistake. Nope, let’s see what else there is for accommodations”. Then I read the rest of your story. Yep, there’s got to be a Marriott somewhere nearby…We're escaping a heat wave at home by camping in the mountains where internet access is sparse. I'm writing this in camp to dispatch in case a hike brings us to a signal. I'm assuming the posts have come to Linyola. I'll likely be posting this without reading any posts since my last one.
In Linyola Sr. Josep Caba has set up an albergue in an agricultural compound he has in town, a gate leading to an open area surrounded by buildings. Upstairs in one he has about a half dozen beds and a kitchen area. When I was there most beds were damp and musty but mine was fine. I can't remember what I had for dinner that night, maybe I had a big lunch on the way, anyway I didn't examine the kitchen and I can't report on it. The toilet and shower room downstairs was in fine condition. In the map I hope to be able to attach you can see that you will not be far from the town plaza where you can find places to eat.
Sr. Caba lives a walk aways from his albergue but he checks you in at his home so don't do what I did and call him when you get to the compound, it will double his walk. Near his home is the bar Josep Planes Gispert. On my way out of town in the morning some patrons outside, seeing that I was a pilgrim, told me that Sr. Caba was inside having breakfast with friends in the back. Of course I went in to thank him for his hospitality but the point I want to make is that this bar would be a good place to meet Sr. Caba. Try to call before getting to town and if you catch him suggest the bar as a meeting spot. If you don't contact him before reaching town then go to the bar and ask if he is there. If he isn't then make a call from there. Still no luck? Have something there and call again.
On the satellite map I hope to attach the orange-yellow line is Rocjumper's Wikiloc track through Linyola. I'm not sure if it was following any yellow arrows. The colored dots were added by me. The top red-orange one is at the town plaza, the lower green dot is at the bar Josep Planes Gispert and the lowest magenta dot is at Caba's compound.
Bar: Carrer Pons i Arola, 32, Linyola
Compond: Carrer Anselm Clavé, 9, Linyola
I don't have Sr. Caba's telephone number to add here at the moment but it is available on the Gronze website. I don't know if he speaks English but he does understand broken Spanish.
While I was the only pilgrim checked into the place I was not the only one staying there. In the middle of the night I heard someone coming up the stairs. "Quien es?" In English the response was from a grandson of Sr. Caba's. He was in town and sleeping off a drunk. In the morning I reported the visit and with the perfect comedic timing of a sit-com
Sr. Caba and a friend looked at each other, smiled and said his name at the same time.
View attachment 107816 View attachment 107817
When I would purposely go off track, to see some “now neglected” little church or pretty amazing basilica, or giant ball of string, people would always try to turn me aroundAnd a dangerous one, because any local seeing you will assume you're headed for Zaragosa on purpose and won't say anything.
Forewarned is forearmwd.
We walked into the compound, saw the lovely adjacent house (which I think his daughter lives in) and got our hopes up.While I was the only pilgrim checked into the place I was not the only one staying there. In the middle of the night I heard someone coming up the stairs. "Quien es?" In English the response was from a grandson of Sr. Caba's. He was in town and sleeping off a drunk.
i hope so...I tried looking up hotels and while there seemed to be a two-star and 3-star, neither website worked. would it be impossible to walk a bit further, or a bit less, and have additional bed options?We walked into the compound, saw the lovely adjacent house (which I think his daughter lives in) and got our hopes up.
We also met a grandson of Sr. Caba’s. He was holed up in a room downstairs, seemingly using the getaway as a place to smoke undetected. Since there are five or six years between our walks, I think it could be the same kid, because I remember a young teen.
One of my favorite (and most told) anecdotes from this camino was when I asked @LT if she was going to wash her clothes in the sink in the downstairs bathroom. Her response — “No, because the sink is dirtier than my clothes.”
I don’t mean to sound ungrateful or critical, because it is a really nice gesture to open up a place for peregrinos to stay. I don’t remember damp and musty beds, but I think my next night in Linyola will be spent where @oursonpolaire stayed. Hopefully, it will still be in business — hard to imagine what a 3 *** hotel is doing in this town.
If you can walk a 37 km day, I would carry on to Balaguer — it’s a really pretty riverside town with lots of services. I don’t think there’s anything before. But there is an apartment rental option in Linyola as well, according to Gronze. It’s on booking. That must be the place that @lindam stayed. I would head there.i hope so...I tried looking up hotels and while there seemed to be a two-star and 3-star, neither website worked. would it be impossible to walk a bit further, or a bit less, and have additional bed options?
Balaguer it is! Thanks!! Edit: happily wandering that way in search of sleeping options and dreaming of grilled troutIf you can walk a 37 km day, I would carry on to Balaguer — it’s a really pretty riverside town with lots of services. I don’t think there’s anything before. But there is an apartment rental option in Linyola as well, according to Gronze. It’s on booking. That must be the place that @lindam stayed. I would head there.
or a bit less, and have additional bed options?
Except for that short detour to Valverd, where there are 2 CRs. That's what I would choose.I don’t think there’s anything before
Well I’m sticking with you because you can get foodExcept for that short detour to Valverd, where there are 2 CRs. That's what I would choose.
How am I supposed to remember that? It was posted 40 posts ago! Seriously, that’s a great idea, VN. But I don’t find anything that suggests that any of those places (there are three or four that I see actually) rent single rooms, they all seem to be whole house rentals.Except for that short detour to Valverd, where there are 2 CRs. That's what I would choose.
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