Changing plans - landed Madrid Monday 2 march 2020

[OzAnnie]

Note from the mods. I have locked this thread because Annie has now moved onto the Levante and is posting LIVE here


Hi
I can’t put this question in a particular section as I’m looking for ideas.
My plan until a few days ago was to be in Italy today until March 19. I was going to arrive in Madrid ‘after that’ to complete my Vdlp - from Tábara to SdC. - I now aim to get to Tábara about 16th March. - Flying home from Madrid on April 8 and have booking in SdC for 4&5 April and Madrid 6&7.

Due to so much going on ‘current virus info’ - I opted to fly into Spain now - so I’m right now contemplating (after the long haul ) to take a train somewhere and do a part of one of the southern routes. A start or maybe a section of say 10-14 days. I could sight see next couple of days

@peregrina2000 has given me some good ideas and thought it would be a good idea to throw it out there.

Possibly start of Mozárabe from either Alicante or Malaga.
Thought also to start on Levante from Toledo to Ávila but Laurie thought this might be too chilly right now in mountains ??
I sort of need to start easy too to get my legs strong so I don’t need heavy duty walking in first couple of days.

Any ideas out there ??

Annie

 

[Isca-camigo]

Hi OzAnnie
14 Days could take you from Alicante to Cuenca, I walked a portion of that stretch and it is quite easy walking up to Casas Ibanez where I jumped off.You probably will be alone. Alcala del Jucar is definitely worth visiting, the vista when you first see it is one of those moments when you stop for a few minutes and just try to take in everything that is presented to you. I did not make it as far as Cuenca but it is a UNESCO listed city.
Buen Camino.

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi OzAnnie
14 Days could take you from Alicante to Cuenca, I walked a portion of that stretch and it is quite easy walking up to Casas Ibanez where I jumped off.You probably will be alone. Alcala del Jucar is definitely worth visiting, the vista when you first see it is one of those moments when you stop for a few minutes and just try to take in everything that is presented to you. I did not make it as far as Cuenca but it is a UNESCO listed city.
Buen Camino.

Hi Isca
Tks for response. I’ve had a peek in Gronze - looks like Cuenca is on ‘ the Lana ? Heading to Burgos ?
Sounds like a nice place to visit though.

Looking at maps / making my way from Madrid to Toledo looks quick (at least for today / my arrival day ). Might be all I’ll feel like adding to my flight time (left Sydney 5pm Sunday ).

Would anyone know what terrain was like from there now on camino (heading towards Zamora )
If there is snow - it will definitely frighten me away .

Once in Toledo though I could reassess tomorrow - whether to venture south a little further or not.
At least I’d get out of Madrid today. (Note: I love this city and it has lots going for it but I have spent many days here previously)..

Annie

 

[Isca-camigo]

I watched videos of someone who walked the Primitivo last week, it was beautiful and dry, so unless the weather goes colder again I suspect at Avila it might be the same.

 

[OzAnnie]

Sounds encouraging-
I’ve been drilling into so many scenarios here ..
a bit brain drained.
Although Almería start to Granada (Ideas from Laurie) is great too... I’ve checked trains and it’s also many more hours. Good thing with it; is the amigos are super helpful there.
I think maybe when I’ve got more planning time.

Toledo for tonight maybe my ‘go’ .. I checked trains south from Toledo and it would have to come back into Madrid I think. So deciding to go to Toledo will mean heading towards Ávila, if weather is ok.
I don’t have any profile maps on that area though.
Would anyone know places to enquire in Toledo?

Annie

 

[lovingkindness]

Buen camino, @OzAnnie !

 

[peregrina2000]

Sounds encouraging-
I’ve been drilling into so many scenarios here ..
a bit brain drained.
Although Almería start to Granada (Ideas from Laurie) is great too... I’ve checked trains and it’s also many more hours. Good thing with it; is the amigos are super helpful there.
I think maybe when I’ve got more planning time.

Toledo for tonight maybe my ‘go’ .. I checked trains south from Toledo and it would have to come back into Madrid I think. So deciding to go to Toledo will mean heading towards Ávila, if weather is ok.
I don’t have any profile maps on that area though.
Would anyone know places to enquire in Toledo?

Annie

Annie, I sent you a PM but for others who may be interested in walking on the Levante, go to the association webpage, http://vieiragrino.com/

Click on Camino de Levante, and you will see they have a page for each of 42 stages. Leaving Toledo is stage 17. There is a LOT of good info here, elevation gains map, accommodation, pictures, so even if your Spanish isn't great, you can get a lot of good information here.

Buen camino, amiga.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Annie - I hope your flight went well and that you’re not too jet-lagged from it.

Best of luck with your unexpected Southern Spanish camino - take joy in every step.

Buen Camino and a huge Camino hug -
Jenny xxx

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie, I sent you a PM but for others who may be interested in walking on the Levante, go to the association webpage, http://vieiragrino.com/

Click on Camino de Levante, and you will see they have a page for each of 42 stages. Leaving Toledo is stage 17. There is a LOT of good info here, elevation gains map, accommodation, pictures, so even if your Spanish isn't great, you can get a lot of good information here.

Buen camino, amiga.

You’re a champion Laurie.
I’ve decided after receiving an encouraging voice ‘whatsapp’ from @gracethepilgrim
that I might let my body ‘catch up’ first - and so will stay 3 nights here in Toledo.
That link looks good. Gives what I like in respect for each stage ‘ ie the profiles ‘

I think that’s the way I’ll go

Xx

 

[C clearly]

Buen camino, and keep us updated!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Buen Camino!
Like C clearly says, keep us updated!
Life is SUCH an adventure, isn't it!?
:::happy dance:::

 

[OzAnnie]

Yes ..Annie. A great adventure. Like @JennyH94 adds on her posts: ‘Take joy in every step ‘
. here on the ground - it feels very much as you normally expect it to be in spain.
I feel it is a lot more scary just reading about it all; rather than actually being here. Flights I’ve been on have been full / I had imagined them to have a lot of empty seats and thus room to stretch. No way..
My first leg (Sydney -Doha) had a huge passenger on my left leaving me to lean a little into the aisle.

I don’t expect anyone to base their decision on my experience though. Just wanted to say how it is for me.

Annie

 

[LesBrass]

Hi Annie - I'm currently in southern Spain... although heading back to France tomorrow. It's been crazy warm weather down here this winter... I have some photos in my blog... I'm not walking any caminos but still southern Spain. Have a great walk whichever route you decide.

https://caminobrassblog.wordpress.com/2020/02/27/frigiliana-to-the-lost-village/

 

[Joselito]

Hi
I can’t put this question in a particular section as I’m looking for ideas.
My plan until a few days ago was to be in Italy today until March 19. I was going to arrive in Madrid ‘after that’ to complete my Vdlp - from Tábara to SdC. - I now aim to get to Tábara about 16th March. - Flying home from Madrid on April 8 and have booking in SdC for 4&5 April and Madrid 6&7.

Due to so much going on ‘current virus info’ - I opted to fly into Spain now - so I’m right now contemplating (after the long haul ) to take a train somewhere and do a part of one of the southern routes. A start or maybe a section of say 10-14 days. I could sight see next couple of days

@peregrina2000 has given me some good ideas and thought it would be a good idea to throw it out there.

Possibly start of Mozárabe from either Alicante or Malaga.
Thought also to start on Levante from Toledo to Ávila but Laurie thought this might be too chilly right now in mountains ??
I sort of need to start easy too to get my legs strong so I don’t need heavy duty walking in first couple of days.

Any ideas out there ??

Annie

I did a portion of the Sanabres in Sep-Oct 2016 with my BIL and SIL, and it was wonderful! Lot's of country walking, not too much highway. We started in Ourense, which we loved, even spent a part of a day in the hot springs. We mostly stayed in a mix of albergues, hostels and casas rurales, some special ones. One albergue was especially meaningful, in Leira, run by Andrea (I think) and Cristina, both of whom have done significant walking themselves. One of the things he said that made an impact: "It takes 3 weeks of walking alone before you lose your sense of time..." Took it to heart and made up my mind to return, alone. And I did, in 2017. He was right. The whole walk might be a tad short - we did it in 8 or 9 days, not killing ourselves.

 

[jsalt]

Hi Annie, Buen Camino, whatever you decide to do! Jill

 

[laineylainey]

Annie, can´t wait to hear what you decide to do. But I love your attitude of just being there and checking out the options. For what it´s worth, I loved the part of the Mozárabe I did to Granada, but it is solitary. Just loved the Sanábres in total!
Whatever route you take, I hope you have the time to let us hear a bit about it.
Good luck peregrina.
Elaine

 

[OzAnnie]

I did a portion of the Sanabres in Sep-Oct 2016 with my BIL and SIL, and it was wonderful! Lot's of country walking, not too much highway. We started in Ourense,

Tks Joselito
The Sanabrés was already on my plan (from later in March ). I’m returning to Tábara to complete the Vdlp I started last April and stopped at Tábara.

I’m currently ‘filling in a period” for which I had plans, to walk in Italy -on a section of the Via Francigena.

I am in Toledo today. I had a day visit here 3 years ago. It was a very quick train hop yesterday 33 minutes from Madrid . Staying 3 nights here and looks like with info gleaned from the Levante subforum, I will walk from Toledo to Zamora before jumping across to Tábara.

Toledo has to be one of the most beautiful cities in all spain .. it is even better on this 2nd visit.

The tour groups, walking the streets here are out in full force -so everything appears ‘ as usual’ in spain so far.

Annie

 

[VNwalking]

Enjoy beautiful Toledo, Annie, and buen camino after that!

And a question from a place of profound ignorance: does that take you through Avila? If so, you have choice, because there is also the Via Teresiana from there to (roughly) Salamanca. I've had my eye on that for ages as I'm a big fan of St Teresa.

 

[OzAnnie]

Yes VN. Route from Toledo goes to Ávila.
Not sure about weather in high places though.
One day at a time.
Tks for info

Also today I’ve walked out to the Mirador.
Not sure if it’s just temporary but the section of road on the opposite side of the river between the Alcántara bridge and the one closer to lookout is fenced off. I first decided to walk across the Alcántara bridge and turn right but had to retrace my steps and walk down to the lower bridge. (Laurie had already given me directions using that one but I could see it wasn’t much further on the other one )not realising it was impassable just now.
A nice walk up to the ‘mirador ‘.
It’s so beautiful-

Very windy out though.
But weather is fine. -glad I’ve packed my warm stuff including merino long leggings to sleep in.

I’m staying in hotel Santa Isabel.. which is central and warm, wifi is slow but included ,
Single private room with bath & including breakfast is e30

Annie

 

[peregrina2000]

Tks Joselito
The Sanabrés was already on my plan (from later in March ). I’m returning to Tábara to complete the Vdlp I started last April and stopped at Tábara.

I’m currently ‘filling in a period ‘ I had plans for to walk in Italy on a section of the Via Francigena.

I am in Toledo today. I had a day visit here 3 years ago. It was a very quick train hop yesterday 33 minutes from Madrid . Staying 3 nights here and looks like with info gleaned from the Levante subforum I will walk from Toledo to Zamora before jumping across to Tábara.

Toledo has to be one of the most beautiful cities in all spain .. it is even better on this 2nd visit.

The tour groups walking the street here are out in full force - every appears ‘ as usual’ in spain so far.

Annie

We haven’t had a good discussion about the infamous cottonwood forest lately, on the day from Toro into Zamora. There is a spot where I got totally lost with my two French friends, we were wandering around in a cottonwood forest way off the camino. It was only because a local farmer on a tractor came driving through that we found our way out (ok, that is an exaggeration), but here is my description of the problem:

Yes, on the way into Zamora, we did get lost after coffee at a nice bar near the albergue in Villalazan. The turn-off was at a factory on the right, and we went along a canal for a short way, and then got totally lost in the cottonwood forest. I think we´d still be there if it hadn't been for the fact that magically, on a Saturday afternoon, a farmer in a tractor drove through the forest and pointed us in the right direction. We never did make it into Villaralbo, but made it into Zamora once we were outside the forest with no problem. Thanks, again, LT.

But I think that the problem has been solved! Keep your eyes out for that little concrete building Nalod describes below when you get there, which of course will be weeks from now!

From @nalod --
I had no problem from Toro to Zamora. Turned right at the quarry followed the arrows all the way. There is one blind arrow on a little concrete building, you will only see it if you turn left and go away from the river. I arrived in Zamora at the bridge from the opposite end to the Via de la Plata route.

Hope you get good advice on the weather for the days before Ávila. Just looking at the weather forecast, looks like not much snow predicted in the mountains (I checked Cebreros and San Bartalomé de los Pinares). My document of stages reminded me that if the weather is nice and you can do the mountain route, stopping in Cebreros would be a nice way to break up the stage that I describe as "San Martín de Valdeiglesias-San Bartalomé de los Pinares (33 km with about 2000' elevation gain)." Cebreros is about halfway and had a couple of nice looking places to stay. If I hadn't been with my French amigos, I think I would have stopped here. But weather will also be a factor, I am sure.

Buen camino, Annie, I think you are in for a wonderful adventure!

 

[NorthernLight]

Your plan is to complete the VdlP ... signifying you did the earlier part already? Have you considered re-walking the part starting 10 days or so before your restart point?

 

[OzAnnie]

We haven’t had a good discussion about the infamous cottonwood forest lately, on the day from Toro into Zamora. There is a spot where I got totally lost with my two French friends, we were wandering around in a cottonwood forest way off the camino. It was only because a local farmer on a tractor came driving through that we found our way out (ok, that is an exaggeration), but here is my description of the problem:

Yes, on the way into Zamora, we did get lost after coffee at a nice bar near the albergue in Villalazan. The turn-off was at a factory on the right, and we went along a canal for a short way, and then got totally lost in the cottonwood forest. I think we´d still be there if it hadn't been for the fact that magically, on a Saturday afternoon, a farmer in a tractor drove through the forest and pointed us in the right direction. We never did make it into Villaralbo, but made it into Zamora once we were outside the forest with no problem. Thanks, again, LT.

But I think that the problem has been solved! Keep your eyes out for that little concrete building Nalod describes below when you get there, which of course will be weeks from now!

From @nalod --
I had no problem from Toro to Zamora. Turned right at the quarry followed the arrows all the way. There is one blind arrow on a little concrete building, you will only see it if you turn left and go away from the river. I arrived in Zamora at the bridge from the opposite end to the Via de la Plata route.

Hope you get good advice on the weather for the days before Ávila. Just looking at the weather forecast, looks like not much snow predicted in the mountains (I checked Cebreros and San Bartalomé de los Pinares). My document of stages reminded me that if the weather is nice and you can do the mountain route, stopping in Cebreros would be a nice way to break up the stage that I describe as "San Martín de Valdeiglesias-San Bartalomé de los Pinares (33km with about 2000' elevation gain)." Cebreros is about halfway and had a couple of nice looking places to stay. If I hadn't been with my French amigos, I think I would have stopped here. But weather will also be a factor, I am sure.

Buen camino, Annie, I think you are in for a wonderful adventure!

Thankyou Laurie
Although you shouldn’t have mentioned 2000ft elevation gain!!! . what I don’t know; won’t frighten me off)..
I’m enjoying Toledo for a little while longer. Tonight and tomorrow night should have me rested and ready.
Also an update - I noticed walking back from the mirador that a few of the almond trees you mentioned have finished blossoming already and are greening up (pic shows one tree fully greened and the one on right if pic shows blossoms near their end)
Also noticed that the foot path beside the river is open between those two bridges I mentioned earlier., whilst the road is closed off .

 

[OzAnnie]

Your plan is to complete the VdlP ... signifying you did the earlier part already? Have you considered re-walking the part starting 10 days or so before your restart point?

Hi
Thanks for your idea - yes I walked to Tábara from Sevilla in spring last year - I had thought of re walking an earlier section again ; but I probably wouldn’t choose the 10 days before Tábara even though it did include the beautiful Zamora.
I thought Toledo was so readily accessible to Madrid and opened up possibility of doing a section of the Levante which I’ve been following for a while.
Annie

 

[ginniek]

Enjoy beautiful Toledo, Annie, and buen camino after that!

And a question from a place of profound ignorance: does that take you through Avila? If so, you have choice, because there is also the Via Teresiana from there to (roughly) Salamanca. I've had my eye on that for ages as I'm a big fan of St Teresa.

Thanks for reminding me about the Via Teresiana. Teresa was the name I chose for myself for Confirmation 60+ years ago.

 

[OzAnnie]

I am rather nervous about pushing off tomorrow to be honest. Forecast showing rain etc and a long stage to start ..
I haven’t found any pilgrim association to chat with but have the info and directions from files on the Levante sub-forum.
I may need to stop at Rielves as I’m not sure I’d get as far as Torrijos.

Annie

 

[Former member 49149]

I am rather nervous about pushing off tomorrow to be honest. Forecast showing rain etc and a long stage to start ..
I haven’t found any pilgrim association to chat with but have the info and directions from files on the Levante sub-forum.
I may need to stop at Rielves as I’m not sure I’d get as far as Torrijos.

Annie

Off you go, Annie! I say this, sitting snug and warm as the daylight dawns, one hour in time behind where you are. Like many others, i am watching you and wishing you buen camino.

 

[OzAnnie]

I’m usually ok once I push off.
Current climate etc in more ways than one isn’t helping.
Just checked ‘El Tiempo’. It doesn’t look like raining all day at least.

Once I see an arrow I’ll feel much better. Toledo is pretty but I haven’t seen any pilgrims or arrows.
Must get cracking now !!

 

[Kiwi-family]

What could be wrong with one more day in Toledo?!
Buen camino!

 

[Kanga]

@OzAnnie I looked at the Levante and see that the first two weeks out of Valencia are almost dead flat. If the weather is not looking too good - you could hop on the train and head further south! Love from Oz, where there is no toilet paper, rice, or flour left in the supermarkets!

 

[laineylainey]

Annie, I remember well that "first day walking jitters", when walking alone. But the first yellow arrow will be you first Camino friend.

 

[jsalt]

Go, Annie, Go! But take a photo of a taxi number or two (often seen on the wall in bars) in case that first day is just a bit too long . . . .

 

[OzAnnie]

@OzAnnie I looked at the Levante and see that the first two weeks out of Valencia are almost dead flat. If the weather is not looking too good - you could hop on the train and head further south! Love from Oz, where there is no toilet paper, rice, or flour left in the supermarkets!

I’m stocked at home Jill (better keep that quiet as there may be a ‘break-in’ ) .
Thanks for advice - never set in stone is it?
Initially on arrival I was ‘up in the air’ about whether to travel to Valencia or Toledo.
Annie

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie, I remember well that "first day walking jitters", when walking alone. But the first yellow arrow will be you first Camino friend.

Glad it’s not just me. When you’ve walked a number of caminos people think you’re strong.
I think being solo you have to ‘kick-start’ yourself.
Once you see that arrow ‘ big smile ‘.

 

[OzAnnie]

Go, Annie, Go! But take a photo of a taxi number or two (often seen on the wall in bars) in case that first day is just a bit too long . . . .

Great thought. Be prepared ! Thanks Jill.

 

[peregrina2000]

Annie, I THINK I remember that you have limited Spanish, so here is a translation of the directions on the Amigos page for leaving town.

Leave Toledo by the Puerta de Bisagra and Avenue Carlos III. Go left and take the Paseo Circo Romano, then right on the Avenida Mas del Ribero. In the roundabout stay on this road until you get to the gas station. Go down on the sidewalk next tot he gas station to the roundabout. Cross at the pedestrian cross walk and in a few meters you will see the first sign of GR-239. There is a path to the right that goes to the Talordo restaurant, you go in front of it and stay on the side of the river that will take you along the river for a pretty long time.

BE CAREFUL — there is a variant Camino del Sureste through Noves, a bicycle path.

You stay straight, parallel to the river. At the end of the path, go to the left, andyou come out on a little highway that has a lot of traffic with a lot of roundabouts due to all the residential subdivisions. 1.8 km on this camino goes away from the river to get on a gravel quarry. At this poitn, an ascent begins, continue on this path. On the left you will see Matanzas Hill, 547 meters high. We continue straigh in a westerly directio leaving to the right the Casa de Monterrey and further on we also leave on our right the Casas de Estivel.

You are oh so right about the anxiety, it is always the pre-camino jitters that keep you up at night, but then when you start to walk, you inevitably ask yourself what that was all about!

Stay in touch, amiga, buen camino, Laurie

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie, I THINK I remember that you have limited Spanish, so here is a translation of the directions on the Amigos page for leaving town.

Leave Toledo by the Puerta de Bisagra and Avenue Carlos III. Go left and take the Paseo Circo Romano, then right on the Avenida Mas del Ribero. In the roundabout stay on this road until you get to the gas station. Go down on the sidewalk next tot he gas station to the roundabout. Cross at the pedestrian cross walk and in a few meters you will see the first sign of GR-239. There is a path to the right that goes to the Talordo restaurant, you go in front of it and stay on the side of the river that will take you along the river for a pretty long time.

BE CAREFUL — there is a variant Camino del Sureste through Noves, a bicycle path.

You stay straight, parallel to the river. At the end of the path, go to the left, andyou come out on a little highway that has a lot of traffic with a lot of roundabouts due to all the residential subdivisions. 1.8 km on this camino goes away from the river to get on a gravel quarry. At this poitn, an ascent begins, continue on this path. On the left you will see Matanzas Hill, 547 meters high. We continue straigh in a westerly directio leaving to the right the Casa de Monterrey and further on we also leave on our right the Casas de Estivel.

You are oh so right about the anxiety, it is always the pre-camino jitters that keep you up at night, but then when you start to walk, you inevitably ask yourself what that was all about!

Stay in touch, amiga, buen camino, Laurie

You understand me well. ( here’s me thinking my Spanish is pretty good too !!).
I was extremely nervous .went to correos and posted a pkg to accommodation in Santiago ; then after my first stop using the ‘bracelet for monuments) (pulsera de Toledo) . (Mezquita Cristo de la Luz ) - I decided to find my way for tomorrow.
I got down to the area mentioned but whilst I thought I had it., I didn’t pass in front of the restaurant. Signs took me past a repair shop and I found the beginnings of a path. I’ll attach pics.
If I’m on the wrong track I’ll go into that restaurant but arrows didn’t take me to it ?
Pics have loaded in order of 3, 2, 4, 1.
(4) being where I thought the walk started by the river. Is this the bike path?
#3 shows the corner where the arrow points to the pneumatics shop.

Can you make them out ??

I’ve stopped for lunch and heading off to see more of the bracelet monuments.

Xx Annie

 

[OzAnnie]

Ps I’ve copied the directions that Rachel had from the amigos. She must have translated the lot so I’ve got the file in my
iBooks..

I was lost as to how to change a file to straight kml when I’m on the phone. I mailed it to myself in the hope of adding it to maps me. But it comes through with kml.zip and maps me doesn’t open for that.

If anyone has the straight kml file that they could email me for stage 17 to say 20 it would be a good start. I could give my email address in conversation if anyone pm’s me

Many thanks everyone.
Annie

 

[Josefus]

if anyone has the straight kml file that they could email me for stage 17 to say 20 it would be a good start.

Try this one: http://vieiragrino.com/en/way-tracks/
It´s all .kml files (Google Earth format). If it doesn´t fit, you probably need .gpx files (an open XML-based geo data format). If this is the case, tell me. I can convert it for you.

¡Ultreia!

 

[Josefus]

Sorry, I now realised that these tracks have been zipped.
I unzipped them now and posted the unzipped ones here: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgtQ3n0tSM_qgs9vhXOYr-0vKRSZ3A?e=5sIVKg
both in .kml and .gpx. You may download it there.

¡Ultreia!

 

[MickMac]

You’re a champion Laurie.
I’ve decided after receiving an encouraging voice ‘whatsapp’ from @gracethepilgrim
that I might let my body ‘catch up’ first - and so will stay 3 nights here in Toledo.
That link looks good. Gives what I like in respect for each stage ‘ ie the profiles ‘

I think that’s the way I’ll go

Xx

Hi Anne.
Spent several weeks in Toledo when I worked for Hilton really nice hotel, make sure you try to go to the convent where they make almond cakes they have an el greco in the Chapel, silent order so shhhh.

All the best and enjoy.

 

[OzAnnie]

Sorry, I now realised that these tracks have been zipped.
I unzipped them now and posted the unzipped ones here: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgtQ3n0tSM_qgs9vhXOYr-0vKRSZ3A?e=5sIVKg
both in .kml and .gpx. You may download it there.

¡Ultreia!

Just saw this second message Josefus.
Thankyou.
I’ll try now.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Sorry, I now realised that these tracks have been zipped.
I unzipped them now and posted the unzipped ones here: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AgtQ3n0tSM_qgs9vhXOYr-0vKRSZ3A?e=5sIVKg
both in .kml and .gpx. You may download it there.

¡Ultreia!

Annie helped again and she doesn't need me but I had just tested out a work-around. That depended on well one can work with the file manager you have on your phone. Rename a file with a name like stage17.kml.zip to stage17.kmz and open maps.me with that (it can handle kmz and kml files).

 

[OzAnnie]

@Josefus
I posted this message in the ‘help Annie with gps qry ‘ thread that Laurie created.

Sorted. !!!!
I hadn’t noticed @Josefus posted a second message where he unzipped the files.

It was slow work for a dufus like me but it looks like I’ve got kml files for stages 17-21 now on maps.me

When I first opened your link ., the top ones showing were all gpx files so I tried putting those onto wikiloc .. seemed to work but I don’t understand wikiloc.
Scrolling down I saw the kml ones !!!! Yay!!
So one at a time - They’re on.

I owe you one Josefus.
Many thanks to all. and again thanks to Laurie.
You take care of all of us.
Annie

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie helped again and she doesn't need me but I had just tested out a work-around. That depended on well one can work with the file manager you have on your phone. Rename a file with a name like stage17.kml.zip to stage17.kmz and open maps.me with that (it can handle kmz and kml files).

Thanks Rick, I appreciate this.
You’ve obviously put in some time for me.
Although I’m competent enough to rename a file on my pc at home., I’m lost trying to do that on my iPhone. I’ll have that lesson another day maybe.
I’m just happy to have those on the maps.me.
Annie

 

[OzAnnie]

Signs took me past a repair shop and I found the beginnings of a path. I’ll attach pics.
If I’m on the wrong track I’ll go into that restaurant but arrows didn’t take me to it ?
Pics have loaded in order of 3, 2, 4, 1.
(4) being where I thought the walk started by the river. Is this the bike path?
#3 shows the corner where the arrow points to the pneumatics shop.

I think now that I’ve got the tracks loaded on
Maps me ., that it looks like I was in the correct spot before. The ‘neumaticos gufy’ place is the one showing above on pic 1. Shows here on maps me screen shot. Right beside my pretty blue track.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Something I did was when approaching a town was to also open Google Maps. It knows more about stores, hotels, museums and sights than maps.me. This way you may see say, a grocery, near to the camino that you might miss with maps.me alone.

 

[OzAnnie]

A good tip! And simple enough for me
I’ll check it out

Edit: I just did. Funny thing is I’ve never played with google maps before.

 

[ginniek]

Something I did was when approaching a town was to also open Google Maps. It knows more about stores, hotels, museums and sights than maps.me. This way you may see say, a grocery, near to the camino that you might miss with maps.me alone.

Google Maps for a new town are really great.

 

[JLWV]

From now the web www.vieiragrino.com of AACS-CV is Spanish and English.
Direct access at www.vieiragrino.com/en

P.S. this includes updated description of the Camino de Levante and the tracks for downloading.

no need to translate, just go to the English version

 

[OzAnnie]

My phone is having trouble with all this now.
I managed to open the English version - I see a page with the stages and a profile map but only that page. Anyone else tried opening it ?

 

[peregrina2000]

no need to translate, just go to the English version

WOW, there is an English version!!!! I hadn't seen it, obviously I am not very proficient with my internet skills.

Annie, yes it is there in all its glory. I can paste it in for you every day if you can't find it. I omitted the pictures. And I had to omit all of the little symbols about the amenities in each town because the computer wouldn't post it otherwise.

You leave Toledo through the Bisagra gate and Carlos III avenue, cross to the left and take the Promenade Circo Romano, then to the right by the avenue Mas del Ribero, in the roundabout we continue for this street until arriving at the petrol station, you go down by the sidewalk that there is next to it, until the roundabout, cross the pedestrian crossing and a few meters, is the first sign GR-239, a path on the right goes to the restaurant Talordo, pass in front of it and follow the river side by a walk that takes you parallel to it for a long time.
*(Attention, variant: “Camino del Sureste” through Noves, bike lane).
You go straight, parallel to the river. At the end of the walk you go to the left, you go out to a small road that carries a lot of traffic, with several roundabouts, due to the multiplication of urbanizations. At 1.8 km, this road goes away from the river to find a gravel quarry. At this point begins an ascent, follow this way without leaving it, to our left the hill Matanzas with 547 meters of altitude, it continues of forehead in west direction leaving to the right Casa de Monterrey and later also we leave to the right Casas de Estiviel.
Follow the road and pass by Casas de Bergonza. The road goes straight on to the Vega de la Cruz farm, turn left and after about 500 metres you pass the other side of the Guadarrama river over a small bridge. There is a house and the Hermitage of Cambrillos, now restored.
At the height of the hermitage, there is a path on the right, which is followed. Without leaving it and always in North direction you arrive at Rielves, located in the plain next to the stream of its name.

RIELVES

The foundations of ancient Roman thermal baths, probably dating from the 3rd century, have been found in this town. A Wamba coin and an inscription referring to San Vicente Mártir were found from the Visigothic period. There are testimonies from the 12th century, as between 1175 and 1207 the monastery of Bernardas de San Clemente, of Toledo, was founded, which had possessions in this town. Rielves had a hermitage that served as a hospital. The parish church is dedicated to Santiago Apóstol.
In the bar in front of your path (crossing the road) you can get your strength back.

• Town Hall: Plaza Primo de Rivera, 1. Tel: 925 743 471
• Reception in Parish House: Calle Calvario s/n. Tel: 925 743 500 4 places

*(Atención variante Camino del Sureste por Huecas).
Torrijos is close by, a manchega league = (5.5 Km.). You leave by the road that goes to Barcience, crossing the railroad track. The path is a pleasant walk, to the right you can see the peak of La Cruz de la Calera of 557 meters and the Castle of Barcience of the fifteenth century. You enter passing in front of the church of Santa María La Blanca with a Mudejar doorway.

BARCIENCE

In the 13th century it was the property of the prior of Uclés, of the order of Santiago. The Infante Don Enrique, Master of that Order, ceded this town, in 1421, to Don Alfonso Tenorio, advanced of Cazorla. In the mid-15th century, Henry IV granted the Casa de Silva the county of Cifuentes as well as other possessions, including Barcience.

• Town Hall: Plaza Luciano Garrido. Tel: 925 760 718
• Some Bars

Continue towards Torrijos along Jardines street, road de Arto and way de Barcience.

TORRIJOS

You enter the city through Bailén Street, Puente Street and Arco de Toledo Park. The old 16th century Gothic-Renaissance collegiate church has a slender tower and magnificent masonry in the choir. Doña Teresa Enríquez, married to Don Gutierre de Cárdenas, commander of the Order of Santiago, is responsible for the construction of this church and the Franciscan Convent, a copy of the 16th century Gothic Convent of San Juan de los Reyes de Toledo. She was called “La loca del Sacramento” and was used to provide food to the hundreds of pilgrims who gathered for this reason in the square where the church is today.
The hospital of the Holy Trinity, “in which there is always hospitality for the sick… and in which they feed all the pilgrims who pass by”, called after the Christ of the Blood, was founded by Doña Teresa and Don Gutierre, and in one of the rooms of the hospital the statues of the founders were conserved, today in the Collegiate Church. Doña Teresa Enríquez also founded the Hospital de la Consolación.
Nothing remains of the old walls that surrounded the city, from the 15th century. Today you can see the palace of Pedro I, now the Town Hall.

• APadre Leocadio” Municipal Pilgrims’ Hostel: Callejón del Cura, 2. 8 Beds and toilets. Free of charge. Notify Local Police. Tel: 925 770 301 / 678 405 919
• Town Hall: Plaza de San Gil, 7. Tel: 925 770 801, ext. 5.
• Bar El Abuelo: Arrabal, 34. Tel: 630 013 668.
• Hotel El Mesón. C/ del Puente, 19. Tel: 925 760 400

 

[ranthr]

Buen camino OzAnnie!. I guess that after a couple of days in busy Toledo it will be great to be going, unless you stay outside town to rest in the parador on the hill.

 

[gracethepilgrim]

Just a quick hi and Buen Camino, Annie. I know we’ve been chatting via Whatsapp but I thought I’d catch up with all the wonderful suggestions and offers of help from all the rest of the camino-addicts here

 

[OzAnnie]

Decision made to start Camino de Levante from Toledo /. So started a clean thread from day 1