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The good news is that this is truly a pretty flat stage after the downlhill from Villamayor - and not much rocky surface (as I recall).Today I’ll try for Torres Del Rio, will decide when I get to Arcos
Hector, that second photo seems almost Biblical to me - like a "sign" leading you on looking more like a star than the moon -great composition with church spire underneathSince my original thread has gotten so long, maybe I should start another one for this week. Right now it’s 4 AM, awakened by the church bell just a few meters away, first at midnight, then through the night. I saw the moon from my bed so I tried a couple shots. At the moment I don’t have much to say, so here are the pics.
Today I’ll try for Torres Del Rio, will decide when I get to Arcos
Ohhh I remember that bell! Every 15 minutes wasn't it, or my memory may be exaggerating. Often, anyway! All. Through. The. Night. We were VERY grateful for the easy terrain the next day!awakened by the church bell just a few meters away
Rather beautiful…Since my original thread has gotten so long, maybe I should start another one for this week. Right now it’s 4 AM, awakened by the church bell just a few meters away, first at midnight, then through the night. I saw the moon from my bed so I tried a couple shots. At the moment I don’t have much to say, so here are the pics.
Today I’ll try for Torres Del Rio, will decide when I get to Arcos
Los Arcos is not much of a place to stay the night, try and push for Torres del Rio there’s a couple of really nice Albergues that do pilgrim meals and a swimming pool and it has a very handy well equipped all sorts shop attached to the Albergue. KeithSince my original thread has gotten so long, maybe I should start another one for this week. Right now it’s 4 AM, awakened by the church bell just a few meters away, first at midnight, then through the night. I saw the moon from my bed so I tried a couple shots. At the moment I don’t have much to say, so here are the pics.
Today I’ll try for Torres Del Rio, will decide when I get to Arcos
Los Arcos is not much of a place to stay the night, try and push for Torres del Rio there’s a couple of really nice Albergues that do pilgrim meals and a swimming pool and it has a very handy well equipped all sorts shop attached to the Albergue. Keith
Hello @ScouseKeith, I had to stay two nights in Los Arcos because of a chest infection and before leaving was able to visit Santa Maria, and to explore the upstairs as well as viewing the many pasos (see attachments) assembled in the cloisters - it was during Semana Santa. I loved the place.Los Arcos is not much of a place to stay the night, try and push for Torres del Rio there’s a couple of really nice Albergues that do pilgrim meals and a swimming pool and it has a very handy well equipped all sorts shop attached to the Albergue. Keith
I slept there! I remember hanging my laundry up in that balcony.Since my original thread has gotten so long, maybe I should start another one for this week. Right now it’s 4 AM, awakened by the church bell just a few meters away, first at midnight, then through the night. I saw the moon from my bed so I tried a couple shots. At the moment I don’t have much to say, so here are the pics.
Today I’ll try for Torres Del Rio, will decide when I get to Arcos
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Lovely pictures! Sorry to hear your sleep was so broken - my recall is roosters being more likely than church bells to be the culprit when I walkedSince my original thread has gotten so long, maybe I should start another one for this week. Right now it’s 4 AM, awakened by the church bell just a few meters away, first at midnight, then through the night. I saw the moon from my bed so I tried a couple shots. At the moment I don’t have much to say, so here are the pics.
Today I’ll try for Torres Del Rio, will decide when I get to Arcos
View attachment 176449
View attachment 176450
Did you bring hiking sandals for back up footwear? If so, I would wear them and see how your toes do.but my toes have been bothering me. They don’t have blisters, but the skin is very tender and might be chafing. I’ve tried things I’ve heard about, like Vaseline, taping them, merino wool, a fellow walker gsve me comped, a pharmacist gave me toe sleeves, but nothing is helping much.
Well I hope you keep on keeping on because you are my "legs" (mine don't work much anymore) with your great detail of this route that is one in my "virtual tours" on my laptop.It is testing me to the limit and I hope I’m up for the challenge.
Well done! Tomorrow you can celebrate with some pintxos in Logroño, and if you really want to celebrate, there is another local specialty you could try there.So, in 10 days, I crossed the Pyrenees and crossed Navarra on foot. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this…
Well done HBS60 just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Logrono is a nice place to stay overnight, loads of bars cafes and restaurants and I’ve never stayed in a bad albergue. KeithDay 10: Torres Del Rio to Viana, 7.1 miles, a short walk as I was hoping to see the town’s podiatrist. It was a cool morning, the air was hazy, and the hills were extremely steep, but thankfully the terrain wasn’t horribly rocky, just annoying in places. The scenery as usual was breathtaking, but I couldn’t savor it as much as I wanted as I needed to keep moving. My foot seemed OK at first, but not surprisingly, started to bother me after a while.
The first highlight of the day was coming across a guitarist busking in a little area in the woods that had picnic tables, convenient for a pilgrim break, and there were a few of them gathered, resting. Although I don’t play guitar, just the piano, I grew up hearing guitar music so I always have a soft spot for it. I’m an advanced amateur pianist and I’ve played works by Albeniz, Granados, de Falla, many of which have been successful transcribed for the guitar. It’s been a while since the guitarist had played these, but he did play some flamenco, and at the end, as I was leaving, played the Romance Anónimo, a piece that brought up a flood of memories and emotions from my youth. It was an emotional experience hearing this IN Spain.
I got to Viana around 11:30 AM, fairly early, filled my water bottle at the fountain, where I met a very friendly Dutch/Australisn older gentleman, and we were both planning to stop the walking for today, and go to the same Albergue. I needed to find the podiatrist, but unfortunately she was on vacation, so I went to the Albergue, where my new friend and I checked in.
While he was taking a nap, I ventured out and found the Pilgrim Oasis, where they offer pilgrims epsom salts foot soaks, so I went ahead. The water was so cold but it had lavender and epsom salts, and you could just sit there as long as desired, with an ukulele nearby, and you could also buy a snack, which I needed.
My new friend was passing by and came in, so then it was the two of us soaking our tired feet. I left him after a while because I needed a shower, then walked around for a while, running into an Italian guy I’ve met by Ciriaqui a few days ago. I went looking for a store to buy soap because I think I left mine behind, but all was closed as it was already 2 PM. I ran into my friend again and we sightseed a little bit, taking pics of each other next to a sign stating that Santiago was 623 Km away. I’m now in my bunk, relaxing, planning what I need to do tomorrow as I make my way to Logroño, leaving Navarra and entering La Rioja.
So, in 10 days, I crossed the Pyrenees and crossed Navarra on foot. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this…
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YOu are on Camino! The more you will think the terrain is annoying the more annoying it will become. Remember - Camino "Provides". IMHO - its a 2-way street on a One-Way WAY!as I was hoping to see the town’s podiatrist. It was a cool morning, the air was hazy, and the hills were extremely steep, but thankfully the terrain wasn’t horribly rocky, just annoying in places.
AH.... "you needed to keep moving". Yes most of us told you to do that (vs. spending lots of time socializing) but at the same - do not hurry so much that it will cause you some discomfort or worse - an injury. Its a fine line walk you got to....The scenery as usual was breathtaking, but I couldn’t savor it as much as I wanted as I needed to keep moving. My foot seemed OK at first, but not surprisingly, started to bother me after a while.
There ya go! Must've felt really nice!I got to Viana around 11:30 AM, fairly early, ..
Wait.... so now it YOU who are "leaving people"?!My new friend was passing by and came in, so then it was the two of us soaking our tired feet. I left him after a while because I needed a shower, then walked around for a while, running into an Italian guy I’ve met by Ciriaqui a few days ago. I went looking for a store to buy soap because I think I left mine behind, but all was closed as it was already 2 PM. I ran into my friend again and we sightseed a little bit, taking pics of each other next to a sign stating that Santiago was 623 Km away. I’m now in my bunk, relaxing, planning what I need to do tomorrow as I make my way to Logroño, leaving Navarra and entering La Rioja.
And as much as you "complained" - you walked 180KM! So you average 18km/day which is a solid distance for the beginning of the Camino. Absolutely AWESOME!!!!So, in 10 days, I crossed the Pyrenees and crossed Navarra on foot. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this…
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Just well doneI'm confused.... what are these miles Hector is referring to? I cannot figure out how much he walked...
Well... see buddy - 11.5km - yeah a short stage but seems to be working for you for now (and lets be honest - you DID hoofed it up yesterday!)
YOu are on Camino! The more you will think the terrain is annoying the more annoying it will become. Remember - Camino "Provides". IMHO - its a 2-way street on a One-Way WAY!
AH.... "you needed to keep moving". Yes most of us told you to do that (vs. spending lots of time socializing) but at the same - do not hurry so much that it will cause you some discomfort or worse - an injury. Its a fine line walk you got to....
There ya go! Must've felt really nice!
Wait.... so now it YOU who are "leaving people"?!
LOL - I was using bottles of shampoo for everything (washing hair and body and doing laundry) and I cannot tell you how many I left behind; esp. during those first 2 weeks. So... yeah... know the feeling.
Ah. Another short hop. This one is really short! Enjoy your time in Logrono - like everyone said get your fill of tapas and pintxos and make sure you wash all of them down with some nice "Rioja Juice"
And as much as you "complained" - you walked 180KM! So you average 18km/day which is a solid distance for the beginning of the Camino. Absolutely AWESOME!!!!
Keep on moving!
Good luck and Buen Camino!
I must say the most annoying things on my Camino became my biggest lessons, and from that they then became the biggest signs of how the Camino was gradually changing me and how far I'd come - I hope the same becomes true for you Hector.just annoying in places
We can. It's not as huge a deal as we often think it is ahead of time. Turns out it's just one step at a time.I can’t believe I’m actually doing this…
I recommend Azofra for tomorrow. Great municipal albergue there - only two single beds in each room.Just arrived to Navarrete, walked 15.3 miles, (24.6 Km), more than planned. More later
Be sure to see the church! Bring coins to turn on some lights.Just arrived to Navarrete, walked 15.3 miles, (24.6 Km), more than planned. More later
I wish I had known. I wonder if they can handle credit cards but I didn’t think to askThey wanted you to send a bank draft. They usually have no way to deal with cash.
Lovely little town stayed there twicePast years in Ventosa, a small village located slightly off the CF path between Navarrete and Nájera, the private Albergue San Saturino named after the local church, was always very comfortable. Perhaps you would enjoy resting there tomorrow.
Whenever I have stayed in Navarrete I have had trouble finding food. If I was really hungry too early then no place was open. If I wanted to eat later places seemed to close early. Stayed in a hostal once that gronze said had communal dinner, but no, it was low season, so not enough pilgrims for them to make dinner. Stayed in an albergue that had a bar. The bar closed in the evening, who knows why. So if your belly is full, I think you had great success!Update:
Found a place to eat that didn’t seem like much, but I’m stuffed from so much food.
Nothing worse than a tired, thirsty, hungry, and cranky pilgrim with painful feet. Let’s say I’m not at my best under those circumstances. At least for the moment I’m good…
Love that Albergue! Beautiful Zen-likw garden in the back. Very relaxing. Great HospitaleroPast years in Ventosa, a small village located slightly off the CF path between Navarrete and Nájera, the private Albergue San Saturino named after the local church, was always very comfortable. Perhaps you would enjoy resting there tomorrow.
Yes it seems you zoomed through Los Arcos at a "rate of Knots" so probably missed the church, but not to worry I have made a Windows Background of this totally amazing interior of The AssumptionNothing worse than a tired, thirsty, hungry, and cranky pilgrim with painful feet.
Why not? What WAS it supposed to be like?Viana to Navarrete, 15.3 miles, 24.6 Km.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
I'm sorry but you have mentioned on one of your original early posts that you speak Spanish. It should be reasonably easy to get your point across and to get further information if something is not clear. Some of us are not that lucky. My Spanish is all about menus del Dia but I had no problem getting medical help with my nasty blisters. I also had no EU insurance but did inquire about CC payment which was accepted.I left very early, around 6:30 AM, because I wanted to get to Logroño early so I could see somebody about my foot. The sunrise over Viana was spectacular, and my pics can’t make them justice. In a little while, my friend Jim passed me, we conversed for a while but he is much faster than me, so we parted with a great selfie. Since we are both headed to Santiago, we might bump into each other down the road.
I crossed the Navarra-La Rioja border around 9:30 AM, shortly thereafter I was at Logroño, beautiful city, I must say.
At the entrance there was a Pilgrim Information Center, so I asked where I could have my feet examined, they told me to go to the health center (Centro De Salud). So I went there, and inquired if I could be seen as a non EU citizen. The lady wanted my US insurance but I explained it won’t cover me in Spain (it won’t even cover me in the US if I’m not in network). I told her I did have travel insurance but she told me I must call them. I asked how much if I paid cash, she said 38 Euros for the nurse to see me. So I take out my cash, willing to pay, and she said I must go to the bank for something I can’t remember, but all this red tape didn’t make sense to me. It happens that health care is a very hot button issue for me so I left. I was also hungry as I hadn’t had coffee, so I found a bar and had a bocadillo and coffee, which of course helped.
once more don't get upset and don't use your anger for a fuel. It's a fuel that leads you to a fast burnout. Take your time and cool off! Cooler heads prevailI was unhappy about this whole foot thing, but I decided I would then try to go to Navarrete, and I was upset enough that I figured I could use that anger for fuel.
I finally arrived at Navarrete around 3:30 PM. What’s up with these towns that are on top of hills and very steep streets? I checked in, I showered, unpacked and set up my cPAP machine. By that time it was after 5 PM and I figured I would get something to eat.
Everything was dead.
Adapt my friend, adapt. As I mentioned above going for 4+ hours with no food is NOT being mindful of your sugar. You are on the Camino. Camino will teach you lessons about yourself. Some of them you won't like but the sooner you'll recognize them and adapt the better off you'll be . Stop with maybe stop wishing for better days. One day at a time one step at a time...and for the zillionth time you are doing very very well!!!I’m not trying to be critical of the local way of life, I’m trying to figure out what’s a pilgrim supposed to do? It’s not just about being inconvenienced, but I’m trying to be mindful of my blood sugar, staying hydrated, as I need to be careful about these things.
I know so much how you feel, for me was cpap machine, sore back and sciatica.Update:
Found a place to eat that didn’t seem like much, but I’m stuffed from so much food.
Nothing worse than a tired, thirsty, hungry, and cranky pilgrim with painful feet. Let’s say I’m not at my best under those circumstances. At least for the moment I’m good…
Just a gentle reminder to all that, IF I am remembering correctly this pilgrim describes himself as having complex PTSD. One of the most challenging aspects of PTSD is the way it can hijack the nervous system and create more reactivity, more quickly, than would otherwise be expected. AND it then takes longer to calm down. I don’t know if this is an issue in this case but it may well be. And with all that, all is very well!Why not? What WAS it supposed to be like?
Slightly under 25km in 9 hours with all the bench breaks you spoke of and all the extra time spent in Logroño. I'll venture a guess that you are moving at roughly 4kmh rate and with the condition you have - that's some doing!!!!
I'm sorry but you have mentioned on one of your original early posts that you speak Spanish. It should be reasonably easy to get your point across and to get further information if something is not clear. Some of us are not that lucky. My Spanish is all about menus del Dia but I had no problem getting medical help with my nasty blisters. I also had no EU insurance but did inquire about CC payment which was accepted.
Please forget about "red tape" - you're in Europe and in Spain to boot - and don't get yourself frustrated... every time I read your posts IMHO you keep on doing it to yourself
Also eating your 1st meal about 4 or even more hours after you started off is not a good idea! With 6:30 start you should cover roughly 8-10km in about 2 hours and whatever town/village happens to be in that vicinity- stop and have yourself a very nice Desayuno numero uno!! Relax while you're at it.
once more don't get upset and don't use your anger for a fuel. It's a fuel that leads you to a fast burnout. Take your time and cool off! Cooler heads prevail
SO... a short history lesson esp Medieval Military History - the reason the European towns are on the hills is because it makes the enemy harder to attack them going uphill and it makes it easier to defend.
As to 5pm meals - simply forget about it! Again you are in Europe and they do not eat at that time and lots of places will be closed.
Keep that in mind and plan accordingly. Have a numer of smaller meals as you move (also remember the Siesta) and when you get to the Albergue go and lay in bed and relax after your shower and what have you.
Even perhaps take a little nap. Then go out for evening meal. Not sure what you want but most times meals on Camino are simple but good. They don't have to be "special " although quite some times they are.
If need be stock up in Supermercado with some fruit, nuts, snacks, perhaps cook yourself some hardboiled eggs..and this way you'll always have something to tie you over gor the duration
Adapt my friend, adapt. As I mentioned above going for 4+ hours with no food is NOT being mindful of your sugar. You are on the Camino. Camino will teach you lessons about yourself. Some of them you won't like but the sooner you'll recognize them and adapt the better off you'll be . Stop with maybe stop wishing for better days. One day at a time one step at a time...and for the zillionth time you are doing very very well!!!
And...BTW... not sure if you realize it or not but you are All smiles on those FB photos of yours! You are not faking them smiles are you now???
Hope you take all of the above the way it is sincerely meant a bit of constructive criticism with absolutely no disrespect intended.
Good luck and Buen Camino
I appreciate your saying that. It does come across as scolding, (doesn’t mean you were intending to do so), but also you may remember I’ve mentioned before my PTSD, which means I process things differently, and I’m trying to learn how to “grow new wires” in my brain pathways. This makes it harder for me to interact well with others.Hope you take all of the above the way it is sincerely meant a bit of constructive criticism with absolutely no disrespect intended.
Spot on, I just posted a response to another poster, trying to respond as healthily as I can. No offense taken as I recognize the loving intent of the feedback received.Just a gentle reminder to all that, IF I am remembering correctly this pilgrim describes himself as having complex PTSD. One of the most challenging aspects of PTSD is the way it can hijack the nervous system and create more reactivity, more quickly, than would otherwise be expected. AND it then takes longer to calm down. I don’t know if this is an issue in this case but it may well be. And with all that, all is very well!
I drink at every opportunity I can, top off at the Fuentes when I find them, and I carry Aquarius as a backup even though it adds up to my weight.Also.... seems I missed this little bit - "Nothing worse than a tired, thirsty, hungry, and cranky pilgrim with painful feet."
Why are you thirsty? Do you not carry enough water with you? Drinking is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL to the walking. not drinking enough leads to dehydration, dehydration in turn leads to being tired and clouds your mind sometimes to the point where you cannot think straight! (Trust you me, I know! - if anything those couple of times (and I had a good clip of those) when I neglected my water intake - those were the days when i did something stupid and ultimately I also believe "gave myself" the blisters that became my curse!)
Don't know what you use (I had a 3L bladder... hope nobody starts an argument on what vessels we use that can take this thread into a hijacking territory... and I CPAP you already struggling with the weight you have to carry - so... do another check on what if anything you can ditch\send back home or forward to SdC and\or perhaps consider starting using the baggage transport where practically everything except the CPAP, maybe a spare shirt and pair of socks and your water will be sent to your next albergue! The water is more important than say a toothbrush and shampoo and you don't need to walk with 2-3 shirts and full rain gear if you don't have to....
.... Yes that means that your spontaneity just went out the window because you have to have a point of destination in order for that company to deliver your luggage and AFAIK mose Municipal Albergues do not accept transported luggage but hopefully it may help you with your daily struggles.
Despite everything you've described so far - you are pushing ahead. You are somewhat "stubborn" in that sense (and quite a lot of us are) and resilient (whether you realize it or not). High time you start figuring out how to make this walk (still awful lots of kms to cover before its all over) more easier than "figuring out what's a hungry pilgrims to do at 5pm" because you CAN figure out the former but not the latter...
We all are rooting for you! Every one of us went through some of the same in our time and on our ways! Nothing is new here and everything is doable and adaptable - just "adapt"
Good luck and Buen Camino!
Bank transfers are apparently a common for of payment in Europe, but practically impossible for us from the US.I speak Spanish, Latin American, not peninsular. I’m not familiar with many of the terms here, nor how things are done in here, like this thing about that bank note
I don't want to prolong this and distract from @HBS60's Live Camino but he should note that in several European countries that I am familiar with, numerous public hospitals do not take cash from patients and they do not take credit cards either. Their finance departments are not equipped for this. That's normal and not unusual for us.Bank transfers are apparently a common form of payment in Europe, but practically impossible for us from the US.
Completely understood, absolutely no worries, I’m good and no issues with you whatsoever, which in itself is a sign of my progress. In the past an exchange like this would have triggered a lot of angry responses on my part because I was unable to recognize when people were coming from a loving place. These days, I’m better able to recognize it, so even if I did get slightly triggered (in itself a significant improvement from being massively triggered as I would have been in the past), I was able to get past that and stay in the present.@HBS60 - none of your responses can be perceived negatively! If anything as I did apologized (or at least tried to clarify) my posts are a bit terse. And yes I totally hate "communicating online" - facial and hand expressions coupled with voice tone do wonders and no meme will ever replace that
I do take into consideration that you have PTSD. I cannot imagine living with one and fully understand that only you and others with the same syndrome know what its like. so, if we understand each other - I believe that my posts above pretty much end with "adapt" suggestions. And IMHO thats the big key. We all must and those of us who walked did "adapt" each in our own way. You have to process the info in your own way but you need to make the adaptation changes simply because not only you are in a different country with different customs etc. you are practically in a "different world". The faster - the better.
And keep on remembering - I wish you only the best and in no way I am picking on you
Here's an idea. Forget social media and all the "virtual coaching" you appear to be getting. It's sounds like you have already have been through enough and perhaps some of the posts on here are not helping you.Completely understood, absolutely no worries, I’m good and no issues with you whatsoever, which in itself is a sign of my progress. In the past an exchange like this would have triggered a lot of angry responses on my part because I was unable to recognize when people were coming from a loving place. These days, I’m better able to recognize it, so even if I did get slightly triggered (in itself a significant improvement from being massively triggered as I would have been in the past), I was able to get past that and stay in the present.
I’ve done a ton of work with my condition, and I also realize that it is hard on those around me. It can be hard to watch someone floundering or struggling, and the urge to help is wonderful but doesn’t always land well. Sometimes it’s about the other person’s discomfort. A paradox that’s been helpful for me is to feel comfortable with the discomfort, mine and that of others. It’s always helpful to inquire along the lines on “how can we help?” Do you know what you need?” “I’m here to support you, how can I best be supportive?”
I do know that I need to be open to criticism and constructive feedback, and that can be challenging, but my healing journey involves this as well.
We are all works in progress!
I’m stepping out to enjoy my evening, will write about my good day later, and get ready for tomorrow. I plan to walk to Santo Domingo De La Calzada, I reserved a private room, and will send my cPAP machine ahead to lighten my load
More later…
Hector, it seems to me (who does not use fb for personal reasons) these links simply repeat what is here (or vice versa) but there was a post earlier that had the daily route as a line on a map via some "cool app" you are using but I can't find that at fb. I would be most interested in being able to access these to explore your path in more detail so do you have a link please.
As I know from personal experience, it can be a struggle to pay attention to this sort of request while one is in the midst of an intense and exhausting Camino, as Hector is, so you are asking a lot! Just posting any daily update is hard, let alone finding links on a phone and explaining the app! So I will try to help by answering your questions for him.Hector, it seems to me (who does not use fb for personal reasons) these links simply repeat what is here (or vice versa) but there was a post earlier that had the daily route as a line on a map via some "cool app" you are using but I can't find that at fb. I would be most interested in being able to access these to explore your path in more detail so do you have a link please.
Correct, the App is Relive, it says so at the end of the map video.As I know from personal experience, it can be a struggle to pay attention to this sort of request while one is in the midst of an intense and exhausting Camino, as Hector is, so you are asking a lot! Just posting any daily update is hard, let alone finding links on a phone and explaining the app! So I will try to help by answering your questions for him.
Hector uses Facebook to update his friends, most of whom are not forum members. He kindly copies here so forum members like you who do not use Facebook can read his account. However, he uploads the photos and videos only once - to Facebook. His route mapping is done with the app "Relive" and Facebook users can see his daily route as a line on a map.
My favourite drink only 2% and so cold and refreshingAwesome!
Re non alcoholic beer... if you can have some alcohol- do try Lemon Serveza or Radler (preferably on tap vs. The bottle) Extremely refreshing at the end if the day beautiful way to unwind.
At SDdC do check out the Cathedral and visit the chicken. Google and read up on The Legend of these chicken- kinda cool stuff.
Hopefully with less weight to carry you'll have another relatively easy day.
Good luck and Buen Camino
Simple. Don't follow the Gronze stages. Walk stages that suit you, while keeping some days in reserve in case you need a rest. When you get to Astorga you will be very close to Cruz de Ferro and if you have an extra day at that point you can spend it there.Looking at the Gronze stages, if I was going to follow them strictly, I would have about 5 days to spare,
I’m only using the Gronze stages to give me an idea of the timing I’ll need. Some days I might follow them, sometimes I won’t. I’m not sure how else I can calculate time/ distance as I fear not walking enough then scrambling trying to catch up. So I might follow Gronze for a while, but as I get closer, I might slow down.if a Gronze stage is too long, I can always break it up.Simple. Don't follow the Gronze stages. Walk stages that suit you, while keeping some days in reserve in case you need a rest. When you get to Astorga you will be very close to Cruz de Ferro and if you have an extra day at that point you can spend it there.
That makes perfect sense.I’m only using the Gronze stages to give me an idea of the timing I’ll need. Some days I might follow them, sometimes I won’t. I’m not sure how else I can calculate time/ distance as I fear not walking enough then scrambling trying to catch up. So I might follow Gronze for a while, but as I get closer, I might slow down.if a Gronze stage is too long, I can always break it up.
Well done and yes 20.7 km is spot on what google says meaning that you are now at 82% speed of the "google person" (up from 37% on day 1) and take away some coffee breaks that would be more like 100% it would seem (and now actually passing others as you say) - Congratulations and not a mention of your feetI arrived to town around 12:15 PM, not bad considering I left around 6:20 AM
Just 1.8 km past the rest stop you would have gone past this "bloke" in the middle of a roundabout so I made a Windows Background of him pointing the way down the hill to your destination (I cleared away all the roadsigns to make it more dramatic).There was a very, very steep hill just before Cirueña, and a makeshift sign encouraged pilgrims that benches and refreshments were right ahead.
Definitely steep but also short. It is down a gulch and then back up the other side. Click the spoiler button if you want to see it but if you want to be surprised, don't.BTW a warning rather a steep hill before San Juan de Ortega so be prepared.
You can have a short day and stop in Villafranca Montes de Oca. The hotel/albergue San Anton Abad is very nice. Then you can tackle the big hill in the morning.The usual route would have me walking 23.9 Km (14.85 miles) tomorrow to San Juan de Ortega, but the latter part of it involves a steep climb and is empty, something I prefer not to tackle late morning/late afternoon when it’s hot and I’m tired
Negative emotions and "curses" will be your commentary before and after Cruz de Ferro. It is an arduous climb up to the highest point on the Camino and a nasty, nasty down hill from there to Molinaseca. Start your climb after a stay in Rabanal the night before and find a mid-point to stop in overnight on the way down like el Acebo, but not in that Holiday Inn sort of place on the way out of town, for sure!Hector, just came to say how happy I am for you and your accomplishments. You're doing great! (Much faster than I was on the Primitivo ;-)
You're going to experience negative emotions/hours/days. It's is quite normal, even for those wounded a little more lightly by life. And you're learning how to persevere and grow through it.
Ultreia e suseia! Adelante y arriba!
That was my thinking, and it’s done, I reserved there. Thankfully it looks like tomorrow will be much cooler, as will the next day. It’s only about 7 miles (11.7 km) so I will take my cPAP with me and not use the luggage service, which I’ll reserve for the long, hard stages,You can have a short day and stop in Villafranca Montes de Oca. The hotel/albergue San Anton Abad is very nice. Then you can tackle the big hill in the morning.
Thanks! Wouldn’t Foncebadón be a better place to start the day I tackle the Cruz de Ferro? That way I can tackle the nasty descent relatively early, it seems to me.Negative emotions and "curses" will be your commentary before and after Cruz de Ferro. It is an arduous climb up to the highest point on the Camino and a nasty, nasty down hill from there to Molinaseca. Start your climb after a stay in Rabanal the night before and find a mid-point to stop in overnight on the way down like el Acebo, but not in that Holiday Inn sort of place on the way out of town, for sure!
I have never stayed in Foncebadon. IMO, the decent is a two day event and I have been walking the Camino since 2011, when I turned 65.Thanks! Wouldn’t Foncebadón be a better place to start the day I tackle the Cruz de Ferro? That way I can tackle the nasty descent relatively early, it seems to me.
I think so. I have stayed there twice, and it is great to get to the Cruz de Ferro early.Wouldn’t Foncebadón be a better place to start the day I tackle the Cruz de Ferro?
Spot on agreement with google so that means today you walked at 68% speed of the (non stop) google person so that is indicative that you are doing very well and still no mention of feet!Santo Domingo De La Calzada to Belorado, 14.1 miles, 22.69 Km.
Actually, no, Cuatro Cantones was full when I called to inquire, so I’m staying at A Santiago, which also has a pool- with ice cold water, I could only dip my feet in it.I bet you are staying in Quatro Cantones, no?
Tomorrow morning take a look at the bronze plaques on the main thoroughway they belong to the actors and crew of the movie The Way. You can even afford a late start sine its quite a short hop to VMdO
For couple of days you are averaging over 20km. Very nicely done!!!
Are you still transporting the CPAP or are you back carrying it?
Good luck and Buen Camino
The plaques are right in the middle of main street walking out from the town.Actually, no, Cuatro Cantones was full when I called to inquire, so I’m staying at A Santiago, which also has a pool- with ice cold water, I could only dip my feet in it.
Are the bro ze plaques at Cuatro Cantones or elsewhere in town?
I’ve been transporting my cPAP for a couple days because of the distance, but for todays I’ll backpack it because it’s a short distance, also it’s much cooler today, last evening the temp plummeted so heat won’t be an issue.
Argh, I missed them, I just read this at Monte’s de Oca. Oh well…The plaques are right in the middle of main street walking out from the town.
Good luck
Here's the link to Héctor's new thread:Time for a new thread about week 3…
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