LIVE from the Camino Knee flare up and no room at the inn. Coastal rt

[SusieP]

Well, I have some health issues and no room at the inn issues. My leg flaring up has really caused a problem. My husband and I are in Vila do Conde looking for a nice place to sleep tomorrow. I thought maybe I could make it to Apulia tomorrow which is about 10 miles, but I’m having trouble finding two beds anywhere. I’m a little picky because I snore and don’t want to disturb anyone.

We thought we could wing it and walk 6-10 miles a day. Figuring out miles and where to stay is apparently not my strong suit.

I’ve tried using two different Camino apps to help but the miles don’t land right for our journey.

We have 13 or 14 days left. Anyone have brilliance they can share?

 

[J Willhaus]

You may need to take a cab part of the way. Maybe get a cab number the night before, then walk until you can't and call. If your walking partner wants to walk on, at least you don't have to? This allows you to go further if you need to.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Well, I have some health issues and no room at the inn issues. My leg flaring up has really caused a problem. My husband and I are in Vila do Conde looking for a nice place to sleep tomorrow. I thought maybe I could make it to Apulia tomorrow which is about 10 miles, but I’m having trouble finding two beds anywhere. I’m a little picky because I snore and don’t want to disturb anyone.

We thought we could wing it and walk 6-10 miles a day. Figuring out miles and where to stay is apparently not my strong suit.

I’ve tried using two different Camino apps to help but the miles don’t land right for our journey.

We have 13 or 14 days left. Anyone have brilliance they can share?

Can’t you just book something at booking . com?

 

[KariC]

If you haven't tried these re the knee, icing at night, arnica, and if available, cbd cream - not sure if that's available.

 

[SusieP]

You may need to take a cab part of the way. Maybe get a cab number the night before, then walk until you can't and call. If your walking partner wants to walk on, at least you don't have to? This allows you to go further if you need to.

Thank you! We actually had to find a restaurant that would help us call a taxi. We will get a number before we leave where we are staying.

 

[SusieP]

Can’t you just book something at booking . com?

I’ve been using booking. Haven’t found availability for two of us under 60eu. And twice I got a message saying, “you got the last one” as I was booking, and then as I was adding my cc it said, ooops, all sold out.

 

[SusieP]

If you haven't tried these re the knee, icing at night, arnica, and if available, cbd cream - not sure if that's available.

I was at a pharmacy and got a few things. Forgot arnica.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I’ve been using booking. Haven’t found availability for two of us under 60eu. And twice I got a message saying, “you got the last one” as I was booking, and then as I was adding my cc it said, ooops, all sold out.

Yes I can see the €60 rooms which seems to be the cheapest. Not a bad price I thought!

 

[J Willhaus]

Thank you! We actually had to find a restaurant that would help us call a taxi. We will get a number before we leave where we are staying.

Don't be discouraged if they can't come immediately. You may have to wait a bit. In rural areas of Spain some taxi drivers are contracted to ferry school children in the mornings afternoon. Not sure about Portugal.

 

[J Willhaus]

Also, not all rooms will be on booking. You may need to call direct to get a room. Hotels don't give all rooms out to booking.com. Try having your hotel call ahead for you if you aren't comfortable doing it.

 

[SusieP]

Don't be discouraged if they can't come immediately. You may have to wait a bit. In rural areas of Spain some taxi drivers are contracted to ferry school children in the mornings afternoon. Not sure about Portugal.

Oh, they came in 10 min. We first stopped at a little place to ask for help and he said he didn’t speak English. lol so, we had to move on until we could find a restaurant that could help. I wish I remembered the name. They were lovely!

 

[SusieP]

Also, not all rooms will be on booking. You may need to call direct to get a room. Hotels don't give all rooms out to booking.com. Try having your hotel call ahead for you if you aren't comfortable doing it.

Thanks! I have also called directly. But maybe hotel person to hotel person will get preference

 

[mochilaverde]

There is also a bus between Povoa de Varzim and Pulia/Fao.

https://aitc.cimcavado.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/120-Povoa-de-Varzim-%E2%80%93-Viana-do-Castelo-4.pdf

Rome2rio often has more complete information on public transport in Spain and Portugal than Google Maps does. However, you should always try to find the official schedule of the local transport company just to be sure.

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Vila-do-Conde/Ap%C3%BAlia-e-F%C3%A3o#trips/transport/Vila-do-Conde/Ap%C3%BAlia-e-F%C3%A3o/r/Subway-line-120-bus

Lots of snoring pilgrims stay in dormitory-style albergues. Don't let your consideration for others stop you from joining in this unique night-time choral experience!

Do you have google translate or another translation app? It's very handy to be able to ask for help or directions, or to explain to a taxi driver where you want to go.

Can your walking partner take some heavy items from your pack and help take the load off your knees?

 

[naplesdon]

It is the end of the tourist season in Portugal. Prices are inflated. You will be lucky to find low budget place along the beaches. Take some the advice offered here and find an AirBnB off the path, take a taxi and spend a few days recuperating from your pain. The Camino awaits for your healthy return.

 

[SusieP]

There is also a bus between Povoa de Varzim and Pulia/Fao.

https://aitc.cimcavado.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/120-Povoa-de-Varzim-%E2%80%93-Viana-do-Castelo-4.pdf

Rome2rio often has more complete information on public transport in Spain and Portugal than Google Maps does. However, you should always try to find the official schedule of the local transport company just to be sure.

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Vila-do-Conde/Ap%C3%BAlia-e-F%C3%A3o#trips/transport/Vila-do-Conde/Ap%C3%BAlia-e-F%C3%A3o/r/Subway-line-120-bus

Lots of snoring pilgrims stay in dormitory-style albergues. Don't let your consideration for others stop you from joining in this unique night-time choral experience!

Do you have google translate or another translation app? It's very handy to be able to ask for help or directions, or to explain to a taxi driver where you want to go.

Can your walking partner take some heavy items from your pack and help take the load off your knees?

You are so kind! My husband has been carrying my water. He also offered to carry my pack several times, but I don’t want him to be out of commission either. I’m copying the links you gave me to save.

 

[mattythedog]

Well, I have some health issues and no room at the inn issues. My leg flaring up has really caused a problem. My husband and I are in Vila do Conde looking for a nice place to sleep tomorrow. I thought maybe I could make it to Apulia tomorrow which is about 10 miles, but I’m having trouble finding two beds anywhere. I’m a little picky because I snore and don’t want to disturb anyone.

We thought we could wing it and walk 6-10 miles a day. Figuring out miles and where to stay is apparently not my strong suit.

I’ve tried using two different Camino apps to help but the miles don’t land right for our journey.

We have 13 or 14 days left. Anyone have brilliance they can share?

Voltaren topical gel (strong) is more effective than arnica for inflammation due to bursitis. Add at least 600 mg ibuprofen 3x part day also for inflammation, but see a doc first. Use 2 trekking poles properly to take load off legs. Drink lots of water. Reduce stride.

 

[AnneMarie1]

I’ve been using booking. Haven’t found availability for two of us under 60eu. And twice I got a message saying, “you got the last one” as I was booking, and then as I was adding my cc it said, ooops, all sold out.

Call the places directly. They don't put all their rooms on Booking.

 

[Flog]

Yes, call directly or whatsapp using google translate if necessary. €60 for a double room isn't all that outrageous, what would you pay at home? If you're really struggling, take a rest day or two. No point in fighting against what your body's telling you.

 

[Madamjoy]

I’ve been using booking. Haven’t found availability for two of us under 60eu. And twice I got a message saying, “you got the last one” as I was booking, and then as I was adding my cc it said, ooops, all sold out.

Trying contacting accommodation using What’sApp. Many lodgings don’t put all their rooms on booking.com (fees are high) so a hotel/inn may be sold out on Booking.com. But still have rooms/beds. I found hosts respond to WhatsApp messages but not always to emails. Good luck.

 

[SusieP]

Voltaren topical gel (strong) is more effective than arnica for inflammation due to bursitis. Add at least 600 mg ibuprofen 3x part day also for inflammation, but see a doc first. Use 2 trekking poles properly to take load off legs. Drink lots of water. Reduce stride.

Went to the farmacia and got what we needed.

 

[SusieP]

Yes, call directly or whatsapp using google translate if necessary. €60 for a double room isn't all that outrageous, what would you pay at home? If you're really struggling, take a rest day or two. No point in fighting against what your body's telling you.

I was looking for albergues as well as hotels. Saw four or five people waiting outside of an albergue today. They said it was full and there was a note on the door that said the same. I don’t know if they got a spot or were waiting for a possible cancellation.

 

[trecile]

I was looking for albergues as well as hotels. Saw four or five people waiting outside of an albergue today. They said it was full and there was a note on the door that said the same. I don’t know if they got a spot or were waiting for a possible cancellation.

They may have had reservations and were waiting for the doors to open.

 

[naplesdon]

Be careful using Voltaren Forte cream and taking pills like Advil. It is like double dosing with pain killers.

 

[SusieP]

Be careful using Voltaren Forte cream and taking pills like Advil. It is like double dosing with pain killers.

Right! I actually have Voltaren at home. I don’t do well with it and it burns. The pharmacist gave me things I asked for and I am being careful.

 

[Becky 59]

Voltaren topical gel (strong) is more effective than arnica for inflammation due to bursitis. Add at least 600 mg ibuprofen 3x part day also for inflammation, but see a doc first. Use 2 trekking poles properly to take load off legs. Drink lots of water. Reduce stride.

PLEASE don't double dose yourself with NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) and use both ibuprofen and topical Voltaren, it can do a number on your kidneys (as in kidney damage and kidney failure). Pick one or the other, but not both at the same time. And yes I'm a physician.

 

[MariaC]

Well, I have some health issues and no room at the inn issues. My leg flaring up has really caused a problem. My husband and I are in Vila do Conde looking for a nice place to sleep tomorrow. I thought maybe I could make it to Apulia tomorrow which is about 10 miles, but I’m having trouble finding two beds anywhere. I’m a little picky because I snore and don’t want to disturb anyone.

We thought we could wing it and walk 6-10 miles a day. Figuring out miles and where to stay is apparently not my strong suit.

I’ve tried using two different Camino apps to help but the miles don’t land right for our journey.

We have 13 or 14 days left. Anyone have brilliance they can share?

Stingynomad has a great pdf with accommodations you might want to try. Just search Portugal Camino you will find him

 

[SusieP]

PLEASE don't double dose yourself with NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) and use both ibuprofen and topical Voltaren, it can do a number on your kidneys (as in kidney damage and kidney failure). Pick one or the other, but not both at the same time. And yes I'm a physician.

Thank you, I am aware.

 

[SusieP]

Yes I can see the €60 rooms which seems to be the cheapest. Not a bad price I thought!

Ya, we haven’t been able to get a room for that price yet.

 

[TravellingMan22]

No. Not surprised to be honest! I think you needed to act straightaway on that one as such a good, price, location and outstanding reviews. Giveaway price in my view, so would never be avail for too long in a ‘real time’ booking system. Think lead in price is now €91 for a different property.

6 more properties in the €100-120 range within 1 km of the centre so plenty of inventory around.

 

[trecile]

Have you considered switching to the Central route? I think that it has more accommodation.

 

[SusieP]

Have you considered switching to the Central route? I think that it has more accommodation.

We are looking into that. We made it to esposende today. Met a nice group who walked and talked with us which made the time go by. They were staying at a hostel and we could not find a place so they said to check. We waited 1.5 hours, a TON of others arrived without reservations. I almost gave up when the manager said he could take us all!!! And we got our own room!!! The Camino provides.