New Adventure

[gerbenson]

Hi all. My name is Ger and I'm from Ireland. I'm new to the site and will be travelling on Camino de Frances for the first time on July 30th. I will travel to Madrid, then make my way to Ponferrada and hopefully complete my adventure in 10days. I have read a lot of comments here in prep for my walk so thank you to all fellow walkers for your valued insight and experience. I have my Camino guidebook, passport and my buff. Backpack is ready to go and so are my feet.

 

[SYates]

Welcome and Buen Camino, Peregrino! SY

 

[Turga]

Buen Camino!
Walking out of Ponferrada can be a bit monotonous along the main road but don't be discouraged, it gets a lot better after that.

 

[gerbenson]

Buen Camino!
Walking out of Ponferrada can be a bit monotonous along the main road but don't be discouraged, it gets a lot better after that.

Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated.

 

[gerbenson]

Welcome and Buen Camino, Peregrino! SY

Thank you.

 

[Kanga]

And if the timing is right you may want to try one of the delicious wines from the region (you will be walking through vineyards and past wineries in Camponaraya and Cacabelos).

When I am at Cacabelos I always think of the battle there, the desperate retreat of the British forces during the Napoleonic War, led by Sir John Moore across the mountains to A Coruna, where he was victorious against the French, but died as a result of wounds - and that wonderful poem - The Burial of Sir John Moore

 

[gerbenson]

And if the timing is right you may want to try one of the delicious wines from the region (you will be walking through vineyards and past wineries in Camponaraya and Cacabelos).

When I am at Cacabelos I always think of the battle there, the desperate retreat of the British forces during the Napoleonic War, led by Sir John Moore across the mountains to A Coruna, where he was victorious against the French, but died as a result of wounds - and that wonderful poem - The Burial of Sir John Moore

Thanks. I will definitely make a stop at your recommendation.

 

[Kanga]

I don't think there is anything marking the battle. But it is a nice little town. Last time I was there the wood fired oven bakery was sending out wonderful smells of fresh hot bread. And there is a good chocolate and churros shop on the plaza!

 

[Deleted member 39850]

Love this thread! Last time I was in Cacabelos it was nearly closed up entirely for holidays. It was early October, and almost every restaurant was closed. Glad that one this trip I will know to look out for the wood-fired oven and pizza etc!

Gar -- I wish you a great adventure. the mountains in Galicia are truly lovely, and an extension of the same international Appalachian trail that runs through Ireland, the Laurentians in Quebec and the Appalachians in the US. Fascinating.... beautiful.... Galicia was perhaps my favourite 12 or so days of the whole route.

Ultreia!

 

[AlwynWellington]

Concerning Cacabelos

On entering I asked a local with some English to help me with pronunciation of the town's name, which he did - it was an instant big step up the learning curve for me.

I don't think there is anything marking the battle

Two that I saw:
1) in the dining room of the new hotel (with a statue of Saint James as a pilgrim outside facing westwards) - a large painting covering one wall depicting the battle
2) near the bridge out of town there was some signage.

@Morgan Holmes , greetings

I was there on a Saturday evening in mid October 2017. All the cafes and restaurants had on offer were combinations - chips and something. But I got lucky and found a menu del dia in a bar after quite a bit of walking around. I was pleased. Because of alimentary canal issues back in Leon I had not eaten adequately for quite a few days.