One last forum revision of the guide

[peregrina2000]

Hi to all Invierno alums, with a special shout out to those who have helped me revise the forum guide year after year.

This guide started years ago when Rebekah ventured out on the Invierno for the first time. Her bout with giardia meant she had some big gaps in coverage, which @wisepilgrim filled in for her.

Fast forward several years- I’ve been coordinating the revisions, and every year the guide gets better. But I know that it has a limited audience —the only other English speaking pilgrim I met on the Invierno (other than forum member Annette) had never seen it. And as things speed up, I think a more professional veneer (with maps, precise distances, etc) would make it more valuable.

I have discussed this with all the relevant parties, and my plan is to go full circle and turn the product back to @wisepilgrim.

This will make our little book more professional and give it a wider audience. It has been a lot of fun doing these updates and I’ve made some good forum friends through the efforts, but I think it’s time.

I am in Barajas waiting for my flight home, so it seems like a good time to plan my first post-camino project. And since I walked the Invierno this year, I will have (I hope) many fewer doubts than in previous years. But I’m sure there will be some, and I will post my questions here. I wanted people to know that I will be turning over this year’s revisions to wisepilgrim, and we can take comfort in knowing that he will add a polish that is simply beyond my capabilities, and in knowing that he is a true Peregrino (whatever that may mean to you) to his very core.

So stay tuned for one last chance to quibble about the exit from Lalín or any of our other never-ending debates.

 

[VNwalking]

Standing by for questions. Thank you, Laurie, for the years of dedicated work.
And it's wonderful to see the evolution of a good idea, year after year. But you will have to find another project, when @wisepilgrim takes over this one...hmmm...

 

[William Marques]

Thanks for all your work and I am looking forward to what comes next.

 

[Annette london]

Hi to all Invierno alums, with a special shout out to those who have helped me revise the forum guide year after year.

This guide started years ago when Rebekah ventured out on the Invierno for the first time. Her bout with giardia meant she had some big gaps in coverage, which @wisepilgrim filled in for her.

Fast forward several years- I’ve been coordinating the revisions, and every year the guide gets better. But I know that it has a limited audience —the only other English speaking pilgrim I met on the Invierno (other than forum member Annette) had never seen it. And as things speed up, I think a more professional veneer (with maps, precise distances, etc) would make it more valuable.

I have discussed this with all the relevant parties, and my plan is to go full circle and turn the product back to @wisepilgrim.

This will make our little book more professional and give it a wider audience. It has been a lot of fun doing these updates and I’ve made some good forum friends through the efforts, but I think it’s time.

I am in Barajas waiting for my flight home, so it seems like a good time to plan my first post-camino project. And since I walked the Invierno this year, I will have (I hope) many fewer doubts than in previous years. But I’m sure there will be some, and I will post my questions here. I wanted people to know that I will be turning over this year’s revisions to wisepilgrim, and we can take comfort in knowing that he will add a polish that is simply beyond my capabilities, and in knowing that he is a true Peregrino (whatever that may mean to you) to his very core.

So stay tuned for one last chance to quibble about the exit from Lalín or any of our other never-ending debates.

This sounds like a wonderful idea, and a little book will most probably find a bigger audience for the Invierno outside of the forum

Saying this, Charlie and myself sincerely must thank you for all your efforts in putting together the Invierno PDF ....for without that download from the forum, we probably would not even have attempted the Invierno.

Also need to thank Caryn, VN walking, Athene,Charrito, kinky1 and so many others for their descriptions and information re this Camino as I read almost everything there was to read on it before we left.

It was lovely meeting you for a few days and hope you have a safe journey home
Best wishes
Annette and Charlie

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

So far, I have been traveling with you virtually each year as you post revisions. Thanks to all for their effort and dedication.

 

[t2andreo]

The other advantage to letting Michael assume responsibility for the Invierno Guide under his Wise Pilgrim series, is that there is an accompanying app for smartphones.

The Wise Pilgrim guides & apps are arguably the best out there. The author lives in Santiago and keeping all his guides current is his job.

This was a sound decision IMHO...

 

[LTfit]

What a wise decision Laurie (no pun intended). Your work and the help of others has been invaluable to many on this Forum. Michael will do a fabulous job I am sure.

Safe trip home

 

[peregrina2000]

Standing by for questions. Thank you, Laurie, for the years of dedicated work.
And it's wonderful to see the evolution of a good idea, year after year. But you will have to find another project, when @wisepilgrim takes over this one...hmmm...

Maybe moving on to the Olvidado, though I am almost done translating Ender’s guide and it’s pretty complete.

Happy to take suggestions for new projects! Especially if it involves walking a new camino.

 

[KinkyOne]

Maybe moving on to the Olvidado, though I am almost done translating Ender’s guide and it’s pretty complete.

Happy to take suggestions for new projects! Especially if it involves walking a new camino.

It's quite obvious that you like more hilly Caminos. What about Ruta del Besaya (Santander - Carrion de los Condes)?

 

[jerbear]

Lol.

 

[AshIreGal]

Maybe moving on to the Olvidado, though I am almost done translating Ender’s guide and it’s pretty complete.

Happy to take suggestions for new projects! Especially if it involves walking a new camino.

Best travels back home. I also cannot thank all of you enough that put together the info in a way that I can follow and understand. Just pulled into Pola de Gordon on Olvidado and a guide by Roger has been incredible helpful that will be available from the CsJ in Britain (I think?). In fact, this doc has saved me I'm problematic areas... There is a new app also for Camino Olvidado ...(but it has glitches).. also elcaminoolvidado.com amazing and the guide from yourself as well 2014.
Safe travels.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Hi to all Invierno alums, with a special shout out to those who have helped me revise the forum guide year after year.

This guide started years ago when Rebekah ventured out on the Invierno for the first time. Her bout with giardia meant she had some big gaps in coverage, which @wisepilgrim filled in for her.

Fast forward several years- I’ve been coordinating the revisions, and every year the guide gets better. But I know that it has a limited audience —the only other English speaking pilgrim I met on the Invierno (other than forum member Annette) had never seen it. And as things speed up, I think a more professional veneer (with maps, precise distances, etc) would make it more valuable.

I have discussed this with all the relevant parties, and my plan is to go full circle and turn the product back to @wisepilgrim.

This will make our little book more professional and give it a wider audience. It has been a lot of fun doing these updates and I’ve made some good forum friends through the efforts, but I think it’s time.

I am in Barajas waiting for my flight home, so it seems like a good time to plan my first post-camino project. And since I walked the Invierno this year, I will have (I hope) many fewer doubts than in previous years. But I’m sure there will be some, and I will post my questions here. I wanted people to know that I will be turning over this year’s revisions to wisepilgrim, and we can take comfort in knowing that he will add a polish that is simply beyond my capabilities, and in knowing that he is a true Peregrino (whatever that may mean to you) to his very core.

So stay tuned for one last chance to quibble about the exit from Lalín or any of our other never-ending debates.

Hi all Invierno freaks,

I didn't want to create a new thread just for this post... I think this one will do... It may, directly or indirectly, lead to new information and/or updates of the Invierno guide.

I tried to book at Hostal la Torre for tomorrow (July 20): full! I tried with today too (19), thinking about the crazy idea of walking there this evening, but it was full today too. Is it that the Invierno is getting crowded, or just because it's the weekend??

I wanted to throw myself down on the sidewalk in Ponferrada and cry. Then I got myself together and remembered that I had brought Laurie & Co:s Invierno guide. I tried to find a not too expensive alternative to Hostal la Torre, but it wasn't easy. According to Booking.com, everything in Las Médulas was also booked! Is this frequent on weekends, since Las Médulas is touristy?

After googling, reading and phoning like a madman to half Galicia, I am left with these two alternatives: 1) Use the polideportivo in Puente de Domingo Florez or 2) staying in the bar Mar in Sobradelo. I phoned both places and there would be no problem.

But: I am afraid I will have to sleep on a hard floor in the polideportivo in Puente Domingo, which my back can't handle. If there's anyone there to receive me at all. The guy I phoned said he was "almost certain" about the sports hall. So who knows. Sobradelo on the other hand would be a monster stage of 40++ kms from Ponferrada, way ahead of my comfort zone. I could cut a few kms (?) if I skip Villavieja and the Cornatel. (I have been to the castle twice already so it's not a big deal.)

Have I missed any intermediary accomodation? (I skipped the 30+ euros mentioned in the guide, can't afford it.)

Anyone knows how much shorter the alternative that avoids Villavieja would be?

Either way I am heading out tomorrow, nothing can stop me!!

/BP

 

[VNwalking]

one knows how much shorter the alternative that avoids Villavieja would be?

4kms, roughly.

Buen camino, BP!
How about a short stage to Borrenes? Is that full, too? Another option to consider is going down to Carucedo - it's bigger and nearer to the main drag, so there might be something? My OSMand overlay says there's a place called La Peregrina there.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

4kms, roughly.

Holy pony,

That almost makes me consider Sobradelo!

With the Villavieja discount, it would be "only" 43 kms from Ponferrada.

 

[KinkyOne]

Hi all Invierno freaks,

I didn't want to create a new thread just for this post... I think this one will do... It may, directly or indirectly, lead to new information and/or updates of the Invierno guide.

I tried to book at Hostal la Torre for tomorrow (July 20): full! I tried with today too (19), thinking about the crazy idea of walking there this evening, but it was full today too. Is it that the Invierno is getting crowded, or just because it's the weekend??

I wanted to throw myself down on the sidewalk in Ponferrada and cry. Then I got myself together and remembered that I had brought Laurie & Co:s Invierno guide. I tried to find a not too expensive alternative to Hostal la Torre, but it wasn't easy. According to Booking.com, everything in Las Médulas was also booked! Is this frequent on weekends, since Las Médulas is touristy?

After googling, reading and phoning like a madman to half Galicia, I am left with these two alternatives: 1) Use the polideportivo in Puente de Domingo Florez or 2) staying in the bar Mar in Sobradelo. I phoned both places and there would be no problem.

But: I am afraid I will have to sleep on a hard floor in the polideportivo in Puente Domingo, which my back can't handle. If there's anyone there to receive me at all. The guy I phoned said he was "almost certain" about the sports hall. So who knows. Sobradelo on the other hand would be a monster stage of 40++ kms from Ponferrada, way ahead of my comfort zone. I could cut a few kms (?) if I skip Villavieja and the Cornatel. (I have been to the castle twice already so it's not a big deal.)

Have I missed any intermediary accomodation? (I skipped the 30+ euros mentioned in the guide, can't afford it.)

Anyone knows how much shorter the alternative that avoids Villavieja would be?

Either way I am heading out tomorrow, nothing can stop me!!

/BP

Why not stay first night in albergue in Villavieja. It wouldn't be really long stage and exactly because of that you could carry all your provisions (additional weight, slower pace). This way you wouldn't have to skip Cornatel and could shorten next day stage to Sobradelo. In this case (weekend) I would do just that.

Buen Camino!

 

[Theatregal]

You may have done this already (wasn't sure from your message who you called besides checking booking.com) Just wondering if you tried calling Hostal La Torre directly? If booking.com says a place is full, it doesn't necessarily mean it is. If you call the accommodation directly, quite often there is a room available. I also discovered along the Invierno, that by calling directly and telling them you are a pilgrim, sometimes there was a better rate available. In Medulas, did you try calling Casa Socorro? +34 987 422 858 Also, if places are full, I've had success asking recommendations from them if they know of other possibilities in town.

 

[VNwalking]

Grf. 43's a wee wslk, to be sure. Refresh the thread...I had another thought and edited my post. And K1's idea is the obvious (and good) one, as are Theatregal's suggestions.
One thing to try is whdn you get to Borrenes, maybe ask Mariscol to call around. She helped me very happily,doing that.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

How about a short stage to Borrenes? Is that full, too? Another option to consider is going down to Carucedo - it's bigger and nearer to the main drag, so there might be something? My OSMand overlay says there's a place called La Peregrina there.

Borrenes (the Hotel) and the Peregrina are also full! So weird.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

You may have done this already (wasn't sure from your message who you called besides checking booking.com) Just wondering if you tried calling Hostal La Torre directly? If booking.com says a place is full, it doesn't necessarily mean it is. If you call the accommodation directly, quite often there is a room available. I also discovered along the Invierno, that by calling directly and telling them you are a pilgrim, sometimes there was a better rate available. In Medulas, did you try calling Casa Socorro? +34 987 422 858 Also, if places are full, I've had success asking recommendations from them if they know of other possibilities in town.

Yes I phoned the Torre , just to be sure! But I don't think I called the Socorro: I will try.

 

[VNwalking]

Just...
Maybe there's a sporting event or something.
Casa Soccoro was very sweet. Hope it comes through for you.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

You may have done this already (wasn't sure from your message who you called besides checking booking.com) Just wondering if you tried calling Hostal La Torre directly? If booking.com says a place is full, it doesn't necessarily mean it is. If you call the accommodation directly, quite often there is a room available. I also discovered along the Invierno, that by calling directly and telling them you are a pilgrim, sometimes there was a better rate available. In Medulas, did you try calling Casa Socorro? +34 987 422 858 Also, if places are full, I've had success asking recommendations from them if they know of other possibilities in town.

Theatregal, Angel of the Camino!! Almighty protector of bad pilgrims! I called Casa Socorro the second I read your advice, and now there is a little room waiting for me in Las Médulas!

Bye bye polideportivo...! Hello luxury!

How can I ever repay you!

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Just...
Maybe there's a sporting event or something.
Casa Soccoro was very sweet. Hope it comes through for you.

It just did !

 

[peregrina2000]

Wow, looks like I missed a lot of excitement in the time I was off line! So glad you have it all straightened away, BP. It sounds like you are fine, but the albergue in Médulas, A Senda, should be opening any minute now, in case others find themselves in a similar situation.

It would be interesting to know what caused this crunch, because I am pretty sure it’s not a burst of pilgrims on the Invierno!

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Why not stay first night in albergue in Villavieja. It wouldn't be really long stage and exactly because of that you could carry all your provisions (additional weight, slower pace). This way you wouldn't have to skip Cornatel and could shorten next day stage to Sobradelo. In this case (weekend) I would do just that.

Buen Camino!

Dang,

I didn't think about the albergue in Villavieja. Of course. That was a good idea, but now I have snatched a room in Las Médulas! So I guess A Rúa, not Sobradelo, will be stop nr 2.

If everything isn't sold out there as well... I wonder if I will meet a lot of pilgrims tomorrow?!

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

It would be interesting to know what caused this crunch, because I am pretty sure it’s not a burst of pilgrims on the Invierno!

I know. I was totally unprepared for La Torre being full. It is a nice place. So I hadn't really planned any alternative! Well, we'll see how crowded it is tomorrow on the Camino!

 

[KinkyOne]

Dang,

I didn't think about the albergue in Villavieja. Of course. That was a good idea, but now I have snatched a room in Las Médulas! So I guess A Rúa, not Sobradelo, will be stop nr 2.

If everything isn't sold out there as well... I wonder if I will meet a lot of pilgrims tomorrow?!

Well you obviously read @Theatregal post first although it was posted after mine

In A Rua there's albergue in polideportivo!

 

[VNwalking]

Yay, BP, just...yay.
I thought the walk as far as Sobradelo from As Medulas was just right - but then I hadn't walked as far as you have at this point. And it meant a later morning and being able to poke around in PDF.

In A Rua there's albergue in polideportivo

And Pension Niza downtown - a nice elderly couple who gave me a pilgrim discount. 20 euros for a very nice room.
Whatever you do, BC, BP!

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

the albergue in Médulas, A Senda, should be opening any minute now, in case others find themselves in a similar situation.

Ookay, that's one thing I can investigate while I'm there! I'll be a good spy.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

In A Rua there's albergue in polideportivo!

That's where I'll end up, I'm sure of it...!

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

And Pension Niza downtown - a nice elderly couple who gave me a pilgrim discount. 20 euros for a very nice room.

I usually stay in Fabio (knock on wood) but I have heard good things about Niza too. Well at least there are alternatives...!

 

[peregrina2000]

If 20 euros is in your budget, I would text Pillaban. It is a little hotel rural right in front of the church (so about 50 m from Asún’s house). They charge pilgrims 20. It is right on the camino and very comfortable. They have a great restaurant below, and you are also a very short walk to downtown A Rúa.
Pillaban — 627 89 10 04.

You will have to call the police to get into the polideportivo on weekends. 696 91 75 94.
It looks fine, and it is nice and on the river, but I think it is about 1.5 km off camino.

Good luck, BP

 

[Albertagirl]

I am following this thread with interest as I prepare for my camino this fall. Like @Bad Pilgrim, I have planned where to stay, although I do not have advance reservations. But @VNwalking has inspired me to be more open to just walking each day and staying where I find when I want to stop. So I am trying to find what is available within the potential distances that I feel able to walk daily. I shall have contact information on my phone for all accommodation on the route, with notes about the cost. It is something to do as I prepare for my departure in September. At the moment, the only probable challenge will be the Nov. 1 long weekend. Nov. 1 is a statutory holiday in Spain, and this year falls on a Friday. If I keep to my current schedule, I expect to be at Pension Pacita that night, then on to Montforte de Lemos and Escairon for the next two nights. But I shall have been walking about a month by then, from Madrid to Sahagun to Ponferrada and onward, so there is no point in making any reservations for the Invierno before I get to Ponferrada (maybe at Pension Pacita?) as I may be a little ahead or behind my anticipated schedule. I am hoping not to have problems finding a bed every weekend of my walk. But as I am not starting until October, that seems less probable than in summer. I am hoping for more albergues to open, and shall keep alert for available polideportivos (as advised by @KinkyOne). Any good advice is much welcomed. And congratulations to @Bad Pilgrim on finding a suitable place for tonight.

 

[Theatregal]

Theatregal, Angel of the Camino!! Almighty protector of bad pilgrims! I called Casa Socorro the second I read your advice, and now there is a little room waiting for me in Las Médulas!

Bye bye polideportivo...! Hello luxury!

How can I ever repay you!

I'm soooo happy BP!! No need to repay other than...Having a most Buen Camino!!! Keep in mind that there isn't a grocery store in Medulas. If you don't want to eat in the restaurants, bring provisions!