LIVE from the Camino OzAnnie -Camino Mozárabe de Almería to Mérida Start 28 Oct2022

[OzAnnie]

Just thinking ahead about accommodation in Guadix...
If you've been to Coober Pedy, you might not need/want the cueva experience.
If you do choose the cueva accommodation, just bear in mind that it's not central. That's not an issue if Paco knows you're in town, because he'll come and pick you up to show you the cathedral. So make sure he knows you're there Let him know anyway, wherever you stay: Paco is another Camino angel!
If you choose to stay more centrally, then you can always have a look at a cueva when you arrive in Guadix. There's a mirador just after the cuevas interpretation centre, and as you climb up, you'll see the Cueva de José. Donativo entry.
View attachment 136043
We were celebrating a milestone in our lives, so we stayed at the hotel Abentofail, but it doesn't have pilgrim rates. La Casona de la Luz has pilgrim rates, and is more central.

Gee thanks AJ.
You must have been reading my mind.
I contacted Manuel of lacho albergue in Alquife and reserved. I wasn’t aware it was out of town. No matter.

Re Guadix … I was contemplating the choices. (No - I know about Coober Pedy/ underground town in oz but haven’t been there ). I wasn’t really wanting to sleep in a cave.
I’ve just booked La Casona de la Luz. On booking dot com. It was easier this late at night and it’s sorted.

Thanks for all the details put into this thread Aj.

Annie.

 

[Former member 104756]

Wow Annie. This Camino is truly providing some challenges, which you are facing and overcoming or working around in great style! We haven't walked Almeria to Granada, but certainly I can say that my memories of Granada to Merida are that it was nowhere near as challenging as this first section.

I loved the Granada to Merida camino (not to mention the towns of Granada, Cordoba, Merida). Yes, we had to keep our wits about us at some stages where way marking was let's just say 'deficient'. And there were some decisions to be made regarding long stages. But, overall, it was a very positive experience which we both felt we would happily repeat.

I won't offer information on accommodation etc from our time - there are others far more qualified due to their experience being more recent, I don't tend to retain a high level of reliable detail and it was almost 8 years ago. But I do hope that you enjoy the Granada to Merida stages - and find them more than a little less challenging.

Bravo, amiga. Buen caminio.

 

[MarkyD]

Re (Alquife) Albergue Lacho info MarkyD
I notice on the Mozárabe (Almería amigos site) they have this info :
Do you think it’s incorrect that they have a breakfast included. ??

————- Albergue Lacho ——-
16 € incluido Desayuno, Wifi, lavadora (2,50 €)

Thanks again for all the detail on stages ahead.
Annie

My mistake, the breakfast was included, but not the evening meal, sorry.

 

[MarkyD]

We didn't see any arrows pointing to Abrucena, so we just went back down the Calle Real, as you did.

Oh dear, I should have warned you! Sorry, @OzAnnie ! When we spoke to Violeta's husband on the phone, he explained to us that that shower didn't have hot water, and I assumed he or Violeta might have done the same...

Yep. Same here. Are we there yet ... Glad my darling had stamina on that day...

I agree.

We stopped in La Calahorra on a Wednesday. The castle is open in the morning, until 2 pm, and then opens again at 4pm. We had met a couple in Huéneja, Jojo and Aurora, and they visited the castle in the afternoon, and after the visit, continued to Alquife.
Note that the visit is guided, costs 3 Euros, and the guide speaks Spanish fast

The walk through the pine forest when you see the castle is very nice.

At Albergue Casa Violeta in Huéneja, we had used the downstairs bathroom by the front door. That had plenty of hot water. I gather that some other rooms have en-suite bathrooms, but we were in a room with two single beds, which is on the first floor landing on the right. It has a beautiful carved pumpkin "calabaza" lamp on the bedside table between the two beds.

All the artwork in the house is the work of Violeta's husband Pepé. The house is Pepé's father's house, who suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, so they look after him at the family home in the town. It was only a year or so ago when they decided to make use of the empty house and convert it into a donativo Albergue, which opened in May this year. They told me that their aim is to move onto their sustainable living "finca" at some point, but for now they are committed to caring for Pepé's father. The finca is a longterm project, but they have been using it to show local school children, and others who might be interested, about their project. It's just a little way outside the town.

Here are some photos of the albergue. There are more in a previous post.

 

[OzAnnie]

Further to the variants mentioned earlier / leaving Abla and entering Huéneja .

Gronze shows how if you exit from the Abla albergue and take a right (instead of retracing your way up to albergue /the way I took) you can go via Abrucena and rejoin.
Manuel the other pilgrim went that way. I saw him this morning outside Dolor on stage to Alquife. He said he didn’t like Abrucena much.
The Gronze screenshot shows also the variant used for cyclists into Huéneja, which I would take if I were to walk it again.

I’m sitting under the pine trees now @AJGuillaume Looking toward the castle .conserving my energy / bought a pastry direct from the van on entry to Ferreira. So cut straight thru the town and out.

Annie. .

 

[MarkyD]

Further to the variants mentioned earlier / leaving Abla and entering Huéneja .

Gronze shows how if you exit from the Abla albergue and take a right (instead of retracing your way up to albergue /the way I took) you can go via Abrucena and rejoin.
Manuel the other pilgrim went that way. I saw him this morning outside Dolor on stage to Alquife. He said he didn’t like Abrucena much.
The Gronze screenshot shows also the variant used for cyclists into Huéneja, which I would take if I were to walk it again.

I’m sitting under the pine trees now @AJGuillaume Looking toward the castle .conserving my energy / bought a pastry direct from the van on entry to Ferreira. So cut straight thru the town and out.

Annie. .

Excellent update. Today should be a gentler day to enjoy and recuperate some energy under those wonderful pine trees. There are also many Cheshnut trees, almond trees, olive trees etc., all the glories of nature for you to behold. It's brilliant to hear how you are able to bounce back after the last couple of days. We are all sending you our deepest Camino Pilgrim love to you.
Maybe the puppies at Albergue Lacho will be there to greet you with their wiggly waggly tails:

 

[OzAnnie]

Copied statistics posted from fb page of CAMINO MOZÁRABE DE ALMERÍA. ———Quite a number left Almeria in October - total 95. !!
——————_
OCTOBER
In this month, have started the Mozarabic Road from Almeria, 95 pilgrims, 68 men and 27 women, 12 bicigrinos, 42 Spanish and 53 foreigners, of 13 nationalities: Netherlands, Japan, USA, Germany, Lithuania, France, Canada, Australia, Norway, Italy Lia, England, Argentina, Spain.
Their destinations have been: 2 Finisterre, 13 Santiago, 25 Merida, 12 Cordoba, 42 Granada, 1 Abla.
Have a nice trip everyone ♂ ️

 

[OzAnnie]

enjoy and recuperate some energy under those wonderful pine trees. There are also many Cheshnut trees, almond trees, olive trees etc., all the glories of nature for you to behold. It's brilliant to hear how you are able to bounce back after the last couple of days. We are all sending you our deepest Camino Pilgrim love to you.
Maybe the puppies at Albergue Lacho will be there to greet you with their wiggly wiggly tails:

I hope there are puppies. I love dogs. I am amazed at the cats everywhere on this camino. Mostly friendly too.

Seeing quite a bit of bird life but don’t know all by name. Yesterday I saw my first Magpie. Not the Maggie that we have in Oz which isn’t a magpie I believe.
Several bunnies , a deer on the Highway junction !! Yes MarkyD. Lots of trees. Almonds are great from the tree. Lots on the ground .. chestnuts too. And olives olives olives. I did manage to get 3 figs. Lonely little guys. Season has finished ? Very tasty.

Day 6. Huéneja to Alquife.
Got away a little later 7.40am but made good time. Coffee in Dolor. whizzed thru Ferreira.
It’s a blue sky day so I don’t want to be out burning for too long. So I’m looking at my maps and shaving off little bits where I can. I didn’t look around Huéneja this morning. Straight out and up. I didn’t stop for castle tour (sorry no report from me. I’m finding that there are more than enough climbs without climbing up to the castle. It looks a bit like a prison from below. I noticed Manuel was up there. I noticed I could clip a bit off by taking the Gr5200 out of Ferreira up to the entrance to the pine forest. The lastly I bypassed Minas del Marquesado and walked straight to Alquife on the GR5104. Very little traffic and there was a good apron on side of the road, I did bushwhack just a little to traverse onto the 5104 because I didn’t notice it until I was enroute
Probably not the done thing when the amigos go to the trouble of marking the safest route but as I said ; I wanted to get here before I overheated today. Got here at 1.30pm and headed straight to menú del día at bar el zapato.
Now off to locate the Alberge.

 

[AJGuillaume]

Tomorrow, Guadix!

When you get to Jerez del Marquesado, if you need a 5 minute break, stop at the Parque de la Música. It's nice.

Just after Jerez del Marquesado, you'll get to the Pantano de Cogollos de Guadix, a water reservoir. Walk straight across the damn wall, don't go around.

When you go through Cogollos de Guadix, stop at the bar Los Mellizos. Paco is the owner, and he has a great stamp for your credencial. He has walked the Camino.


Buen Camino @OzAnnie !

 

[MarkyD]

I hope there are puppies. I love dogs. I am amazed at the cats everywhere on this camino. Mostly friendly too.

Seeing quite a bit of bird life but don’t know all by name. Yesterday I saw my first Magpie. Not the Maggie that we have in Oz which isn’t a magpie I believe.
Several bunnies , a deer on the Highway junction !! Yes MarkyD. Lots of trees. Almonds are great from the tree. Lots on the ground .. chestnuts too. And olives olives olives. I did manage to get 3 figs. Lonely little guys. Season has finished ? Very tasty.

Day 6. Huéneja to Alquife.
Got away a little later 7.40am but made good time. Coffee in Dolor. whizzed thru Ferreira.
It’s a blue sky day so I don’t want to be out burning for too long. So I’m looking at my maps and shaving off little bits where I can. I didn’t look around Huéneja this morning. Straight out and up. I didn’t stop for castle tour (sorry no report from me. I’m finding that there are more than enough climbs without climbing up to the castle. It looks a bit like a prison from below. I noticed Manuel was up there. I noticed I could clip a bit off by taking the Gr5200 out of Ferreira up to the entrance to the pine forest. The lastly I bypassed Minas del Marquesado and walked straight to Alquife on the GR5104. Very little traffic and there was a good apron on side of the road, I did bushwhack just a little to traverse onto the 5104 because I didn’t notice it until I was enroute
Probably not the done thing when the amigos go to the trouble of marking the safest route but as I said ; I wanted to get here before I overheated today. Got here at 1.30pm and headed straight to menú del día at bar el zapato.
Now off to locate the Alberge.

Great to hear about your intrepid route changes and walking on the fly. Sometimes you just gotta do what you have to do

The photos remind me of my walk along that stage. I remember a local in Ferreira telling me to ignore the clear sign of a yellow arrow going downhill. He said that it would only bring me back up the hill on the otherside, before going through the forest path to La Calahorra. I followed his advice. Strangely enough, I saw arrows coming up the other hill before it showed the waymarker and arrows to take the forest path.

I must admit, there are a few "junctions" where signage is either not clearly visible, absent or misleading. It might just be me of course, although I met a couple of other pilgrims who said the same. However, in general the signage is pretty well distributed along the route, so hats off to those volunteers from the Association Camino Mozárabe who do that work. Maybe it could do with a few extra signs here and there to help those of us like me who are not so great at paying attention...

 

[VNwalking]

Wow, Annie, I'm in awe - and enjoying your journey very much. Buen camino, dauntless peregrina!

 

[OzAnnie]

Tomorrow, Guadix

Yes. But unfortunately I won’t get to meet the famous Paco of the association. He will be working tomorrow / yoga I think.
3 others here will meet him the following day because they are staying 2 nights in Guadix. A Spanish peregrino (Manuel) spoke with Paco and he passed on his apologies to me.

Just after Jerez del Marquesado, you'll get to the Pantano de Cogollos de Guadix, a water reservoir. Walk straight across the damn wall, don't go around.

Thankyou. Much clearer ! Manuel (the Hospitalero here in Alquife spoke of this but very rapidly in Spanish and it wasn’t clear to me. He said there are 2 ways but I couldn’t make out how you could go direct across a lake. ! A wall !!

When you go through Cogollos de Guadix, stop at the bar Los Mellizos. Paco is the owner, and he has a great stamp for your credencial. He has walked the Camino.

I will do that. A bar stop is always a good stop. Also another Paco! So I’ll meet one at least.

@MarkyD I met the puppies. So cute and the mother dog. Dana. (Pics below ) Martin who is a guy from Lithuania is here helping Manuel Lacho. (Albergue Lacho). Martín showed me where they were

There is also another Peregrino (German / called Guenter) who I gather is a permanent pilgrim - from what he says he walks certain sections and stays in some places for awhile. He likes the Mozárabe because it is extremely well set up with albérgues open and including many donativos.

This Albergue is very nice. It’s spacious and open. I got lucky and was given the room with a single bed just off the main area. The other dorm rooms that I saw had a few bunks in them.

Do you know what fruit that is in pic below. Size of an apple or peach but is it a persimmon ?

 

[MarkyD]

Yes. But unfortunately I won’t get to meet the famous Paco of the association. He will be working tomorrow / yoga I think.
3 others here will meet him the following day because they are staying 2 nights in Guadix. A Spanish peregrino (Manuel) spoke with Paco and he passed on his apologies to me.

Thankyou. Much clearer ! Manuel (the Hospitalero here in Alquife spoke of this but very rapidly in Spanish and it wasn’t clear to me. He said there are 2 ways but I couldn’t make out how you could go direct across a lake. ! A wall !!


I will do that. A bar stop is always a good stop. Also another Paco! So I’ll meet one at least.

@MarkyD I met the puppies. So cute and the mother dog. Dana. (Pics below ) Martin who is a guy from Lithuania is here helping Manuel Lacho. (Albergue Lacho). Martín showed me where they were

There is also another Peregrino (German / called Guenter) who I gather is a permanent pilgrim - from what he says he walks certain sections and stays in some places for awhile. He likes the Mozárabe because it is extremely well set up with albérgues open and including many donativos.

This Albergue is very nice. It’s spacious and open. I got lucky and was given the room with a single bed just off the main area. The other dorm rooms that I saw had a few bunks in them.

Do you know what fruit that is in pic below. Size of an apple or peach but is it a persimmon ?

Martin might be Manolo's brother-in-law, because I met his wife who is from Lithuania. The puppies were barely 5 days old when we were there.

I've no idea what that fruit might be. I don't know what a Persimmon is either. If I had to guess, I'd say they were large apricots!

I haven't got any tips for Alquife to Guadix, as that was the second stage we skipped. But from Guadix to Granada I think I've already shared all the tips I have. Nonetheless, I shall look forward to your posts with gusto.

Guadix old town is steeped in history, so you'll no doubt enjoy the vibe even if you don't get to meet Paco or walk up the steep streets to the Cave Houses.

After Guadix, and after crossing the first part of "The Badlands of Spain", you'll arrive at Purullena. You'll see Cerro la Virgen, a statue on top of a small hill. You can get a nice stamp in the gift shop and there are some great views from the platform area below the statue. Inside the cave house there is a treasure trove of antiques and curioisties that are definitely worth a look.

Further down the street is a weird roundabout at a side junction with a massive arrow to the right, but it took me to the church, where other arrows took me back to the main street and back up to the roundabout again. Check your map or GPS app, because I think the trail goes left at the roundabout - taking you across the main road. If in doubt, check with Nely, or maybe @AJGuillaume might be able to help out. Either way, you'll need to aim for Marchal after Purullena. As you leave Marchal and the Cave Houses, you'll come across a purpose built pilgrims pergola. The bolt on the gates didn't line up when I was there, so the gates were tied up. I untied the gates to go in and enjoy a lovely rest in the shade and wash in water spouts there. Obviously, I secured the gates again on leaving. Further up the hill is a bronze statue of what looks like could be Santiago. On trying to look this up, I came across a PDF guide to Camino Mozárabe:

http://www.caminomozarabedesantiago.es/documentos/guia-eng.pdf

That's it for tonight, my eyeballs are about to drop out as slumber beckons me. Sleep well @OzAnnie , a new stage awaits you in all its glory.
Buen Camino peregrina

 

[AJGuillaume]

Further down the street is a weird roundabout at a side junction with a massive arrow to the right, but it took me to the church, where other arrows took me back to the main street and back up to the roundabout again. Check your map or GPS app, because I think the trail goes left at the roundabout - taking you across the main road. If in doubt, check with Nely, or maybe @AJGuillaume might be able to help out.

It was a Sunday when we left Guadix and walked through Purullena. The arrows do indeed take you to the church, so you could just keep going straight ahead until you see the arrows again. We went up to the church, and then looked for a bar to have our desayuno. If you're walking on a day other than a Sunday, @OzAnnie , you'll have a choice of bars, otherwise, when you get to Purullena, stop at the first bar you see on the right.

As you leave Marchal and the Cave Houses, you'll come across a purpose built pilgrims pergola. The bolt on the gates didn't line up when I was there, so the gates were tied up. I untied the gates to go in and enjoy a lovely rest in the shade and wash in water spouts there. Obviously, I secured the gates again on leaving. Further up the hill is a bronze statue of what looks like could be Santiago.

The water spouts were turned off when we got there, and the gates were open, but the shade provided at the rest area was welcome. There's a nice St James cross

The bronze statue is at the Mirador de San Marcos. I think it is a representation of a pilgrim.

 

[OzAnnie]

I hope this short video of Dana & pups comes through. I was leaving Albergue Lacho about 8am. The kennel is at the entry gate.

Te that fruit I quieried. Definitely a persimmon. I have tried them myself but didn’t like them. I saw them in the supermarket here but called Caqui
View attachment IMG_1862.MOV

 

[OzAnnie]

GPS went wild as I came into Guadix so spent a lot of time in wrong area. My body decided it needed a day off, so I booked a 2nd night at Casona de la luz. It was a really early night for me - kept off the phone .

Took advantage of rest day to visit the peluquería!! .

Now off to look around
Ps I’ve now lost 3 days but it will all roll out the way it does on camino.

An update later. I can now join the others when they meet Paco at the Catedral at 5.30 later.

 

[AJGuillaume]

GPS went wild as I came into Guadix so spent a lot of time in wrong area. My body decided it needed a day off, so I booked a 2nd night at Casona de la luz. It was a really early night for me - kept off the phone .

Took advantage of rest day to visit the peluquería!! .

Now off to look around
Ps I’ve now lost 3 days but it will all roll out the way it does on camino.

An update later. I can now join the others when they meet Paco at the Catedral at 5.30 later.

It was meant to be, @OzAnnie !

 

[MarkyD]

GPS went wild as I came into Guadix so spent a lot of time in wrong area. My body decided it needed a day off, so I booked a 2nd night at Casona de la luz. It was a really early night for me - kept off the phone .

Took advantage of rest day to visit the peluquería!! .

Now off to look around
Ps I’ve now lost 3 days but it will all roll out the way it does on camino.

An update later. I can now join the others when they meet Paco at the Catedral at 5.30 later.

Great decision. Say "hola" to Paco from me. He´ll remember me, as I kind of had a very tearful moment while walking around the cathedral with him and the other pilgrim, also called Mark. His tour is like no other, his personal connection with pilgrims, the history and the cathedral are just so deep.

Those are some tough stages that you just walked through, so rest and taking care of yourself is all part of it. The next two stages are going to be tough too - lots of inclines and descents, but much better tracks - easier on the feet, balance and everything. The superb views and open space will more than compensate for tired legs. When things got hard, I used to just get into the zone and say to myself, just put one foot in front of the other, keep going and be grateful for such a wonderful opportunity to walk a Camino again. I would also stop regularly to have rest and change socks and stretch a bit. I´m sure you know and do all these things, so it will come as no surprise to you.

Buen Camino and enjoy Guadix, I hope to go back there soon. My plan is to go with my wife and take a ride in a Hot-Air Ballon over the Geopark

 

[OzAnnie]

Buen Camino and enjoy Guadix, I hope to go back there soon. My plan is to go with my wife and take a ride in a Hot-Air Ballon over the Geopark

MarkyD I remember you said that you had to miss the stage into Guadix from Alquife . Actually, there was quite a lot of nice walking in that stage. The first bit and last bit were fine (not hard) but not as interesting as the middle section. I was clicking away with my iPhone. Both you and AJ. certainly took in much more detail in this camino than I did. It’s great that you’re both sharing it.

Pic 1. View from my room in Guadix
2- kitchen in Casona de la luz.
3- taken as I was leaving Cogollos de Guadix. Aj. I showed Paco of the café there / the pic you posted here and he saw your pic and remembered you. The older gents on the bench are typical of what you see walking in Spain’s pueblos.

The dam you cross is becoming empty.

You can see by the sky that the weather is good.

 

[VNwalking]

Took advantage of rest day to visit the peluquería

I’ve now lost 3 days but it will all roll out the way it does on camino.

Well, you lost some hair too from the sound of it.


Fortunately 3 days lost on the camino aren't lost in the same way as all those socks that end up in some weird parallel universe. Happy walking and continued buen camino, Annie!

 

[OzAnnie]

The goats.

Well, you lost some hair too from the sound of it.


Fortunately 3 days lost on the camino aren't lost in the same way as all those socks that end up in some weird parallel universe. Happy walking and continued buen camino, Annie!

. No - definitely no hair lost. I left home with a very short cut but (this info is strictly only for you Vira ). I only had the greying roots fixed. !!!
Nothing else. 20 euros. I feel much tidier.
I’ll have to bite the bullet one day ! It will be a freeing experience..

Re the missing days. -
@C clearly , @peregrina2000 , @Magwood or any of the Mozárabe mob from a few years back. Can you clue me in to a few (when it may be necessary for me ) more cuttable stages.

I may just make it easy on myself otherwise and get a bus from Granada in one fell swoop to make up the time.

Xx

 

[jungleboy]

Well, you lost some hair too from the sound of it.

Peluquería is a funny word, isn't it? Since it's derived from the word for wig (peluca for a woman), I am often thrown when I see so many signs for them in Spain. But it just means hairdresser.

 

[OzAnnie]

Peluquería is a funny word, isn't it? Since it's derived from the word for wig (peluca for a woman), I am often thrown when I see so many signs for them in Spain. But it just means hairdresser.

Years ago; when I first heard the word for hairdresser ‘peluquería’ I found it amusing.,as it reminded me of a comic book ‘back in the day !!!! ‘ called
Joe Palooka .

But the word makes sense in Spanish with ‘pelo’ meaning hair . Everything here becomes an ‘ería’ of some kind doesn’t it.

 

[AJGuillaume]

Can you clue me in to a few (when it may be necessary for me ) more cuttable stages.

After Granada, skip straight to Pinos Puente. There are buses, routes 225 and 226.
There's no real joy in walking that stage.

After Córdoba, depending on whether you want to walk long stages or not, you could skip the two longest ones: Villaharta to Alcaracejos (35km), and Hinojosa del Duque to Monterrubio de la Serena (32km).

 

[Former member 104756]

After Granada, skip straight to Pinos Puente. There are buses, routes 225 and 226.
There's no real joy in walking that stage.

Annie, that’s excellent advice from AJ. We walked Granada to Moclin. It was a very long day. Made even longer by getting lost for a while on the way out of town, as you do.

And the climb from Olivares to Moclin was a brutal way to finish, especially in the heat. I don’t think I’ve ever been so pleased to arrive anywhere.

 

[Sirage]

Depending on your mindset, missing stages can lead to a slippery slope of missing too many. Years ago I spoke occasionally to an older experienced Korean couple who had recently decided18 kms as their preferred max day on the Norte, and used taxis or local buses for short assists as needed - beginning or end of some stages depending on local factors. So they did "miss" a few kms but did not miss stages. A thought.

 

[Kanga]

Day 0 - Almería
Update on free day. o / really great.

Lovely photo of you Annie.

 

[Former member 104756]

Depending on your mindset, missing stages can lead to a slippery slope of missing too many. Years ago I spoke occasionally to an older experienced Korean couple who had recently decided18 kms as their preferred max day on the Norte, and used taxis or local buses for short assists as needed - beginning or end of some stages depending on local factors. So they did "miss" a few kms but did not miss stages. A thought.

I think whatever Annie decides will be just right. She is v experienced. My first 4 caminos I desperately wanted to walk every step and was fortunate that nothing - in particular health, injury, available time - got in the way of that.

Since then I have sometimes walked every step and sometimes changed my ‘mode of pilgrimage’ to adapt to various circumstances. Walking every step is still my preference but I’m very much at peace with making other choices as needed.

 

[OzAnnie]

Depending on your mindset, missing stages can lead to a slippery slope of missing too many. Years ago I spoke occasionally to an older experienced Korean couple who had recently decided18 kms as their preferred max day on the Norte, and used taxis or local buses for short assists as needed - beginning or end of some stages depending on local factors. So they did "miss" a few kms but did not miss stages. A thought.

I agree with your thinking. I would not cut stages for the sake of it. My decision will be based on cutting stages in order not to miss my return flight. Although initial plans worked on paper - delays getting to spain and finding a couple of stages overstretched my fitness /capabilities.. I’ve got to cut something or walk ridiculous kilometres (for me) to arrive. It’s not really meant to be extreme. I want to enjoy it.
But Thankyou ..

 

[Sirage]

I want to enjoy it.

Indeed. Hopefully I will be following your footsteps early next year, so I have a special interest in this/your thread.

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi @Sirage
I am at first café con leche stop at Purullena (stage Guadix to La Peza )
I recall from reading your previous threads that you are a strong walker. I’m sure you will handle these stages much easier than me.
I am no purist so whatever I have to do ; I will. When we are from Oz (I see you are from Vic in Oz) it takes a bit more planning for time / ie and making flight plans to match requirements. Sometimes hard to envisage where the difficult days are. They are different for all people.
My first camino in 2012 I didn’t flinch at 37klms but now 27klms has me ‘thinking hmmmm’. In November the day is shorter too . So getting laundry done and dried at end of long day can be tricky.

But it’s really a worthwhile camino. Quite varied and interesting. This region with the houses built into the hills as caves., is similar to look at to Las Vegas in Nevada USA. Or Las medulas on the camino invierno.

I’m enjoying it.
Ps. Shortening a days walk won’t give me back the extra day.
I will probably move my booking previously made for Cordoba ahead a couple of days. I had been trying to fit in days to arrive there on time. I will re assess my plan from whatever day I get to Cordoba.

Happy planning.
You will see that @AJGuillaume and @MarkyD created threads recently - they have heaps of detail that will help you in your plans.
Buen camino.

 

[AJGuillaume]

I will probably move my booking previously made for Cordoba ahead a couple of days.

A former member of the Forum who helped me a lot in planning suggested I take a bus from Santa Cruz to Córdoba. It's a 26km walk, and there's no way of shortening it. The only downside is missing out on the entry into Córdoba, but you wouldn't be missing much otherwise.

It's actually the same bus that took us from Castro del Río to Córdoba when we had to cut short our Camino for family reasons. So you could also take the bus from there.

It's bus M230, and Monday to Friday, there's one from Castro del Río at 7am, 8:05am, 9am, with departures from Santa Cruz 25 minutes later.

Note that our bus was 1/2 hour late. Don't expect Swiss precision timing

Edit: this is the bus station at Castro del Río

 

[Magwood]

Can you clue me in to a few (when it may be necessary for me ) more cuttable stages.

I’m revisiting my blog to remind me of the stages. The first cut you might consider is from Granada to Moclin. A long stage with some uninspiring stretches. (36km)

And possibly the next stage from Moclin to Alcalá La Real (25km).

And then maybe the following stage to Alcuadete (25 km) and from Baena to Castro del Rio (21km).

Of course all camino stages have at least some less inspiring stretches, but perhaps these have a few more than most.
I expect we will all have different ideas for cutting stages and others may have particularly enjoyed these suggestions. Never an easy decision.
Buen camino Annie. I’m enjoying your posts.

 

[AJGuillaume]

from Baena to Castro del Rio (21km).

Now that I think of it, our walk from Baena to Castro del Río wasn't all that bucolic.

So if you decide to skip that stage too, and go straight from Baena to Córdoba, it's the same bus that goes through Castro del Río and Santa Cruz, the M230. Monday to Friday, leaves Baena at 6.45am, 7.50am, 8.45am, 9.45am.

 

[peregrina2000]

Sorry not to have been very engaged. How unlike me to miss the chance to throw out tons of opinions. I am now going to be able to focus on your terrific thread.

I wanted to throw in the quick observation that the stage into Córdoba is one of those where you see it in the distance but never seem to get any closer. I would have sworn I was walking parallel with the city rather than heading towards it. Lots of shadeless ag/grazing if my memory serves. But it is pretty cool to come in over the bridge. Annie, if your days in Córdoba have changed, are you going to see about finding a better place to stay?

 

[OzAnnie]

That is extremely helpful @AJGuillaume posts #132 & #134 and Thankyou Maggie @Magwood #133 for checking back to your notes. I do understand that you’re not advising people - merely giving me some information to work with. Very grateful to you.
I should be able to get sorted with this info as a guide.

@peregrina2000
Once I’ve sorted possible new dates - this could change the Córdoba arrival and I could find a different place to stay. I still have time to cancel the booking dot com (2 days ) 11&12 Nov.

Annie

 

[AJGuillaume]

Very grateful to you.

With pleasure, @OzAnnie !
Unfortunately, we won't be much help after Castro del Río, as we had to interrupt our Camino there. Except maybe for our plan B options

We're currently in Mérida for 3 nights, on our way to see our family in Málaga. We'll check out the bars for you

 

[Sirage]

But it’s really a worthwhile camino. Quite varied and interesting.

I've reached the stage where I prefer to avoid crowds and enjoy small groups, or solitude, hence the Mozarabe and its difference.
On my first Camino I averaged about 25 km including rest days - including a few really long days. Now, at a different age and a few Caminos under my belt, for the Mozarabe I have allowed 85 days to do about 1,600 kms via Braga - shorter days, days to explore, and the freedom to not feel pressured to constantly keep moving to meet a deadline.
Some balance between being in the flow of walking and absorbing what I am passing through.
For some curious reason we leave the comforts of home for this relative primitive existence on a Camino.

 

[Former member 104756]

With pleasure, @OzAnnie !
Unfortunately, we won't be much help after Castro del Río, as we had to interrupt our Camino there. Except maybe for our plan B options

We're currently in Mérida for 3 nights, on our way to see our family in Málaga. We'll check out the bars for you

Ooh Merida. What a treat. So much to enjoy there. Profitez-bien.

 

[Mycroft]

Have been mulling over doing this route from Almeria to Granada. Will follow with great interest. All the best to you.

Ditto!

 

[Sunopo]

Indeed. Hopefully I will be following your footsteps early next year, so I have a special interest in this/your thread.

Same here!

 

[OzAnnie]

In Granada spain. You’ll notice the sling.
A sudden halt or delay now in my Camino.
Had a fall in the mountains coming through to Quentar. No phone signal and no-one around. (Party of cyclists - and Axel from Fundalucia driving up as far as safe in 4WD in those paths ) Another long story and after a few hrs in emergency/Granada hospital - the drip for pain takes ages !!!! X-rays and manipulation and they’ve told me that the last x rays show it’s in the right place. Advised to rest 10-15 days and keep sling on. Limited movement though this morning so hoping it improves. So looks like no walking with backpack for a while. Looking at forward days planning.

I will try to fill in a few gaps later of information & pics up to Quentar.
I didn’t actually stay in Quentar as planned on Sunday as owner of Fundalucia (Axel) drove me to Granada emergency. I’m staying in Pensíon Duquesa because another pilgrim staying at La Peza was advised the Monestario in Granada had a problem with water or pipes or something. Not sure if this is still the case .

 

[Kanga]

In Granada spain. You’ll notice the sling.
A sudden halt or delay now in my Camino.
Had a fall in the mountains coming through to Quentar. No phone signal and no-one around. (Party of cyclists - and Axel from Fundalucia driving up as far as safe in 4WD in those paths ) Another long story and after a few hrs in emergency/Granada hospital - the drip for pain takes ages !!!! X-rays and manipulation and they’ve told me that the last x rays show it’s in the right place. Advised to rest 10-15 days and keep sling on. Limited movement though this morning so hoping it improves. So looks like no walking with backpack for a while. Looking at forward days planning.

I will try to fill in a few gaps later of information & pics up to Quentar.
I didn’t actually stay in Quentar as planned on Sunday as owner of Fundalucia (Axel) drove me to Granada emergency. I’m staying in Pensíon Duquesa because another pilgrim staying at La Peza was advised the Monestario in Granada had a problem with water or pipes or something. Not sure if this is still the case .

On no, Annie! I am so sorry! Was your dislocated or broken? I know shoulder breaks can't be put in plaster which makes for a very difficult six weeks until it heals.

I do hope you have access to super strength Spanish painkillers - and a few red wines.

 

[AJGuillaume]

In Granada spain. You’ll notice the sling.
A sudden halt or delay now in my Camino.
Had a fall in the mountains coming through to Quentar. No phone signal and no-one around. (Party of cyclists - and Axel from Fundalucia driving up as far as safe in 4WD in those paths ) Another long story and after a few hrs in emergency/Granada hospital - the drip for pain takes ages !!!! X-rays and manipulation and they’ve told me that the last x rays show it’s in the right place. Advised to rest 10-15 days and keep sling on. Limited movement though this morning so hoping it improves. So looks like no walking with backpack for a while. Looking at forward days planning.

I will try to fill in a few gaps later of information & pics up to Quentar.
I didn’t actually stay in Quentar as planned on Sunday as owner of Fundalucia (Axel) drove me to Granada emergency. I’m staying in Pensíon Duquesa because another pilgrim staying at La Peza was advised the Monestario in Granada had a problem with water or pipes or something. Not sure if this is still the case .

So sorry to hear about your fall, @OzAnnie !
I hope you'll recover quickly! Thinking of you!

 

[MarkyD]

In Granada spain. You’ll notice the sling.
A sudden halt or delay now in my Camino.
Had a fall in the mountains coming through to Quentar. No phone signal and no-one around. (Party of cyclists - and Axel from Fundalucia driving up as far as safe in 4WD in those paths ) Another long story and after a few hrs in emergency/Granada hospital - the drip for pain takes ages !!!! X-rays and manipulation and they’ve told me that the last x rays show it’s in the right place. Advised to rest 10-15 days and keep sling on. Limited movement though this morning so hoping it improves. So looks like no walking with backpack for a while. Looking at forward days planning.

I will try to fill in a few gaps later of information & pics up to Quentar.
I didn’t actually stay in Quentar as planned on Sunday as owner of Fundalucia (Axel) drove me to Granada emergency. I’m staying in Pensíon Duquesa because another pilgrim staying at La Peza was advised the Monestario in Granada had a problem with water or pipes or something. Not sure if this is still the case .

Oh no, that must have been painful and quite disconcerting up in those mountains. You was a bit unlucky to get injured in a fall while walking, but depending on where and how it happens you can do yourself some damage. At least you were not in a completely isolated place when it happened, and it sounds like the emergency support responded very well. I live in Spain, in Madrid, and I would say that the medical care in general is top notch.

I'm sure that I speak for everyone here in sending you our best wishes and lots of Pilgrim love for you to recover well and for it not to take away from the rest of the experience too much.

These things can happen to anyone, I've been close to falling myself a few times. Tired legs, steep hills, uneven or loose terrain, or even just walking on the road, carrying a back pack etc., they can all conspire to cause us to turn an ankle, trip or fall in any moment really. Such is our friend "Señor Gravity", we need it, but it sometimes doesn't seem to care much for us.

Sounds like this journey is turning into something quite unexpected and challenging, but I'm sure you'll take away many positives from it. You are fast becoming a Camino Mozárabe legend!

Un abrazo muy fuerte,

MarkyD

 

[OzAnnie]

On no, Annie! I am so sorry! Was your dislocated or broken? I know shoulder breaks can't be put in plaster which makes for a very difficult six weeks until it heals.

I do hope you have access to super strength Spanish painkillers - and a few red wines.

Doc said it had been dislocated but not broken (yay). Pain was out of this world (to me a ‘woos with pain ‘).
I just visited farmacia and got 400mg ibuprofen.
Pain subsided unbelievably after they fixed me …. I didn’t feel a fix happen
However … limited movement and still feels a bit weird. I’ll take it easy for now. Tren turístico sounds like the way to go today. Might be sensible to stay here Tuesday night also. Gives me more time to work out where to move on to. It’s warmer and drier down this region so will stay around here. I did have bookings for Cordoba 11&12 and Mérida 23&24 and Madrid 25&26 but will work on the dates of the first 2 mentioned. Madrid will remain on those dates.
Xx thanks Jill.

 

[JennyH94]

Annie … have PM’d you.
Xxx Jenny

 

[OzAnnie]

. At least you were not in a completely isolated place when it happened

Actually it was quite remote Marky.
Just lucky it was Sunday and there were some bicyclists out from Granada.
It was walking through the Quarry (pic below ) before Quentar…. Still a good way to walk. I’d never have got that far without being rescued by Axel in his 4WD. But you are right - it could have been worse.

 

[MarkyD]

Actually it was quite remote Marky.
Just lucky it was Sunday and there were some bicyclists out from Granada.
It was walking through the Quarry (pic below ) before Quentar…. Still a good way to walk. I’d never have got that far without being rescued by Axel in his 4WD. But you are right - it could have been worse.

Wow, that quarry section is high up and remote. Yes, the mountain bike possé saved the day. That would have been a grim place to spend the night up there!
I imagine you've spoken to Nely or Mercedes about this. They must be quite shocked, as we all are.

 

[VNwalking]

Damn, Annie. Such bad luck! I'm sorry - but am very glad that those cyclists came by when they did, and that nothing was broken. (Still...ooooo, ouch!).
Thinking of you - may it heal quickly, and may the logistic pieces easily fall into place.

 

[OzAnnie]

Damn, Annie. Such bad luck! I'm sorry - but am very glad that those cyclists came by when they did, and that nothing was broken. (Still...ooooo, ouch!).
Thinking of you - may it heal quickly, and may the logistic pieces easily fall into place.

Tks VN.
You are a sweetie.
I’ve made an appointment at physio .. it is in less than an hour from now. Just to see if there is anything I could do to help more.

 

[peregrina2000]

Oh, no Annie,
I logged on to see your post, thinking that you were getting close to Granada, but never dreaming I would read this. I am not at all surprised to see your attitude and positivity shining through, in what is certainly a terrible bit of bad luck. I think I had ALMOST as good an attitude as yours last year when I couldn’t walk another step outside Arzua. No point in whining, whinging, complaining, but certainly a small dose of self-pity is in order! Maybe with our advancing years, we come more quickly to the perspective that it could have been a lot worse, as you also said.

I hope the pain is subsiding and let’s see where you go from here. We’re sending lots and lots of positive cyberhugs and buen caminos. Laurie

p.s. I am virtually certain that the 112 number will work even if you don’t have cell phone service, or if your SIM card has no balance on it. How that happens is a mystery to me, but that is what I have been told. You are so lucky that you didn’t need it!

 

[OzAnnie]

Oh, no Annie,
I logged on to see your post, thinking that you were getting close to Granada, but never dreaming I would read this. I am not at all surprised to see your attitude and positivity shining through, in what is certainly a terrible bit of bad luck. I think I had ALMOST as good an attitude as yours last year when I couldn’t walk another step outside Arzua. No point in whining, whinging, complaining, but certainly a small dose of self-pity is in order! Maybe with our advancing years, we come more quickly to the perspective that it could have been a lot worse, as you also said.

I hope the pain is subsiding and let’s see where you go from here. We’re sending lots and lots of positive cyberhugs and buen caminos. Laurie

p.s. I am virtually certain that the 112 number will work even if you don’t have cell phone service, or if your SIM card has no balance on it. How that happens is a mystery to me, but that is what I have been told. You are so lucky that you didn’t need it!

Well - I ‘would ‘ have used it if I’d thought it worked. Good advice for others to take note of.
I had it in my phone contacts as well as ‘AlertCops ’., but it’s strange how one’s mind does not operate normally in these situations.
If I was in the CF; I would have my bags transported for a few days; but I think I will have to resort to bussing this route until I regain confidence with walking. I’m a bit tentative today.

 

[islandwalker]

I've made an appointment at physio .. it is in less than an hour from now. Just to see if there is anything I could do to help more.

Oh, Annie, I am so sad that you have this to deal with. But it's great that you got a PT appointment. I broke my shoulder once in Spain, used a sling for several weeks, and ended up needing months and months of PT when I got home because the shoulder muscles had frozen up while my arm was in the sling.

Good luck with your appointment!

 

[peregrina2000]

Just did a quick google check and it seems to be the case that your phone, so long as it has power, can connect you to 112 even if you have no balance on your account or if you are in an area with no cell phone service. See this site. But there is an important caveat — there has to be SOME cell phone company providing service in this area, because 112 gloms onto all of the services. It needs a cell phone signal to work, though.

So what to do if there is no service at all, and calling 112 doesn’t work? As this website for mountainclimbers suggests, you could then use data. Communicating with emergency services via WhatsApp for example. Another good reason to get a cellphone plan with data while you are walking in Spain.

And finally, many iphones now have SOS buttons. Though I am not sure how it works, I have seen it when closing my phone.

Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Drag the Emergency Call slider to call emergency services. If you continue to hold down the side button and volume button, instead of dragging the slider, a countdown begins and an alert sounds.

But Annie, the main thing is that you are safe and have received good medical care. I’m only adding all this now irrelevant info as educational material for others. I am of course not suggesting that you coulda, shoulda,woulda. Hugs and hope that once the initial shock has passed, you will decide how best to continue.

 

[OzAnnie]

Thankyou
I’ve just left physio with more confidence. Exercises to start after a few days. Also start now with ice approx 5 times a day.

I feel much less worried /hesitant.
I’m here in Granada now tho for tonight 7th and 8th also.
Xx very interesting around my accommodation after dark. Has a nice vibe. Pension Duquesa is noted on the amigos site. Nothing to rave about but well situated and very helpful staff.

 

[islandwalker]

That is good news, Annie. I sent you some tracks for walks around Granada in a PM including a walk to see the historical sites of Granada with plenty of flags to show you specific locations.

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie, if your days in Córdoba have changed, are you going to see about finding a better place to stay?

I forget what places you recommended originally in Córdoba Laurie.
Not sure at the moment ; whether I’ll be there on days I have booked . I have another day - to cancel booking. . Do you think Hostal La Fuente is not a good choice?

 

[peregrina2000]

Annie, that’s such good news about your physio visit. Adelante with the recovery!

Do you think Hostal La Fuente is not a good choice?

No, no, I don’t have any opinion about La Fuente, I just thought that you had had a very hard time finding this and it wasn’t to your liking much. The place I stayed was the 1 star Hotel Plateros in the Plaza Seneca, which was fine but nothing special. It was cheap as I recall, but prices go up and down so much these days. I just looked at google maps, and the Fuente is about 50 m away from the Hotel Plateros, so it’s essentially the same neighborhood. Good mix of regular commerce and close to tourist places.

Hang in there!

 

[C clearly]

So sorry to read about your accident, but relieved that it all seems under control now!

It was walking through the Quarry

That would be a very spooky place to be stuck! I can imagine it might be slippery at times.

I ‘would ‘ have used it if I’d thought it worked. Good advice for others to take note of.
I had it in my phone contacts as well as ‘AlertCops ’., but it’s strange how one’s mind does not operate normally in these situations.

I'm not sure I would have thought this through, either. At least not for awhile.

@peregrina2000 's reminder below is a good one for us all.

So what to do if there is no service at all, and calling 112 doesn’t work? As this website for mountainclimbers suggests, you could then use data. Communicating with emergency services via WhatsApp for example. Another good reason to get a cellphone plan with data while you are walking in Spain.

Best wishes! I hope you enjoy some sightseeing in Grenada and Cordoba.

 

[Former member 104756]

So glad things are a little brighter today Annie. sending you best wishes and virtual hugs. And look forward to reading what comes next, and our catch up on your return. Take care amiga

 

[VNwalking]

I’ve just left physio with more confidence

Oh, excellent.
Thank you for the update, Annie.
Hopefully the ice will do its job and that shoulder begins to feel increasingly normal day by day.

 

[JennyH94]

So great that you now have a way forwards Annie. You must be extremely relieved after the Physio consultation and happy to now have a plan.

Onwards and alongwards dear peregrina!

Jenny

 

[chinacat]

@OzAnnie



Edit … it’s not working!
It’s supposed to ‘load’ …

I’ve just, finally, caught up with your thread … only to hear your news …

I hope your pain settles enough for you to enjoy some gentle sight-seeing and that your PT helps to get you further along on your way.
Such lousy luck … but you do seem to have a resilient spirit
Buen Camino and speedy healing!

 

[islandwalker]

Annie, if you decide to bus ahead to Moclín to rest up, here are some loop day walks that you could do from there with just a waist pack and some water, so no stress on your shoulder. Each track returns you to Moclín for the night. Here's hoping you'll start to feel being delayed is a blessing in disguise because it is going to let you get to know more about the local area.

Name of track, length, number to type into the search bar in the Wikiloc app to make the track appear, and web link:
Ruta del Gollizno, PR-A 84. Moclín. 8.31 km loop 43464256 This looks like a gorgeous route complete with pasarelas over the river!

Ruta del Gollizno, PR-A 84. Moclín.

Ruta del Gollizno, PR-A 84. Moclín. Hiking trail in Moclín, Andalucía (España). Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Atención: Este track y la información que damos no es oficial, es un recorrido que hemos realizado nosotros, pero lo que a nosotros nos puede parecer fácil a...

www.wikiloc.com

Moclín - Camino Mozárabe - Fuente Malmuerzo - Gollizno. 6.78 km loop 31521002 This starts out right on the camino.

Moclín - Camino Mozárabe - Fuente Mal Almuerzo - Gollizno.

Moclín - Camino Mozárabe - Fuente Mal Almuerzo - Gollizno. Hiking trail in Moclín, Andalucía (España). Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Sigueme en Facebook: RUTAS DE SENDERISMO FACIL En la ruta de hoy nos hemos desplazado hasta Moclín. Donde después de aparcar en...

www.wikiloc.com

Moclín - Tozar - Moclin 16.08km loop 35520948 This one also includes part of the camino in its route.

Moclín - Tozar - Moclin

Moclín - Tozar - Moclin Hiking trail in Moclín, Andalucía (España). Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Despite the threat of rain, we headed off from Moclin to Tozar. Thankfully we had made a lunch booking in Tozar as it was Easter Sunday. We lunched at 'Pension...

www.wikiloc.com

I'll put up some tracks for Alcaudete later today in case you decide to rest up there instead. Good luck with whatever you decide. I know you'll make it work.

 

[Saint Mike II]

In Granada spain. You’ll notice the sling.
A sudden halt or delay now in my Camino.
Had a fall in the mountains coming through to Quentar. No phone signal and no-one around. (Party of cyclists - and Axel from Fundalucia driving up as far as safe in 4WD in those paths ) Another long story and after a few hrs in emergency/Granada hospital - the drip for pain takes ages !!!! X-rays and manipulation and they’ve told me that the last x rays show it’s in the right place. Advised to rest 10-15 days and keep sling on. Limited movement though this morning so hoping it improves. So looks like no walking with backpack for a while. Looking at forward days planning.

I will try to fill in a few gaps later of information & pics up to Quentar.
I didn’t actually stay in Quentar as planned on Sunday as owner of Fundalucia (Axel) drove me to Granada emergency. I’m staying in Pensíon Duquesa because another pilgrim staying at La Peza was advised the Monestario in Granada had a problem with water or pipes or something. Not sure if this is still the case .

G'Day Annie - Ah Granada - my first camino city - May 2013. I love the place. So sorry to read about your fall. But at least you are in a place where the medical treatments are first class. Best wishes.

 

[Magwood]

Hi Annie. What a shock - must have been very scary until the cyclists came along. Glad to read that you are feeling more positive now. If you have to take a break from caminoing then Granada is a good place to be. When I was there for a few days (to see Bob Dylan in concert) in 2015 I spent a wonderful few hours wandering around the beautiful gardens of the Fundación Rodriguez-Acosta, situated not far from the Alhambra. Not sure if it will be open this time of year but if it is it will be a fabulous place to relax and reflect.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hugs x

 

[OzAnnie]

Thankyou to all my lively (edit -lovely) camino forum family.
Update. I spent most of the morning on phone to concerned family - and the rest of it lodging the event info with my travel insurance. No claim intended ., but as @JennyH94 mentions - it’s best to inform them . If anything evolves that isn’t apparent at the moment - it will be easier to get a claim underway.

Then midday to the tren turístico. Only e6 but cramped.. okay if you’re supposed to take it easy tho. I’ve never used these things but they have their purpose as a lot of people climbed in. 1.5 hrs round trip. Up through the gardens in the Alhambra too.

Since I have booking at Córdoba - the easiest move was to just choose Baena for a 2 night stop (9&10) / Casa Rural Jazmines Mozárabes. Saves carrying my mochila to and from each day. Then bus to Cordoba on 11th for previously booked 2 nights there 11&12. Hoping (praying ) that by Sunday I might be in working order .

Btw. The accommodation I’ve had in Granada ., Pensíon Duquesa is very central. It has a roof bar etc which has a view of the Alhambra.

It’s been continual blue sky so far but forecast tomorrow is rain; however to be followed the next days with more sun.

Annie

Edit to include pics from rooftop of Pensión Duquesa in Calle Duquesa 10, Granada.
One is looking down the street toward the park area of Plaza de la Trinidad . The Alhambra is in a pic with a huge green crane to the left of it. You can see the flag flying.

 

[peregrina2000]

So glad to hear you’ve got things rolling along, Annie, and as we have commented many times, your positive can-do spirit is shining through here.

Totally agree about the tren turístico. There are many people for whom it is a real godsend. I do wish they wouldn’t park one in the Obradoiro in Santiago, though.

 

[SabsP]

@OzAnnie . I gladly join the chorus here. I absolutely admire your positive approach.
Quick and prosperous healing!

I took the time to search for some restaurants around Hostal La Fuente ( I stayed there years ago and it is nice and clean) and this place popped up.
Seems quite authentic and with the modern twist some Spanish restaurants are quite mastered in !

Garum 2.1 Bistronomic tapas bar estimula las emociones

Garum 2.1. Bistronomic tapas bar es una experiencia gastronómica. Restaurante en Córdoba con encanto, carta única y buen precio

www.garum2punto1.com

All the best!

 

[OzAnnie]

@OzAnnie . I gladly join the chorus here. I absolutely admire your positive approach.
Quick and prosperous healing!

I took the time to search for some restaurants around Hostal La Fuente ( I stayed there years ago and it is nice and clean) and this place popped up.
Seems quite authentic and with the modern twist some Spanish restaurants are quite mastered in !

Garum 2.1 Bistronomic tapas bar estimula las emociones

Garum 2.1. Bistronomic tapas bar es una experiencia gastronómica. Restaurante en Córdoba con encanto, carta única y buen precio

www.garum2punto1.com

All the best!

Thanks Sabine
I was thinking of your ‘little black book’ of places to dine. .
Since I’m not rushing these coming days - I will have time to enjoy something a little more special. mmmmmm mmmmmm .

Note: I’ve seen lots of quince trees laden with fruit on this route but I haven’t seen “Membrillo y queso “ on any menú yet.
It’s my favourite.

 

[JennyH94]

So great that all is going well as you recover, Annie. The photos are lovely and it’s great your pension is so centrally located. Good that you registered the injury with the travel insurance people … it might be that you receive an invoice from the hospital down the track if you didn’t pay at the time of assessment and this, added to the physio cost, would probably take you over the excess if that’s the kind of policy you chose.

Sending you healing vibes and Camino hugs -

Jenny

 

[VNwalking]

Annie, your spirit and flexibility are wonderful.
So good you have a plan in place and a sense of direction - sending heartfelt well-wishing!
May all that mmmmmmming be extra-healing!

 

[islandwalker]

Your train ride sounds like just the way to make something good of the day!

It looks like Baena is a city filled with murals painted on the city walls. If it seems doable, here's a track that will take you to murals all over the city. The photos with it are lovely. It starts at the tourist office, but you could pick it up anywhere along the route and walk as much or as little as you wished..

RUTA ARTE URBANO - CIUDAD DE BAENA 9.34 km loop 83226178

RUTA ARTE URBANO - CIUDAD DE BAENA

RUTA ARTE URBANO - CIUDAD DE BAENA Walking trail in Baena, Andalucía (España). Download its GPS track and follow the route on a map. Record your own itinerary from the Wikiloc app, upload the trail and share it with the community.

www.wikiloc.com

Sending lots of good wishes your way, Annie.

 

[AJGuillaume]

the easiest move was to just choose Baena for a 2 night stop (9&10) / Casa Rural Jazmines Mozárabes.

In Baena, we visited the castle, which has been renovated and won an award for the renovation.

The view from the top of the tower is great.
Our friend Juan José had recommended we check out the Casa del Monte

We actually ate there, and the food was nice! You might just ask them if they have membrillo y queso

The restaurant El Primero de la Mañana had been recommended to us, but it was closed when we went there.

Apart from that, it's a good place to rest and recover, @OzAnnie .

 

[OzAnnie]

Your train ride sounds like just the way to make something good of the day!

It looks like Baena is a city filled with murals painted on the city walls. If it seems doable, here's a track that will take you to murals all over the city. The photos with it are lovely. It starts at the tourist office, but you could pick it up anywhere along the route.

RUTA ARTE URBANO - CIUDAD DE BAENA 9.34 km loop 83226178

RUTA ARTE URBANO - CIUDAD DE BAENA

RUTA ARTE URBANO - CIUDAD DE BAENA Walking trail in Baena, Andalucía (España). Download its GPS track and follow the route on a map. Record your own itinerary from the Wikiloc app, upload the trail and share it with the community.

www.wikiloc.com

Sending lots of good wishes your way, Annie.

Great ideas (islandwalker).
I’ll get Wikiloc working for sure !!
Looks like an interesting thing to do for anyone visiting Baena with extra time. Xx

 

[Former member 49149]

Annie, I will come out of my retirement from daily checkins to say: you are just an amazing woman, and I am following your thread, and praying that all will work together unto good for you! Thanks for your example of a spirit of making the most of what happens (an old saying - it's not what happens, it's what you do with what happens that is what matters).

 

[peregrina2000]

In Baena, we visited the castle, which has been renovated and won an award for the renovation.

Annie, and AJ,
I would love to hear your opinion on the renovation. I understand the reasoning behind it, that we want people to be able to distinguish the original castle from the renovations. But I have to say I thought the aesthetics of it were “off” It just seemed jarring to me.

So we are giving you a lot of Baena ssignments, OzAnnie!

 

[AJGuillaume]

Annie, and AJ,
I would love to hear your opinion on the renovation. I understand the reasoning behind it, that we want people to be able to distinguish the original castle from the renovations. But I have to say I thought the aesthetics of it were “off” It just seemed jarring to me.

So we are giving you a lot of Baena ssignments, OzAnnie!

I much preferred the renovations at la Fortaleza de la Mota in Alcalá la Real.

The use of spaces between the stones in the renovated part in Baena made me think that this was just a modern building, built over some ruins.

There are no information signs, so we used our comparison points with what we had seen previously to guess what was what. What possibly also made the task difficult for the renovators was that the site had been used to build five massive water tanks. How do you incorporate that into historical renovations?

We just enjoyed the views from the tower. It only cost us 1 Euro per person, precio para jubilados

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie, and AJ,
I would love to hear your opinion on the renovation. I understand the reasoning behind it, that we want people to be able to distinguish the original castle from the renovations. But I have to say I thought the aesthetics of it were “off” It just seemed jarring to me.

So we are giving you a lot of Baena ssignments, OzAnnie!

Wow. This is another steep place !

Question for the skilled people in bookings.
I just tried on Omio to buy a bus ticket to Córdoba anytime on Friday 11th.
I can only see car pooling. ?
Am I missing something. I chose to Alsa bus to Baena today as it continues to Córdoba today and I thought I could just jump on it from here on the Friday run.

 

[islandwalker]

I just tried on Omio to buy a bus ticket to Córdoba anytime on Friday 11th.
I can only see car pooling. ?

Annie, I'm getting the same thing as you - no bus tickets that can be purchased online showing up in multiple searches on various websites. I hope someone else will come on here with the answer. If you don't get any online solution, maybe later today you could go back to the bus stop where you got off this morning at a time when you know another bus will be there and ask the driver about tomorrow...? The Alsa horario for Granada to Cordoba shows which buses go via Baena and stop there.

Checkout - Alsa

www.alsa.es

 

[OzAnnie]

Annie, I'm getting the same thing as you - no bus showing up in multiple searches. I hope someone else will come on here with the answer. If you don't get any solution, maybe you could go to the bus stop where you got off today at a time when you know a bus will be there and ask the driver about tomorrow...?

Thanks Elaine.
Just have to get bus schedule. I sent an email to Alsa. No reply though. Owner here says there is one and I pay on the bus but it’s weird that nothing comes up on omio. If not a bus., then an expensive taxi. But there’s always a way. Just wanted to get it sorted early.

 

[islandwalker]

Just have to get bus schedule.

Hi Annie, I just edited my message above and put the link to the schedule in there. In a quick look, I see a bus leaving from Baena to Cordoba at 10:15, 13:35, and 20:00 tomorrow. You'd better double check that, though, because I am hurrying off to the ferry and may have made a mistake!

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi Annie, I just edited my message above and put the link to the schedule in there. In a quick look, I see a bus leaving from Baena to Cordoba at 10:15, 13:35, and 20:00 tomorrow. You'd better double check that, though, because I am hurrying off to the ferry and may have made a mistake!

Yes. 10.15 it looks like for me from
Baena. It’s for Friday which is what you have put into the link .
The owner here -Maria Chantelle (French lady) just a few minutes ago rang the Baena bus station and was given a few times similar. In her words. “Thees is spain ! .
Should be fine.

 

[OzAnnie]

I much preferred the renovations at la Fortaleza de la Mota in Alcalá la Real.

The use of spaces between the stones in the renovated part in Baena made me think that this was just a modern building, built over some ruins.

Today enroute to Baena - I thought ‘wow’
How impressive is that castle on the hill ?!!
Pic was taken from bus window. / sign on road told me it was your ‘Fortaleza de la Mota’, AJ. So wow !!!

I’ll get out more tomorrow in Baena . This region of spain had some much needed rain today and it was wise to stay close to accommodation.
Menú del día at Meson Casa del monte in the arched building. Great placemats (I think @Magwood mentioned them on another thread.

 

[OzAnnie]

And pics take ‘from’ the arches of Meson Casa Del monte situated on the plaza de la Constitucion in Baena tonight 6.40 pm

 

[AJGuillaume]

Wow. This is another steep place !

Question for the skilled people in bookings.
I just tried on Omio to buy a bus ticket to Córdoba anytime on Friday 11th.
I can only see car pooling. ?
Am I missing something. I chose to Alsa bus to Baena today as it continues to Córdoba today and I thought I could just jump on it from here on the Friday run.

From Baena to Córdoba, it's not Alsa, I have their app, and there's no service between the two towns. It's a company called Carrera, and the bus line is M230. They have a website: www.autocarescarrera.es

I had tried to book tickets when we had to interrupt our Camino, but it didn't work. So we just bought our ticket on the bus. From Castro del Río, it was 4.20 Euros per person, and we had to pay cash. So expect maybe about 5 to 6 Euros.

From that website, you can enter the origin and the destination and it will give you the timetable:
Salidas desde Baena (D= directo)
DESTINO
Córdoba
Lunes a viernes: 6'45 - 7'50 - 10'10 - 14'15 - 17'45 - 22'00
Sábados:8'45 - 11'00 - 17'45
Domingos y festivos:9'45 - 17'45

The bus station in Baena is on the outskirts of town

In Córdoba, it's a 25 minutes walk to Hostal La Fuente, so you could take a local bus (Bus line 3), or a taxi.

 

[AJGuillaume]

Menú del día at Meson Casa del monte in the arched building. Great placemats (I think @Magwood mentioned them on another thread

Great placemats indeed!

And then I asked the waiter if he had a nice Camino stamp for my credencial, hoping that it would match the placemats. He said yes, but it was only the official restaurant stamp, nothing special.

 

[OzAnnie]

From Baena to Córdoba, it's not Alsa, I have their app, and there's no service between the two towns. It's a company called Carrera, and the bus line is M230. They have a website: www.autocarescarrera.es

I had tried to book tickets when we had to interrupt our Camino, but it didn't work. So we just bought our ticket on the bus. From Castro del Río, it was 4.20 Euros per person, and we had to pay cash. So expect maybe about 5 to 6 Euros.

From that website, you can enter the origin and the destination and it will give you the timetable:
Salidas desde Baena (D= directo)
DESTINO
Córdoba
Lunes a viernes: 6'45 - 7'50 - 10'10 - 14'15 - 17'45 - 22'00
Sábados:8'45 - 11'00 - 17'45
Domingos y festivos:9'45 - 17'45

The bus station in Baena is on the outskirts of town
View attachment 136623
In Córdoba, it's a 25 minutes walk to Hostal La Fuente, so you could take a local bus (Bus line 3), or a taxi.
View attachment 136624

Actually ., Carrera is the name I saw Maria Chantelle bring up on her phone before she rang the bus station.
So - there will be something with wheels and seats on Friday I’m sure.
Any other time I wouldn’t blink at 1/2 hr or so walk to the bus station but at this moment I’m not pushing it hard. Maria arranged a taxi to pick me up from the bus. I’ll do the same in reverse on Friday.
Xx. You’re a good travel agent ! Thankyou AJ and everyone Xx

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi Annie, I just edited my message above and put the link to the schedule in there. In a quick look, I see a bus leaving from Baena to Cordoba at 10:15, 13:35, and 20:00 tomorrow. You'd better double check that, though, because I am hurrying off to the ferry and may have made a mistake!

Just an update on bus schedules here in Spain. Really weird but., although I actually was on a bus from Granada dropping me at Baena and continuing to Córdoba - ‘Alsa’ don’t have a service running from Baena to Córdoba ..

Just as @AJGuillaume says above / the bus route is by another group. AutocaresCarrera .
I did get a response from Alsa to my email enquiry. They confirmed this too (that they do not run on that route ) !
So the schedule AJ posted (bus at 10.10 Baena on friday is autocarescarrera

It makes me feel I must have been on a bus in another dimension earlier today (Alsa). ??

 

[AJGuillaume]

Just an update on bus schedules here in Spain. Really weird but., although I actually was on a bus from Granada dropping me at Baena and continuing to Córdoba - ‘Alsa’ don’t have a service running from Baena to Córdoba ..

Just as @AJGuillaume says above / the bus route is by another group. AutocaresCarrera .
I did get a response from Alsa to my email enquiry. They confirmed this.
So the schedule AJ posted (bus at 10.10 Baena on friday.

It makes me feel I must have been on a bus in another dimension earlier today (Alsa). ??

Checking the Alsa app, it looks like they run a service from Granada to Córdoba but their stop in Baena is only to drop passengers off. They don't pick up passengers. Probably because of the M230 service by Carrera.

 

[SabsP]

@OzAnnie wants me to inform you that unfortunately due to complications in her shoulder she took the decision to stop this Camino.
She will be in touch here when possible.

I guess I can speak for all of us that we wish her a speedy recovery and all the best with her planning.

 

[Former member 104756]

@OzAnnie wants me to inform you that unfortunately due to complications in her shoulder she took the decision to stop this Camino.
She will be in touch here when possible.

I guess I can speak for all of us that we wish her a speedy recovery and all the best with her planning.

Thank you Sabine. And Bravo Annie. You're a legend. See you back home. xx

 

[VNwalking]

she took the decision to stop this Camino.
She will be in touch here when possible

Thank you for letting us know, Sabine.
Under the circumstances, hard-headedly pushing on for the sake of a plan would just be stupid. And you're anything but that @OzAnnie!
Heal well, peregrina, for the sake of next time, and just...life!

 

[JennyH94]

Take care dear Annie - may you return home to Oz without difficulty, that your flights work out, so that you’re back in the comfort of your own home and can access the medical care to get you back to 100% in record time.

 

[AJGuillaume]

Look after yourself @OzAnnie !
The Camino will always be there for you!
Safe journey home!

 

[Magwood]

Oh Annie, sometimes you have to take the disappointing but sensible decision. Wishing you a safe and pain-free onward journey

 

[chinacat]

Safe journey Annie … just glad you’re safe …

It must be hard to come so far and to take the hard decision but only you know, in your heart, what your angel / the universe is saying to you.

Go well … I look forward to reading of your next adventure!
You certainly initiated a great .. and looong …. thread!!
Thank you

(and thank you to your ‘helpers’ … there is a wealth of information here … the Mozárabe looks wonderful )

 

[OzAnnie]

Awaiting response from Australia. Very difficult with 2nd dislocation.. it happened during sleep so frightened and much worse. Praying for response from travel agent or travel insurer. Time difference prob.

 

[VNwalking]

Oh, no, Annie. That must have been awful - and yes, scary as heck. I hope you get a response from both insurer and agent ASAP.

In the meantime...just much love and well-wishing. Hang in there! I hope you have meds for the discomfort!