neverlost4good: Recent Episodes
None
This very adapted route was to accommodate the group I lead, who were not able to walk long distances. For the most part, it was good. Check distances with Gronze.com, as some were not correct.
The white wine of Portugal was so delicious, some of which is not exported, so enjoy!
April 10-23rd
| Date | Start | Finish | Km | Miles | | April 10 | Fly out of USA | Connect to Porto through MAD or fly direct to Porto. | | Tues.April 11 | Porto: Lv pack and tour cathedral | PORTO: Oca Oriental Porto Hotel (beautiful) | | 4/12 | Bkfst in Porto Train to Viana do Castelo | Viana do Castelo. Good kitchen in Albergue. Buy groceries in mall (has a store) and Taxi up to: Alb. Santa Luzia (Beautiful church and view: very nice! trail down to join coastal route) | Train | | 4/13 | Viana do Castelo | Vila Praia de Ancora: Quinta da Quihas. Buy groceries & taxi up to alb. Nice kitchen, great single beds (no bunks) | Km20.5 km | 12.7 | | 4/14 | VP de AWater taxi across river to Spain. | A Guarda: Hotel Eli-Mar(hotel was grungy and loud!) stay at albergue next time. | 13.1 km | 8 | | 4/15 | A Guarda – | Viladesuso: Albergue da Estrela: Beautiful Albergue, restaurants nearby. BEST walk out to Baiona. | 15 km | 9.3 | | 4/16 | Viladesuso | Baiona. RG: Pazo de Mendoza ***Best town ever! Take rest day. Hotel was BEAUTIFUL! | 14km | 9 | | 4/17 | Baiona Bus to Vigo! (2.25 Euro) | Hotel Atlantico (not the best, but in good location). Taxi up hill to Parroquia De La Inmaculada Concepcion. Camino is on Toledo street. Walk from here is undulating. | 25(Taxi cuts off 5 km) | 15.7 | | 4/18 | Vigo | Redondela. We rented a small apartment Alb. would have been better. It is in this town that 3 trails come together and the trail is crowded. | 18.2 | 10 | | 4/19 | Redondela | Pontevedra“Hotel Room” hotel (good location with laundry mat in same block), grocery store close by. | 19.6 | 12 |
| 4/20 | Pontevedra | Caldas de Reis: Alb. As Ponzas Termais (bunks have curtain, but was stifling hot), other options in town. | 11.1km | 6.8 | | 4/21 | Caldas de Reis | We looked at monastery in Hebron, but it was dirty and cold. Rented an apt. in Padron and froze (no heat & rain). | 11 km | 6.8 | | 4/22 | Padron | Short “Rest” day. Toured town and walked to: Escravitude*Hostel O Lagar de Jesus BEST alb. on route with communal meal. Wonderful. | 6 km | 4 | | 4/23 | Escravitue | Santiago de Compostella: Hotel San Miguel | 19 km | 11.8 | | 40.4 |
It rained more than half the time while walking in April, but when the sun broke free, it was glorious! The color of the ocean and waves can not be described. It was breathtaking.
The coastal route was fairly easy: keep the ocean on your left. It is not well marked until Spain, but we had no problem. When you reach the tip of Portugal, you will have to take a water taxi to Spain. There are many options and most albergues in the town of Caminha will know of private fishermen who ferry people across for a few Euros. One such “company” claims to have a catamaran with a cover, this is not what they use. They used a little skiff, like the other fishermen use, charging about 10 Euros more. hmmm. There were no life jackets. A little scary. One could walk to Tui from Caminha, but then you would miss the gem of the coastal route: Baiona.
The next blog will have pictures for each of these stages. “Bom Camino!” As they say in Portugal.
On Monday, April 10th, 5 of us will take off from Richmond, Virginia to travel to Portugal. I found some money in a desk drawer, just about enough for my first Cafe Con Leche and a Croissant. Our priest is heading off on his own the day after arrival, and four of us ladies are catching a train to the sweet coastal town of Viana do Castelo, Portugal. We will stay in a lovely mountain top albergue and then head down a trail to the ocean and head north. I plan on 13 days of walking to Santiago de Compostella, 2 days in Segovia, and one day in Madrid before flying home. My bags are packed!
Stay tuned!
A year of pleasant wanderingOn Scotland’s bonnie shore,And then, not having quite enoughI sought to wander more.I walked a week Camino’s pathI slept with pilgrims on the plainAnd then I walked the mountain passIn Galicia, northern Spain.I found a friend that I had lostForgiveness, healing heartOne “for the books” this year has beenA new and solid start.And so, I raise a glass to youAnd may the New Year bring-Adventure, hope and maybe healthSo that your heart may sing.neverlost4good About * Home * Contact neverlost4good About * Home * Contact neverlost4good About * Home * Contact neverlost4good About * Home * Contact Start a project
Be brave. Life has dealt me a couple of hard kicks: my mother died, my closest friend hates me (misunderstanding). I did what anyone would do when gut-punched: I curled into a ball and doubted myself. But I’m tired of … Continue reading →
Camino joy. This morning I walked into a village to be greeted by a crowd celebrating pilgrims, giving drinks from a flask to “strengthen “ our journey. They had a band and everything. The wine had brandy in it (whoa). … Continue reading →
What should one do if they have an extra day in Oviedo, and they’ve seen the cathedral? Why, hop on a narrow gauge little train for Gijon (he-hon), and walk in the sea. I did research (you know me!) and … Continue reading →
First—a couple of pics from rainy Thursday into Mieres. Got into Oviedo in time to tour the beautiful cathedral. Most of it was off limits to photos, so I bought a book (probably why they did it). It was very … Continue reading →
The weather predicted 100% rain and it delivered. The entire 4 hour walk into town was with full rain gear. Only one spot where I climbed through the brush and slid down trails: 1/4 mile of it, enough to feel … Continue reading →
Long undulating mountain trail. Steep descents with rugged climbs out of valleys. Because of the rain the day before, the trail was slippery and muddy. I fell twice, luckily no injuries. But it was a slow day because I was … Continue reading →
No Wi-Fi here and spotty reception, so you’ll have to wait to see the fabulous photos I took on the mountains today. Tomorrow then. I’m safe and sound.
The day started out partly cloudy. The climb up to the cross of San Salvador was tough, but expected. I said a prayer and let go of stubborn thoughts of the past. Sometimes you don’t have to understand everything. It … Continue reading →
I don’t know if I reported, but I bought shoes from an athletic store in Leon. I like them because they were “broke in” and 1.5 size bigger. They are Merrells. I’ve worn them two days and my feet LOVE … Continue reading →
I started the walk this morning at 8 AM. I found a café open and had a coffee but all they had to eat was cake. I ate the cake. I headed out of town, walking 2 miles to Buiza, … Continue reading →
My shoes feel great: the blisters are benefiting from rest as well. I had to cut most of the miles out today, so I sought a bus for half way. No bus on Saturday, only a train. The train’s 1st … Continue reading →
I mailed more than half my pack weight to my hotel in Oviedo. It’s always a leap of faith. My “new” shoes are great. I’m so glad I bought used shoes as they are obviously broken in! No rubbing on … Continue reading →
Apparently, the brand of Altras that I purchased are for a narrow heel, which I do not have. Good toe box, but the blisters on either side of my feet show it is not for me when carrying my pack. … Continue reading →
Wonderful day by the canal on my way to Fromista. Only 6 miles today! It’s a good thing as I developed blisters on the sides of my heels . But…the walk was glorious! Met up with a friend, had coffee … Continue reading →
It’s a different Camino. In the past, one could walk leisurely and know that they could find a bed. No more. This year, September had more pilgrims than July or August! I didn’t book tonight because, previously, this special Albergue … Continue reading →
Sometimes, I’d like to just stop time and freeze frame a moment. Like today, after months of planning it is finally here. As I wait for my flights, watch the incredible crowds of people jostling through Atlanta airport and tell … Continue reading →
Is it over? Two lost years, trips set aside… This week I take seven days to walk my favorite section, sleep in out of the way albergues, and get my trekking legs. I will then walk over the Camino San … Continue reading →
Itinerary of Camino Ingles I have had some requests for more details on my trip. Here is my “cheat sheet” for my walk. I am really glad that I flew into A Coruna and had a day to sit on … Continue reading →
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness … Continue reading →
The guidebook said 26 km, and so I set out as early as I could from the cowboy hotel that I stayed in last night. I wonder where they found the 1950 mattress I slept on. I had planned on … Continue reading →
I found my little toy in Atlanta airport rushing to catch my plane. He had fallen on the ground some poor kid dropped him. I washed him up and stuck him on my pack. Today he must have jumped ship. … Continue reading →
Wow. Last night was a “trial.” At 8 pm (dinner for the Spaniard), the noise level rose to deafening levels! Even with my windows tightly closed, I had to put in earplugs. My hostel (tiny hotel), was just off a … Continue reading →
Walked early with threats of rain, turned out it was just that…no rain. It was cloudy all morning and I headed across the bay to a small town before climbing high into the hills of Galicia. Walked into a café … Continue reading →
I set out this morning to mail my roller to Santiago. Found a cafe and had a croissant and coffee con leche, set my phone to the address of tourist office to buy my Camino credential. Sometimes, one should plan … Continue reading →
Well I’ve been awake for over 24 hours. I made my connection in Spain by five minutes. If I had checked my luggage I would not have made it. It doesn’t help that Madrid’s terminals are at least a mile … Continue reading →
Papa’s Camino My father’s passing has kicked the life out of me. He was my biggest fan, always encouraging me to explore and to press on. I had scheduled this short walk months ago, not knowing that he would pass … Continue reading →
I’ll admit: we sisters had a very difficult last day. The country side was beautiful, but Mr. Brieley (guidebook author), it was more than 20 km. We pulled into Santiago with our spirits high. We stayed at the AC Marriott … Continue reading →
I had two hours sleep. I don’t know why–go ask your brother (Dr. Suess). Out of the gate at 7:30. My pack is just too heavy. I stopped for breaky and found a fellow teacher from Auzzie. Encouraging exchange and … Continue reading →
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.” Robert Frost I began my long 5 mile decent down the mountain from … Continue reading →
There is something to be said about the climb to 0’Cebreiro. Maybe it’s the narrow pathway that leads straight up from the valley below. Maybe it’s the fact that it is the final obstacle to Santiago de Compostela. Whatever it … Continue reading →
I’m checking my iPhone mile counter and it says I have walked 7.7 (almost 8) miles today. Only 7.7?!! 4 of that was down a very treacherous descent from my lodging. Oh well. It sure feels like more. Last night: … Continue reading →
In my blog I intended to write “here are two shots of the city.” It auto corrected to “two s**ts” of the city🙄
On the road coming out of Ponferrada, there is an extremely steep hill. When I got to the top, another woman offered to take my photo (with my camera – for me). Two shots of the city:my new friend lives … Continue reading →
I was so happy to stay at the “Hilton Albergue” until 11 pm, when the jolly Irish pilgrims decided to pop another (after another, after another) brew until 1am: below our window. The window had to be open for the … Continue reading →
3 years ago, in this village, I was the last one out of the albergue. I had slept through all the rustling and lights and the hosts kicked me out, boots in hand to the street. This morning was nearly … Continue reading →
Oh how I love the trail from Astorga on! I must return as a tourist someday to visit: the Gaudi palace museum, the chocolate museum, and Cathedral. But no time this year. Rabanal is my next destination. The trail winds … Continue reading →
Wonderful day of exploring and testing my limits. I set out for a good cup of coffee (not hard to find in Spain). Found a bakery! The day was looking up! The town yesterday looked bleak and unwanted, but today … Continue reading →
Walked one of the longest stretches of the Meseta today. My feet were properly pampered: so we did well. First, a few photos leaving town. Today I have walked an endless straight line, broken up with a few trees and … Continue reading →
I had such a nice room last night. I had a slow start but walked with a new friend. We had fun trying to figure out life. Good conversations! I came across one of my favorite statues. It is a … Continue reading →
Apparently, my photos are not loading up quickly. This is sad because they are very beautiful. Maybe when I get home I will post just pictures in an album. Today I walked over a very steep hill and was able … Continue reading →
I hope the dates aren’t out of order: the WiFi isn’t strong out here in the country. The countryside was beautiful, but the wind and low temps made for fast walking to keep warm. Today I made the decision to … Continue reading →
I had a tough day. I woke up with vertigo. I was able to walk with poles over the mountain. This is a section that I missed last time. When I first got to a town called Rabe de la … Continue reading →
Cold storm tomorrow with snow?! Holy moly. I had a “day off” by walking 6 miles into Tardajos and found the cutest Casa Rural (La Fabrica). An old stone grain mill converted into a small inn. Taking it easy and … Continue reading →
It was a foggy start today. I imagine the countryside was pretty, but it was quiet and scary! Muffled steps and pilgrims appearing out of nowhere. I passed through Atapuerca alone-or was I? Now I’m approaching Burgos, my favorite city. … Continue reading →
Yesterday’s laundry did not dry. So into a ziplock it went. When I left my Albergue this morning, it was threatening to rain. I took my raincoat out but my host said “no no it will not rain. Do not … Continue reading →
Good bye STO. Domingo! I didn’t sleep again, but was ready to hoist the pack and meander up the path. It started misting rain, so I frantically pulled out my rain gear and pack cover. No one else was wearing … Continue reading →
Today I took time to take care of business. After a fitful night of sleep, I woke at 9 AM. I went down to breakfast and the kind waitress asked, “Cafe con leche?” After I said yes she disappeared and … Continue reading →
After a long flight over the Atlantic, I watched the sun break over Spain from the air Picking up my luggage, I passed through customs without incident. I wandered around and found the shuttle that takes you from T-1 to … Continue reading →
In less than 3 weeks, I will be in Spain. I am going to post my packing here. For the head and shoulders: I have 3 hats (I know: it’s a luxury). My faithful bill hat, a fleece beanie to … Continue reading →
Now on Amazon: I promised that I would complete my book by March and here it is with one day to spare! The eBook is priced low, and I imagine the audio will be as well. It is just over … Continue reading →
Neverlost4good on the Camino De Santiago Dear Reader: I walked the Camino April 20th- May 30th, 2015. It is said that the Camino is done in stages: the first is like birth: going over the Pyrenees mountains and pushing against … Continue reading →
Beginning stamps and destination give a euro and he poses! English mass alter I attended my final pilgrim’s mass and saw the censor swing again (lucky me)!
After dinner last night, I was asking to pay for my room as I would be leaving at 6:30 am. The waiter told me what door to exit from and then said my breakfast would be wrapped and waiting on … Continue reading →
If you ever find yourself in the tiny town of Muxia, Spain, be sure to eat at a de lolo restaurant. It’s a nice boutique hotel as well, but I think I stumbled upon a great thing here. I just … Continue reading →
I needed to walk through twisty streets to the bus station to get to the ocean. Yesterday, the tourist office (?) Had given me a map and a little paper telling me the schedule of the bus to Muxia. The … Continue reading →
With roosters crowing, I was up at 6 am. Usually, I creep around in the dark and take my things outside, but with my own room: the lights are on! I carefully attended to my feet: foot cream, Vaseline, big … Continue reading →
After my nightmare of alburgues–and I can say this now because it is daylight, and I’m miles away….think “Shining” and you know the feeling that I had all alone in a building. Okay? THAT was scary. You know how something … Continue reading →
Oddly enough, I prefer the snoring, rustling, strange smells of fellow pilgrims to a night in a deserted building! I couldn’t sleep until after midnight. Onward towards St. James!
While walking today, I decided to get my own room. There were several towns that had little hotels or pensions and I decided to treat myself. My feet “quit” at 20 km today and so I spotted this nice Albergue … Continue reading →