Tuesday 31st of July 2012,
Acehuche to Zarza la Mayor ... 25km, a bright sunny day, early start top around 34C flat to gently rolling hills,, hardly a tree to be seen, either pasture, or a teatree like scrub, have to walk along verge of road which is about half a metre wide.
County side dry and monotonous, just walking, counting steps from post to post after about 2 and a half hours wandered through a small town called Ceclavin, got some supplies and kept going .... arrived Zarza lay Mayor just after midday, temp over 30 but felt more like mid 30's.
Found a welcoming bar and settled in for a couple of hours, had lunch a couple of beers and watched the Olympics (nothing on Australia) then aahhhh Aust - Spain in basketball ... but that was coming up later. So off to my apartment, sounds big .... not so, but then I don't need much ... do the usual stuff and sleep for a while.
Off for diner, more Olympics and dam Spain beat Aust. in the basketball. A lot smiling faces a a bit of ribbing and a few Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi .... Yes I take it with a smile and a shrug of the shoulders. Then back to the apartment and sleep.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Monday, 30 July 2012
Monday 30th of July 2012,
Canavarel to Acehuche, about 24km, a cloudless day, early start as in this part of the country plenty of trees but all in the paddocks for the animals, which are a sort of yellowish sepia colour .... beside the road, embankments or culverts and not much verge luckily very little traffic, no other towns en route, so keep plodding and get to Acehuche about, surprise, surprise midday.
Lunch and the Olympics then washing and siesta with Olympics on TV ... switch it of as the commentators are excited and speaking way to fast for me to understand what they are saying.
Well its late at night, no early morning, so will sign off till tomorrow, no later today.
Canavarel to Acehuche, about 24km, a cloudless day, early start as in this part of the country plenty of trees but all in the paddocks for the animals, which are a sort of yellowish sepia colour .... beside the road, embankments or culverts and not much verge luckily very little traffic, no other towns en route, so keep plodding and get to Acehuche about, surprise, surprise midday.
Lunch and the Olympics then washing and siesta with Olympics on TV ... switch it of as the commentators are excited and speaking way to fast for me to understand what they are saying.
Well its late at night, no early morning, so will sign off till tomorrow, no later today.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Sunday, 29th of July 2012,
Am heading off to Canaveral today, about 20km along the railway line .... which I mistook for the road. By road its 37-38km, dam so I guess I'm walking beside the railway .... haven't seen or heard a train go by ... I think it is like some of our country lines ... used for freight purposes?
Fill all my containers with fresh water, glad I topped up on energy bars ... and after a way to hearty breakfast, headed south along the railway tracks.
No shade at all and it was full sun ... made good time as almost dead flat about 2/3 of the way passed a town Casas de Milan, decided to keep walking on to Canaveral another 7km or there abouts.
By this time (about 10am) it must be mid 20's and getting hotter by the minute, but only a bit over an hour to shade and a well deserved rest.
Made it to town about 11.30am, hot dusty and dry, slowly rehydrate with gatorade and water and look for the right bar cafe to put my feet up for a while.
I realise this is where my path crosses the Camino Via de la Plata (Seville - Santiago de Compostela)
or as the Romans called it the Silver highway.
Settled in for lunch, though after breakfast, something light ..... thanked god I didn't have to contend with any trains on my way, then to my lodgings and clean up and snooze.
Had diner and am up to now, till tomorrow, Luke
Am heading off to Canaveral today, about 20km along the railway line .... which I mistook for the road. By road its 37-38km, dam so I guess I'm walking beside the railway .... haven't seen or heard a train go by ... I think it is like some of our country lines ... used for freight purposes?
Fill all my containers with fresh water, glad I topped up on energy bars ... and after a way to hearty breakfast, headed south along the railway tracks.
No shade at all and it was full sun ... made good time as almost dead flat about 2/3 of the way passed a town Casas de Milan, decided to keep walking on to Canaveral another 7km or there abouts.
By this time (about 10am) it must be mid 20's and getting hotter by the minute, but only a bit over an hour to shade and a well deserved rest.
Made it to town about 11.30am, hot dusty and dry, slowly rehydrate with gatorade and water and look for the right bar cafe to put my feet up for a while.
I realise this is where my path crosses the Camino Via de la Plata (Seville - Santiago de Compostela)
or as the Romans called it the Silver highway.
Settled in for lunch, though after breakfast, something light ..... thanked god I didn't have to contend with any trains on my way, then to my lodgings and clean up and snooze.
Had diner and am up to now, till tomorrow, Luke
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Saturday 28th of July 2012,
Up early, one of those restless nights, not a lot of sleep. No towns, on the way to next stop Mirabel, some 24km away, pretty countryside, dry stone fences and quiet country lanes. its going to be warm today, storms disappeared, clear sky, though still humid.
Pack heavier with the extra water, energy drinks and snack bars ... but reasonably flat country.
Glad I didn't need any assistance on this route as only saw 2 cars after leaving M de P this morning, till I was almost at Mirabel .... the solitude and silence made it a very memerable day.
Made very good time arriving midday...ish.
Had some lunch and then off to find my bed for the night ... a B+B, a room in Senora Rosa's house.
Later had a home cooked meal, then time to catch up with blog as a day behind.
Up early, one of those restless nights, not a lot of sleep. No towns, on the way to next stop Mirabel, some 24km away, pretty countryside, dry stone fences and quiet country lanes. its going to be warm today, storms disappeared, clear sky, though still humid.
Pack heavier with the extra water, energy drinks and snack bars ... but reasonably flat country.
Glad I didn't need any assistance on this route as only saw 2 cars after leaving M de P this morning, till I was almost at Mirabel .... the solitude and silence made it a very memerable day.
Made very good time arriving midday...ish.
Had some lunch and then off to find my bed for the night ... a B+B, a room in Senora Rosa's house.
Later had a home cooked meal, then time to catch up with blog as a day behind.
Friday 27th of July 2012,
On my way to Malpartida de Plasencia, 24-25km of back roads, little to no traffic. Only one town on route ... Tejeda de Tietar, about 6km out, grabbed a coffee there and kept going. Still storm clouds hanging about with the chance of some rain ... but still going to be mid 30's again.
Made good time and sitting down to a relaxing lunch with a pleasant bottle of wine then of to hotel and siesta. Just grabbed a hamburger for diner as had a lot of emails to attend to.
On my way to Malpartida de Plasencia, 24-25km of back roads, little to no traffic. Only one town on route ... Tejeda de Tietar, about 6km out, grabbed a coffee there and kept going. Still storm clouds hanging about with the chance of some rain ... but still going to be mid 30's again.
Made good time and sitting down to a relaxing lunch with a pleasant bottle of wine then of to hotel and siesta. Just grabbed a hamburger for diner as had a lot of emails to attend to.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Thursday, 26th of July 2012,
On my way to Pasaron de la Vera, 22-23km today Pass through 3 other towns on way., not stopping for breaky ... have some energy bars and some fruit and energy drinks. More storms in the area today ... so just keeping up a steady pace and hope not to come across one.
Temp only reaching 33 to day but makes it to a muggy 30 by midday. Reach my destination by midday and just as well as a thunder storm a short time later ... not as fierce as yesterdays, but glad I'm inside.
Had a yummy chilled tomato soup for lunch followed by taco's yum.
As it wasn't as hot today after cleaning up went for a walk around the town.
Then a bit of a nap a back down the street for diner and some BBQ pork ribs .... double yum but rich and filling. Tried to post this but bad reception so will try again in the morning.
Its Friday morning and about to head out, have gotten emails off this morning so here goes.
On my way to Pasaron de la Vera, 22-23km today Pass through 3 other towns on way., not stopping for breaky ... have some energy bars and some fruit and energy drinks. More storms in the area today ... so just keeping up a steady pace and hope not to come across one.
Temp only reaching 33 to day but makes it to a muggy 30 by midday. Reach my destination by midday and just as well as a thunder storm a short time later ... not as fierce as yesterdays, but glad I'm inside.
Had a yummy chilled tomato soup for lunch followed by taco's yum.
As it wasn't as hot today after cleaning up went for a walk around the town.
Then a bit of a nap a back down the street for diner and some BBQ pork ribs .... double yum but rich and filling. Tried to post this but bad reception so will try again in the morning.
Its Friday morning and about to head out, have gotten emails off this morning so here goes.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Wednesday 25th of July 2012,
Set off at first light, 21km to Jarandilla de la Vera, terrain is getting hilly. But by following the road the gradient is steady and not too steep, so easy walking ... and back to little or no verge in places.
A bit off cloud cover and an anticipation of a summer storm building up?
Basically a town every hour today with plenty of chances to pick up goodies along the way.
Well made destination just prior to a very loud flashy lightning show .... glad I wasn't out on the road.
Followed by short but very heavy downpour ... but after that hot and muggy ... sat out storm in a cafe, hamburger and coffee in hand watching the the light show.
To room, wash and clean up, then snooze, wake to another storm about 7.30-8pm.
Grab a light meal in cafe at accom and an early night. Another storm a bit after midnight, so time to catch up on blog, coffee in hand.
Set off at first light, 21km to Jarandilla de la Vera, terrain is getting hilly. But by following the road the gradient is steady and not too steep, so easy walking ... and back to little or no verge in places.
A bit off cloud cover and an anticipation of a summer storm building up?
Basically a town every hour today with plenty of chances to pick up goodies along the way.
Well made destination just prior to a very loud flashy lightning show .... glad I wasn't out on the road.
Followed by short but very heavy downpour ... but after that hot and muggy ... sat out storm in a cafe, hamburger and coffee in hand watching the the light show.
To room, wash and clean up, then snooze, wake to another storm about 7.30-8pm.
Grab a light meal in cafe at accom and an early night. Another storm a bit after midnight, so time to catch up on blog, coffee in hand.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Tuesday 24th of July 2012,
Out on the road at first light at another hot one, they say 38C today. Easy walking ... reach next town, Madrigal de la Vera and have some breakfast ..... then off again, a bit of up and down this stretch but make Villanueva de la Vera right on midday (21.4km the gps tells me) ... temperature gauge tells me its 32C. Need to get some more sunblock and energy drink, last hour was hot with little or no shade.
Then find a bar/cafe/taverna and relax, the sign says madrid 173km my gps tells me I have walked over 200km, now where is that beer, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
This is quite a colourful town, some very brightly painted houses and businesses.
Got talking to a couple from Boston at the bar, they are touring around Spain .... and even with an air conditioned hire car, they say its too hot to do any touristy things in the afternoon.
So had a few interesting hours of conversation, made arrangements to catch up for diner and off for the siesta.
An enjoyable diner and speaking English, great and back to room about 1am and catch up with the blog.
Out on the road at first light at another hot one, they say 38C today. Easy walking ... reach next town, Madrigal de la Vera and have some breakfast ..... then off again, a bit of up and down this stretch but make Villanueva de la Vera right on midday (21.4km the gps tells me) ... temperature gauge tells me its 32C. Need to get some more sunblock and energy drink, last hour was hot with little or no shade.
Then find a bar/cafe/taverna and relax, the sign says madrid 173km my gps tells me I have walked over 200km, now where is that beer, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
This is quite a colourful town, some very brightly painted houses and businesses.
Got talking to a couple from Boston at the bar, they are touring around Spain .... and even with an air conditioned hire car, they say its too hot to do any touristy things in the afternoon.
So had a few interesting hours of conversation, made arrangements to catch up for diner and off for the siesta.
An enjoyable diner and speaking English, great and back to room about 1am and catch up with the blog.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Monday 23rd of July 2012,
Another hot day coming up, ready to get moving as soon as it got light enough to see. Have to cross a ridge today, so a bit of climbing to do. Climb wasn't to bad but road very narrow with armco fence on side of the road ... felt quite nervous when ever a car came by as they don't slow down .... its like they say, how close can we get without hitting him.
Made it to Poyales del Hoyo about 10am had a cheese omelet and a coffee here, then on my way again ... all down hill here. Arrived Candeleda just prior to midday ... gps comes in handy with all these narrow streets and lane, as its quite a big town.
Check out where I have booked to stay, room will be ready after 2pm so down to the bar, sit outside under the shade of a tree and enjoy the 30 plus warmth ... with a cold beer. Ordered a salad for lunch and another beer. Then back to see if room is ready .... yes, so usual washing etc, then Siesta.
Diner about 9pm still 32-33C outside then back to room and the air-con.
Another hot day coming up, ready to get moving as soon as it got light enough to see. Have to cross a ridge today, so a bit of climbing to do. Climb wasn't to bad but road very narrow with armco fence on side of the road ... felt quite nervous when ever a car came by as they don't slow down .... its like they say, how close can we get without hitting him.
Made it to Poyales del Hoyo about 10am had a cheese omelet and a coffee here, then on my way again ... all down hill here. Arrived Candeleda just prior to midday ... gps comes in handy with all these narrow streets and lane, as its quite a big town.
Check out where I have booked to stay, room will be ready after 2pm so down to the bar, sit outside under the shade of a tree and enjoy the 30 plus warmth ... with a cold beer. Ordered a salad for lunch and another beer. Then back to see if room is ready .... yes, so usual washing etc, then Siesta.
Diner about 9pm still 32-33C outside then back to room and the air-con.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Sunday, 22nd of July2012,
The church bells start first thing in the morning, luckily I'm up and ready to start walking, first light is just before 7am, again its going to get to 36C and another cloudless sky. Again walking along the main road, well its more and more a country road now with little traffic. Little if no shade, but it is about 18-19C first thing and feels good, but also know it will be about 30C by midday. So get a hussle alongand make it to Ramacastanas for breaky. Then on to and arrive about midday at Arenas de San Pedro, where I will stay the night.
Have learnt to keep myself hydrated and to drink plenty of water prior to having that first beer.
The bar is quite full after church is out and the locals are friendly and amused that I'm walking accross spain ... guess it will keep them going for awhile.
Then off to my room wash and clean up and settle in for my siesta .... need it.
Clothes dry in minutes, so all clened up, back down to the bar about 9pm ish ... its still about 33C and hot, had grilled octopus for diner tonight and a bottle of red as well as some bread and dips.
Then off to bed after it got dark ... which is getting earlier, around 10ish or there abouts now.
The church bells start first thing in the morning, luckily I'm up and ready to start walking, first light is just before 7am, again its going to get to 36C and another cloudless sky. Again walking along the main road, well its more and more a country road now with little traffic. Little if no shade, but it is about 18-19C first thing and feels good, but also know it will be about 30C by midday. So get a hussle alongand make it to Ramacastanas for breaky. Then on to and arrive about midday at Arenas de San Pedro, where I will stay the night.
Have learnt to keep myself hydrated and to drink plenty of water prior to having that first beer.
The bar is quite full after church is out and the locals are friendly and amused that I'm walking accross spain ... guess it will keep them going for awhile.
Then off to my room wash and clean up and settle in for my siesta .... need it.
Clothes dry in minutes, so all clened up, back down to the bar about 9pm ish ... its still about 33C and hot, had grilled octopus for diner tonight and a bottle of red as well as some bread and dips.
Then off to bed after it got dark ... which is getting earlier, around 10ish or there abouts now.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Saturday 21st of July 2012,
Decided to keep walking so of to Lanzahita, about 19km away .... but about half along main road ....
luckily traffic is light .... but not a lot of room on the verge .... so walk towards the traffic and keep alert for cars that may be passing coming from behind. As its the country and quite beautiful, its very quiet and you can here the traffic coming from a long way off. It reminds me of the country back home down Gippsland way .... but its looking a tad parched and yellow, as it hasn't rained once since I have been back. Don't think I have even seen a cloud in the sky.
Made Lanzahita about midday, feeling dry and parched myself .... first beer did not touch the sides, this bar had a courtyard out the back with lots of shade, very pleasant .... were I'm staying tonight is about 100m down the road so handy. Ended up falling asleep at the table .... bewildered I awake being nudged by the waiter with my lunch in hand. A late night, a walk in the sun and a couple of beers went right to my head ..... well some yummy food and a bottle of mineral water and I am back to normal.
So off to my accom and an afternoon siesta.
A restaurant a couple of doors down looks interesting for diner ... so I enter, waiter tells me they are booked out for the evening ... but the place is empty ... I look around and indicate to the empty tables.
He tells me they arrive after 10.30 maybe even 11pm or later .... its now 9pm ... he shows me to a table ... I have an hour and a half to eat! Get a bottle of red wine, had chicken livers, then the most magnificent porterhouse steak and am out in time for there normal service. So of down to the bar were its very noisy, got a beer but didn't stay long as was odd man out tonight. So back to my room and catch up with blog and other emails and think about tomorrows walk.
Decided to keep walking so of to Lanzahita, about 19km away .... but about half along main road ....
luckily traffic is light .... but not a lot of room on the verge .... so walk towards the traffic and keep alert for cars that may be passing coming from behind. As its the country and quite beautiful, its very quiet and you can here the traffic coming from a long way off. It reminds me of the country back home down Gippsland way .... but its looking a tad parched and yellow, as it hasn't rained once since I have been back. Don't think I have even seen a cloud in the sky.
Made Lanzahita about midday, feeling dry and parched myself .... first beer did not touch the sides, this bar had a courtyard out the back with lots of shade, very pleasant .... were I'm staying tonight is about 100m down the road so handy. Ended up falling asleep at the table .... bewildered I awake being nudged by the waiter with my lunch in hand. A late night, a walk in the sun and a couple of beers went right to my head ..... well some yummy food and a bottle of mineral water and I am back to normal.
So off to my accom and an afternoon siesta.
A restaurant a couple of doors down looks interesting for diner ... so I enter, waiter tells me they are booked out for the evening ... but the place is empty ... I look around and indicate to the empty tables.
He tells me they arrive after 10.30 maybe even 11pm or later .... its now 9pm ... he shows me to a table ... I have an hour and a half to eat! Get a bottle of red wine, had chicken livers, then the most magnificent porterhouse steak and am out in time for there normal service. So of down to the bar were its very noisy, got a beer but didn't stay long as was odd man out tonight. So back to my room and catch up with blog and other emails and think about tomorrows walk.
Friday, 20 July 2012
Friday 20th of July 2012,
Today was just under 20 km and about 12km of that along the main road ... noisy and very boring.
Made it to Casavieja by midday and the usual 30 plus temp. About 110 km from Madrid .... so still 550km or so to Lisbon ... chatting conversing with translator with some locals at the bar ... they are bewildered as to why I would want to walk across to Lisbon ... as there are buses or trains that can get me there quickly and in air conditioned comfort? I think they think I am quite mad.
Then checked into air conditioned accom and had a siesta till diner time, which in true Spanish terms is not till after 9pm. Well its almost 1pm and ready to call it a night.
Sorry for yesterday post taking so long, but very pour transmission last night/this morning.
Today was just under 20 km and about 12km of that along the main road ... noisy and very boring.
Made it to Casavieja by midday and the usual 30 plus temp. About 110 km from Madrid .... so still 550km or so to Lisbon ... chatting conversing with translator with some locals at the bar ... they are bewildered as to why I would want to walk across to Lisbon ... as there are buses or trains that can get me there quickly and in air conditioned comfort? I think they think I am quite mad.
Then checked into air conditioned accom and had a siesta till diner time, which in true Spanish terms is not till after 9pm. Well its almost 1pm and ready to call it a night.
Sorry for yesterday post taking so long, but very pour transmission last night/this morning.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Thursday 19th of July 2012,
Up bright and early, still dark outside but want as early a start as I can get. Its low 20's outside and going to make 36 later today. On my way to Sotillo de la Adrada about 18km along the highway .... but by back roads about 22km and hopefully shaded, but some hills to contend with as well .... numerous towns along this way as well. Its showing signs of daybreak so I'm off.
Made it by midday .... about 32C ... not a cloud in the sky, hot and dusty ... though most of the roads are sealed. Sorry it took so long to finish this as some problems with getting transmission.
Up bright and early, still dark outside but want as early a start as I can get. Its low 20's outside and going to make 36 later today. On my way to Sotillo de la Adrada about 18km along the highway .... but by back roads about 22km and hopefully shaded, but some hills to contend with as well .... numerous towns along this way as well. Its showing signs of daybreak so I'm off.
Made it by midday .... about 32C ... not a cloud in the sky, hot and dusty ... though most of the roads are sealed. Sorry it took so long to finish this as some problems with getting transmission.
Wednesday,18th of July 2012,
Up early and off to San Martin de Valdeiglesias about 15km ... taking the country lanes it was actually less only 14 and a bit km.
Started walking at 8am this morning after breakfast it was about 22-23deg C then, an easy 3 hour walk and the temperature was pushing 30 by then, with a top up around 37-38 today.
Unfortunately accom places don't seem to have swimming pools .... it would be great to take a dip and cool off. Well place I am staying at, at least has air con., to hot to be outside this afternoon/night ... sun doesn't set till after 10pm and temp still up around 30 at midnight, well using lots of 30plus sun screen, hat, sunglasses a must. Thought about getting a book to read as sitting about during the afternoon .... daaaah, they are all in Spanish!
Well, find an outdoor restaurant with lots of shade and watch the world go by ... too hot for anything else.
Up early and off to San Martin de Valdeiglesias about 15km ... taking the country lanes it was actually less only 14 and a bit km.
Started walking at 8am this morning after breakfast it was about 22-23deg C then, an easy 3 hour walk and the temperature was pushing 30 by then, with a top up around 37-38 today.
Unfortunately accom places don't seem to have swimming pools .... it would be great to take a dip and cool off. Well place I am staying at, at least has air con., to hot to be outside this afternoon/night ... sun doesn't set till after 10pm and temp still up around 30 at midnight, well using lots of 30plus sun screen, hat, sunglasses a must. Thought about getting a book to read as sitting about during the afternoon .... daaaah, they are all in Spanish!
Well, find an outdoor restaurant with lots of shade and watch the world go by ... too hot for anything else.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Tuesday 17th of July 2012,
Walked from Brunete to Navas del Rey 25km if walking on the side of main road, yuk.
So walked the back roads, gps was great and I made it about at about 1pm ish. Walked mainly through farm land and the occasional small urban development, no bars of restaurants on-route, but luckily had stocked up on goodies prior to leaving Brunete.
Another very hot day, so walked early, even at 6.30 it was about 20C and by the time I got to Navas del Rey it was in the low 30's and was very pleased to find a store and buy a Gatorade, then down the road was a bar and a well deserved beer. Ended up walking about 29km by walking the back roads but pleasant, though will have to rethink distances as very tired today as there was not a lot of shade.
Staying in a rural retreat (B+B), pleasant diner included, great and a nice couple ... translator working overtime as they speak no English and my Spanish is basic. The heat took it out of me today so will try and walk a bit less tomorrow.
Walked from Brunete to Navas del Rey 25km if walking on the side of main road, yuk.
So walked the back roads, gps was great and I made it about at about 1pm ish. Walked mainly through farm land and the occasional small urban development, no bars of restaurants on-route, but luckily had stocked up on goodies prior to leaving Brunete.
Another very hot day, so walked early, even at 6.30 it was about 20C and by the time I got to Navas del Rey it was in the low 30's and was very pleased to find a store and buy a Gatorade, then down the road was a bar and a well deserved beer. Ended up walking about 29km by walking the back roads but pleasant, though will have to rethink distances as very tired today as there was not a lot of shade.
Staying in a rural retreat (B+B), pleasant diner included, great and a nice couple ... translator working overtime as they speak no English and my Spanish is basic. The heat took it out of me today so will try and walk a bit less tomorrow.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Monday 16th of July 2012,
Its a bit after 6.30am up and ready to start my new adventure, its a clear sky and about 17deg C outside. Will get an hour or so of walking under my belt then grab some breakfast ... am hoping to walk about 30km today but that depends on what track fitness I have lost in the last few weeks?
Know my general direction and towns where plenty of accommodation available.
So here we go .... more later.
Well here I am at Brunete about 30km from Madrid, a comfortable walk through tree lined streets, parks and country lanes to get here, tired but no aches or pains.
A comfortable hostel, private room, and not expensive .... other patrons not overly friendly, but!!!!
Well, will see how it goes a bit further out into the country, really its all about interaction with the locals and fellow travellers and the experience.
No pilgrims on this trek, or none that I have seen, the other odd backpacker and a few on bicycle holidays.
Its a bit after 6.30am up and ready to start my new adventure, its a clear sky and about 17deg C outside. Will get an hour or so of walking under my belt then grab some breakfast ... am hoping to walk about 30km today but that depends on what track fitness I have lost in the last few weeks?
Know my general direction and towns where plenty of accommodation available.
So here we go .... more later.
Well here I am at Brunete about 30km from Madrid, a comfortable walk through tree lined streets, parks and country lanes to get here, tired but no aches or pains.
A comfortable hostel, private room, and not expensive .... other patrons not overly friendly, but!!!!
Well, will see how it goes a bit further out into the country, really its all about interaction with the locals and fellow travellers and the experience.
No pilgrims on this trek, or none that I have seen, the other odd backpacker and a few on bicycle holidays.
Sunday 15th of July 2012,
Did all the touristy things today, bussed it around town, so I can say I saw Madrid, well in a whirlwind way like most tourists.
Tomorrow I start my walk to Lisbon, about 650 km, have my GPS so wont get lost, have the path roughly laid out, but can deviate if I wish. Have the Hotels, Hostels, B+B's etc all sorted out so lots of inexpensive accom along the way.
Looks like its going to get to33 tomorrow so an early start and stop walking about lunch time, as usual.
So till tomorrow, bye.
Did all the touristy things today, bussed it around town, so I can say I saw Madrid, well in a whirlwind way like most tourists.
Tomorrow I start my walk to Lisbon, about 650 km, have my GPS so wont get lost, have the path roughly laid out, but can deviate if I wish. Have the Hotels, Hostels, B+B's etc all sorted out so lots of inexpensive accom along the way.
Looks like its going to get to33 tomorrow so an early start and stop walking about lunch time, as usual.
So till tomorrow, bye.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Friday, 13 July 2012
Friday 13th of July 2012.
Another hot and dry day, mid 30's and stifling in the city ... am ready to get out into the country, but accom paid up till Monday .... when I start walking toward Lisbon. Madrid is lovely, but still a big city, noisy, impersonal and unfriendly. Had a picnic today, bought some bread, cheese, salami and tomato and sat in a park in the shade and watched the world go by for hours .... it was very relaxing.
Well its late at night, people everywhere and still very warm .... but I'm ready for bed, so till tomorrow.
Another hot and dry day, mid 30's and stifling in the city ... am ready to get out into the country, but accom paid up till Monday .... when I start walking toward Lisbon. Madrid is lovely, but still a big city, noisy, impersonal and unfriendly. Had a picnic today, bought some bread, cheese, salami and tomato and sat in a park in the shade and watched the world go by for hours .... it was very relaxing.
Well its late at night, people everywhere and still very warm .... but I'm ready for bed, so till tomorrow.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Thursday 12th of July2012,
At my hotel near the airport in Madrid, it 12.30am and I'm bushed ... little to no sleep from Singapore to here with a short stopover at Doha.
Will have more to say later in day as sleep is my main thing now.
So good night all.
9am breakfast over, so just a short note, off into Madrid today, about 13-14km on foot to my hotel.. its booked for 3 days at the moment, its going to be warm today about 32 and sunny. It only 17 at the moment so will get a move on ... don't think I can check into hotel till 2 or 3pm ? But will see when I get there around midday.
11.30pm ish still very warm ... but at least a dry heat. Don't think I will stay anymore tha the 3 days organised as its a big city and I prefer the small towns/villages. Well try and get some sleep, very noisy outside .... sounds of the city!
At my hotel near the airport in Madrid, it 12.30am and I'm bushed ... little to no sleep from Singapore to here with a short stopover at Doha.
Will have more to say later in day as sleep is my main thing now.
So good night all.
9am breakfast over, so just a short note, off into Madrid today, about 13-14km on foot to my hotel.. its booked for 3 days at the moment, its going to be warm today about 32 and sunny. It only 17 at the moment so will get a move on ... don't think I can check into hotel till 2 or 3pm ? But will see when I get there around midday.
11.30pm ish still very warm ... but at least a dry heat. Don't think I will stay anymore tha the 3 days organised as its a big city and I prefer the small towns/villages. Well try and get some sleep, very noisy outside .... sounds of the city!
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
Saturday 7thof July 2012,
Hi to all, funeral over and life getting back to normal .... though this life at home doesn't feel normal.
I am missing the pilgrims trail .... so back to Madrid next Tuesday, well depart Melbourne.
A few days, maybe a week there ... then make my way on foot to Lisbon in Portugal and then follow the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostella then back to Fisterra and Muxia a total of about 1320km. Thought about doing the Via de la Plata from Cadiz or Seville ... but its too hot this time of year that far south and inland (high 30's - low 40's there). So a good compromise, my route low to high 20's all the way. Lots a accommodation at convenient distances all through Spain and Portugal.
So that lets you know where I am at .... arrive Madrid late on Wednesday .... so will stay out at, or near to the airport.
Bye for now.
Hi to all, funeral over and life getting back to normal .... though this life at home doesn't feel normal.
I am missing the pilgrims trail .... so back to Madrid next Tuesday, well depart Melbourne.
A few days, maybe a week there ... then make my way on foot to Lisbon in Portugal and then follow the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostella then back to Fisterra and Muxia a total of about 1320km. Thought about doing the Via de la Plata from Cadiz or Seville ... but its too hot this time of year that far south and inland (high 30's - low 40's there). So a good compromise, my route low to high 20's all the way. Lots a accommodation at convenient distances all through Spain and Portugal.
So that lets you know where I am at .... arrive Madrid late on Wednesday .... so will stay out at, or near to the airport.
Bye for now.
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