VDLP 2013: Aldea del Cano Albergue

There is one room with bunk beds here. Then another side room with bunks. Then a larger room with a single bed and two sets of bunks, for a total of 9 beds. There appear to be 3-4 mats available as well.

The walls do show evidence, indeed, of prior chincha (bedbug) residence, so pilgrim be aware. However, the hospitalero at Alcuescar assured me it is still too cold for the little buggers. I hope like hell he is right!!

There is a nicely stocked kitchen, a good hot shower, a washing machine (but no clothesline), and thank God, a heater!

I'm happy, at least for tonight. :)

A nice kitchen

And HEATERS to help dry the clothes!

VDLP 2013 Day 7 - Alcuescar to Aldea del Cano

The trail today was interesting. 

There were times I was walking 

through fields of wildflowers, literally. 

It is a beautiful Camino in the Spring!

If you are following Melanie's app, 

there were again some differences.

 I got to a place out of Alcuescar where the MAIN road 

curved around to the left 

and there was a small dirt path (with a flecha) off to the right (as her app states). 

She says stay on the main road. 

So I did. And guess what? 

 The road made a circular turn, 

passed a hito pointing back to a different trail toward the Camino

 and began heading back to Alcuescar. 

In fact, I met pilgrims coming toward me.

Oooookay! 

 So I turned around and followed the new path by the hito, 

which appeared to be in the correct direction.

 Soon I saw Casas ahead.

But then, 

I decided to stay on the main trail and not turn off to Casas. 

It worked out great. 

At the big highway I turned right and walked about 1/4 mile to the trailhead,

 missing the climb into and out of Casas.

I arrived in Aldea before noon

 and was surprised to find 5 of the 9 best beds 

being saved by a Spanish pilgrim who had bussed here early this morning.

 SAVED!

A few folks who had planned on staying moved on. 

I grabbed a bed.

Then while I was in the bar, 

an official looking dude came in 

to discuss booking the Albergue for workers on the rail and road.

 I understand the are already booking beds up ahead. 

That sucks. 

Several walkers from the forum are having trouble up ahead.

So I'm thinking I may stop at Caceres this year and bus to Pamplona. 

Maybe I will just do the VDLP in stages; 

a little section each year. 

But we will see. 

I tend to change direction with the wind.

I do know I don't have the stamina nor the will to race for beds. 

I'm here to walk. 

 I will decide after the rain stops