Here we go again…

Camino number seven is about to commence. I’ve spent the last couple of days enjoying the company of friends, both walking and socialising, and yesterday I finalised my camino packing and we set off for Málaga. Before my 01:30 bus departure, we visited the Van Gogh Alive experience – ‘a multi-sensory exhibition’ (very enjoyable – see this link) and ate supper at one of the many restaurants lining Málaga’s marina. The 7.5 hour bus journey wasn’t as grim as I had anticipated, with reclining seats and a good driver, I even managed a few hours’ sleep.

I arrived at Alicante bus station only a few minutes late at 09:00 and was welcomed by strong sunshine, blue sky and a beautiful sparkling sea. During the walk to my accommodation I reacquainted myself with the unaccustomed weight of my pack. I’m staying at The Market Hostal – 13 euros for a substantial lower bunk in a room for four, with good bathroom facilities and kitchen/sitting area.

My camino pal Nina, who you will remember from last year’s walk, had arrived from Denmark the previous evening but is staying in different accommodation. We wasted no time in meeting up down by the beach and making our way to the Basílica de Santa María, the official starting point of the Ruta de la Lana. At the exact moment we arrived, the door was unlocked from the inside and we were invited in to have our credencials stamped.

The sun played hide and seek behind the clouds and it was alternately deliciously warm and rather chilly, but generally good weather for climbing the innumerable steps up to the Santa Bárbara castle. There are wide views of the city from on high, but my first visit to Alicante did not leave me in awe – there are a few lovely domed rooftops of churches, but largely the buildings are modern and ugly.

We spent most of the day together until I felt the need for a snooze to catch up on lost sleep and once settled I didn’t really fancy going out again so have bunkered down to write this and hopefully have a good night’s sleep.

There were heavy showers here yesterday and today and I am hoping that the forecast is correct for our first day’s walk tomorrow, with dry, but cloudy weather. It’s just a pity that there is a promise of strong winds – definitely not my favourite walking conditions.

About magwood

Trepidatious Traveller - camino blog is about preparing for and walking the Camino de Santiago. Many future pilgrims have found the blog useful and inspiring, and many who have no plans to walk the camino have simply enjoyed the dialogue http://www.magwood.me

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23 Responses to Here we go again…

Marilyn van Graan says:

06/04/2019 at 6:52 pm

So far so good my friend – I wish you the most wonderful camino – may the paths be kind to you and of course the weather -know that I will be with you in thought every step of the way – wishing you safe travels and I need not say have fun because you do just that – love always special lady and buen camino from the depths of my heart – so looking forward to reading each eveningXXXX

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Maggie Gardner says:

06/04/2019 at 7:04 pm

I am sitting comfortably, let your adventure begin. I hope the weather holds fair. Buen camino. xx

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Sandy Leone says:

06/04/2019 at 7:20 pm

May you have yet another fabulous Camino Maggie. I always follow you. Thank you for always blogging your adventures. You are inspirational without a doubt! Buen camino xo

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Ina Sinclair says:

06/04/2019 at 7:46 pm

Thank you for letting us follow you! Buen camino!

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Lucy says:

06/04/2019 at 8:46 pm

On the road again, I‘m really looking forward to this trip.

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ingridfolkers says:

06/04/2019 at 8:51 pm

Buen Camino Maggie, will be following you and cheering you on. Ultreia!

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- Joss Stewart says:
  
  06/04/2019 at 10:07 pm
  
  Wonderful to know u r off again Maggie
  In the last 5 yrs I have done Frances Portugues and del Norte
  I am planning another not sure which so will be following this one with great interest
  Love your blogs and photos
  Best wishes Joss Stewart Sydney Australia
  
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sherrykirkham says:

06/04/2019 at 9:10 pm

Wishing you yet another amazing Camino!

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gracethepilgrim says:

06/04/2019 at 9:43 pm

Well, off again Maggie. The Lana is also on my list so I’ll be following along eagerly awaiting updates and ‘tips from the road’
Have a wonderful time and I do hope the weather warms up just a little for you.
Cheers, Grace

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Brian says:

06/04/2019 at 10:55 pm

G’day Maggie, another vicarious Camino set to unfold down under, I wake with baited breath upon each unfolding stage. Travel safely and enjoy as much as I will!!!

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Life...One Big Adventure says:

06/04/2019 at 11:11 pm

Safe travels Maggie. I look forward to following your every step. Melx

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Gwen Lauder says:

06/04/2019 at 11:23 pm

Much love and happiness to you both for a wonderful camino.
Will follow you every step of the way

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Setmeravelles says:

06/04/2019 at 11:40 pm

¡Buen camino!

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Seeing Clarely says:

07/04/2019 at 3:39 am

I’m happy so see that this trip has launched! Say hello to Nina, and buen camino.
Clare

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Lee Wakelin says:

07/04/2019 at 4:46 am

I am so looking forward to travelling vicariously with you once again, Maggie! Buen Camino! Lee

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J Marshall says:

07/04/2019 at 4:48 am

May the sun be warm on your cheeks and the wind at your back. Buen Camino!

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Dave says:

07/04/2019 at 8:14 am

Have lots of fun and laughs. Very jealous but looking forward to the daily musings and photos.

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Margery says:

07/04/2019 at 11:11 am

Buen Camino, Maggie! I am so looking forward to following you on another Camino! Thank you for the tips and inspiration.

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Joseph Binef says:

07/04/2019 at 3:12 pm

Hello, looking forward to hear your adventures. Keep those great picture coming. Wish you the best luck with weather. Enjoy. BUEN CAMINO !!!

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Colleen says:

07/04/2019 at 5:08 pm

It’s spring… it must be because Maggie is on the camino! So looking forward to reading this… it will keep my caminometre topped up – safe travels and buen camino pilgrim ❤

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Jeannette Burgos-Rigó says:

08/04/2019 at 3:08 am

Buen camino dear Maggi, looking forward to your lovely descriptions and pictures!😘❤️

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Janice Tyler says:

08/04/2019 at 9:53 am

Buen Camino . Feeling excited as I await the unfolding adventure xxx

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Edith Grondin says:

08/04/2019 at 11:06 pm

Thank you
Very good information

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