3 | Camino Francés Backward | Forced to return to Santiago

Galicia | Arzúa to Melide to Santiago, 15.7 km
Playlist: • Camino Francés Backwar...
The journey starts here (Subscribe): bit.ly/2GmX1h3
Enjoy the perks (Memberships): bit.ly/34CuY8l
Vlogging & Gear List (Affiliate links): amzn.to/3IBvd7S
Music Library: artlist.io/referral/97954/Efren
Trail Angels and Trail Magic: bit.ly/Trailmagic
Efren's Merch Store: teespring.com/stores/efren-go...
Camino Frances Gps Files: bit.ly/Camino_Frances
Instagram Photos: pC5g6sRoLS...
Accommodation: Hostal Dos Reis Católicos (Parador de Santiago)
www.booking.com/hotel/es/host...
Daily Costs Breakdown:
€04.70 Breakfast
€14.20 Snacks
€15.70 Lunch
€04.64 Bus to Santiago
€ 20.40 Dinner
€187.85 Parador de Santiago
---------------------------
€247.49 Total
*** As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an Amazon link on this website and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I have personally used and believe are of value to my subscribers. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Filmed April 8, 2024. All rights reserved.
#caminodesantiago #CaminoFrances #SaintJames

[@kayakerjer]

One of the biggest thrills of my Camino Frances this year was turning a corner just west of Estella on May 6th and seeing YOU walking toward me. I immediately shouted out “EFREN GONZALES … ROCK STAR!!” But to me you are more than that. We took a selfie together (I was wearing yellow). During our chat, I complimented you on the quality of your videos, your excellent drone footage, the positive energy and gentle humour you bring to all your videos, and your musical choices (the “pilgrimage playlist” on my iPhone has many songs from your videos). And I promised to send this thank you, which I am now doing. But immediately after saying our goodbyes, I was kicking myself for not explaining more fully what your videos have meant to me. I have multiple severe health issues. Walking any Camino is a major challenge for me that requires enormous amounts of research, planning and preparation. Before walking the CF, I watched more than 50 of your videos across all the Camino routes. I watched others of course, read three books, searched Ivar’s forum, listened to podcasts, etc but YOUR videos more than anything else helped me pick which Camino route would fit me best. More importantly, your videos made the whole thing seem possible despite my health issues. And not just possible, but something that might actually be worthwhile, and maybe fun too if I approached it with an attitude like yours. You more than anybody opened the door to my Camino and gave me the gentle nudge to walk on through. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@BillyDeeShilliums]

I’m team rain coat and pants. I only put on the pants if it is raining all day, and I only wear the rain pants and underwear. So I’m committed at that point!

[@Walk_with_Efren]

No turning back 😃

[@richardpitwood2421]

I've caminoed a lot. In my experience the best is an expensive Goretex jacket with no lining so you can choose how warm it should be, and dry bags in your rucksack. I don't care if my bottom half gets soaked. Looking forward to see if you stop at my unmanned tea stand in Vilacha at 92km :)

[@DeborahSams-y3m]

My friend and I stayed in the Parador on our first night in Santiago. It was literally "from the wilderness to the palace" in how we felt on arrival. Loving your videos. Beautifully filmed and edited. Bien hecho!

[@Walk_with_Efren]

what a contrast. it makes all the more enjoyable.

[@marymerrill1612]

Glad you could enjoy some luxury!

[@BillyDeeShilliums]

The Alberge next to the river is run by the American pilgrims of the Camino. You can volunteer there for 2 weeks. At least last I heard.

[@PJ_Hawke]

And What a Breakfast. it is!

[@mariemock8677]

Hope you enjoyed the Parador! I’m going to try rain jacket and ruck sack cover next time and forget about my legs. I’ve used the Altus atmospheric for the Portuguese in June. I needed it for 6 days of 13 and I was wetter inside than outside. It was like a homemade sauna; even with the hood down and neck open it was like a shower inside! Definitely won’t take it next time.

[@helenebergsten707]

Good for you. Hope you will have a great stay. Glad you do unexpected things, as Camino in reverse and Parador!

[@Walk_with_Efren]

I definitely wet outside the box on this csmino. I did so many side trails and stayed off stages in some sections

[@thetrappedchatterbox7941]

Ribadiso - I had one of the most memorable moments of my life there with a girl. Absolutely engrained in my memory. I absolutely love the place. Been through it once more since and the memories flood back even though I'm at a different point in my life and that relationship is over. I love that it's getting some shine! ☺️

[@labmen]

When i retire, Im going to do CF in reverse and thats the end of my Camino journey. I've been following your steps, walking CF, Salvador and Primitivo. Recently, Kumano Kodo.

[@Walk_with_Efren]

That's an excellent plan

[@josephkelley8634]

I wrap a cord around my pancho if it's windy.

[@joaquindelcueto2482]

How did you like the Gore Tex sneaks?

[@Walk_with_Efren]

they were a bit tight compared to the Olympus 5 but I got used to them. I bought a new pair back home with a wider toe box.

[@scotbotvideos]

Well, I'm not just Team Poncho, but Team Altus Atmospheric poncho.

[@Walk_with_Efren]

I got one of those in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and loved it

[@mariemock8677]

I wonder what I did wrong! I got an Altus atmospheric and it was wetter inside than outside within 15 minutes. It was running down the insides of my arms so I’m definitely going to try rain jacket next time. I really didn’t like the poncho.

[@scotbotvideos]

@@mariemock8677 You could just get the flappier, traditional style poncho. I've also got a USGI poncho but it doesn't have great arm protection, nor does it come so far down the back when one wears a rucksack. What I'm saying is don't rule out ponchos just because one make didn't work out so well for you; you'll probably find yourself even wetter with a rain jacket and trousers because they'll be closer to your body. Also Goretex is over-rated, so don't think that the more expensive raingear is better yet.

[@tinnguyenmd]

Which shoes are you wearing for this hike and why? Great video!!

[@Walk_with_Efren]

I started with the Altra Olympus 5 in Sevilla, but they broke just before Salamanca, and I bought a pair of Salomon at the Decathlon in the city.

[@catherinegardner3041]

Hey Efren. Enjoyed the video. Stayed in Ribadiso instead of Arzua last Fall. That bar you stopped in has a phenomenal menu, probably the best meal we had on the camino - lentil stew then roast beef dinner! I am gathering from your map at the beginning, you are no longer going to do the Arles route, but the Le Puy instead? If so, will you be doing the Cele and/or Rocamadour variants? Another question. What is the music background at the beginning? The French-sounding one that you also used on your Le Puy Camino videos? Loving the series and the other 2 as well! Looking forward to the Fall installment as we are walking Le Puy Fall 2025!

[@Walk_with_Efren]

this is the second time I stop at the bar in Ribadiso and I agree the food is incredible. After much consideration I've decided to do the Camino d'Arles the right way to Puente la Reina. for some reason the via Francigena is calling, at least the section from Switzerland to Rome. I have to make it to the Gran San Bernard's pass before it closes on October 10th so I'm not sure if I'll have the time to do the Cele variant.