On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 9.0

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Los Arcos
light after morning rain

photo taken October 22, 2011



"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Psalm 19:1

 

[Anne&Pat]

So many interesting Horreos in Olveiroa. June, 2018.

 

[Theatregal]

Cathedral rooftop tour. August 4, 2014

 

[VNwalking]

So nice to have a whole new set of photos to share. I know...they aren't Spain. But the Via Monastica is a lovely camino nonetheless.

Aprés le deluge. We were soaked down to our shoes by the time a front had passed and we stopped for cake & coffee at this cafe (on the left) next an old mill. Bliss.

 

[Former member 49149]

Oviedo, San Salvador, 2017. a lovely young couple from Valencia met up with us a few times over the final days...

 

[mspath]

Vilar de Donas
Iglesia de San Salvador
photo taken November 13, 2004



East of Palas de Rei near Portos on the CF the 12th c. Iglesia de San Salvador was the official burial place of the Chevaliers de Santiago for centuries.

Extraordinary iron fittings support the wooden panels of the great entrance door; within delicate 15th c. frescos surround tombs topped with recumbent effigies of the knights.

...Almost hidden in the verdant countryside San Salvador de Donas was, and hopefully still is, a special site filled with eternal peace .

 

[VNwalking]

What is left of the Begijnhofkirk in Tienen, dating from the 13th C., but destroyed by fire in 1970. Now it is part of a park, but you can still feel something very special here.
Via Monastica 2022.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Ah, lovely.

 

[Anne&Pat]

A very welcome breakfast stop after leaving Olveiroa early. Cafe/Albergue Logoso. June, 2018.

 

[SabsP]

A poster of my favourite movie.CF 2011. At a bar after Sarria if I am correct?
One of those relaxed hippy vibe places with lots of writing on the wall.
Do not remember the name anymore.

 

[mspath]

towards Finisterre
near Corcubion
photo taken December 9, 2011



Alone after dawn I walked the final kilometers of my 7th camino. Wayside views were shore, scrub, and endless sea. The wind was brutal and the surf rough, but it was glorious to just be in the salty air.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Before the descent to Cee, June, 2018.

 

[SabsP]

Before the descent to Cee, June, 2018.
View attachment 123901

And what a descent that is! On first glance ok but I found it hard on my knees. But what a view when you are on ground / sea level!

 

[Theatregal]

Morning of March 24, 2017. Last day to Finisterre. Leaving Corcubión and looking back at the Iglesia de San Marcos.

IGLESIA DE SAN MARCOS, CORCUBIÓN

GALICIA

galiciapuebloapueblo.blogspot.com

 

[VNwalking]

These guys greeted us as we started our walking one day on the Via Momastica, April 2021.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 15, 2019: Portugalete to Castro Urdiales. I have a lot pictures from this day as it was a long 35k. I will post as a series. Let's see, I'll start with this colorful underpass just past Portugalete.

 

[mspath]

towards Villenauxe-la-Grande, France
photo taken November 22, 2008



Autumn 2008 I set out across the hills
from our farmhouse on the Marne River aiming for Vézelay.
Walking towards Villenauxe-la-Grande in the Aube the cold was bitter but the sun was bright on the verges of local roads through wood and open farmland.

 

[Anne&Pat]

This day has eventually arrived! We thank you all for this wonderful thread.
Tomorrow we leave home to set off on another Camino adventure. We fly into Barcelona on Wednesday 4th May and start walking from St Jean on Monday 9th May. Won't be posting anymore photos after this one but will look in on this thread regularly. You have all helped to keep our hope up that one day we would be back on the Camino again. Thank you. We are planning to stay in Spain for our full 90 days and walk about 68 of those days, we will, of course, walk on our rest days as well!! We are really looking forward to being back in Spain, and France for three nights. Won't believe we are actually doing this until we are on Spanish soil! and hopefully COVID free after all the travelling!
Buen Camino,
Anne and Pat

Thought we would finish with this lovely sunset in Muxia, June 2018, at the end of our long walk from Irun.

 

[SabsP]

@Anne&Pat : I wish you both more than the best for your next flight and Camino.
it is comforting to read that you will both make use of the full capacity of your 90 days . Gives you all the time to acclimatise with the travelling.

Really happy to read your news. I can almost feel the anticipation and butterflies myself!

Ultreïa!

 

[VNwalking]

This day has eventually arrived!

Wonderful. Buen camino, you two! We look forward to a new crop of photos when you return.

 

[mspath]

Anne & Pat,
What happy news it is to learn that you will soon be off again to Spain!
May all your days be wonder-filled.
Do take care and stay safe.
Looking forward to reading your new posts as you move along.

Godspeed and, as always, Ultreia.

 

[SabsP]

Onwards to Briviesca.
Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

Pancorbo - Briviesca | Camino Vasco del Interior | Gronze.com

Etapa solitaria, quizá un tanto monótona, con sucesivos collados, muy modestos, que separan un pueblo de otro; avanzamos a través de la comarca de La Bureba, por un territorio suavemente ondulado dedicado básicamente a los cultivos de secano. Posiblemente no encontraremos servicios de...

www.gronze.com

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 15, 2019 The animals are so curious about us pilgrims on the Camino. Just as us pilgrims are in awe of the Camino animals. On the way to Castro Urdiales.

 

[kohara]

How fortunate we are to be able to walk in such places of peace and beauty.
On the norte, not far from San Vincente de la Barquera

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro
distant landscape

photo taken November 8, 2004



The first time I arrived at O Cebreiro the weather was cold, but glorious with blue sky and bright sun. Thrilled, I shot this view towards distant Ponferrada to show the landscape which day after day had been so tenaciously crossed....It remains a memento of an intense effort

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 15, 2019 (still) back to the sea heading to Castro Urdiales.

 

[VNwalking]

Thrilled, I shot this view towards distant Ponferrada to show the landscape which day after day had been so tenaciously crossed....It remains a memento of an intense effort

Yes, taking in that view is a moment.
We walk from farther than we can see, and go farther than we can see. But step by step it's possible.

The view backwards from Alto de Perdon is the first big hit of that on the Francés. Goose bumps...
View media item 6933

 

[kohara]

On my way back to the Monastery of San Martin after a few sherrys, i paused for a time in the Plaza de Quintana de vivos. I had the square almost to myself and could explore the east face of the cathedral close up.

 

[SabsP]

Tractor somewhere in Galicia. CF 2011.
Daily life in Spain.
A reminder to be very grateful that I was able to take such a long period off from work to walk.

 

[Theatregal]

Tractor somewhere in Galicia. CF 2011.
Daily life in Spain.
A reminder to be very grateful that I was able to take such a long period off from work to walk.

A well cared for little tractor!

 

[Theatregal]

A delivery for the very welcoming Tienda Bar Casa Federico in Cereijeira between Grandas de Salime and Castro on the Primitivo. August 2, 2013. A wonderful place to stop for a delicious second breakfast!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Saint Jean Pied de Port
39 rue de La Citadelle
Pilgrim Office sign

photo taken October 3, 2005



This photo was taken on the first day of my 2nd camino....Whatever the season les Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques staffing the Pilgrim Office were always welcoming and helpful.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 15, 2019 (still) on the way to Castro Urdiales.

 

[SabsP]

CdN July 15, 2019 (still) on the way to Castro Urdiales.
View attachment 124209

I adore your pictures of the Norte. Pity that I 'm such a wuss when it comes to heights and "canyontype" landscapes.
I do not mind steep hills but it is the idea that I could fall off and drop in some bushes ten meter below that freaks me out...

 

[FourSeasons]

I adore your pictures of the Norte. Pity that I 'm such a wuss when it comes to heights and "canyontype" landscapes.
I do not mind steep hills but it the idea that I could fall off and drop in some bushes ten meter below freaks me out...

Thank you @SabineP I was never in danger of falling off anything, I’m not that brave. My photos may look as though I put myself in peril and at any moment could have fallen into the abis but as you can see here I was on a very wide and sturdy path. Sure there are a few cliffs along the Norte none of which I set foot on. Go, go try out del Norte, you’d be pleasantly surprised.
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - Christopher Robin

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
nearing San Juan de Ortega

photo taken February 23, 2007



During my 3rd camino on a cold and overcast winter day walking on the CF as it emerged from the dense forest I could at last glimpse San Juan de Ortega monastery.

 

[Theatregal]

Street life in Porto.
If I'm not mistaken, I think I took this photo from the steps of the Igreja dos Clérigos. July 29, 2015.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The Monasterio de San Martiño de Xuvia, on the English Way.

I could have taken a shortcut here, but I didn't.

 

[SabsP]

The Monasterio de San Martiño de Xuvia, on the English Way.

I could have taken a shortcut here, but I didn't.

View attachment 124309

I did but I had time issues on my second Ingles. This shortcut made it possible for me to finish in five days. Not stopping in Neda.

 

[JohnLloyd]

I did but I had time issues on my second Ingles. This shortcut made it possible for me to finish in five days. Not stopping in Neda.

I'd given myself nine full days for this Camino and Muxía, so I could afford to be a fundamentalist this time!

 

[SabsP]

Onwards to Ponte de Lima. CP. Don't remember the name of this village.Narrow roads but at least no cobblestones.

 

[mspath]

Muruzábal
Ermita de Santa María de Eunate
albergue
"tea"

photo taken January 22, 2008



On my 4th camino the albergue adjacent to the Santa Maria de Eunate church located near the junction of the Frances+Aragones caminos had just opened for the season.

The French hospitalero, invited the fellow I was walking with and me to and join him and 2 local friends for late afternoon "tea". The ambiance was wonderful as we ate delicious goodies and shared much camino gossip.

,,,,Now unfortunately the albergue is permantly closed.

 

[Theatregal]

August 2, 2015. Português da Costa. Harvesting percebes (gooseneck barnacles) before Póvoa de Varzim.



I have posted this before but here again is a wonderful story about the Gonzáles sisters - the Barnacle Queens of the seaside.

The Barnacle Queens of the Spanish Seaside

In Galicia, four sisters are taking on the male-dominated culture of percebeiras.

roadsandkingdoms.com

 

[Former member 49149]

August 2, 2015. Português da Costa. Harvesting percebes (gooseneck barnacles) before Póvoa de Varzim.

View attachment 124380

I have posted this before but here again is a wonderful story about the Gonzáles sisters - the Barnacle Queens of the seaside.

The Barnacle Queens of the Spanish Seaside

In Galicia, four sisters are taking on the male-dominated culture of percebeiras.

roadsandkingdoms.com

I have not read it before, so thank you for the fascinating article. My first lesson of the day!

 

[SabsP]

Burgos. View from my room at hotel Norte y Londres.

 

[VNwalking]

More from the Via Monastica. Approaching Namur, the way follows an old rail line, paved for cyclists and the likes of us. It went on for a long time, with the occasional road overpass to mark progress.

 

[SabsP]

More from the Via Monastica. Approaching Namur, the way follows an old rail line, paved for cyclists and the likes of us. It went on for a long time, with the occasional road overpass to mark progress.
View attachment 124408

The RAVEL! Hard on the feet...

 

[VNwalking]

The RAVEL! Hard on the feet...

Indeed. I liked it though, as much because of the varied landscapes between Tienen and Namur - first rolling with fruit trees, then past Jodoigne it became a bit Meseta-like, then more rolling and wooded.

And it was direct. No zigging and zagging to add kms!

 

[mspath]

Camino de Frances
Alto de Mostelares

photo taken February 18, 2009



This was a perfect moment during my 5th CF at age 70. The climb had been steep but the view from the top was worth it. Behind me to the east was the path taken from Castrojeriz and ahead to the west lay the path to take.

 

[Reija]

My mood today calls for this selfie from Jakobsweg, Germany 2017. After four years with zero Camino life I am finally somewhat hopeful that finally, later this month, I might make it on the Way (via Jacobi+ the beginning of Via Gebennensis) for a week or so. However, my body is currently recovering from Covid19 (had it very mild, but still) and my head and heart are very concerned over the war in Europe. So there, I have strongly conflicted, mixed feelings. Life is not simpe, therefore I want to post this selfie, it's not all happy, wonderful steps through rose gardens, not in life, not on the camino. THANK you for listening.

 

[kohara]

Thank your kind words Reija, we are living in such challenging times and it can be very difficult to maintain perspective, balance and an open heart. I hope this re-ignites for you on your upcoming camino.
I am mindful to post a quote from an inspiring and timely book from two teachers of mine, ~Michelle & Joel Levey Living in Balance: A Mindful Guide for Thriving in a Complex World
"The good news is that, as your sense of balance grows,
you'll find it easier to discover the clarity in the midst of confusion,
the stillness at the center of motion,
peace in the midst of turbulence,
openness when faced with uncertainty,
and the love present behind fear and anger.
What it requires is learning to dance with the innumerable paradoxes of your life while anchoring yourself in an extraordinary suppleness and flexibility that will provide the stability necessary to actually find balance in your life."

​

I also am attaching a photo of the amazing stained glass windows in the cathedral at Leon (obviously it just hints at their majesty)

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN (still) July 15, 2019. On my way to Castro Urdiales I saw this beautiful beach below, Playa de Miono.

 

[SabsP]

Carrion de los Condes. Camino Francés.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Najera

photo taken October 23, 2010, on my 6th camino



Full moon setting; dawn breaking

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Proverbs 4:18

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 15, 2019 (It's been a long day) I made it down from the hilltop to Miono where I enjoyed Luke’s company (He was on his way to the Tour de France) while sipping on a coca cola and chugging some ice water before I braved the long and scary tunnel. (tunnel pic is a repeat.)

 

[Theatregal]

In honour of the wonderful news that the long awaited albergue is about to open in this building - the Bishop's Palace, attached to the the 12th century Romanesque church of Diomondi on the Invierno. And... a view of a beautiful door on the opposite side of the church. June 17, 2019

 

[SabsP]

Kiosko. Pontedeume. Camino Ingles

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villarmentero de Campos
wayside cross

photo taken November 6, 2011, on my 7th camino



This isolated cross was within a pasture just east of Villarmentero de Campos /west of Fromista.

 

[kiwi-couple]

In the hills before El Acebo, Camino Frances. May 2019. Just so very beautiful.

 

[kohara]

Arriving into Ribadesella on the norte; a joy to see the bougainvillea in bloom.

 

[Bill905]

Hello to my Camino friends. Today is a great day! Today is Easter Sunday, and on Easter Sunday in 2019, while in the lovely town of O Cebreiro on the Camino Frances, I took one of the most memorable photos I have ever taken (see below). The experience and the symbolism were very moving. And that is not the only reason today is a great day! Later tonight I will board a plane for Porto, where the Camino Portuguese awaits! YES! I am returning, and … I am not returning alone! I am over the moon that my oldest granddaughter will accompany me!

UPDATE: It happened, and it happened successfully! My granddaughter and I arrived in SDC from the Camino Portugués on May 1st. My good Camino amigo Thomas and his wife arrived from the Csmino del Norte on May 2nd. The four of us enjoyed the evening Pilgrim mass in the Cathedral, then went out to an entertaining and chatty dinner, and closed the restaurant! May all your Caminos be so memorable!

 

[SabsP]

UPDATE: It happened, and it happened successfully! My granddaughter and I arrived in SDC from the Camino Portugués on May 1st. My good Camino amigo Thomas and his wife arrived from the Csmino del Norte on May 2nd. The four of us enjoyed the evening Pilgrim mass in the Cathedral, then went out to an entertaining and chatty dinner, and closed the restaurant! May all your Caminos be so memorable!

Woohoo @Bill905 : wonderful news! Seems you had a splendid Camino.
Looking forward to your pictures!

 

[Theatregal]

Passing through Alvaredos on the Invierno. June 13, 2019

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Rabanal del Camino

November 24, 2012



This photo captures a memory of strolling through Rabanal del Camino by moonlight one cold November evening during my 8th CF.

 

[SabsP]

Somewhere in Leon.

 

[Theatregal]

A foggy morning passing a massive sunflower field just before the ruins of the Monasterio S. Felix de Oca on the Frances. September 18, 2012. And... evidence of the many people who couldn't resist leaving their mark on seed heads along the perimeter - some even farther into the field! Would have loved to see this area in full bloom!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near San Juan de Ortega
sunrise

photo taken November 6, 2013



Alone on my 9th CF as the November sun rose I felt that all was and would be good. ...Perhaps such secular transcendence sensed while walking is akin to what runners call "the zone". Neither easy, nor impossible it simply is; thus, thankfully I continued.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Between bridges

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 16, 2019 a rest day in Castro Urdiales on a beautiful beach.

 

[SabsP]

Washing facilities at the albergue San Saturnino in Ventosa. CF.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro

photo taken November 28, 2014



Through mist and heavy rain I had climbed to the mystic/mythic mountain hamlet of O Cebreiro. Resting beneath the broad arch of the church porch all appeared sepia.
I was very thankful to have arrived at this beloved place once again.
....Sadly this 10th camino would be my last visit.

 

[Former member 100353]

The sunset in SJPP, 22nd of February 2022, the night before I started walking.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 17, 2019 on the way to Islares there were many signs to show me the way.

 

[mspath]

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
55 rue de la Citadelle

photo taken October 13, 2015



This famous red door of the municipal albergue is an entrance to another way of life, the camino way; here began my 11th CF which would be truncated later near Azofra due to a serious fall.

 

[VNwalking]

Walking a camino in the springtime is such a treat for the eyes. Via Monastica, 2022.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 17, 2019 to Islares.

 

[dick bird]

It’s me again, on the Lana in Alcala de Jucar, picturesque but soulless. So far a great Camino and a big shout out to all the associations and people along the way who have helped and supported us, in particular, Pedro Antonio in Alatoz.

 

[kohara]

Seems to be a few pics recently of SJpp.
In that same vein.. a gentle stroll the late afternoon before; what excitement awaits.

 

[SabsP]

It’s me again, on the Lana in Alcala de Jucar, picturesque but soulless. So far a great Camino and a big shout out to all the associations and people along the way who have helped and supported us, in particular, Pedro Antonio in Alatoz.View attachment 124956

Nothig much happening in Alcala de Jucar? Or a weird vibe overall?
Anyway, good to see you on the road!

 

[Bill905]

Woohoo @Bill905 : wonderful news! Seems you had a splendid Camino.
Looking forward to your pictures!

Thank you SabineP. In the town of Fao we went inside a very small, very old church to investigate, and met a small group of about 6 women and men who were cleaning up, and who had just finished putting together an incredible religious display using nothing but flower petals.

 

[SabsP]

Belorado.
John Lennon, sala de fiestas.
Too early when I passed to have a peek inside....

 

[mspath]

night train/ Paris to Bayonne
photo taken October 14, 2014



I often rode the train de nuit/night train with couchettes/sleepers from Paris/Gare Austerlitz to Bayonne. It was magical to hear/feel the carriages move through the night while asleep.

In recent years these night trains were cancelled. However now for July/August 2022 French railways offer a summer night train service connecting Paris/Gare Austerlitz with Lourdes, Bayonne and Hendaye.

...Perhaps I'll book a ticket!!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Which way?

After 15km, the shortest one, please.

 

[Former member 49149]

night train/ Paris to Bayonne
photo taken October 14, 2014

View attachment 125004

I often rode the train de nuit/night train with couchettes/sleepers from Paris/Gare Austerlitz to Bayonne. It was magical to hear/feel the carriages move through the night while asleep.

In recent years these night trains were cancelled. However now for July/August 2022 French railways offer a summer night train service connecting Paris/Gare Austerlitz with Lourdes, Bayonne and Hendaye.

...Perhaps I'll book a ticket!!

Do! Why not! Yourself, and husband! A day lolling - not likely, you are far too resourceful for that! - would be such a source of joy for you!

 

[VNwalking]

Perhaps I'll book a ticket!!

Absolutely!

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 17, 2019 on the way to Islares.

 

[mspath]

SW from Bayonne, France
seen from TER local train

photo taken October 15, 2014



I always enjoyed seeing the rolling verdant landscape while riding the then two-car local TER train from Bayonne to the Basque town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, named such because it is at the foot of a pass crossing the Pyrenees.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The lovely bridge at Neda. Does it have an official name?

 

[Former member 49149]

The lovely bridge at Neda. Does it have an official name?

View attachment 125087

Will this do?

 

[Theatregal]

Day two to Finisterre. On a fine morning after Piaxé - March 21, 2017.

 

[SabsP]

Zaragoza and Goya. Camino del Ebro.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 17, 2019 on the way to Islares.

 

[dick bird]

Yep, two larger than life size statues of ladies wearing skirts made of plastic bottles. Don’t even ask. Casas de Ibanez, on the Lana yesterday.

 

[Former member 22438]

Without words

 

[Bill905]

Meanwhile, in Tui, Spain, it was recently the feast day of San Telmo and the town was celebrating! The plaza and local streets were decked out, music was playing, people were dancing in the streets. But, despite it being a feast of San Telmo, that didn't stop the town from using various Camino themed decorations. I took this picture in the evening, right outside the albergue at which we were staying.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burguete
photo taken October l8, 2014



In this view dawn has just broken on the CF/route N 135 in Burguete. At the curve a hidden turn to the right continues onto a more pastoral CF path.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF September 4, 2013 my second day ever and grateful I made it, barely over the bridge into Zubiri where I claimed the last bed at the first albergue I came to. It’s good to fly solo.

 

[mspath]

CF September 4, 2013 my second day ever and grateful I made it, barely over the bridge into Zubiri where I claimed the last bed at the first albergue I came to. It’s good to fly solo.
View attachment 125158View attachment 125159

Indeed. Going solo is great!

 

[Former member 49149]

@FourSeasons ( by the way, you would be very much at home on an Irish summer's day!) and @mspath, we reached Zubiri at the close of our first day walking. The plan we had was this: my companion's father drove us to Roncesvalles, from whence we began walking. In Zubiri he picked us up and the following morning returned us to the same point. That system worked for three days walking. On the fourth morning we set off from Puente la Reina and took our chances with everyone else. The first albergue experience in Estella was hilarious, the beds were so close together! My companion was a youngish European guy who fortunately used earphones so he was oblivious to everyone and everything else. Let me just say I edged my way towards my neighbour on the other side of the bunk!!! It was a lovely albergue, candles, soft music, a great courtyard for hanging up laundry, and the visit to the church... thanks for the memory.

I meant to say my albergue companion, the guy in the very adjoining bunk!

 

[Former member 22438]

So nice to have a whole new set of photos to share. I know...they aren't Spain. But the Via Monastica is a lovely camino nonetheless.

Aprés le deluge. We were soaked down to our shoes by the time a front had passed and we stopped for cake & coffee at this cafe (on the left) next an old mill. Bliss.
View attachment 123774

Looks like the Netherlands . Is it ?