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

[VNwalking]

Looks like the Netherlands . Is it ?

Indeed it was. In that case, specifically Spoordonk, along the pelgrimpad just north of Vessem, the official start of the Via Monastica.

 

[Bill905]

On April 27 in Pontevedra, we visited the church of Santa Maria la Mayor de Pontevedra, reputed to be the first Roman Catholic Church in Spain, and built over 1,000 years ago. There were fantastic carvings, statues, altars, etc. and the two little old ladies running the museum and tower ticket booth were so cute! They wanted to show us everything and it was clear they loved that church. We paid our 1 € to tour the museum and go up the tower. Here is a shot of the tower's spiral staircase!

 

[SabsP]

Almost there. Faro de Fisterra.

 

[VNwalking]

Seen along the Via Monastica, not far from the Belgian border with Holland. The shell told us only 2500 or so kms to Santiago, but the rock's significance is a mystery. Actually the whole placement of this is a bit of a mystery, on the edge of a vast moorland. There has to be a story, but I have no idea what it is.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria

photo taken February 24, 2007



In this window view into the two-story 13th c. cloister garden the simplicity of stone, grass and sky was a welcome aesthetic contrast to the lavish Gothic riches/richness displayed elsewhere within the cathedral.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria

photo taken February 24, 2007

View attachment 125351

In this window view into the two-story 13th c. cloister garden the simplicity of stone, grass and sky was a welcome aesthetic contrast to the lavish Gothic riches/richness displayed elsewhere within the cathedral.

There are times when the contrast between the two is very uncomfortable.

The presence of a credit card machine to accept donations within the walls of León's cathedral, for example.

 

[Former member 49149]

There are times when the contrast between the two is very uncomfortable.

The presence of a credit card machine to accept donations within the walls of León's cathedral, for example.

View attachment 125389

John, I do understand the discomfort. However, one aspect of the old order is that it is old. A formidable and far-seeing French woman of my acquaintance is often quoted as saying (post French Revolution) 'TImes change and we must change with them'.
Some people recoil from being asked to donate at all. I see it this way: if a donation will take care of the past for the future, I am happy to contribute my little bit. It is not paying for a church service, as church services are not a part of what is offered to tourists. Pilgrims, who do not participate in church services, are technically tourists.
Oops, sorry for being long-winded here!

 

[JohnLloyd]

John, I do understand the discomfort. However, one aspect of the old order is that it is old. A formidable and far-seeing French woman of my acquaintance is often quoted as saying (post French Revolution) 'TImes change and we must change with them'.
Some people recoil from being asked to donate at all. I see it this way: if a donation will take care of the past for the future, I am happy to contribute my little bit. It is not paying for a church service, as church services are not a part of what is offered to tourists. Pilgrims, who do not participate in church services, are technically tourists.
Oops, sorry for being long-winded here!

Oh, I understand the need for donations to keep these magnificent places open for us to savour as we walk.

The weird thing about León's cathedral was that you could only pay cash to enter, but the credit card terminal was available once you were inside for donations.

 

[Bill905]

@JohnLloyd - we all know about the "Most photographed house on the Camino Frances" ... Here is my nomination for "Most photographed house on the Via Podiensis" between Chazeaux and Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, taken May 13.

 

[Theatregal]

Pausing on the ascent out of Belesar to look back at the path (upper right) that I descended along, about an hour earlier. Invierno, June 17, 2019. Looking closer, there may be a tiny pilgrim on that path.

 

[SabsP]

Onwards to Azofra.CF 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Cruz de Ferro
Chapel

photo taken November 24, 2014



This small chapel dedicated to Santiago is located near the famous Cruz de Ferro.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 17, 2019 on the way to Islares.

 

[ginniek]

One of several Javelinas seen between Terrassa and Montserrat while I was taking a snack break.
View attachment 120503

Looks different than the javelinas in Texas, which are smaller and more slender.

 

[ginniek]

Pamplona, August 8, 2019. It's a busy slide, but if you click on it, the enlarged version is clear.

 

[VNwalking]

The bell tower of Leffe Abbey in Dinant, on the Via Monastica a day's walk from the French border with Belgium. It's known more for beer than caritas, and that's a pity, because it definitely has the latter.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances, Valcarlos route
Arnéguy
markers

photo taken October 15, 2014



At Arnéguy on the French/Spanish border this stelle depicting chevaliers/ caballeros framed a nearby sign pointing to the Spanish continuation of the CF towards Valcarlos, Ibaneta, and Orreaga/Roncesvalles.

 

[SabsP]

A typical ( although not always drinking beer ) afternoon for me on a Camino.
Cee.
On the way to Fisterra. 2016.

 

[Theatregal]

The harrowing (those blind corners ) but beautiful last stretch into A Rúa on the Invierno. June 12, 2019.

 

[VNwalking]

The harrowing (those blind corners ) but beautiful last stretch into A Rúa on the Invierno. June 12, 2019.

Oh! Yes. Unforgettable.
The cars were flying around those corners and there was nowhere to go but waaaay down.
I didn't try to take photos, but you captured it perfectly.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 17, 2019. Arrived in Islares at the campground to find only two bungalows with two beds each remaining. I met on the trail near the sea three Italian ladies. One was willing to share a bugalow with me. Once again a bit of Camino magic. After checking in we went for a bite to eat. Very good.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Valcarlos, arrow

photo taken February 6, 2007



Signage on the Valcarlos route often included miniscule yellow arrows rather randomly attached to trees, logs, etc.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 14, 2019. Approaching/Entering Bilbao.

 

[SabsP]

Today , exactly three years ago. On the Vasco Interior, from Astigarraga to Tolosa. @VNwalking will remember where this town is. Was the town with the escalator....

A breakfast for champions : vegetarians and non veggies unite!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Blessed be the breadmakers of Neda.

Although they were all in bed when I walked through...

 

[VNwalking]

Today , exactly three years ago. On the Vasco Interior, from Astigarraga to Tolosa. @VNwalking will remember where this town is. Was the town with the escalator....

A breakfast for champions : vegetarians and non veggies unite!

Oh! That was a superb breakfast, I must say.
This was the place, on a very grey and drizzly morning (I already posted the escalator photo and won't further embarrass the subject with it).

 

[Bill905]

While walking the Via Podiensis, a plaque that we often see, both in churches and on town monuments, is one that remembers those who have fought and died for France in different wars. What is especially poignant however, and makes one pause and reflect, is how they are not referred to as soldiers, or citizens, but as ‘our children’.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Bercianos del Real Camino
sign

photo taken February 12, 2008



This painted sign pointed the way west towards El Burgo Ranero.

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 5, 2019 first day out of Irun. I didn’t take the high road where there were amazing ocean views however I did enjoyed this with many arrows pointing the way.

 

[Theatregal]

Footprints, bike tires and pole tips. Following those ahead on the Frances, October 1, 2012

 

[SabsP]

Two today. Exactly three years ago . Camino Vasco Interior.
Albergue donativo in Beasain.
The warmest welcome I received on all my caminos.
True caritas.
Volunteers from the " Hospitaleros Voluntarios de la Asociación de Guipúzcoa ".

Please give in abundance in donativos when you are in the possibility to give. If not financially, not to worry , there are so many other ways to give and show your appreciation.

Albergue de peregrinos de Beasain | Albergue de Peregrinos en Beasain | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos de Beasain, en Beasain: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[mspath]

Ponte Sarela
leaving Santiago de Compostela

photo taken March 29, 2007



After I had crossed the tiny pedestrian Ponte Sarela over the river the narrow camino towards Finisterre began at this rather ad hoc sign/gate.

 

[Theatregal]

Hospitales Route - Camino Primitivo, July 31, 2013. Passing the ruins of the Hospital de Fanfaron with the path ahead on the upper right.

 

[VNwalking]

The view from Zegama, 3 years ago today. It was a celebratory day (a birthday ), and there was the promise of a beautiful day ahead.
View media item 9740

 

[FourSeasons]

CdN July 5, 2019 day one made it to Pasaia and a long way to Santiago.

 

[SabsP]

Somewhere in between Idiazabal and Segura, three years ago today . Vasco Interior.
The tranquility...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
between Gonzar and Palas de Rei
sign

photo taken March 17, 2009



I admired this folkart sign somewhere (?!) between Gonzar and Palas de Rei during a warm mid-March day.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF October 2013 somewhere before Portomarin.

 

[Bill905]

A stunning stained glass window from the chapel of Saint-Roch, outside Noailhac along the Via Podiensis. Photo taken May 21.

 

[VNwalking]

Coming down the hill from one of the best camino days ever, three years ago today. Outside Zalduondo on the Vasco Interior.
View media item 9757

 

[mspath]

Cape Finisterre
photo taken December 9, 2011



If only this message might be true now and forevermore.

 

[SabsP]

Leaving Salvatierra in the morning. Onwards to Vitoria.
This day three years ago. Vasco Interior.

 

[Theatregal]

A memorable beautiful day along the boardwalks over the dunes through the Litoral de Vila do Conde e Reserva Ornitológica. Camino Portuguese, Senda Litoral. July 31, 2015

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
map/marker

photo taken November 8, 2013



This map/marker is set within the pavement of the Alto Burgos area, located uphill from the cathedral by the old castle and circumscribed by the Carretera del Castillo.

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

View attachment 121791Strolling out of St. Jean, first morning Sept. 2015. Eager to see what comes next…

A very long uphill slog

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

CF April 19, 2016 on the way to Puente la Reina.
View attachment 121963

Doesn't that colour just make your heart sing. A beautiful time to be walking.

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

Great photo

I'm out walking the camino in Holland and Belgium. So today a pic live from the Via Monastica. This is the Kanaal Dessel-Kwaadmechelen:
View attachment 122603

Fabulous photo VNWalking

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

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! I am looking forward to sharing with her, and passing along the spirit of the Camino. Just a few days ago she wrote her last exam to finish her first year of university, and is very excited to be walking the Camino with her “Da”. I can’t think of a better way to contemplate one’s situation and future than with a Camino. And there is yet another reason why today is a great day … when I was walking the CF in 2019, I was with 2 other pilgrims that I met while walking. We have kept in touch since then. One of these good friends is the person who rushed over to me as I sat resting in O Cebreiro and urged me to “Come quickly to the church!” where I was able to take this fantastic Easter Morning picture. I have recently learned that he and his wife are currently walking the Camino del Norte and may arrive in Santiago around the same time as we will, on May 1st. Despite the fact that it is a little far off, and perhaps difficult to predict exactly when they, and we, will arrive in Santiago, pilgrims reading this forum know how these things work out. The timing is just right, and as is sometimes said, it’s just too much of a coincidence to be a coincidence! It is a happy day! Easter blessings to all!

View attachment 122944

Great photo Bill905 and what a beautiful sentiment ... walking with your granddaughter. How I wish I could have shared that sacred path with my "Da". Maybe one day with my son. You may still be on your Camino Portugues and I sincerely hope it provides ... or has provided some beautiful moments.

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

Walking through the eucalyptus forest bypassing O Pedrouzo on the way to Amenal. CdelN(CF), June, 2018.
View attachment 123069

I bet the smell made you think of home Anne&Pat

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

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.
View attachment 123977

Safe travels Anne & Pat ... fly the Aussie flag on your next path. I'm envious

 

[Bronte DownUnder]

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.
View attachment 124017View attachment 124018View attachment 124019

Even the smallest of creatures FourSeasons. We watched a dung beetle for some time wondering if it would ever cross the path with its "load". This calf obviously liked my salty palm

 

[FourSeasons]

CF End of September, 2013 not long after Hospital de Orbigo. I’m not 100% positive on location. On my first Camino I used a pocket Canon Camera so photos aren’t that great and no location. But I’m so grateful I have these first Camino photos.

 

[SabsP]

Vitoria/Gazteiz. Three years ago this day. The Camino Vasco Interior.

 

[Bill905]

May 1, 2022 - When I was last here in 2019 much of the Cathedral was shut down for renovation and repair in preparation for the Holy Year. It was so nice to experience the Cathedral without all the scaffolding.

 

[mspath]

CF End of September, 2013 not long after Hospital de Orbigo. I’m not 100% positive on location. On my first Camino I used a pocket Canon Camera so photos aren’t that great and no location. But I’m so grateful I have these first Camino photos.
View attachment 126139

FourSeasons, This seems to be the location of your photo. ...We are so lucky to enjoy pictures filled with memories. Thanks for sharing.

 

[VNwalking]

View media item 9773Heading for the hills out of Vitoria, we passed this beautiful church. Also three years ago today.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Melide
sign/marker

photo taken March 24, 2006



This effective marker is at the junction of the rue principal/travesia principal, a pedestrian passage which leads to rua San Antonio where the municipal albergue is located..

 

[JohnLloyd]

The Little Yellow Arrow is not always little, nor yellow.

 

[Reija]

“Dear pilgrims, there is no tampon, but a sticker. You find those in the toilette, behind the church, left side of the mirror. “ Via Gebennensis, Designy, France, last week. Yes, we found the stickers.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF September 25, 2013. Leaving Murias de Rechivaldo after the amazing sunrise I came across this:

Funny, my notes about my stay at the Muni:
Bad host, mean. He locked the kitchen, would not let me use a fork for my left over spaghetti I had in a baggie so I had to use my fingers. This was after I had seen him getting into the kitchen, only then did I ask for a fork, he said no.
The only restaurant I found open served me old patatas. I took a few bites then realized it was rancid, blah! Needless to say I left it on the table. I recall passing through this town rather quickly on my 2019 Camino heading to Rabanal. Run Forrest, Run!!

 

[SabsP]

Three years ago this day. Miranda de Ebro.
An amateuristic attempt from me to " clean " my trousers with some leftover water before we entered a rather fancy resto . Camino Vasco Interior.
Should not have been worried. The people at the resto did not blink an eye and were very friendly. And the food was excellent!

 

[Bill905]

Looks like a pilgrim had some extra time ! Camino Portuguese - April 28, 2022

 

[mspath]

Camino Portuguese
photo taken December 2011



Following the CP south from Santiago to the Portuguese border at Tui/Valença do Minho I walked backward to Portugal. Thus in reverse of the norm on this marker painted on the pavement I walked from the arrow point towards the shell.

 

[VNwalking]

On the Vasco before Miranda de Ebro (and before the mud! ), you follow an old buried stretch of Roman road. It's straight as a die, of course. Three years ago today, too.
View media item 9783

 

[Theatregal]

A sudden storm that was over as quickly as it started, bringing a double rainbow over Lorca. From the window of the wonderful Albergue de Lorca, José Ramón. September 10, 2012

 

[JohnLloyd]

Bright blue skies and flags on the English Way.

 

[Reija]

Last week in France, some time after the Swiss-French border. It felt like a miracle. To be allowed to walk again. Mercy and grace. So thankful!

 

[Former member 49149]

Waiting for dawn, Cruz de Hierro July 2006
I have manipulated the face of a fellow pilgrim to preserve his privacy.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
municipal albergue

photo taken February 5, 2007



When I was the sole pilgrim one cold winter night beginning my 3rd CF ever caring/helpful Mme Jeannine, the hospitalera, provided a hot supper and shared a long chat As always her heartfelt camino caritas was boundless.

 

[SabsP]

Exactly three years ago on the etapa from Miranda de Ebro to Pancorbo.
This picture is taken somewhere between Oron and Ameyugo.

Miranda de Ebro - Pancorbo | Recorrido | Camino Vasco del Interior | Gronze.com

Recorrido y Cultura de la etapa Miranda de Ebro - Pancorbo de la Camino Vasco del Interior en el Camino de Santiago: Pueblos y ciudades, notas sobre el recorrido, monumentos, paisajes

www.gronze.com

 

[JohnLloyd]

You go your way, and I'll go mine.

 

[Bill905]

May 26, 2022 - Looking up into one of the domes of the Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Cahors, France, on the Via Podiensis.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ruitelan
Pequeno Potala refugio

photo taken November 27, 2014



I have happily stayed 9 times in this special place. During my last visit the one other pilgrim and I shared an evening meal which was as tasty as always.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF September 18, 2013 an early morning start out of Fromista heading to Carrion de los Condes.

 

[Former member 49149]

I am going to sneak in with a memory, not a photo. The memory is situated on the stairs (former area for arriving pilgrims), and in the room where I was questioned by a Frenchman, as to my motivation for having walked my camino. It was actually very important to me in that moment, the description: pilgrimage. I had not consciously expressed it like that, but I actually needed the Compostela as my witness to what my effort had become. For me.
In another thread I said I do not need to do that again. Of course I don't! There is no retracing the exact same path. No matter how many times I might walk into Santiago, it can never be as the first one was.
Back to this thread: such a joy to see what others have seen, without contestation!

 

[Reija]

View attachment 126420
You go your way, and I'll go mine.

Before I go anywhere, I’m taking a break. CF 2016. (Often under the bridges were the only places with shade.)

 

[Theatregal]

Just before and then arriving in Foncebadón just after sunrise with the moon still visible. This short stretch from Rabanal del Camino is one of my favourite camino mornings and stays strong in my memory.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The first big hill on the English Way, leaving Neda behind.

 

[SabsP]

Yes, I make pictures of bathrooms...

Albergue municipal Briviesca. Situaded in a block of appartments in the centre of town.
Three years ago

 

[Bill905]

May 27, 2022 - This morning, leaving Cahors and crossing the River Lot on the Via Podiensis.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
El Ganso

photo taken November 24, 2012



Weary I relaxed facing this age-old cross and ledge at the wayside church in El Ganso

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
Calle Rúa

photo taken October 25, 2013



This main street as you enter Estella on the CF traverses an artisanal neighborhood on the left bank of the Rio Ega. Due to the ecclesiatical/commercial importance of the Camino or Rúa as it was called locally Estella mainly developed in the 12-13th c.

 

[SabsP]

On this day , three years ago. Arrival in Burgos and finishing the Camino Vasco Interior.
The cathedral is certainly not my favourite building/church but I could not resist making a picture. The light that day was gorgeous.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Foncebadon
cross

photo taken November 19, 2011



Especially poignant In the bleak light of a cold November morning was this cross/memorial on the path west of Foncebadon near a junction with route LE -142.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Wash your socks here.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

photo taken October 11, 2011



Sunrise starting the new adventure of my 7th CF walking towards Valcarlos.

 

[Theatregal]

Before the restoration, from the steps of the Obradoiro side of the cathedral. August 15, 2013.

 

[SabsP]

Three pictures today because it is a serie . This day three years ago, the last pictures of Irun ( Vasco Interior ).

After we finished in Burgos I took a bus back to Irun / Spain ( hotel there ) and then walked ( like I did at the start ) over the bridge ( Rio Bidasoa ) to French Hendaye where I took the TGV back home.

 

[VNwalking]

The church just past the Romanbridge at Taboada. It was open, and very nice.
View media item 9714

 

[mspath]

towards Valcarlos
photo taken October 11, 2011



Pathside cross on Valcarlos alternate route east of Arnéguy.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 9, 2019 on the way to Samos, a giant sunflower.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Goya's "Third of May" reimagined for the modern era, on the English Way.

 

[Bill905]

The supporting ribs in the bell tower of the Moissac Abbey arch above our heads like some giant insect.

 

[Theatregal]

Light at the end of the tunnel. Las Medulas. Invierno, June 9, 2019

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Rabé de las Calzadas
rainbow

photo taken November 9, 2012



"..The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening. It is a little star-dust caught, a segment of the rainbow which I have clutched."

Henry David Thoreau,
Walden, 1854

 

[FourSeasons]

CF July 20, 2019. I started out from Fromista at 5:30a to get to my destination before the 95 degree heat of the day. I love the cool and silence of the mornings and the colors of a new day. I was very grateful to be back on the Frances.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Rabanal del Camino
Sunset

photo taken November 4, 2004



During a sunset stroll the sky was splendid in the cold crystalline mountain air and I was thankful just to be.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF July 20, 2019 On the alternate not far after leaving Fromista. It takes you away from the road for a while and gives way to a stunning display. Portrait of a new day.

 

[mspath]

route to Finisterre/ Muxia
Negreira

photo taken March 30, 2007



Dawn outside the Negreira Xunta albergue was very rosy and not a sign of good weather to come. Indeed it rained all day as I splashed onward towards Olveiroa through many tiny hamlets and muddy pastures.

 

[SabsP]

Rua das Hortas/ Santiago de Compostela.