On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 10.0

[lalaone]

There is a Templars Exhibition in Comillas on the Norte. One item on display is the Physio’s table. Someone must have found it useful for getting rid of the knots in their back

Your photo struck me for its similarities with modern back pain modalities. (Minus spikes on the rolling pins! And the addition of soft cushions for the table - which certainly did not exist for medieval Templars or their clientele.)

Back pain is so intractable for sufferers, so perhaps it's not surprising to recognize ancient practices still in use. It also reminds me of other, older healing methods seen on the Camino Frances. I took no photos of them, so unfortunately have none to share, but it was fascinating to see Spanish naturopaths combining old treatment methods with new medical frameworks.

 

[Anne&Pat]

10th, May, 2022. Into Spain . Good to see the Help number advertised! Don’t think that was there in 2014.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Paseo del Espolón

photo taken November 8, 2013



The formal elegance of the pedestrian Paseo del Espolón was particularly striking as I wearily entered Burgos after walking 26km from Agés carrying, as always, a full pack. Ouf.

 

[Theatregal]

Navarette. September 14, 2012. Post shower & laundry - delicious refreshment.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day, at this time four years ago, having a coffee and gazing at the Castillo de los Templarios.

​

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Chapel of Santa Trega. In the background the Minho river.

 

[SabsP]

Towards Vega de Valcarce. CF 2011.

 

[mspath]

Towards Vega de Valcarce. CF 2011.

View attachment 132959

Sabine,
I often walked that curve. November 25, 2011 I followed the Valcarce river towards Ruitelan to stay at the Pequeno-Potala. What month were you there? Perhaps our paths crossed?

 

[SabsP]

Sabine,
I often walked that curve. November 25, 2011 I followed the Valcarce river towards Ruitelan to stay at the Pequeno-Potala. What month were you there? Perhaps our paths crossed?

It was in May 2011. I still hope to walk an autumn/ winter Camino.

 

[lalaone]

Logroño, September 15, 2012
Off to bed after a long walk with late rain, followed by a beautiful pilgrims' blessing, ten years ago today

 

[Corned Beef]

Santillana del Mar yesterday. Me photographing the photographer who was photographing clients

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I saw this in an odd location in one of my folders so I popped into the thread to share it. It is on the road on the CF before Molinaseca.



My translation to American "sign language" is:

Attention cyclists
Steep slopes next 15 km
Proceed with caution

 

[Anne&Pat]

11, May, 2022 Onwards to Zubiri on a very warm day. We were later to assist a French lady pilgrim who had collapsed at the side of the path, about an hour before Zubiri, from heat exhaustion on her first day walking with her very large pack. We had to call 112!! There was a great response from the Bomberos, they were wonderful. Everything worked out and we saw her again in Pamplona, she was staying in the same Albergue.

 

[Rowena]

April12, 2022 Sahagun

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria, west facade

photo taken November 8, 2013



Anyone wishing to worship/meditate may freely enter Burgos cathedral through the sw corner door, beneath the pointed arch furthest to the right in this west facade view. However free access is limited within the vast complex, a fee is charged to visit the cathedral/museum.

 

[VNwalking]

In April 2015, the heather-covered hills around La Faba were in full bloom, glowing in the evening light. Such a lovely place to stay!

 

[JohnLloyd]

There is more than one way to have a morning shower on the Camino.

 

[SabsP]

Carrion de los Condes. 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Hornillos del Camino

photo taken November 10, 2013



Crossing the Meseta, the immense Castillian plateau which rises west of Burgos, was cold this bleak late autumn day with a wicked wind from the west blowing onto the path.

 

[Anne&Pat]

12, May, 2022 On the outskirts of Pamplona in Trinidad de Arre. Sorry, three photos but all taken from the same spot, a sort of panorama!

 

[Theatregal]

Pausing for a visit after mass. Catedral de Santo Domingo de la Calzada. September 16, 2012

 

[Josep Montserrat]

A Guarda
This mural is on the back wall of the rowing club.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Could this be the most photographed house on the Camino Francés?

 

[VNwalking]

Could this be the most photographed house on the Camino Francés?

Probably.
This isn't my best photo of it by any means, but it's different than all the others...

 

[Rowena]

April 13, 2022 Mansilla de las Mulas

I don’t remember which church this is, does anyone know?

 

[mspath]

April 13, 2022 Mansilla de las Mulas

I don’t remember which church this is, does anyone know?

View attachment 133147

Rowena,
The church is the Ermita Virgen de Gracia
See more  below.

Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia -Ayuntamiento de Mansilla de las Mulas

www.aytomansilladelasmulas.es

 

[SabsP]

On another thread we were talking about the Basilica at la Virgen del Camino.

Basílica Virgen del Camino - León (España)

virgendelcamino.dominicos.es

Basílica de la Virgen del Camino - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

 

[Theatregal]

Morning coffee stop in Grañón. September 17, 2012

 

[mspath]

Camino de Frances
towards Castrojeriz
Convento de San Antón

photo taken November 11, 2013



Early morning beneath a clear pale blue windless sky I passed the great arch of the ruined St Anthony monastery which once cared for medieval pilgrims.

 

[Anne&Pat]

April 13, 2022 Mansilla de las Mulas

I don’t remember which church this is, does anyone know?

View attachment 133147

3rd, June, 2022
Ermita de la Virgen de Gracia, Mansilla de las Mulas.

 

[Anne&Pat]

13th, May, 2022, nearly reached the Alto del Perdon. Pamplona to Uterga.

 

[Corned Beef]

It’s a very busy little tourist spot, with expensive restaurants. Taken September 2022.

Not sure it’s worth the 300 metre climb to get back to the route again.

 

[JohnLloyd]

What time is it?

 

[David with new Kit!]

Walk into Castro Urdiales August 30th 2022

 

[Corned Beef]

Avilés on the Norte. Saturday afternoon in September 2022.

Wedding car but looks like one of those that takes the ‘hero’ away in old films

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Boadilla del Camino
photo taken November 13, 2013



Prominantly sited next to the church at the entrance to Boadilla del Camino this handsome richly carved column, known as a Rollo, marks a 15th c. jurisdictional/territorial boundary.

 

[Anne&Pat]

14th, May,2022 A busy Saturday morning for the local motorised paragliding club as we were leaving Uterga before 8am.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Crossing the bridge into Portomarín on this day four years ago, and discovering an unlikely request etched into the river bank below...

 

[David with new Kit!]

Looking back on Guernika, early, August 28th 2022

 

[SabsP]

Simplicity. Museo catedral Santiago de Compostela.

 

[lalaone]

Ventosa, Camino Frances, September 2012

 

[Corned Beef]

This is the end of the river walk at Navia on the Norte. It takes you about a mile out of town to where the river meets the sea. There there are a couple of beach bars plus a statue acknowledging the Emigrants that left the area for a new life elsewhere.

 

[Theatregal]

Passing the ruins of the church of Rosario del Virgen in Villalval. Camino Frances, September 19, 2012.

​

 

[VNwalking]

Passing the ruins of the church of Rosario del Virgen in Villalval. Camino Frances, September 19, 2012.

It was raining sideways the day I did that etapa, so I only have photos from when it finally began to clear, as I was near the airport. What I most remember about that day was sticky mud, the relief of getting to the graveled road around the runway - and the long but pleasant walk along the river into the city.

 

[Anne&Pat]

15th, May, 2022. View from our bedroom window, Hosteria de Curtidores, Estella. We watched that tree’s progress with interest.

 

[lalaone]

Redecilla del Camino, September 19, 2012

I guess I REALLY loved this house, with its beautiful flowers and happy cats. I just recognized it as the same place from July 2007 (shared in post #7 of this thread). Maybe this was a grown kitten of those cats. I was shocked to see the same house again, going back through photos! Love at first sight and love again at second sight...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villarmentero de Campos

photo taken November 14, 2013



Walking towards Itero de Vega I met a Korean photographer. Overwhelmed and overloaded she needed a sherpa; thus for 3 subsequent days I served as her shepherd(ress).

 

[Theatregal]

It was raining sideways the day I did that etapa, so I only have photos from when it finally began to clear, as I was near the airport. What I most remember about that day was sticky mud, the relief of getting to the graveled road around the runway - and the long but pleasant walk along the river into the city.

Oh how I wish I'd known about the river route! It does look like a pleasant way. The hot day long busy road industrial way in to Burgos brought me a doozy of a blister or two or three

 

[JohnLloyd]

Some Camino shells are bigger than others...

 

[David with new Kit!]

View attachment 133314

Some Camino shells are bigger than others...

Don't tie that one to your rucksack

 

[Rowena]

April 14, 2022 Holy Thursday in Leon
Photo taken from the balcony of my room at El Hotel La Posada Regia

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villarente
two bridges

photo taken November 19, 2013



What a relief it was to stroll fearless across the rio Porma on this new wooden way which replaced the need to walk on that distant medieval bridge which was too narrow for two lanes of N 601 traffic plus pedestrians.

 

[JohnLloyd]

It’s the International Day of Peace, and I’m reminded of what that day felt like for me in 2018, as I approached Santiago.

My only concern that day was a loud snorer in the albergue at Ribadiso de Baixo.

My life now is calm, peaceful, and relatively stress-free, largely thanks to the lessons I began learning on the Camino.

But how unfair it is that so many people around the world are denied that peace.

When will their turn come, I wonder?

Give Peace A Chance

Into the last days of the journey to Santiago, with my Camino Compadres stretched out in either direction (but still constantly communicating via WhatsApp), it was a quieter day’s walk for me…

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Anne&Pat]

16, May, 2022 Estella to Los Arcos. In 2014 we walked via Villamayor de Monjardin, this year we took the alternative path after Monasterio Irache via Luquin and this is a view looking towards the conical peak of Monjardin with Villamayor de Monjardin in front. It was a beautiful path, enjoyed by a small number of pilgrims the day we walked. A welcome cafe was open in Luquin.

 

[Rowena]

April 15, 2022 Good Friday in Leon, visiting the cathedral

 

[VNwalking]

Early morning, somewhere after Ribadiso, 2015:

 

[Corned Beef]

If you are wondering what to do early morning in Gijon you can always join the early morning swimmers. Only two braved the surf in September 2022

 

[Anne&Pat]

17th, May, 2022 Early morning after leaving Los Arcos on the way to Viana.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of the Cruz de Santo Toribio
Casa de los Dioses

photos taken November 23, 2013

All we need is love



A vibrant graffiti partly covered an ad hoc shelter at the Casa de los Dioses, a remote haven of camino caritas.



David Vidal created/maintained this simple oasis on the inland CF path west of Santibanez de Valdeiglesias/east of the Cruz de Santo Toribio amidst a vast plain with sweeping vistas. He offered friendly conversation plus a seat and coffee, tea, juices, fruits and cookies to those who passed.

What was most plentiful at the Casa de los Dioses was David's special spirit and unconditional, selfless love.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day four years ago, I was almost at the end of my first Camino, pausing at Monte do Gozo so I would arrive at Santiago the next morning in good time for the mass at the cathedral.

But I missed seeing one of the most iconic spots on the Camino Francés - the Monumento ao camiñante.

Tucked away on a little hill off to the left from the path, I wonder how many other peregrinos might have missed them too?

I had to wait until this year, when I had some time to spare after walking the English Way, for a side trip back to Monte do Gozo to see them at last.

The Little Yellow Arrow

Sometime later this morning, as I enter Santiago and approach the Cathedral, the little yellow arrows that have guided me for 500 miles over the last four weeks will suddenly disappear. It’ll…

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Rowena]

April 16, 2022, on the way to Villar de Mazarife

 

[ficklefancyfree]

Taken yesterday at around 9am, somewhere between Ponte das Tábuas de Balugães and
Vitorino Dos Piães on the Portuguese Central.

After realising it took me 6 hours to walk 12km and I had a further 12 to go, I called a taxi and got rescued. Then a second taxi the next day to drop me 28km ahead.

Now recovering by the pool at Casa da Quinta do Cruzeiro - zero regrets!

I loved how the vines overtook the tree in this image.

 

[Corned Beef]

Santuario da Virxe da Barca in Muxia. September 2022. Muxia is very busy with coach trips with waves of people (and a few pilgrims) coming towards you as you head back into town. Strange place.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Santuario da Virxe da Barca in Muxia. September 2022. Muxia is very busy with coach trips with waves of people (and a few pilgrims) coming towards you as you head back into town. Strange place.

I was fortunate then, as my first visit there in April was blissfully observed.

 

[David with new Kit!]

Early this morning September 22nd 2022 leaving Lourenza. It's through the trees, under the mist. (Honest!)

 

[kohara]

Looking back down on the lovely medieval village of Corcubion, en route to Fisterra. There is a medieval festival in the town in mid July, nice atmosphere about.

 

[Theatregal]

Stopping for a rest at the Convent of San Anton, enjoying the details of the ruins around me and seeing the welcome for arriving pilgrims who would stay the night. September 22, 2012

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Manzarin

photo taken November 25, 2013



Beneath a cobalt sky on this cold early winter day fresh snow covers the fields where highway LE 142 meets the camino; since all non essentials are hewn away, to paraphrase Descartes I walk, therefore I am.

 

[Anne&Pat]

17th, May, 2022. Entering Sansol.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The Tintin book that we might have enjoyed, had it been written…

 

[mspath]

View attachment 133451

The Tintin book that we might have enjoyed, had it been written…

John Lloyd,
What a wonderful book that would have been! Thanks for sharing the dream. Your photo is dated 2018. Did you see this then in an expo re Hergé and his followers?

 

[JohnLloyd]

John Lloyd,
What a wonderful book that would have been! Thanks for sharing the dream. Your photo is dated 2018. Did you see this then in an expo re Hergé and his followers?

No, it was on the wall in the refugio at San Anton itself. Then I found three more on the 'net.

 

[mspath]

No, it was on the wall in the refugio at San Anton itself. Then I found three more on the 'net.

Perfect. Thanks for this update and, of couse, for all your photos/memories.

 

[Corned Beef]

Faro de Finisterre. September 2022.

Despite the signs, discards being left. Visitors have now moved onto leaving padlocks on fences and metal towers. Someone should mention sacrificial corrosion.

 

[FourSeasons]

I believe I was here 9 years ago today....having the best experience and wondering why, how. How and why did I get such a great opportunity bestowed upon me? Not once or twice but three times. Forever grateful and looking forward to a fourth.

 

[Anne&Pat]

18th, May, 2022. Early morning in Viana. The moon beyond the Iglesia de San Pedro.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Molinaseca

photo taken November 26, 2013



Each sunlit morning there was one constant matinal companion, my shadow. Whenever this uncomplaining presence was glimpsed I immediately become more aware of each precious fleeting moment of the day.

 

[SabsP]

View from room of the pension I stayed in at Vega de Valcarce.
CF 2011.

 

[Corned Beef]

Praza do Obradoiro. Today.

Car rally. Pilgrims. Tourists. Nightmare

 

[Rowena]

April 17, 2022 In Villavante, on the alternate route across the Paramo to Hospital de Orbigo. Another perfect day on the Camino Frances.

 

[Ali@59]

Santuario de la Tuiza, Lubián September 2022

 

[Anne&Pat]

Praza do Obradoiro. Today.

Car rally. Pilgrims. Tourists. Nightmare

We were also in Santiago,at the end of our Camino Primitivo, and there was a Vintage Car Rally for the end of the Feast of St James week, on our last, very hot, weekend in Spain, 30-31, July, 2022.

 

[Anne&Pat]

19th, May, 2022. Logrono to Navarette.
Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, Navarette.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Villafranca del Bierzo

photo taken November 27, 2013



When walking on a dirt road crossing vineyards before Cacabelos/east of Villafranca del Bierzo a fellow German pilgrim took my photo. We both enjoyed the glasses of local wine offered in the small building nearby.

 

[VNwalking]

We both enjoyed the glasses of local wine offered in the small building nearby.

Tne nearby billboard is what captured my attention, and not in a pleasant way!

 

[mspath]

Tne nearby billboard is what captured my attention, and not in a pleasant way!
View attachment 133517

VN,
Thanks for this. Now I know both your shot and mine are east of Cacabelos and added that info to my post.

 

[Theatregal]

September 25, 2012. A chilly rainy windy day on the long stretch between Carrión de los Condes and Calzadilla de la Cueza. New and recent friends gather at a picnic area for a lunch of shared provisions. A wonderful memory - lots of laughs as we tried to keep food and water bottles from blowing away.

 

[David with new Kit!]

Today September 25th 2022.
Our host in Parga Natura hand drew this and attached it to our breakfast packs.

Everyone here received one too. How lovely is that!

 

[lalaone]

I really enjoyed the photos of vintage cars on Praza do Obradoiro. Such unique sightings, revealing a different aspect to the square.

Much smaller in scale, here is a sighting from Santiago de Compostela that revealed a fun aspect of the city to me one otherwise quiet morning, off a side street from the cathedral. I loved how local children ran after these stilt walkers with unabandoned joy.

 

[Anne&Pat]

20th, May, 2022, 6.47am. We left Navarette before 6am this morning, as it was to be quite hot and we wanted to visit Monasterio Santa Maria de la Real in Najera before walking onto Azofra.

 

[Rowena]

April 18, 2022
Leaving Villares de Orbigo on this beautiful morning, I had time in Astorga to visit the Bishop’s Palace and the cathedral before walking on to Murias de Rechivaldo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villafranca del Bierzo
Plaza de Prim, 4,

photos taken November 27, 2013



Located on the CF opposite the castle
the hostal/resto La Puerta del Perdón
offered an upbeat mood, comfy private rooms and a very good reasonably priced set dinner with delicious local Bierzo wine.

I had eaten here on earlier caminos.
On this night when I entered cold and bedraggled the gracious polyglot owner/manager, a veteran pilgrim, greeted me exuberantly "Bienvenue, c'est un plaisir de vous revoir/Welcome back it is great to see you again!!"
Of course I stayed, ate and later slept, very content.

 

[VNwalking]

hostal/resto La Puerta del Perdón

It was pretty wonderful!

 

[Rowena]

April 19, 2022 Church doorway, El Ganso, CF

 

[FourSeasons]

Nine years ago today. After a long night in Foncebadon with the wind howling all night, we woke up to rain, just a little. It didn’t last long, nothing to detour us from getting to the cross. The clouds started to part as the sun came up. This was the last picture I was able to take for a while due to dead batteries in my camera.
(Picture is a repeat)

 

[SabsP]

Somewhere in Galicia.
CF 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ruitelán

photo taken November 28, 2013



The Pequeño Potala refugio in Ruitelán was always a pleasure. This night there was one other pilgrim. As usual Carlos, one of the hospitaleros, prepared a delicious copious dinner served by candlelight on the scrubbed wooden table. The temperature was -5 C. outside as ice froze the land. .. What bliss it was to be sheltered here and warm.

 

[Anne&Pat]

20th, May, 2022. So many good photos on this day! Couldn’t resist taking this one as we passed a barber/hairdresser shop, as we were walking through Najera. Thought our grandson in Oz would appreciate this photo.

 

[VNwalking]

Nostra Señora de Belate, once upon a time a pilgrim´s place of rest on the Baztan, 2017.

 

[David with new Kit!]

September 27th 2022 - O Pedrouzo.
We went to mass here last year, and again tonight. What an altar, these guys know how to give a pilgrim mass.