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

[VNwalking]

Happy New Year, One A Day amigas and amigos!
It's a reliable joy every day to see your posts.

A favorite from the Vasco, coming down to the Alava valley after going through the Tunel San Adrian:

 

[Rowena]

Happy New Year, and best wishes to all for new beginnings. Here’s my most recent beginning, in Roncesvalles, March 22, 2022.

 

[Anne&Pat]

A Very Happy and Peaceful New Year to everyone.

25th, July, 2022. Lugo to Ferreira, Camino Primitivo. An hour after leaving our accommodation in Lugo we passed this gated entrance to a house with this pilgrim friendly sign.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villalcazar de Sirga
Iglesia de Santa María la Blanca

photo taken November 6, 2011



Sacred, eternal beauty endures within the austere 12-14th c. fortress-church, Santa María la Blanca, originally built by/for the Knights Templar and later a royal Marian sanctuary .

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. San Xoán de Poio.
One of the biggest "horreo". It is 34 m long.

 

[VNwalking]

At Pancorbo on the Vis de Bayona, you can go up to the old ruined fortress on the rocks above the pueblo. (Not as scary as it looks.)

 

[Rowena]

April 13, 2018
Setting off from Villamayor de Monjardin, CF

 

[SabsP]

Albergue municipal in Azofra. CF 2011.
The albergue with " private rooms " .

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

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

www.gronze.com

 

[Anne&Pat]

26th, July, 2022. Ferreira to Melide, Camino Primitivo. Pat took quite a number of photos of farm machinery, tractors etc, especially this day but this was the cutest, note the cat in the barn!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Zubiri
calle Puente de la Rabia, 4

photo taken January 26, 2009



This snow covered view of the medieval bridge was taken from a window within the warm and cozy Pension Usoa, the only accommodation open that January afternoon.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. San Xoán de Poio. Monastery

 

[Anne&Pat]

27th, July, 2022. Melide to Arzua, Camino Primitivo/Frances. Second time walking from Melide this summer but this time we joined up with a close friend from Australia who had walked from Somport and we had planned to walk to Santiago from Melide together. It was great to see him and walk with him.
We stopped at the Iglesia de Santiago de Boente on our way, as we had done in Mid June this year.

 

[SabsP]

Bench in front of the municipal albergue at Redecilla del Camino. 2011.
I had a nice conversation here with the hospitalera.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Rabanal del Camino

November 24, 2012



This photo captures a memory of strolling through Rabanal del Camino one moonlit evening during my 8th CF.

 

[Theatregal]

A doozy of an ascent. Lagging behind my companion who was near the top as I enjoyed the views and took it slow on the scree. Camino Primitivo, Hospitales Route. July 31, 2013

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. San Xoán de Poio. Monastery.

They have a mosaic 80 meter long and a million of tiles of marble.
The mosaic represents cities and monuments of the French Way

 

[Rowena]

May 6, 2018
First view of the monastery at Samos, CF

 

[SabsP]

Good Friday.Procession in Belorado. More precisely the Stations of the Cross. April 2011.

 

[Anne&Pat]

28th, July, 2022. Arzua to Amenal, Camino Primitivo/Frances.
In the vicinity of Salceda.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Ferreiros

photo taken December 2, 2013



Beneath a cold December sun west of Samos these arched branches framed a path going towards Ferreiros.

 

[C clearly]

May 28, 2022 - Camino Invierno.
This was taken en route up the hill to Monte Faro, between Chantada and Rodeiro. The stone stairs on the left lead steeply up a grassy hill directly to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Faro. The Camino follows the road a little further and then takes you sharply to the right, missing the Ermita and the Mirador, both worth a visit on a clear day.

 

[Rowena]

April 30, 2022 Camino Invierno
I went up those stone stairs to the Ermita, following Brierley’s instructions. It was indeed very steep, and I was already tired! I rested and ate my lunch at the foot of the cross at the summit.

 

[Anne&Pat]

29th, July, 2022. Amenal to Santiago de Compostela, final day on the Camino Primitivo.
The glimpse of the Cathedral.

 

[mspath]

Camino Argones
Muruzábal
Iglesia de Santa María de Eunate

photo taken October 14, 2010



West from Enériz a curved branch framed this pastoral view of Eunate, where pilgrims have worshiped for 1,000 years. For me, as for those multitudes, Eunate always seemed close to paradise on earth....May peace be eternal in this timeless sacred place.

 

[Rowena]

May 3, 2022 Camino Invierno
Between Bandeira and Ponte Ulla

 

[SabsP]

Between Tosantos and Villafranca Montes de Oca. 2011.

 

[Anne&Pat]

29th, July, 2022. Final arrival into Santiago this year after walking the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Puente La Reina - Gares
Convento del Crucifijio

photo taken February 11, 2007



This open door of the Convento del Crucifijio frames the view of the closed door of the Iglesia del Crucifijo across the Calle del Crucifijio.
The Calle del Crucifijo is named for the church which is in turn named for a famous crucifix displayed inside. A private school, the Colegio de los Padres Reparadores, presently occupies the Convento

 

[Rowena]

April 17, 2018 Redecilla del Camino, CF

 

[Anne&Pat]

29th, July, 2022. Santiago Cathedral. We were very fortunate again to see the Botafumeiro swing after Mass the evening we finished the Primitivo. Our friend from Australia, with whom we had rendezvous in Melide and walked into Santiago, is a Priest. He concelebrated Mass that evening, did the English speaking role during the Eucharist and was the first to put some incense into the Botafumeiro. It was wonderful to see him participating at Mass.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Roncesvalles

photo taken January 8, 2010



Glimpsing this ethereal winter landscape was an aesthetic reward after a 6 hour solo trek to Roncesvalles through wind, ice, and snow on the verges of route N-135.

 

[SabsP]

Entrance hall of the albergue municipal, Casa del Cubo y de los Lerma , in Burgos. 2011.

Albergue de peregrinos Casa del Cubo y de los Lerma | Albergue de Peregrinos en Burgos | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos Casa del Cubo y de los Lerma, en Burgos: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[Rowena]

May 1, 2018
El Ganso, CF

 

[Anne&Pat]

30th, July, 2022. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral main altar.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
nearing Espinal

photo taken October 17, 2014



In the morning whilst walking towards that gleaming sunlight the descent into Espinal felt easy and, thankfully, my confidence returned.

 

[Theatregal]

Variante Espiritual. August 15, 2015. Along the path leading to the magical Ruta de la piedra y del agua.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. Poio. Memory Parc.

 

[Rowena]

April 24, 2018
Between Fromista and Villalcazar de Sirga, CF



Hopefully I haven’t posted this photo already.

 

[SabsP]

Quiet afternoon in Burgos. April 2011.

 

[Anne&Pat]

31st, July, 2022. Our last day in Santiago this year.
A historical car rally finished in Praza do Obradoiro.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Saint Jean Pied de Port
Porte de Saint Jacques

photo taken October 14, 2015



This view was taken as a new day was dawning in the eastern sky beyond the medieval Porte; soon a new camino would begin as I turned away from the Porte to walk west.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Looking westward from the town wall in St Jean Pied de Port, where we would be heading next morning. Early evening 8th, May, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Trinidad de Arre

photo taken January 11, 2010



Crossing this bridge would be slick and slippery. Arriving here had been difficult; since the CF path from Zubiri was covered with ice and snow I had mainly walked on the verges of route N-135.

 

[SabsP]

Hornillos del Camino. 2011.

 

[Rowena]

May 2, 2018
Riego de Ambros, CF

 

[Theatregal]

Evening walk at sunset in Castro on the Primitivo. August 2, 2013

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Estella

photo taken October 24, 2014



West of the Ermita San Miguel a tunnel of greenery framed the CF path leading towards Estella on this misty late October morning

 

[lalaone]

Camino Frances
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 2007 - Citadelle de Vauban

Before walking up to the viewpoint, I snapped this photo, just the second of my Camino. The way up was so lovely, it was impossible to know how much beauty still lay ahead.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Gite Beilari, St Jean Pied de Port. We spent two nights there in May, 2022. Great hospitality and very welcoming, a wonderful start to last years Caminos.

 

[SabsP]

Hontanas. Coffeebreak . 2011.

 

[Rowena]

April 7, 2022
Hornillos del Camino, CF

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
San Pedro de la Rúa

photo taken October 24, 2014



Looming above the cloister of the historic monastery/church San Pedro de la Rua this huge mass of rock resembled a frightening nightmare image!

 

[Anne&Pat]

The way is open thank goodness Between St Jean and Orisson. May, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Leon
calle Mariano Domínguez Berrueta

photo taken November 9, 2010



Somber facades on both sides of this calle frame a narrow view of the nearby cathedral in early morning light.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Refuge Orisson, always a welcome scene as you come around the corner, May, 2022.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. Combarro.

 

[SabsP]

Entrance hall at albergue Casa Nostra in Castrojeriz. 2011. Simplicity.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Larrasoana

photo taken February 8, 2007



Roiling water and deep, slippery mud along this southern section of the Arga river were frightening; never in wet weather would I dare walk here again.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Statue of Santiago in Iglesia de Santa Maria, Roncesvalles, May, 2022. Photo taken after the Pilgrims Mass.

 

[Rowena]

April 21, 2022
Beginning the Camino Invierno, looking down at Ponferrada

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Saint Jean Pied de Port
55 rue de La Citadelle

photo taken January 16, 2008



Opening this albergue red door began a new adventure, my 4th CF and 2nd in winter. Two men met on the train and I were the only pilgrims. Madame Jeannine the tireless hospitalera kindly made us supper.
...Shared serendipity prevailed.

 

[Anne&Pat]

The path down to Zubiri! May, 2022.

 

[SabsP]

Alto de Mostelares. 2011.

 

[Anne&Pat]

On the left hand side of the path leaving Zubiri, a friendly face looking at passing pilgrims, just after the Magnasitas plant. May, 2022.

 

[Rowena]

March 23, 2022
Zubiri

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Valcarlos

January 17, 2008



Just after dawn my 2 new friends and I had slowly crossed SJPdP. This small sign on route D933 marked the turn for the alternate to Valcarlos/Luzaide.
...At last we were on the path!

 

[VNwalking]

On the left hand side of the path leaving Zubiri, a friendly face looking at passing pilgrims, just after the Magnasitas plant. May, 2022.
View attachment 139692

Friendly? Haha, only in the wonderful world of Disney. Looking for a quick snack, more likely.

Another face. Also not universally friendly! From the Inviero after A Rua 2019.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. Armenteira. Monastery.

 

[Rowena]

March 24, 2022
Between Zabaldika and Trinidad de Arre, CF

 

[Anne&Pat]

We decided to go on this alternative path to visit XIII C Iglesia de San Estaban in Zabaldika, a bit of a short climb but worth it. It has a beautiful retablo and statue of Santiago. Two photos today to show you the way. May, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Valcarlos alternate
Ibaneta pass

January 18, 2008



In sleet/light snow walking route N135 verges I had slowly climbed the many switchbacks up to the 1057m. Ibaneta Pass; the Valcarlos alternate through the wood had become too slick to follow.

 

[SabsP]

Certainly not the first or the last picture here of the Iglesia San Martin in Fromista.
2011. Not to miss if you are an admirer of Romanesque culture.

 

[Rowena]

March 21, 2022
Pamplona, my favourite city on the Camino Frances

 

[Anne&Pat]

The comfortable Plaza Catedral Albergue , Pamplona. May, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burguete

January 19, 2008



Having left Roncesvalles predawn in starlight via route N135 in this mid morning light a French pilgrim and I would take a hidden right turn to rejoin the more pastoral CF path;
it would be an exhausting day 22k. on frozen mud is not a walk in the park!

 

[Theatregal]

A view near the Albergue de San Juan de Villapañada. Camino Primitivo. July 27, 2013

 

[SabsP]

Carrion de los Condes. 2011.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Entering Puente La Reina, May, 2022. Adjacent to Hotel Jakue which is about 500 metres from the centre of the town.
According to Brierley‘s guide book this modern statue was erected to mark the joining of the Navarrese and Aragones routes, which effectively join at Eunate.

 

[Rowena]

April 11, 2022
Leaving Carrión de Los Condes in the early morning light, this was a lovely surprise. On previous Caminos I had passed by obliviously well before dawn.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Trinidad de Arre
Marist monastery albergur

photo taken January 20, 2008



This repurposed barn provided pilgrim facilities at the Marist monastery which had been a refuge throughout the ages; although heatless (!!), multi blankets were available in the dorm for tucking above/below our sleeping bags.

 

[nycwalking]

Camino Frances
Trinidad de Arre
Marist monastery albergur

photo taken January 20, 2008

View attachment 139898

This repurposed barn provided pilgrim facilities at the Marist monastery which had been a refuge throughout the ages; although heatless (!!), multi blankets were available in the dorm for tucking above/below our sleeping bags.

I stayed there in 2002.

Very nice.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Spiritual Variant. Armenteira. Albergue.

 

[MilenaS]

Between Cruz de Ferro and Molinaseca, May 19th 2022

 

[Anne&Pat]

Early morning, after breakfast, leaving Cirauqui, looking back at Cirauqui. May, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Cizur Menor
Roncal albergue

January 21, 2008



After walking slowly to/through Pamplona it was an easy stroll to this private Roncal albergue in Cizur Menor. The only other pilgrims were a young Spanish couple; we ate together at the nearby Asador El Tremendo where the blazing fireplace and copious delicious, inexpensive menu were great!

 

[Theatregal]

Walking St Jean Pied de Port's wall. September 4, 2012

 

[Peregrinopaul]

In June 2012, on a scorching day, I found myself alone in the Roman theatre at Merida. Couldn't resist a selfie, and "Friends, Romans, countrymen lend me your ears!"

 

[SabsP]

On the CF you walk through the provincia de Palencia.
Palencia, the small capital with the same name, is a gorgeous town. Years later on another Camino , I travelled from Madrid via Palencia to Carrion de los Condes.

Camino de Santiago Francés en Palencia - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

2011.

 

[Rowena]

April 13, 2018 CF
Sansol in the distance

 

[mspath]

back roads towards Eunate
near Campanas

photo taken January 22, 2008



These 2 pilgrims and I were on a back road "walk around" to avoid climbing up/down the Alto de Perdon yet eventually arrive at Eunate.

To Campanas we had followed route NA 6000 southeast from Cizur Menor. After a welcome lunch near the haystack we continued on NA121 and NA601 to Enériz where the calle San Juan led west to Santa María de Eunate.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Fountain across the road from Albergue Curtidores before entering Estella. May, 2022.

 

[SabsP]

Albergue municipal Sahagun. 2011.
Quite " brown". Clean enough but what a gloomy vibe.

 

[Rowena]

April 5, 2022
Burgos

 

[mspath]

Albergue municipal Sahagun. 2011.
Quite " brown". Clean enough but what a gloomy vibe.

View attachment 140056

Gloomy indeed; I heard thumps in the night here in 2007.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Amazing door in Estella. May, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Argonese
last view of Eunate

January 23, 2008



Slowly walking west along the camino path I turned back for one last look at Eunate and silently offered thanks for having been once again in this special place of eternal peace.

 

[Theatregal]

Centre of the photo - first glimpse of Roncesvalles. September 6, 2012

 

[Rowena]

April 5, 2022 Rabe de las Calzadas
The plaza in front of Albergue Liberanos Domine

 

[SabsP]

Adobe houses.El Burgo Ranero. 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Puente La Reina

January 24, 2008



The arches reflected in the calm Arga river create an illusion of circular supports below this famous bridge for which the town is named.