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

[Rowena]

Navarrete, April 15, 2018

 

[Anne&Pat]

Faro de Finisterre, July, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
Parque de La Grajera

photo taken October 29, 2012



The CF exits Logroño by crossing the magnificent Parque de La Grajera. This handsome metal shell marks the bucolic pathway west towards Navarrete.

 

[Rowena]

April 16, 2022
Villar de Mazarife

 

[Yoyo]

Nature taking over.
Portos, CF, June 2017

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián

photo taken November 25, 2011



Viewing these life-size images of monks painted on a monastery wall seemed quite surreal while being guided on a tour through the dimly lit corridor by an actual monk!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Our first glimpse of Pontedeume (we didn’t realise it was Pontedeume until we were walking) from the train on our way to Ferrol to walk the Camino Ingles. July, 2022.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan.
Zero stage. Port Lligat.

 

[Rowena]

April 17, 2018
Santo Domingo de la Calzada

 

[mspath]

Valcarlos alternate route

photo taken October 11, 2011



This pathside cross was east of Arnéguy on the Valcarlos alternate route.

 

[Anne&Pat]

An interesting building in the centre of Ferrol. July, 2022.

 

[markie6]

How to confuse a pilgrim : Episode 42

 

[Rowena]

April 18, 2022
La Casa de Los Dioses, just before Astorga

 

[lalaone]

How to confuse a pilgrim : Episode 42

Directions can be confusing. This helpful way-marker on the CF, towards Los Arcos, definitely left me befuddled at first, with no idea which beautiful arrow to follow!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Saint Jean Pied de Port
Peppers

photo taken October 10, 2011



Named after the town of Espelette, about 35 km NW of SJPdP on the local voie Nive-Bidassoa, red Espelette peppers provide a piquant taste in Basque cooking. Such Chili pepper seeds were introduced to France during the 16th c. by seamen returning from Central /South America.

 

[Anne&Pat]

The railway bridge at Pontedeume, which we had crossed a few days previously on our way to Ferrol. July, 2022.

 

[Yoyo]

How to confuse a pilgrim : Episode 42

I can totally relate.
This picture was taken on a Jakobsweg in Germany in February, 2021:

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. First break of the zero stage Restaurant Cap de Creus.

 

[Rowena]

Agés, April 19, 2018

 

[Anne&Pat]

After Betanzos and nearing Hospital de Bruma, Camino Ingles, July, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ponferrada

photo taken November 20, 2011



These handsome markers are attached to the south side of the Iglesia de San Andrés at the busy crossing of the Avenida el Castillo and Calle el Temple in Ponferrada.

 

[Yoyo]

At Cruz de Ferro
CF, May 2019

 

[Rowena]

April 20, 2018, Burgos

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Léon
calle Cien Doncellas.

photo taken March 7, 2007



Repurposed historic sculptural fragments have been set into this more recent wall on one of the narrow streets north of the cathedral cloister.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 23, 2012. I didn't stay here but it was a pleasant place to stop for a rest on the bench outside and a chat with the hospitalero.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leaving Sigueiro early morning. Last day of the Camino Ingles. July, 2022.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
This is the easternmost point of the Iberian peninsula, Cap de Creus.

 

[Rowena]

April 21, 2022
First day on the Camino Invierno, on the way up to the albergue at Villavieja

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villarmentero de Campos
wayside cross

photo taken November 6, 2011



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

 

[Anne&Pat]

Walking into Santiago at the end of the Camino Ingles, the Cathedral is now in sight, July, 2022.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
Lighthouse.

 

[Rowena]

April 22, 2023
Las Médulas, Camino Invierno

 

[Yoyo]

In Rittershausen, Germany.
Picture taken in September, 2020, when I walked a few stages of a local Jakobsweg during the pandemic.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Columbrianos
Iglesia de San Esteban
marker

photo taken November 21, 2011



At the Iglesia de San Esteban de Columbrianos located on the CF north of central Ponferrada this handsome ceramic marker pointed the way.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Pilgrim Office Chapel, Santiago before Mass with Father Manny. July, 2022.

 

[Rowena]

April 23, 2018
About an hour before Boadilla del Camino. I loved the simplicity of the Meseta.

 

[SabsP]

Camino Vasco Interior 2019. A rainy day . First etapa where we started in Irun and were almost in Astigarraga.Far away a view of San Sebastian.

 

[Yoyo]

Colourful house front in Espinosa del Camino.
CF, May 2017

 

[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.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 10, 2012. Early morning pilgrims from the window of the Albergue de Lorca.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Oviedo, before starting the Primitivo, July, 2022.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
Next to Port de la Selva. The first signal to Compostela, I think is surreal.
1240 km.

 

[Yoyo]

In the morning sun, the fields take on a golden hue on the rolling hills between Villamayor de Monjardín and Los Arcos.
CF, May 2017

 

[markie6]

September 22 Just after Carrion de los Condes

Early birds get the sunrises

 

[VNwalking]

I didn't stay here

Last time I was by there I finally made a point of staying. It was so special.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Two and a half hours after leaving Oviedo on our first days walk on the Camino Primitivo, July, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Magdellena /Frances
east of Granon
marker

photo taken February 20, 2007



Depicting the route of the Camino de Santiago crossing Rioja this marker is located on the Camino Magdellena which branches off the Camino Frances to arrive at Granon from the SE via the cemetery.

 

[frank john]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro
Santa Maria a Real
tomb of Don Elias Valiña Sampedro

photo taken November 28, 2014

View attachment 144662

Within the church I paused at the tomb of Don Elias Valiña Sampedro the local priest well known for much historic camino research and for painting the first yellow arrows which pilgrims so diligently follow.

For basic info re O Cebreiro and Don Elias Valiña Sampedro's life and publications see this Spanish link.

Could you let me know how easy it is getting hotels and private pensions in November on Frances? I’ve not gone this late before and am concerned about available accommodations. Thank you

 

[mspath]

Could you let me know how easy it is getting hotels and private pensions in November on Frances? I’ve not gone this late before and am concerned about available accommodations. Thank you

frank john,

During the years when I walked in late autumn /winter I never had any difficulty finding a place to stay but I almost always stayed in non-reservable municipal albergues and only reserved for the last days in Santiago in a pilgrim room at San Martin Pinario. Since I always wore a full backpack I could easily stop whenever/wherever some place was open. The only constraints were the weather and, of course, my strength.

 

[frank john]

frank john,

During the years when I walked in late autumn /winter I never had any difficulty finding a place to stay but I almost always stayed in non-reservable municipal albergues and only reserved for the last days in Santiago in a pilgrim room at San Martin Pinario. Since I always wore a full backpack I could easily stop whenever/wherever some place was open. The only constraints was the weather and, of course, my strength.

Thank you for your prompt reply. I prefer a private room/bath since I have experienced albergue living on two caminos. I just need to be open to other possibilities.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

April 12 2019, between San Juan de Ortega and Agés.
This is 9 in the Morning, I started that day in Villafranca Montes de Oca at 6:15 in total darkness. So I walked into a hazy sunrise. It was a beautiful morning walk.

Continued all the way to Burgos later that day.

 

[Rowena]

April 25, 2022
Between Montefurado and Quiroga on the Invierno

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Granon
parish albergue San Juan Bautista
door knocker

photo taken October 28, 2010



I have stayed in the parish albergue San Juan Bautista in Granon on the CF 10 times. Upon arrival seeing this door knocker adorned with shell, staff and gourd was always a thrill.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Albergue La Quintana, Grado, Camino Primitivo. July, 2022. Very reminiscent of the Los Indianos houses on the Camino del Norte.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
Cap de Creus.
Have you seen a similar plaque? where?

 

[SabsP]

Today, twelve years ago. Castrojeriz.

 

[Yoyo]

Near Agés.
CF, May 2017

 

[lalaone]

Between Grañón and Redecilla del Camino, CF, July 2007
Beauty and simplicity on the Meseta.

 

[Rowena]

April 26, 2022
Crossing the Rio Lor between Quiroga and Pobra de Brollón, Camino Invierno

 

[Bradypus]

Kaunas, Lithuania
23 November 2021
Camino Lituano

I had flown from the UK to Lithuania for surgery. On the day I arrived I literally stubbed my toe on this marker set in the pavement and discovered by accident that I was on a marked Camino!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
between Gonzar and Palas de Rei
sign

photo taken March 17, 2009



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

 

[Anne&Pat]

Between Grado and Salas, Camino Primitivo, July, 2022.

 

[Yoyo]

The long walk into Burgos.
I wish I had known about the river route. I'll be cleverer next time.
CF, May 2017

 

[Arctic_Alex]

The long walk into Burgos.
I wish I had known about the river route. I'll be cleverer next time.
CF, May 2017

View attachment 145720

Actually, it is the "worst" stretch of the whole Francés maybe ;-) But it is also part of the whole blend of impressions and inspirations.
I really enjoyed seeing the good, the bad and the ugly as it is the blend that makes the Camino whole.

 

[Rowena]

April 27, 2022
Momforte de Lemos, Camino Invierno

 

[lalaone]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
Cap de Creus.
Have you seen a similar plaque? where?

Powerful graphics, striking materials. Few words, yet universally recognizable. The plaque is genius. Here’s a plaque set into the pavement in Bordeaux, which caught me by surprise before heading to SJPP (2012). It is more text-heavy, but the words are very encouraging: Suivons les ! Let us take up our staff !

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leaving Salas at 6.30am, July, 2022. Camino Primitivo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
walking path parallel to P-980
west of Fromista

photo taken March 1, 2007



This elegant stately marker topped with a cross is a welcome contrast to the more recent low concrete bollards alining the Camino Frances path parallel to Palencia route P-980 west of Fromista/ east of Villalcazar de Sirga.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Powerful graphics, striking materials. Few words, yet universally recognizable. The plaque is genius. Here’s a plaque set into the pavement in Bordeaux, which caught me by surprise before heading to SJPP (2012). It is more text-heavy, but the words are very encouraging: Suivons les ! Let us take up our staff !

View attachment 145744

I am referring to this symmetrical plate.


This second plate is in Fisterra. I'm sure a lot of you have seen it. The photo is not mine.
In memory of the twinning between the easternmost and westernmost points of the Iberian peninsula.


Here is more information.
https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/notic...grafica16-enero-1998/0003_201601C16C11991.htm

 

[Rowena]

Five years ago today, approaching Sahagun.
The Ermita Virgen del Puente

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Crowded Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port April 3 2019.

 

[Anne&Pat]

On the way into Tineo on a hot summer’s day, Camino Primitivo, July, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Leboreiro
cabazo

photo taken November 30, 2011



In the small village of Leboreiro, east of Melide, this typical cabazo, a granary in the form of gigantic basket is used to preserve corn.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
Cala Tamariua, next to Port de la Selva.

 

[Rowena]

April 29, 2022
Descending into the steep-sided valley of the Rio Miñho, Camino Invierno

 

[Yoyo]

Painted house wall in downtown Astorga.
CF, May 2019

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Somewhere in the Pyrenees, Camino Francés, April 4 2019.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Roncesvalles monastery
albergue courtyard doorway

photo taken October 17, 2013



..in the truest sense, Ultreia!

 

[Arctic_Alex]

Pamplona, April 6 2019.

 

[Yoyo]

Rabanal del Camino where I found great hospitality twice in the Albergue Gaucelmo and was captivated by the Gregorian chants in this beautiful old church.
CF, May 2019

 

[Rowena]

On this day in 2018, Santa Catalina de Somoza, Camino Frances

 

[Anne&Pat]

Just before Samblismo, Camino Primitivo, July, 2022. We had an enjoyable stay in the Albergue there before heading onto the Hospitales route the next morning.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
path towards Sahagun

photo taken November 8, 2011



Wherever our paths might lead
may we go forward with hope.

"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5: 3-4

 

[SabsP]

First of May in 2011.El Burgo Ranero.
When you are so happy with your own bathroom that you make a picture of it

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Stage 0.
First view of the Port de la Selva.

 

[Arctic_Alex]

The crowded streets of Los Arcos, Camino Francés, April 7 2019.

 

[Rowena]

May 1, 2018
So beautiful! Shortly before the descent to El Acebo, Camino Frances

 

[Anne&Pat]

Looking back evidence of distant fires, early morning at the start of the Hospitales route. Camino Primitivo, July, 2022.

But a few minutes later looking ahead.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villalcazar de Sirga,
Iglesia de Santa María la Blanca
door

photo taken November 6, 2011



Unchanging interconnected units form this massive historic door; similarly camino paths are continually composed by innumerable pilgrims walking towards Santiago .

 

[Rowena]

May 2, 2022
Twelfth century Iglesia Santiago de Taboada, between Lalin and Silleda on the Camino Invierno

 

[SabsP]

Today, twelve years ago.
Mansilla de las Mulas.

The kind of multifunctional place that you often can find in smaller towns and villages.
I spent a wonderful night at the municipal albergue in Mansilla de las Mulas that night.

 

[Bradypus]

4 January 2023
Zubiri
Camino Frances

Couldn't help thinking about Blade Runner and the start of The Blues Brothers!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Ruinas del Hospital de Fonfaraon, the second ruin you come upon on the Hospitales route between Samblismo and Berducedo. With the path meandering ahead. Camino Primitivo, July, 2022.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ibaneta chapel
window

photos taken October 17, 2012



Colorful glass panes provided an aesthetic pick-me-up when exhausted after climbing from Valcarlos I peered into this tiny window on the locked wayside chapel door.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Port de la Selva.
The first official signal.

 

[Rowena]

May 3, 2018
Albergue El Serbal y La Luna at Pieros, after Cacabelos on the Camino Frances. A really nice place to stay!

 

[SabsP]

" Love thy neighbour".

Twelve years ago today in Leon. Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas.
No extra heat needed.Way before social distance and Covid.
A dorm for women and one for men. Plus a smaller one for couples.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Torres del Rio
Santo Sepulcro

photo taken February 14, 2007



Santo Sepulcro is a small octagonal Romanesque 12th c. church; looking up into the central cupola criss-crossed by ribbed vaults was mesmerizing.

 

[Yoyo]

I haven't walked the Camino de Levante, but I visited its starting point, Valencia, as a tourist several times. This is a detail of a big wooden door inside the Lonja de la Seda building.
Picture taken in June, 2018.

 

[Ali@59]

A few photos from Portuguese coastal last week, mixture of sun and rain but warm