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

[Rowena]

October 18, 2016 Via Podiensis, day 31, Argagnon to Navarrenx
Dinner at the gite “Le Cri de la Girafe”, three courses all involving fish. I wonder if this gite is still in operation. It was a great place to stay.

 

[SabsP]

Sigueiro in the morning.
Camino Inglés.

 

[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 view. However free access is limited within the vast complex; a fee is charged to visit the cathedral/museum.

 

[Rowena]

October 19, 2016 Via Podiensis, day 32
A foggy morning on the way out of Navarrenx

 

[SabsP]

Etapa Sigueiro to Santiago. Camino Inglés.

 

[lalaone]

Between Los Arcos and Logrono, September 2012.
A hard day of walking, with a looong rest in Viana, but a beautiful and memorable one.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria
cloister garden

photo taken February 24, 2007



The 13th c. cloister garden provided a welcome aesthetic contrast to the lavish Gothic riches/richness displayed elsewhere within/without the cathedral.

 

[Rowena]

October 20, 2016, Day 33 on the Via Podiensis
Approaching Ostabat

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
cathedral museum

October 20, 2004



Within the cathedral museum is this mid 15th c. reliquary. Roughly 30cm. tall, clad in vermeil/ gold plate on silver, Saint James wears a pilgrim hat complete with shell atop his delightfully precise curls. Sainthood is depicted by the flat halo behind his head. He grips his pilgrim staff and from one shoulder hangs a tiny traveling bag known as a scrip also decorated with shells.

...I still fondly recall seeing this exquisite figure for the first time in 2004.

 

[SabsP]

Grelos.
Camino Inglés.

 

[Rowena]

October 21, 2016 The last day on the Via Podiensis
During the morning, a tantalizing glimpse of the Pyrenees.

 

[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.

 

[Rowena]

October 21, 2016
Arriving at the pilgrim office in Saint Jean Pied de Port, a bittersweet moment. The Via Podiensis was finished and it was time to return home. The intensity of my emotions surprised me. What I yearned to do was continue on to Santiago to relive the Camino Frances, but that would have to wait until 2018.

 

[SabsP]

Bosque encantado.
Etapa Sigueiro to Santiago.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
calle Valentin Palestina

photo taken November 8, 2013



Looking up towards Iglesia San Esteban from calle Valentin Palestina
in the Alto Burgos area near the Castello

 

[SabsP]

The outskirts of Santiago.
Nice and quiet. Camino Inglés.

 

[Rowena]

Thank you everyone for your daily photos on this thread. You have either brought back great memories or whetted my appetite for a Camino as yet unexplored.
I’m going on Camino next week!! This time the Portugués, a combination of Coastal from Porto to Valença, then the Central route. So I’ll take a pause from posting, and will be home in early November with a new batch of photos.

Hoping to see this one more time on All Saints Day.

 

[SabsP]

All the best @Rowena ! Enjoy to the fullest and Buen Camino.

 

[lalaone]

Your photos have had the same effect on me, Rowena. They are so appreciated - thank you! Wishing you a truly wonderful Camino.

 

[mspath]

Rowena,
Stay safe, Carpe diem and, as always,
Ultreia!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Bom Caminho Rowena. What another great adventure awaits you. Safe and happy walking. Look forward to your next batch of photos.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Plaza de la Libertad
Casa del Cordón

photo taken February 4, 2008



The highlight of a rest day in Burgos.
was meeting a charming French speaking hospitalera shown in this view for a guided visit at the restored 15th c. palace, Casa del Cordón, presently used as a bank/exhibition space. Carved in stone the heavy ropes/cords which surround the main door give this sumptuous palace its name.

 

[SabsP]

Almost there.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Tadajos

photo taken November 2, 2011



West of Burgos the CF crossed farmland and wood with only a few yellow arrows pointing the way. One such haphazard arrow was this near the junction of the rio/canal Arlanzón near Tardajos.

 

[SabsP]

A month ago. Arrival.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Tardajos
La Fabrica albergue

photo taken November 8, 2014



Rain soaked and cold I stopped at La Fabrica, a repurposed flour mill now an albergue/hostal. Each heated (!!) albergue dorm room could hold 4 pilgrims with fresh linens on the bunks and a sleek toilet/shower adjacent. The bar/dining room was popular with locals as well as visiting hunters; meals were copious, tasty and good value.

 

[SabsP]

Civil gay wedding in Santiago de Compostela.
Spontaneous dance from.the guests accompanied by traditional musicians.
Wonderful.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Rabé de las Calzadas

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

 

[SabsP]

Our room. Pombal Rooms in Santiago. Highly recommended.
Ground floor with view of cathedral.
Three today.

 

[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.

 

[SabsP]

View. Never stops to surprise me.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Hontanas

photo taken February 26, 2007



Upon arrival Hontanas appeared deserted; the air was bitter cold and no one was about. Today this photo is another memento of my 1st winter camino.

 

[SabsP]

Patatas bravas at Bispo. Santiago de Compostela.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Hontanas
El Puntido albergue dorm

photo taken November 9, 2014



On my 10th camino only the El Puntido albergue was open where I was alone in this well heated dorm. After a hot shower I took a siesta and slept until breakfast!

 

[SabsP]

Today a video. Tuna de Derecho in Santiago. With sound.
Magical.

View attachment 20230901_225917.mp4

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Hontanas

photo taken November 10, 2014



Within this cold, fog-hidden void it was impossible to see clearly but at least the mud was frozen!

 

[SabsP]

Early morning Santiago.

 

[Theatregal]

View from my room in Candanchú, Somport Pass. Camino Aragonés. August 29, 2023.
Very excited to start my walk the next day!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Hontonas/east of Castrojeriz

photo taken November 11, 2013



November weather can be splendid for walking with clear blue skies and no wind as in this lush landscape of shimmering, golden leaved trees.

 

[SabsP]

Mercado de Abastos.
Santiago de Compostela.

 

[mspath]

Camino de Frances
near 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 St Anthony monastery.

 

[Theatregal]

Shepherd's hut. Camino Aragonés. August 30, 2023

 

[SabsP]

Iglesia San Agustin.
Santiago.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
entering Castrojeriz

October 23, 2004



Over 1000 years Castrojeriz evolved from an antique castrum to an important pilgrim stop/major municipality of interconnected levels along the slope of a broad hill.

 

[SabsP]

Inside the Jesuit church of San Agustin.
Ignacio of Loyola. Founder of the Jesuit order.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Castrojeriz
Real de Oriente, 43
La Taberna resto/bar

photo taken November 11, 2012



The barista/owner said "Hola Americana!" as I entered once again this favorite bar/resto. Always most welcoming he then elegantly served a pot of true hot chocolate with thick slices of hot buttered cinnamon toast, my usual midmorning winter combo!

 

[Theatregal]

Canfranc Estación. Camino Aragonés. August 30, 2023. Pretty near impossible to photograph the whole of the length of this newly restored rail station.

 

[SabsP]

Shared desserts at Casa Marcelo.
Celebration lunch.
Santiago de Compostela.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Castrojeriz

photo taken February 27, 2007



The steep ascent up the Mostelares plateau loomed ahead in the cold morning air. However, the gravel path would be broad and the panorama from the summit superb!

 

[SabsP]

Cortado and licor de hierbas. Santiago de Compostela.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Alto de Mostelares

photo taken February 18, 2009



This was another 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.

 

[Theatregal]

Arriving Canfranc Pueblo. August 30, 2023 Camino Aragonés

 

[SabsP]

Café Casino. Gorgeous interior, pity about the service and friendliness that is sometimes lacking.
Santiago de Compostela.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Itero de la Vega

photo taken November 4, 2011



Aĺl was colored ocher along the stony spine of the Meseta east of Itero de la Vega this cold November day as the singular ribbon-like path crossed the vast emptiness

 

[SabsP]

Artisanal and handmade produce from local artists in Galicia.
Tienda Peregrina a Compostela at Rua do Vilar. Pity they do not sell online.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Itero de la Vega

photo taken February 28, 2007



Beneath a grey sky heavy with rain this simple landscape was a perfect site for contemplation as the cold drip of rainwater kept me focused.

 

[Theatregal]

Looking back at the lovely room where we just had a good breakfast after a restful stay at the wonderful Elias Valina Albergue de Peregrinos in Canfranc Pueblo. Camino Aragonés. August 31, 2023.

 

[Reija]

Drinking coffee in the French way - from a bowl. This was my last morning on the camino in July 23, that day I arrived in Le Puy.

 

[SabsP]

View from the terrace of the café at the Santiago busstation.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Boadilla del Camino

photo taken November 13, 2013



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

 

[Theatregal]

After Castiello de Jaca, Camino Aragonés. August 31, 2023
It was a very hot day and I had hoped to rest in the shade along the river for a bit but...
I made my way slowly through these lovelies and continued on.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Fromista
Canal de Castilla Esclusa cuádruple

photo taken November 13, 2012



Taken near the four huge Fromista locks this photo marks the imaginary mid-point of my 8th CF. After four weeks walking roughly 6 hours per day whilest always carrying my loaded pack (6.5 kilos) I was as fit as might be hoped at 73.
.....All I needed then, as now, was continued luck, tenacity and endurance. Ultreia!

 

[nycwalking]

Camino Frances
towards Itero de la Vega

photo taken November 4, 2011

View attachment 158531

Aĺl was colored ocher along the stony spine of the Meseta east of Itero de la Vega this cold November day as the singular ribbon-like path crossed the vast emptiness

Wow!

Oh my!

I love the meseta especially this path.

 

[Reija]

Via Gebennensis, July 2023. This church (st Andrew’s in La Côté-Saint-André) had all their statues in the realistic size. When I first stepped in from the bright sunlight I thought the church had lots of other visitors. Nope, I was alone.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Fromista
Iglesia San Martin

February 8, 2008



Once part of a large monastery the Iglesia San Martin, a small 11th c. Romanesque church, now unconsecrated is a museum.
On the exterior several hundred carved figures decorate the eave corbels below the roof.

 

[Theatregal]

Evening in Jaca - view from my room at the Hotel Ciudad de Jaca. August 31, 2023. Camino Aragonés.

 

[SabsP]

Ferrol. End of August this year.

 

[Reija]

Via Gebennensis July 2023. Leaving Les Sétoux the Camino takes you by someone’s private tractor collection.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Fromista
Iglesia San Martin

February 8, 2008



Atop the interior columns of the church are shocking/stunning capitals. This one, la Concordia, located inside the south entrance is quite explicit!

 

[SabsP]

End of August. Ferrol en Festas. 9.30 and the show would start at ten.
My companions atttended but I went to our hotel for an early night.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Fromista

photo taken March 1, 2007



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

 

[Reija]

July 23, Faramans on the route from Geneva to le Puy. I remember this morning so well, a thunderstorm was brewing but I still so enjoyed walking because for once there were no hills for a while.

 

[lalaone]

Chartres, France.
I saw this plaque on an unrelated visit in 2014. Always dreaming of the Camino....

 

[SabsP]

Leaving Ferrol.

 

[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.

 

[Theatregal]

Arrés, Camino Aragonés. September 1, 2023.

A memorable evening with a wonderful dinner and companionship at the very welcoming Hospital de Peregrinos, "La Casa de las Sonrisas".

 

[Reija]

Araules, France, getting close to Le Puy. This was my 12th day alone on Via Gebennensis and I had seen or interracted with such few people that at this point I was talking to animals.

 

[SabsP]

Young Andalucian students with full pack. Camino Inglés 2023 . Etapa Ferrol to Pontedeume.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Revenga de Campos
Iglesia de San Lorenzo

photo taken November 6, 2011



This stork was spotted near the CF path which parallels Palencia route P-980 west of Fromista/ east of Villalcazar de Sirga.

 

[SabsP]

Banco Peregrino. Towards Pontedeume. CI.

 

[Theatregal]

Banco Peregrino. Towards Pontedeume. CI.

Interesting! I just learned what a Banco Peregrino is : ) Looks like these benches and signs are on several different routes.

 

[Theatregal]

A lull in the rain and continuing on after a chat with the shepherd. Camino Aragonés. Sept. 2, 2023

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villovieco

photo taken November 14, 2012



This "art brut" pilgrim stood firmly within a meadow near Villarmentaro de Campos on the way to Villalcázar de Sirga. ... I wonder if he still is there.

 

[SabsP]

Pontedeume. August this year. CI.

 

[mspath]

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

photo taken November 6, 2011



An assemblage of interconnected units form this massive historic church door; similarly camino paths are continually composed by multitudes of pilgrims walking towards Santiago.

 

[Reija]

Chanaz, France, Via Gebennensis July 2023. The hanging umbrellas did not really help. It was well over 30 degrees Celsius that day.

 

[SabsP]

Some raciones at Trintaedous. Pontedeume.

 

[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 .

 

[Theatregal]

Iglesia de Santiago el Mayor. Sangüesa. Camino Aragonés. Sept. 5, 2023

 

[SabsP]

Etapa Pontedeume to Betanzos. CI this year.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villalcázar de Sirga

photo taken February 9, 2008



This curious pilgrim shared a sunlit table with a taciturn local fellow.

 

[SabsP]

Etapa Pontedeume-Betanzos. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Carrión de los Condes
Refugio Santa Clara

photo taken October 25, 2004



The pilgrim Refugio Santa Clara is part of the historic Real Monasterio Santa Clara; St Francis of Assisi during his early 13th c. pilgrimage to Santiago is said to have stopped in this monastery.

 

[SabsP]

Porta da Ponte Vella. Betanzos. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Carrion dos Condes
Real Monasterio Santa Clara

photo taken November 14, 2012



Adjacent tiled roofs aglow in the autumn sunshine were glimpsed through the window of my cell-like private room in the Santa Clara hospederia.

 

[SabsP]

When you are tired after walking all day and you make random pics of the hotellobby .
Hotel Garelos in Betanzos. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Carrion dos Condes
Real Monasterio Santa Clara

photo taken November 13, 2014



The far left door in this entrance courtyard led to the hospederia. The last time I stopped on my 10th camino the private room had linens, loo and shower but no heat that frigid November night.

 

[SabsP]

Etapa Betanzos to Hospital de Bruma.
CI.
Ascent to the Embalse de Beche.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. Nuestra Señora de Eunate. September 7, 2023.
Shadow from the columns on the simple and lovely herringbone patterned cobbled floor of the exterior cloister.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Carrión de los Condes
Iglesia de Santiago

photo taken November 14, 2012



The west facade of the Iglesia de Santiago built mid-12th c. is a splendid example of Romanesque style. Christ sits in the middle of a broad frieze beneath the roof eaves surrounded by symbols of the four Evangelists flanked by the Apostles.