On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 5.0

[VNwalking]

Here we go, One Day at a Time thread number 5.
For those who are just joining the fun, here is the preamble from the very first thread to give you your bearings:

We're all out here, waiting for the new normal to coalesce - and for the day when we can walk the camino again.

These are undoubtedly hard times, on many levels.
Lest we mire in the difficulties, many of us are turning to remembrances of walks past to keep our spirits up.

So here is a place to play with that.
What, today, is your favorite single photo from any of your caminos, and (briefly) why?
Every day is new, so tomorrow we can all post tomorrow's new favorite photos. (To avoid annoying people who may not have been there, please indicate where you took the photo. Not all of us care, but it's easy to do for those who do care.)

Please don't worry about posting a photo you may have shared before. Not all of us have long memories!
But please attach photos as thumbnails, out of mercy for people with slow connections

This is from Toral de Merayo, on the first day of the Invierno. The photo brings back the feeling of that day, of leaving the known and walking step by step into a mystery.

 

[wayfarer]

This was taken on 15/05/2012 after leaving El Acebo and on the way down to Molinaseca, it is one of my favourite photos of the Camino. The clouds were below us for a while, it was magic. That is my brother just ahead of me.

 

[Elle Bieling]

These are two of my favorites, both taken on the Primitivo. The first one shows the early morning mist in the forest, that for me, always adds a sense of mystery. The second, of the sheep, is hilarious. I wanted to tell them they were going the wrong way! Ha ha.

 

[Bill905]

Taken on the CF after Puente La Reina and somewhere between Cirauqui and Estella - a tip of the hat to Roman aqueducts. I was duly impressed! (Thanks for the correction to @Anne&Pat )

 

[SabsP]

Simple mat at the donativo albergue San Francisco de Asis in Tosantos. CF 2011.

 

[Theatregal]

If you are walking the Ingles out of A Coruña, and encounter this naked fellow on a swing, you have gone too far along the river, and need to backtrack about 500 m to find the turnoff you missed. I have to say it was sufficiently amusing to make the mistake worthwhile.
(I looked it up to find it is by Ramon Conde and is called El Columpio)

Two photos today Your post at the end of the thread One Photo a Day 4.0 has answered questions I had (sculptor and titles of the works) and hadn't researched. Your photo of El Columpio reminded me of other pieces of public art I'd seen on different caminos. These two are also by Ramon Conde! The Guardian in August 2013 near the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña and O Poder in August 2014 on the balconies of Casa do Cabido in Santiago. Thank you!

 

[JohnLloyd]

A motivational message for those bracing themselves for the ascent up to O Cebreiro...

 

[Chenahusky]

My favourite Lavanderia, SDC, after finishing the Portugues 2019. Nice area to sit in, with flowers, at the back. Also convenient for the Pilgrim Office.

 

[kohara]

Sun breaking through in the morning, between O Porrino and Redondela

 

[mspath]

west of Nájera
camino landscape,

photo taken February 19, 2007



West of Nájera on the Camino beneath a vivid blue sky and bright winter sun snow-covered mountains were visible to the south on my left.

That February walk was a long cold slog across frozen mud. At the first warm place to sit, a wayside bar in Cirulena, eager construction workers helped me order lunch and watched me eat!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Taken on the CF between Cirauqui and Puente La Reina - a tip of the hat to Roman aqueducts. I was duly impressed!

View attachment 98848

Snap Bill! Our photo was taken on 28th, August, 2014 and our diary says between Cirauqui and Lorca, we walked from Cirauqui to Estella that day. Agreed a very impressive modern aqueduct, Canal de Alloz. We may have posted this before, can't remember. Pat is walking ahead of me as usual.


PS Glad to see you back Bill905. We are also hoping to walk the Le Puy to Santiago maybe starting in April or May 2022, if we will be allowed out of Australia by then!! Might bump into you along the way!!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A favorite view of Muxia.

 

[Bill905]

Our photo was taken on 28th, August, 2014 and our diary says between Cirauqui and Lorca, we walked from Cirauqui to Estella that day.

Yikes - you are correct! The canal is between Puente La Reina and Estella. I think I will go back and make sure!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Yikes - you are correct! The canal is between Puente La Reina and Estella. I think I will go back and make sure!

Agreed Bill, any excuse to get back on the Camino Frances, can’t wait!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Church of San Francisco, Santiago de Compostela, June, 2018.

 

[SabsP]

La iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Mercado in Leon. CF 2011.
Gorgeous church and plaza.

Close to the Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Mercado (León) - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

Albergue de Peregrinos en León - Carbajalas

Los mejores servicios, atenciones y comodidades en pleno Camino de Santiago visitando el Albergue de Peregrinos de las Carbajalas en León.

www.alberguesleon.com

 

[Bill905]

I came across this unusual sign in Carrion de los Condes while accidentally sightseeing (i.e. I got lost for a bit in the twisty-turny streets!). Perhaps it means "Be on the lookout for Black Sheep", or maybe, "Only Black Sheep allowed in this area" or "Beware! Black Sheep sighted on this street"!

 

[Former member 49149]

The volunteer who interrogated me was most solemn... after our not too long queuing up the staircase. An achievement I had never anticipated, walking one step at a time, from Roncesvalles to Santiago. From this distance, how young I was! (58). 2006, 23/07.

 

[lt56ny]

A favorite view of Muxia.
View attachment 98891

I have been wanting to walk to Muxia for years. Hopefully my next Camino will bring me to this spot.

 

[lt56ny]

Some theme photos

This photo was taken somewhere on the Meseta in 2012. There was a picnic bench or two if I remember correctly.
The second two were taken on the same Camino in some bar or restaurant that I can't remember the name or place either.

 

[VNwalking]

Approaching the Cornatel castle on the Invierno via an avenue of some amazing chestnut trees:

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Approaching the Cornatel castle on the Invierno via an avenue of some amazing chestnut trees:
View attachment 98930

I have recently heard that the castanets used in Flamenco dancing were traditionally made from the hardwood of the chestnut tree, which is "castano" in Spanish.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I came across this unusual sign in Carrion de los Condes while accidentally sightseeing (i.e. I got lost for a bit in the twisty-turny streets!). Perhaps it means "Be on the lookout for Black Sheep", or maybe, "Only Black Sheep allowed in this area" or "Beware! Black Sheep sighted on this street"!

View attachment 98907

Maybe @Kinky is crossing the road.

 

[Theatregal]

Landscape. After Atapuerca.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Oh how I long to go back to the Camino!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Up we go, to O Cebreiro.

 

[Shells]

Here we go, One Day at a Time thread number 5.
For those who are just joining the fun, here is the preamble from the very first thread to give you your bearings:

Please don't worry about posting a photo you may have shared before. Not all of us have long memories!
But please attach photos as thumbnails, out of mercy for people with slow connections

This is from Toral de Merayo, on the first day of the Invierno. The photo brings back the feeling of that day, of leaving the known and walking step by step into a mystery.
View attachment 98836

 

[Shells]

Playa de la Madalena, Cabanas, Camino Ingles. . .Solitary Eye Candy on a September evening, 2019

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leaving Santiago on the way to Finisterre/Muxia. We were blessed with beautiful weather for most of this Camino. We walked to Negreira the first day. June, 2018.

 

[mspath]

Melide
Hospedaje/Restaurante Sony

photo taken December 5, 2013




As Sabine suggested above
for good value eat where the road workers, police, and lorry drivers go.

Such a spot centrally located on the rua Codeseira in Melide is the Hospedaje/ Restaurante Sony with great food, friendly service, low prices and much macho atmosphere; I happily ate here on all past caminos.

December 5, 2013, when renovation closed the municipal albergue, I stayed at Sony in a small private room for 20 €; spotless with private loo/shower/hot water and HEAT this was a comfy stop for a cold winter night!

 

[Theatregal]

Melide
Hospedaje/Restaurante Sony

December 5, 2013, when renovation closed the municipal albergue, I stayed at Sony in a small private room for 20 €; spotless with private loo/shower/hot water and HEAT this was a comfy stop for a cold winter night!

I agree! I stayed here for 2 nights once, nursing a shin splint. Very kind people and good food!

 

[Kanga]

View of Tomar, taken from the path up to the castle - which is also fabulous, a marvellous remnant of the presence of the Knights Templar. I loved Tomar, spent an extra day there exploring the Jewish Synagog, as well as the castle and the town itself. On the Portuguese, 20 October 2018.

 

[SabsP]

Misty Negreira in the morning. Epilogue to Finisterre 2016.
At that moment the bombings were happening here in Belgium at Brusels airport and a metrostation. It was only when I stopped for a coffeebreak in a bar in Vilaserio that I saw the devastating news on the spanish tv.
Extremely sad to be walking that day and getting updates from family and friends from home.
Also had to rebook my flight for the next weekend seeing Brussels airport was closed completely but that was a minor hassle compared with all the deaths and heavily wounded at home.

 

[VNwalking]

Again from the first day of the Invierno; so close to Ponferrada, and already a universe away.

 

[Bill905]

In Ponferrada I witnessed Semana Santa processions in April of 2019. The 'cofradias' who walk in these processions are associated with religious figures or places, or even specific incidents from the Passion story. And each cofradia has a few people who each carry a staff adorned with an elaborate finial, or headpiece. The attached photo shows a finial from a staff of one of these groups. The finial is a replication of the actual bell tower of the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Encina, also pictured, which is near the Castillo de Los Templarios. I thought that the workmanship was superb!

 

[Former member 49149]

23rd July 2006. Unrestricted access.

 

[Anik2001]

Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port, the beginning of a wonderful adventure on the camino Frances. Can’t wait to go back!

 

[Former member 49149]

View attachment 98984

Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port, the beginning of a wonderful adventure on the camino Frances. Can’t wait to go back!

It took a little while for the photo to load (always does on my laptop) but I knew it would be St Jean Pied de Port!
This gives me a chance to say how lovely it is to welcome new contributors to this thread. It is one of the safest internet spots to inhabit!

 

[Theatregal]

Misty Negreira in the morning. Epilogue to Finisterre 2016.
At that moment the bombings were happening here in Belgium at Brusels airport and a metrostation. It was only when I stopped for a coffeebreak in a bar in Vilaserio that I saw the devastating news on the spanish tv.
Extremely sad to be walking that day and getting updates from family and friends from home.
Also had to rebook my flight for the next weekend seeing Brussels airport was closed completely but that was a minor hassle compared with all the deaths and heavily wounded at home.

A beautiful photo with a connected memory to a deeply sad time

 

[Theatregal]

A little white van conversation at the Pic D'Orisson.

 

[Bill905]

A little white van conversation at the Pic D'Orisson.

The ubiquitous little white van.

 

[JohnLloyd]

There were other ways to get to the top at O Cebreiro...

 

[chinacat]

View attachment 99003
There were other ways to get to the top at O Cebreiro...

I’d go for that just to sit astride a horse

 

[mspath]

Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria, west facade

photo taken November 8, 2013



This view of the magnificent west facade of the Cathedral de Santa Maria was shot
near 66 Calle de Fernán González.

Although the municipal pilgrim albergue, Casa del Cubo, is located further east at number 28 on the same street many pilgrims never wander west along the Calle to see this facade.

Anyone wishing to worship/meditate may freely enter the cathedral through the southwest corner door, beneath the pointed arch furthest to the right in this view; however within the vast edifice free access is limited.

A fee is charged to visit the cathedral/museum; the main entrance is on the large central plaza on the south side of the cathedral.

Do enjoy both; an in-depth visit to the cathedral/museum, a UNESCO site
and while casually strolling this splendid view of the western facade.

 

[SabsP]

Monumento al Emigrante. Finisterre.

 

[Former member 49149]

23rd July, 2006

 

[Bill905]

In Roncesvalles a priest from the church of Santa Maria offered us a tour of the Real Colegiata Santa Maria de Roncesvalles next to the albergue. Although late in the afternoon, the sun was shining.

​

 

[Kanga]

One of the delights of walking a camino, for me, is the sound and sight of running water. This was the Rio Cuerpo de Hombre, Puerto de Bejar, on the Via de la Plata 16 May 2018.

 

[Anik2001]

This one is in Riego de Ambros, on the way down to Molinaseca. I loved the flowers on the way.

 

[Theatregal]

Santiago de Compostela. The Convent of Santa Maria de Belvis glows at magic hour.

 

[Chenahusky]

Roof garden. Near Rua de Francos, Camino Portugues, May 2019.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Into Galicia.

And it wasn't raining...

 

[mspath]

Muxia
photo taken December 13, 2013



Pouring rain and WET walking became the daily norm as I slowly trudged west towards the sea at Muxia.

Arriving soaked at the sleek Dumbria albergue, the helpful hospitalero suggested I dry everything on the heated floor; by morning all was ready for this last day walking to the coast

It was a long, hard, wet slog crossing barely marked forest paths; arrows were few. After 22 km I arrived near Muxia.

Magically the sky cleared and the sun shone as I approached the shore; this was the true end of my 9th camino which had begun two months earlier in Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Another incomparable adventure was finished; I loved it all.
..May I always remember these precious days.

Ultreia!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Three in one today, unable to post yesterday, so more today!
First Waymarker we saw leaving Santiago. The medeival bridge of Ponte Maceira, which has been restored, that crosses over wide rio Tambre, about 4 kms before Negreira, and the view to the weir from the bridge and one of the fine mansions lining the river bank.

 

[SabsP]

Continuing on @Anne&Pat 's picture.
Another angle of the Ponte Maceira.

 

[Former member 49149]

Still, Cathedral. There are other photos, but with faces of people, so I won't post them. Two photos in particular stand out:
- the couple from France we met on our first day from Roncesvalles, who marked 1000km soon after we met them! They inspired me later to offer as a hospitalera.
- a mother and her 14 year old daughter from Valencia who began in Leon, they had the next bunks to us. The mother wanted to give her daughter an exposure to the culture of her country. They had the kind of backpacks that teenagers use for going to school...both were very slight in build and didn't have any trouble with their tiny packs!

 

[JohnLloyd]

In this statute, I recognised the beatific look of a peregrino who had ascended O Cebreiro.

 

[VNwalking]

On the way to Eunate from Muruzabal, looking back the way I'd come - after the bustle of the Camino Francés, not a soul in sight.

 

[Bill905]

Castrojeriz. Umm, I think I'll stay at a different albergue, thank you!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A favorite photo from the monestery in Conques on the Le Puy; the view from our room.

 

[Anik2001]

Today, I feel like a walk in the Pyrenees. Going up to Orisson with sun shining through the clouds was such a wonderful day!

 

[mspath]

A favorite photo from the monestery in Conques on the Le Puy; the view from our room.
View attachment 99134

Indeed! What perfect timing.
Since you enjoyed your stay at Conques here is
a fictional account re Conques and Le Puy by fellow forum member Robertt that you might also enjoy.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Indeed! What perfect timing.
Since you enjoyed your stay at Conques here is
a fictional account re Conques and Le Puy by fellow forum member Robertt that you might also enjoy.

Thank you! I have read the first portion and will keep reading in sections.
You are a wealth of unusual and interesting facts and links you provide, Margaret, and this one is no exception!

 

[Theatregal]

May 1, 2018. Labour day in Spain. The streets and plazas in Santiago alive with processions, music and speeches on the steps of the Praza das Praterias entrance to the Cathedral.

 

[GinaMarie]

Unfortunately I can't find what I was looking for - a pic of my husband & I standing in front of the 100km-to-Santiago marker on the Camino Frances. When we reached the marker it was early morning, not quite light out, & we struggled to get a double-selfie given the low light. Along came 2 young Korean men who didn't speak English but instantly figured out what we were trying to do & used their flashlight to help us get the shot. Of course, then we wanted a photo with all 4 of us together & as luck would have it, 3 other people came along & helped us out but while we were all posing for that, more people came along & our group photo was getting bigger & bigger. After 15 mins or so we just had to (reluctantly) move along ... Pure Camino magic.

 

[J F Gregory]

 

[Richard Smith]

There is a castle in my wine.
Ponferrada Oct 2016.

 

[mspath]

Cizur Menor
photo taken October 21, 2012



This pre-dawn photo captures a view of Cizur Menor during the magical moments just before sunrise.

 

[Roz.K]

I just love Porto and its bridge. 10th April 2019. Camino Portugues.

 

[Kiwi girl]

On the way to Orrison. We were so happy, we watched Eagles circling and pretended we could fly

 

[Anne&Pat]

Indeed! What perfect timing.
Since you enjoyed your stay at Conques here is
a fictional account re Conques and Le Puy by fellow forum member Robertt that you might also enjoy.

Love this story, thank you for sharing the link.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Early morning on the way out of Negreira. June, 2018.

 

[SabsP]

To Vega de Valcarce. CF 2011.

 

[Chenahusky]

Leaving Carrion de Las Condes, CF 2016, pre dawn, moving ahead of a large wave of peregrinos, a day behind me.

 

[Former member 49149]

We took the bus to Finisterra. The climb up to this point was hard on my knees. The very best water fountain refreshed us on a curve in the road, and then of course, de rigueur to take this photo!

 

[Bill905]

Castrojeriz - "In tribute to those who for 1000 years have given shape and spirit to El Camino."

If you are reading this, you are one of those who have given shape and spirit to El Camino.

 

[Kanga]

In Covid times, it all seems so delightful looking back. But remember, some days are like this.

On the Norte, between Gernika and Bilbao, 15 May 2015

 

[Anik2001]

It’s Sunday, so here is a picture of the chapel at Roncesvalles. I had the joy to realize that I understood mass in Spanish and the priest gave a few of us a tour from the place afterwards.

 

[JohnLloyd]

In Covid times, it all seems so delightful looking back. But remember, some days are like this.

On the Norte, between Gernika and Bilbao, 15 May 2015

View attachment 99226

Maybe this is why I have such affection for the two Caminos I've walked so far - I've only had rain for a couple of hours on either of them!

 

[Theatregal]

Shepherding between Vila Praia de Âncora and Caminha on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route.

 

[JohnLloyd]

An avenue of clouds leads the way from atop O Cebreiro.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Bilbao on the Norte, April 2016.

 

[Canche]

These are two of my favorites, both taken on the Primitivo. The first one shows the early morning mist in the forest, that for me, always adds a sense of mystery. The second, of the sheep, is hilarious. I wanted to tell them they were going the wrong way! Ha ha.

View attachment 98844

View attachment 98845

Can't wait to do the Primitivo. God willing this Sept.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Between Negreira and Santa Marina. Nearing our overnight stop at Casa Pepa. June, 2018.

 

[mspath]

west of Rabe del Camino
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

 

[SabsP]

Two today. The albergue in the old trainstation in Gallur on the Camino del Ebro ( 2013 ). Upstairs the very well equipped albergue ( there was one other pilgrim and we occupied two corners of the big room ).
Downstairs a bar with a delicious choice of tapas.
Extreme rain that day so they were very kind to let us stay till midday when we were able to take a train to the next place.

HISTORIA DEL ALBERGUE

La antigua estación del ferrocarril de las Cinco Villas, tras su rehabilitación, de nuevo acoge al viajero ofreciéndole confortabilidad, ade...

alberguegallur.blogspot.com

Albergue Municipal de Gallur | Comarcaacomarca.com

Albergue Municipal de Gallur. Albergue en Gallur, comarca de Ribera Alta Del Ebro (Zaragoza). Contacte mediante su ficha en Comarcaacomarca.com

www.comarcaacomarca.com

 

[VNwalking]

This was my avatar for a while, and I still have a soft spot for it, remembering the feeling of climbing those stairs and turning back to admire the view.
Portomarin 2015.

 

[Chenahusky]

Ponte Maceira, enroute to Fisterra, 2017.

 

[ranthr]

8 years ago, on my way from Norway to Le Puy en Velay I changed train in St. Etiennés beautiful railway station.

 

[Bill905]

Belorado. I had to stop and spend a few minutes to examine this condemned building. I think this building was the principal factor behind the creation of building codes.

 

[Former member 49149]

After km zero and a time exploring the headland, back to the village and the bus back to Santiago.

 

[Anik2001]

This was near Sarria. I loved to look at that old couple walking together. That picture makes me happy. Those local people on the camino are a big part of what makes it so special.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This was my avatar for a while, and I still have a soft spot for it, remembering the feeling of climbing those stairs and turning back to admire the view.
Portomarin 2015.
View attachment 99282

Your new avatar is pretty awesome, too.

 

[VNwalking]

Your new avatar is pretty awesome, too.

Thank you! At Fuente de los Moros, before Monjardin.

(And some people have such beautiful avatars that they don't ever need to change them! )

 

[Theatregal]

I saw signs of beekeeping on the Invierno more than on any other camino. Always makes me happy. These hives near Barxa do Lor.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Which way?

That way.

 

[kohara]

Santillana Del mar at dusk, day trippers all gone.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Between Santa Marina and Olveiroa, a very foggy start to the day and then we came across this scenery.
Scotland or Galicia? June, 2018.

 

[mspath]

Estella
calle Curtidores
Cross

photo taken October 6, 2004




This view was taken as I walked on the south side of the river Ega following the Camino Frances into Estella.
Set amidst small conical hills this beautiful sandstone town dating from Roman times mainly developed in the 12-13th c. due to the ecclesiatical/commercial importance of the Camino or Rúa as it was known locally.

 

[SabsP]

Words from Rudyard Kipling. Somewhere in Triacastela. CF 2011.