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

[SabsP]

Towards Villamayor de Monjardin. CF 2011.

 

[mspath]

Cuban rice/Arroz Cubano

photo taken October 31, 2015



Cuban rice/Arroz Cubano is my favorite inexpensive Spanish cooked dish; almost any bar can prepare it.

Hot rice is served with tomato sauce and a fried egg. Sometimes a plantain/banana is fried with the other ingredients and/or meat added to the tomato sauce.

The "receipe" for this simple dish may have come to Spain with the Flota de Indias,16th c.+ Spanish trading ships, returning from the Carribe.

....¡Buen provecho!

 

[Former member 49149]

First of three from day two on CP from Oporto.

 

[VNwalking]

Yesterday two years ago, on the Invierno.
Crossing the Rio Sil after Quiroga felt like taking leave of a friend - the camino had been following it for three days, and today the path left the valley to climb towards Monforte, and the Rio Miño beyond.

 

[Bill905]

A frosty April morning leaving Carrion de los Condes.

 

[Anik2001]

The church in Villamayor de Monjardin. The priest opened it so I could have a look and told me: go get your credential so I can stamp it! We had a nice chat in the little Spanish I know.

 

[SabsP]

CF 2011. I love those tiles.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The beatific look of a man watching the sunset at the End of the World.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Calzada Romana, a well preserved section of the original Via XVI between Malaposta and Ferradal, Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[mspath]

Granon
parish albergue
door knocker

photo taken October 28, 2010



During the past 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.

After entry reading the interior sign stating "welcome pilgrim make this your home" was another.

Indeed, I always felt at home; hospitaleros were helpful and communal meals delicious. This was authentic caritas.

...Long may it continue.

 

[Bill905]

Saying "thanks" to la policia as we left Ponferrada ...

 

[VNwalking]

Chestnut flower buds awaiting a summer rain shower.
Camino Invierno, 2019.

 

[kohara]

It will be fine.. sure i never get blisters!
(not my feet btw)

 

[SabsP]

Meat dish in Finisterre. 2015.
When you are too tired to listen to what they say in rapid Spanish. And half a farm lands on your plate...

 

[JohnLloyd]

My ninth morning in Galicia - and it still hadn't rained!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Next day , more Calzada Romana between Perozinho and the outskirts of Porto, Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[mspath]

Toulouse
Basilique Saint-Sernin

photo taken January 6, 2012




This view of the Basilique Saint-Sernin
in Toulouse on the Camino d'Arles
was taken from the rue Saint-Bernard looking west towards the chevet, the exterior area behind the main altar.

Nearby cafes serve set meals at a reasonable price. I always enjoyed Le Cafe Saint Sernin at 2 Rue Saint- Bernard; it's a happy spot where many art students lunch.

 

[Former member 49149]

View attachment 102267

Meat dish in Finisterre. 2015.
When you are too tired to listen to what they say in rapid Spanish. And half a farm lands on your plate...

Sabine, I do love your humour !

 

[VNwalking]

Yes, me too!

 

[Former member 49149]

Friday, 14th August, 2013. Vila do Conde to Rates. This day's expenses for two were as follows:
coffee €2.20. fruit 1.26. mercado €3.00 carne €1.37. pan €1.18. albergue €10. beer €1.88. I circled the total as €20.89. check if you wish! We obviously were planning to cook in the albergue...

 

[SabsP]

Recycling in Pamplona. 2011.
Every time I am in Pais Vasco I'm pleased to see how they take recycling and environment seriously!

 

[VNwalking]

From the XII C San Salvador de Asma, near Chantada on the Invierno. The squirrel made me smile.

 

[Bill905]

A chilly but clear day in April 2019 allowed me to capture a silhouette photograph of the peregrino sculpture that graces Alto de San Roque on the CF, altitude 1,270 metres.

 

[Theatregal]

After San Nicholás del Real Camino at sunrise... I may have posted this golden morning before.

 

[davebugg]

Somewhere between Navarette and Najera, on the way to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

 

[JohnLloyd]

Preparing myself to leave Finisterre and Galicia, I picked up a perfect scallop shell from the beach at Langosteira.

More meaningful than anything I'd seen in the shops of Fisterra and Santiago.

 

[mspath]

Vila Nova de Gaia
Graham's Port Lodge

photo taken January 2012





O Porto is on the Camino Portugués. Across the Minho river at Vila Nova de Gaia are many winehouses which produce Port wine.

For various reasons I've always enjoyed Graham's Port; they do a great tour.

Happy sipping and Bom caminho!

 

[SabsP]

Notice the sello. Albergue Aitzenea in Triacastela. CF 2011.
Seeing the website they seem to have done some renovations.

Albergue Aitzenea

aitzenea.com

 

[VNwalking]

Pics of food are not my thing, but sometimes...
Today two courses of the most amazing food I was offered at Meson Lucas in Chantada, when I told them I was lacto-ovo vegetarian and please make whatever was easy. The MOST amazing salad without a molecule of iceberg lettuce in sight, with walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic dressing; then an omelette francesca with.......
pimentos de padron!
Simple and perfect.
I didn't capture the desert. But it was delicious, too, a very rich flan.

 

[JohnLloyd]

After I finished my Francés in 2018, there came a ten-hour train journey to San Sebastián to meet friends for a stag weekend. Talk about a change of pace, in every sense!

But after I recovered from that, I decided to restore my Camino mindset with a stretch of the Norte from Bilbao to Santander.

The first Northern treat was this - the incredible sight of the Guggenheim Museum.

 

[Bill905]

Some details from a wall in St. Jean Pied de Port, the first of many Camino acknowledgements I was to eventually encounter and appreciate over the next 32 days. Now I have a tile wall decoration from Santiago hanging in my kitchen! I can appreciate it every day!

 

[Former member 49149]

Same day as my previous photo. One of many common wash houses we saw while walking. I actually recall one of those in my childhood, in Scotland. My aunt lived in a building that had four homes, with steps up and access at different levels. In the ground floor common area, separate from the dwellings, and also from the outside loo! there was a covered wash house. How we have become accustomed to what we deem legitimate, civilised facilities!

 

[mspath]

Pics of food are not my thing, but sometimes...
Today two courses of the most amazing food I was offered at Meson Lucas in Chantada, when I told them I was lacto-ovo vegetarian and please make whatever was easy. The MOST amazing salad without a molecule of iceberg lettuce in sight, with walnuts, goat cheese and balsamic dressing; then an omelette francesca with.......
pimentos de padron!
Simple and perfect.
I didn't capture the desert. But it was delicious, too, a very rich flan.
View attachment 102372View attachment 102373

What delicious photos; they make me hungry.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Majestic Porto. Caminho Portuguese, May 2016.

 

[mspath]

Lagos, Portugal
Praia Camilo/Camilo Beach

photos taken January 2011



Lagos is on the Trilho dos Pescadores/
Fishermenn's Trail which leads west to Sagres on the Rota Vicentina. This view of the Praia Camilo/Camilo Beach looks across picturesque cliffs towards central Lagos



Perched on the seaside is this VERY good simple fish restaurant, O Camilo. Don't miss it.

...Bom appetito!

 

[SabsP]

My walking buddy @VNwalking . On our way to Pancorbo. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.
Like Gronze says : " Etapa corta, plácida y agradable, casi sin desniveles; su principal atractivo es, en el tramo final, cruzar el desfiladero de Pancorbo.".

Miranda de Ebro - Pancorbo | Camino Vasco del Interior | Gronze.com

Etapa corta, plácida y agradable, casi sin desniveles; su principal atractivo es, en el tramo final, cruzar el desfiladero de Pancorbo. Hoy finalizamos en Pancorbo, precioso y peculiar pueblo encajado en el desfiladero homónimo: es una de las puertas de entrada al Parque Natural de los Montes...

www.gronze.com

 

[Bill905]

A beautiful morning in the clouds on the CF before Molinaseca.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Before you get to visit the Guggenheim, you have to get past the guard.

 

[VNwalking]

Eeeek.
Recovering arachnophobe here. That has always given me the willies.


A quieter place of heart: the bridges of Pone Ulla on the Sanabres:

 

[Theatregal]

Still in awe of the stunning landscape and colour of Las Medulas on the Invierno.

 

[Anne&Pat]

16thC statue of Santiago Peregrino situated on the second floor of the Cathedral Chapter House, Porto.
Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[mspath]

Setúbul, Portugal
port

photo taken December 28, 2011



Setúbal, Portugal, is across the Sado River from the northern end of the coastal Rota Vincentina.

December 2011 after finishing the CF I continued to Finisterre, per usual, and then walked to the Portuguese border at Tui. At Tui my husband met me and
we drove south to Setúbal.

...to be continued

 

[Bill905]

A small shrine in the Albergue de Cuatro Cantones in Belorado. I drew encouragement from the different depictions of Santiago that I encountered. I thought it noteworthy that several albergues found at least a niche to acknowledge the person responsible not only for inspiring so many pilgrims, but also for the success of their business.

 

[SabsP]

Albergue municipal in Briviesca.
Camino Vasco Interior 2019. Just two of us that night. A whole appartment for us. Only one set of keys so if there are more pilgrims a good arrangement is necessary to get in and out.
When you arrive in Briviesca you have to go to the tourism office where they will call the friendly hospitalero who will walk you to the albergue.
Next morning you leave the keys at a designated place.
I remember that when we left the key and were already outside that my walkingpartner thought she left her camera inside. Small panicky moment but seems camera was with us all the time...

 

[JohnLloyd]

The guard on the other side of the Guggenheim was considerably more approachable.

 

[mspath]

Palmela, Portugal
Pousada/castle complex
passage

photo taken December 29, 2011



The Palmela castle/pousada complex spans a hilltop; the many structures span historic time.

Included are a medieval church and cloisters from a convent constructed within the earlier castle plus contemporary building.

To visit the castle you need not stay at the pousada; nevertheless after 56 nights in simple albergues staying at the pousada was a luxurious treat.

...to be continued

 

[Anne&Pat]

Araujo, 10 kms after leaving Porto on the central route. 200 years ago a hurricane tore through Araujo and demolished everything in sight, except the ancient oak tree that stood here. Wood from the tree is used in the pulpit in the adjoining 19thC chapel of St Peter. This photo is of a wee statue of St Peter embedded in the oak which still occupies the centre of the square. ( Apologies if we have already posted this a while ago!)

 

[nycwalking]

Eeeek.
Recovering arachnophobe here. That has always given me the willies.


A quieter place of heart: the bridges of Pone Ulla on the Sanabres:

I could see the bridge from my room November 2019.

Thanks for the memory.

 

[Theatregal]

Sunset over Corcubión.

 

[Bill905]

The statue of Santiago in the 11th century church of San Martin in Fromista. This statue dates from the 16th century.

 

[VNwalking]

The Ponte Romano over The Rio Deza near Taboada, not long after the Invierno and Sanabres merge in A Laxe.

 

[SabsP]

Miranda de Ebro to Pancorbo. Vasco Interior 2019.
Oh so quiet!

 

[Former member 49149]

On the way to Pedra Furada, according to the note... CP

 

[JohnLloyd]

There are many ways to cross a river.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Eeeek.
Recovering arachnophobe here. That has always given me the willies.


A quieter place of heart: the bridges of Pone Ulla on the Sanabres:
View attachment 102429

Sorry about that!

 

[Anik2001]

Those typical views of the camino Frances. Lovely memories that I hope to go back to next year.

 

[mspath]

Palmela, Portugal
Pousada/castle complex

photos taken December 29, 2011



Within the Palmela pousada/castle complex the castle had been occupied by Moors. Reconquered in the 12th c. it was given to the Military Order of Santiago/the Templars and in 1423 became their headquarters.

Wandering through the complex I was surprised to find this church dedicated to Santiago attributed to the Templars.



A 2011 view of the church interior featured a rather incongruous video player.

This simple scallop shell on a column base located in the old cloister is more evocative.



Symbolic recognition of the scallop shell links all pilgrims across time. Thus here I offered silent thanks for the ways that had been travelled while hoping for strength and resilience in the time still to come.

....As I post this those thoughts remain ever true.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Just out of Vilarinho is this medieval bridge across the Rio Ave, Ponte de Zameiro. Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[Theatregal]

After Santa Marina Maroñas on the way to Finisterre.

 

[mspath]

After Santa Marina Maroñas on the way to Finisterre.

View attachment 102618

Theatregal,
Those clouds really look ominous; was there a deluge?

 

[VNwalking]

Theatregal,
Those clouds really look ominous; was there a deluge?

My question, too...

 

[VNwalking]

TFW the sky goes really dark and you realize you packed your Altus at the middle of your pack today.

 

[Former member 49149]

TFW the sky goes really dark and you realize you packed your Altus at the middle of your pack today.
View attachment 102619

TFW? sorry, I can't be flexible enough to guess shorthand! thanks for warning? today farms wither? This far witches! ?

 

[DoughnutANZ]

TFW? sorry, I can't be flexible enough to guess shorthand! thanks for warning? today farms wither? This far witches! ?

That feeling when ........

 

[Former member 49149]

Between Tamel and Ponte de Lima. Quite by chance a couple we know well were on the same route, but slightly ahead of us! This was their message to us, using the first letter of each of our names. no permanent defacement of the environment, thankfully!

 

[Bill905]

This robed depiction of Santiago is found in the Igrexa de Santa María a Real do Cebreiro.

 

[SabsP]

Somewhere in between Segura and Zegama on the Vasco Interior 2019.

Beasain - Zegama | Camino Vasco del Interior | Gronze.com

Recuperamos a la salida de Beasain al agradable sosiego de los caminos de montaña, con bellos paisajes, entre prados, caseríos y bosques, alejándonos del tráfico, de los polígonos industriales y del bullicio urbano. Luego, a partir de Segura, volvemos a avanzar por un bidegorri. Destaca la...

www.gronze.com

 

[Anik2001]

A little bit of a playa feeling, on the way to Finsterre.

 

[Theatregal]

Theatregal,
Those clouds really look ominous; was there a deluge?

There was indeed! More than one on this wild weather March day between Vilasario and Olveiroa, alternating between deluge, brief clearing with sun, light rain, sun, deluge, sun and even light snow over Monte Aro before the descent to Olveiroa. I arrived at Casa Loncho in Olveiroa drenched and cold, thankful for a bowl of caldo gallego and the warmth of the fire place in their cafe, where I sat most of the late afternoon. Despite the weather I remember this as an exhilarating day both for the challenge and for the beauty of the landscape in the changing light.

 

[mspath]

There was indeed! More than one on this wild weather March day between Vilasario and Olveiroa, alternating between deluge, brief clearing with sun, light rain, sun, deluge, sun and even light snow over Monte Aro before the descent to Olveiroa. I arrived at Casa Loncho in Olveiroa drenched and cold, thankful for a bowl of caldo gallego and the warmth of the fire place in their cafe, where I sat most of the late afternoon. Despite the weather I remember this as an exhilarating day both for the challenge and for the beauty of the landscape in the changing light.

Indeed the comfort of a fireplace is wonderful in weather like that. I always stayed at the nearby pilgrim albergue which also had a big fireplace in the common dining area.

 

[JohnLloyd]

That bench is facing the wrong way.

 

[mspath]

Roncesvalles
winter landscape

photo taken January 8, 2010



Following the Valcarlos alternate camino path was dangerous in winter. Thus I walked up to Roncesvalles monastery on the verges of route N-135; it was a cold 6 hour solo trek through wind, ice, and snow.

Arriving I was pooped (at 70 the weather wasn't easy) but proud ( I made it for the 6th time).

This ethereal winter landscape was worth the effort.

 

[Theatregal]

Approaching the Monasterio de San Salvador de Cornellana on the Primitivo.

 

[SabsP]

Burgos 2011. Rain coming.

 

[VNwalking]

I loved the section of the Invierno right after A Rua. It followed a road that has been replaced by the autovia, so it carried almost no traffic, and had spectacular views of the river far below. Along the way there were quirky painted animals and faces and even (slightly creepy) single eyes. Someone with a sense of humor and a lot of creativity lives in Os Albaredos!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Approaching Barcelos. Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.


Pat & I are going to try and have a wee holiday for 3 1/2 weeks visiting some of our family in northern Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra. But the best laid plans of mice and men may not eventuate due to COVID! But we are ever hopeful! So we won't be posting any photos during this time, as all our photos are on our computer at home, but will be checking in every day to look at yours. Will return in 3 1/2 weeks, hopefully not before!
Buen Camino,
Anne & Pat.

 

[mspath]

Approaching Barcelos. Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.
View attachment 102719

Pat & I are going to try and have a wee holiday for 3 1/2 weeks visiting some of our family in northern Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra. But the best laid plans of mice and men may not eventuate due to COVID! But we are ever hopeful! So we won't be posting any photos during this time, as all our photos are on our computer at home, but will be checking in every day to look at yours. Will return in 3 1/2 weeks, hopefully not before!
Buen Camino,
Anne & Pat.

Anne & Pat,
Enjoy your journey. Stay safe.
Carpe diem and, as always,
Ultreia!

 

[Bill905]

An interesting Cob oven at our albergue in Bercianos del Real Camino. I was not able to find out if it is used to any great extent any more. I guess that because hospitaleros at the albergues change so frequently, gaps in knowledge are created.

 

[Theatregal]

Dramatic skies between Vilamayor de Monjardin and Los Arcos. There was thunder and dark cloud that drifted around and past us with visible rain showers ahead and to the side but somehow we remained in a rainless pocket through this whole stretch.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Approaching Barcelos. Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.
View attachment 102719

Pat & I are going to try and have a wee holiday for 3 1/2 weeks visiting some of our family in northern Victoria, New South Wales and Canberra. But the best laid plans of mice and men may not eventuate due to COVID! But we are ever hopeful! So we won't be posting any photos during this time, as all our photos are on our computer at home, but will be checking in every day to look at yours. Will return in 3 1/2 weeks, hopefully not before!
Buen Camino,
Anne & Pat.

Have a great time!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Follow the Pink Brick Road.

 

[Former member 49149]

Still on same day as in previous photo..I think!

 

[mspath]

near San Juan de Ortega
Camino Frances path

photo taken February 23, 2007



The February day was cold and overcast. Following the CF path from Villafranca Montes de Oca when it emerged from the dense forest I could at last glimpse San Juan de Ortega monastery on the distant horizon.

For me this section of the camino was memorable. In 2004 I had stayed in the monastery during my first camino

 

[Bill905]

One of the monastery doors in San Juan de Ortega.

 

[SabsP]

Poultry in Molinaseca. CF 2011.

 

[Former member 49149]

Pedra Furada, CP

 

[VNwalking]

What is that, @kirkie? A millstone?

A cold day in March, before San Juan de Ortega, with pilgrims ahead disappearing into the the freezing mist.

 

[Kanga]

This photo was taken on 21 July, 2004 - a Holy Year. It was a school gymnasium at Palas de Rei, turned over to providing overnight accommodation to the hoards of walking pilgrims that were arriving in Santiago de Compostela in time for the Feast Day on 25 July. Somewhere in there my daughter and I had mats on the ground. Apologies for the quality of the photo, it is a copy of a print from a small, non digital, camera. But I think it is interesting because it shows that even back in 2004 things could get very crowded!

 

[Anik2001]

Near Negreira, on my way to Alto da Pena, on my first day towards Finisterre.

 

[Owensr23]

From the medieval tower in Barcelos, Portugal -- on the inland route.

 

[Owensr23]

Lunch in Ponte de Lima, Portugal -- on the inland route.

 

[Theatregal]

A woman gathering and spreading seaweed to dry on the beach after Praia de Ancora on the Caminho Português da Costa.

 

[Former member 49149]

What is that, @kirkie? A millstone?

A cold day in March, before San Juan de Ortega, with pilgrims ahead disappearing into the the freezing mist.
View attachment 102789

@JillGat has the answer. A thread called Pedra Furada, first post. A lovely photo, she looks so very happy and relaxed!

 

[EL LECHERO]

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.

View attachment 98840

I remember that part. We walked in May 2016. It was soooo HOT! The best part was arriving in Molinesca and soaking our feet in the river. The town was quite charming.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Ascending the stairs to the sea at Poveña.

 

[mspath]

El Ganso
door

photo taken March 11, 2007



The weather was glorious, warm with a bright blue sky. Walking alonq the dirt CF track which runs from Santa Catalina de Somoza towards Rabanal del Camino the earth was orange as was this vibrant door.

 

[SabsP]

Bar/ restaurante Petiscos do Cardeal in Santiago de Compostela.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Looking back to the Biscay beach of La Arena, on the Norte.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

View attachment 102871

Bar/ restaurante Petiscos do Cardeal in Santiago de Compostela.

Remind me to have a glass of wine with you at some point, you seem to know all the best places.

 

[VNwalking]

you seem to know all the best places.

I can vouch for that. She does - even when never having been to a place before. My only hypothesis is that it's a special sixth sense.
One that I definitely don't have.
It's remarkable.