On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 6.0

[VNwalking]

Welcome, everyone!
Each day we are one day closer to being able to walk in person. Until then, please join us in the fun of sharing a single daily photographic memory of the camino. It's been a real joy to see the camino through so many eyes!
(Please post thumbnails, so people with slow connections can still see the thread. Gracias! )

My photo for the day comes from the Frances, from Casa Magica in Villatuerta in 2017. That was a fantastic paella! And a wonderful albergue.

 

[Bill905]

CF 2019 - This photo of the bottle of wine was taken at a fine restaurant in Estella where we availed ourselves with some of the better Spanish cuisine, however the wine itself is from Villatuerta. What I remember from that evening is that the kitchens of all the restaurants around the plaza did not open until 8:00 pm, which kind of surprised us and made for a later night than we had anticipated. However, the restaurant staff was very accommodating and made for a memorable evening!

 

[SabsP]

Walking on the calle la Vida. I find it rather symbolic in these pandemic times.

Camino del Ebro.Tudela 2013.

 

[NYSE]

Welcome, everyone!
Each day we are one day closer to being able to walk in person. Until then, please join us in the fun of sharing a single daily photographic memory of the camino. It's been a real joy to see the camino through so many eyes!

My photo for the day comes from the Frances, from Casa Magica in Villatuerta in 2017. That was a fantastic paella! And a wonderful albergue.
View attachment 105890

 

[Phoenix]

Triacastela --> Sarria
CF, Oct 2016

 

[Yoyo]

Had someone shown me the following photo, I would have placed it in Mexico or some other more tropical place and definitely not in northern Spain. But I actually took it on the way down from Monte do Gozo into Santiago de Compostela. It is one of the last houses you pass before crossing the highway and railway tracks.

 

[Martin 888]

In pouring rain and cold I came up behind this older French couple walking arm in arm with their parapluie’s put to good use…..a charming and heart warming scene !

[Edited to leave thumbnail photo only]

 

[Theatregal]

Sunset in Oia. A beautiful quiet restful place to spend an afternoon and evening on the Português da Costa.

 

[mspath]

Puente La Reina-Gares
Calle del Crucifijo
night

photo taken October 23, 2013



Calle del Crucifijo is named for the Iglesia del Crucifijo; the church is in turn named for a famous crucifix displayed inside. In this view the curve of the church apse is visible on the right/north side of the calle.

A covered passage links the church
to the Convento del Crucifijo on the left/south side of the calle; a private school, the Colegio de los Padres Reparadores, occupies the space.

 

[walkingman06]

Cruz de Ferro with my friend Ray from Australia 2014!

 

[Owensr23]

OMG is it really that big! On the CP.

 

[Former member 49149]

Eucalyptus perfuming the air. CP, 2013.

 

[dick bird]

On the Aragonés, 1st August 2019. The stretch from Árres to Ruesta takes you through a strange, almost lunar landscape of dried watercourses, piles of rocks and disturbing long-distance views of unattainable villages. It finishes at Ruesta, where there is an albergue/youth hostel run (if that is not too strong a word) by the UGT. The once flourishing village was evacuated to allow for the creation of a vast reservoir which never came within a kilometre of it. Needless to say, the inhabitants got nothing in compensation.

 

[dick bird]

OMG is it really that big! On the CP.

View attachment 105914

Yes, they are really that big and on the Norte, a lurid orange colour.

 

[mspath]

Calzadilla de la Cueza
moonrise still life

photo taken February 21, 2009



On the Camino Frances viewed across a cold winter landscape in Calzadilla de la Cueza this surreal moonrise resembled painted theatrical scenery.

... Tap the photo to see the magic.

 

[dick bird]

View attachment 105893

Walking on the calle la Vida. I find it rather symbolic in these pandemic times.

Camino del Ebro.Tudela 2013.

Or maybe ?

 

[FourSeasons]

Leaving Samos on the CF heading into Sarria. August 10, 2019. I had to step lightly and quickly

 

[Anne&Pat]

Enjoying our first ferry ride on the Camino del Norte. Looking back at our previous nights albergue accommodation on the hill. The small pedestrian ferry from Pasajes de San Juan, heading to San Sebastian today, just a short walk. April, 2018.

 

[SabsP]

On the Camino Ingles. Explanation board of another camino destination : San Andres de Teixido.

Road to San Andrés de Teixido: Devotion and mystery in the north of Galicia

discover one of the most mysterious Route s in Galicia, San Andrés de teixido: religion, spirituality, tradition and many legends.

viajecaminodesantiago.com

Another time!

 

[dick bird]

Yes, they are really that big and on the Norte, a lurid orange colour.

Ok, maybe not all lurid orange, but a bizarre looking beastie nonetheless.

 

[VNwalking]

Or maybe?

Yeah. Totally.

More food. This time in Siguëra, the last night of the Ingles. Grilled veggies?! Be still, my beating heart. They were fantastic.

 

[Gumba]

March 2018. Just after 'the sign' in Roncesvalles. It snowed all the way to Pamplona. In the distance are our two sons, they were 9 and 11. Coming from Australia it was the first time they saw snow. I love the way their footprints zig and zag together

 

[Kanga]

I don't think these were just for show - it is muddy on the Primitivo. Grandas de Salime 26 April 2019.

 

[Former member 49149]

Still on the day from Pontevedra. I think it was a mid morning break. Cafe con leche and something sweet. A small group came by on horses... all eyes on them. Then onwards and upwards...

 

[Yoyo]

Chimneys and cathedral spires in Pamplona, May 2017.

 

[Martin 888]

A bit of a Camino classic…..what I would give to be back here this morning !!

 

[mspath]

View attachment 105940A bit of a Camino classic…..what I would give to be back here this morning !!

Martin 888,
Thanks for posting your splendid photo.

If wishing could make it so we would all be with you. Ultreia!

 

[Phoenix]

Near Portomarín.
The landscape, a marker, and a rainbow summarizing a great day on Camino.
CF, Oct 2016

 

[Theatregal]

I love the late afternoon, before bedtime hours on the camino. Time to wander, have a meal, explore a place. Tonight, an evening stroll in Castro on the Primitivo.

 

[Chenahusky]

Early morning flying tractors, near O Castro on the Inglese. 2018.

 

[lt56ny]

I hope this isn't too big. When I walked from Le Puy in 2015 I stayed in a Gite that was across from a beautiful church. About 6 of us from the Gite walked over to the church after yet another amazing dinner at a French Gite. A woman started to sing. She was wonderful. Then this man followed. By the end 4 pilgrims lent their beautiful voices. It was very special.

 

[FourSeasons]

My first Camino will always be my best. Everything so new, so magical. I’ll cherish that time forever.
CF Sept 2013, before Burgos.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Still on the day from Pontevedra. I think it was a mid morning break. Cafe con leche and something sweet. A small group came by on horses... all eyes on them. Then onwards and upwards...
View attachment 105936

What a difference a day makes! When we stopped here in May, 2016 probably at the same time as you, mid morning, it was pouring rain, no one was sitting outside, everyone was inside, it was packed with bodies, very wet ponchos, jackets and backpacks! But it was a very welcome stop.

 

[dick bird]

Early morning flying tractors, near O Castro on the Inglese. 2018.

View attachment 105947

One of the things I love about the camino is the extraordinary bits of folk art you stumble across. This place was like an amateur theme park. This is another 'exhibit' from the same place. My one of the tractor isn't as good as yours.

 

[mspath]

near Cardenuela Riopico
photo taken October 19, 2004



The first time I "saw" my way

In chill autumnal rain during my first CF I slowly walked across Olmos de Atapuerca. Looking towards Villaval, Cardenuela Riopico and Burgos on the distant horizon, the rolling greenery was broken only by the giant curve of the trail. All was reduced to basics.

Alone on that seemingly endless path beneath the vast dome of an immense sky I sensed that this was, indeed, my way and all was and would be good.

...All these years later I still recall that moment.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leaving San Sebastian, a favourite Spanish city. April, 2018.

 

[SabsP]

Detail of the Aljaferia in Zargoza.Camino del Ebro.
I do not particular like the almost too well preserved interior. A bit like visiting a " Disney " castle.

The Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza

In its more than thousand years of history, this palace has been used as a palace, a prison or a military barracks. Its walls have so much to tell us thus.

fascinatingspain.com

 

[dick bird]

Part of the portico of Santa Maria de Real in Sangüesa, a jewel of a Romanesque/Gothic pilgrimage church. When the Gothic revival kicked off in the 18th century, anything from between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance was valued for its so-called primitive charm, its naturalness, in other words it was regarded as quaint. But these are not primitive or quaint. Looked at with modern eyes, they are very sophisticated works of art. They are expressive, poignant and delicately and precisely carved. They are like something by Modigliani, and there they are, out in public view overlooking a busy street for everyone to appreciate, as we did, 2nd August 2019.

 

[Former member 49149]

Getting closer...on CP, 2013

 

[Bill905]

Pamplona, March 2019 - A Semana Santa 'paso' (float) in the cathedral in Pamplona. Although I had never seen one before, the large padded wooden supports hinted that this paso would be carried through the streets on the shoulders of parishioners for special feast days. What I did not know, was the extent to which the Semana Santa processions are observed and celebrated in Spain. I was to find out about that in an eye-opening experience when we reached León on Palm Sunday, the kick-off for Semana Santa! From León, and for the following week, we were witness to processions and observances in several towns and cities along the CF.

 

[Phoenix]

Followup to the photo posted yesterday:
The rainbow remained in sight for most of the walk into Portomarín.
CF, Oct 2016

 

[mspath]

View attachment 106007

Followup to the photo posted yesterday:
The rainbow remained in sight for most of the walk into Portomarín.
CF, Oct 2016

Phoenix,
This bridge gave many of us the jitters. However that nearby rainbow surely helped ease any nervousness you might have felt while crossing.Thanks for posting this shot.

 

[FourSeasons]

O’Cebreiro to Samos: There were signs of life in this tiny village/farm between Triacastela and Samos, yet it was quite eerie, not a soul in sight. August 9, 2019

 

[Anik2001]

That tree, near Triacastela, has seen so many pilgrims pass by. If it could talk, it would probably have a million stories to tell. It was a great pleasure to stop for a moment and imagine those stories.

July 2017

 

[Owensr23]

Beautiful blue tiles in Porto train station.

 

[Chenahusky]

One of the things that I like about the Camino Inglese from A Coruna, is that the bars/cafes, are very much local bars with the very occasional pilgrim. This often means that the locals are more interested and have more time for visitors. In three visits in June and September, I have only met one pilgrim and that was approaching the junction with the Ferrol route. The picture is of the Bar Casa Adolpho, near Sergude. It is run by a mother and son, who are very sweet.

 

[Martin 888]

Another Camino classic on the way into Casterojeriz….what a great town !

 

[Theatregal]

A beautifully gothic morning, leaving O Cebreiro.

 

[mspath]

A beautifully gothic morning, leaving O Cebreiro.

View attachment 106029

Theatregal,
Indeed. Views like this are why we walk. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SabsP]

@Martin 888 : gorgeous pic , but would it be possible next time to use the thumbnail function when posting pics? That way members with slower internetconnection will be able to open this page more quickly?

See the first post on this thread.

 

[Theatregal]

Theatregal,
Indeed. Views like this are why we walk. Thanks for sharing.

So true mspath. Why we walk and why we walk again. Both the moment I stepped out of my pension door into the cool shrouded morning and the walk in the village before breakfast have remained vivid in my memory.

 

[dick bird]

Beautiful blue tiles in Porto train station.

View attachment 106023

I have a story to tell about this. We arranged for a friend in Porto to meet us at Porto railway station. We lived there for 3 years and knew it well. We get off the train and he's not there. What? Thank goodness for mobile phones. Turns out this is actually São Bento station. It is right in the centre of the city but 'Porto Station' is an ugly modern thing some way out. São Bento is spectacular though. Thanks for the photo.

 

[Martin 888]

Here you go Sabine…..different way marker in Galicia this time….thumbnail size ! Enjoy !

 

[Anne&Pat]

Orio on the way to Zarautz. Camino del Norte, April, 2018.

 

[mspath]

nearing Castrojeriz
photo taken October 23, 2004



During my first CF I took this view. On the distant horizon at the entrance to Castrojeriz the camino turns west continuing for 1200 m. as the longitudinal urban spine.

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

 

[SabsP]

Estella.CF 2011.

 

[dick bird]

Leyre Monastery, a side trip from Sangüesa. You can walk if you have the time, but we cheated and took a taxi. They were preparing for an organ recital so we were treated to a preview. The older monk is instructing the younger one. 3 August 2019.

 

[Former member 49149]

Leyre Monastery, a side trip from Sangüesa. You can walk if you have the time, but we cheated and took a taxi. They were preparing for an organ recital so we were treated to a preview. The older monk is instructing the younger one. 3 August 2019.

A study in concentration. Thanks!
edit: cheated? Maybe just being practical!

 

[Former member 49149]

No prizes for those who have walked the Frances to Santiago in Galicia, whatever about other caminos.
I am only a blow in to Ireland, even after 50 years. The similarities to the West of Ireland are so amazing! of course the structures for the storage of grains etc are unique to Galicia, or maybe not if any Hawkeye knows better!

 

[VNwalking]

I'm also in Castrojerez, 2015. The photo doesn't show it, but It was a very windy day! And not particularly warm. So even though it was early, I was glad to have arrived.

 

[Phoenix]

Light at the end of the tunnel.
Although it seems the landowner planted in the trees in rows, nature created its own symmetrical art.
After Arzúa, CF, 2016

 

[FourSeasons]

Who didn’t enjoy such lovely treats along the way? Nearing Sarria August 10, 2019.

 

[Theatregal]

I'll arrive in Castrojeriz today too. September 22, 2012.

 

[Chenahusky]

Early morning sun, near Meson do Vento, Camino Ingles, September 2018. A perfect morning for walking.

 

[RobinK*]

My dearest friends and I in Burgos during our Camino in 2012. Sweet memories.

 

[dick bird]

Who didn’t enjoy such lovely treats along the way? Nearing Sarria August 10, 2019.

View attachment 106066

One of the best reasons for an autumn camino. The Invierno was especially rich in (usually abandoned) fruit trees. We developed an uncanny ability to sniff out figs, but there were plums, walnuts, apples, everything. Along the Chemin d'Arles the French have had the fantastic idea of planting rare old varieties of fruit along the path, specifically to preserve them but also to be eaten.

 

[dick bird]

No prizes for those who have walked the Frances to Santiago in Galicia, whatever about other caminos.
I am only a blow in to Ireland, even after 50 years. The similarities to the West of Ireland are so amazing! of course the structures for the storage of grains etc are unique to Galicia, or maybe not if any Hawkeye knows better!
View attachment 106050

The hórreo is pretty well unique to Galicia, but there is a version of it, square rather than rectangular, in Asturias, and there are a few over the border in Northern Portugal. The first written mention comes from the 16th century so they've been around a while. I believe they are protected, i.e. heritage listed, and if they aren't, they should be. Below is an Asturian hórreo.

 

[mspath]

Samos
Monastery of San Xulián
dome

photo taken November 25, 2011



This splendid 18th c. dome crowns a mysterious interior space visible only when attending mass or following a guided tour.

 

[dick bird]

Foz de Lumbier (Lumbier Gorge). If you are walking the Aragonés, it is really worth adding just a day or half day to your camino and walking through this gorge from Sangüesa. It is short, but spectacular and populated with vultures, eagles and various other wild birds. You can stay in Lumbier, the small town, or carry on to Monreal if you are feeling extremely energetic. It is also the route of Spain's first electric railway, now a 'camino verde' but with traces of the old line here and there. 4 August 2019.

 

[SabsP]

Market day Astorga.CF 2017.
I always love to see how daily life goes on when walking a Camino. Makes me even more grateful being able to take off time from work myself. I never forget what " a luxury " it is to be on a Camino ( for months) and then still have a job when you come back.

 

[mspath]

The hórreo is pretty well unique to Galicia, but there is a version of it, square rather than rectangular, in Asturias, and there are a few over the border in Northern Portugal. The first written mention comes from the 16th century so they've been around a while. I believe they are protected, i.e. heritage listed, and if they aren't, they should be. Below is an Asturian hórreo.

View attachment 106098

dick bird,
For further info fellow walker D. Madill in his 2014 blog Gallician Granaries provides splendid research re the history/location/ protection of these distinct structures.

 

[dick bird]

dick bird,
For further info fellow walker D. Madill in his 2014 blog Gallician Granaries provides splendid research re the history/location/ protection of these distinct structures.

Now that is what I call an exhaustive survey.

 

[Bill905]

CF April 2019 - A hórreo stands by the side of El Camino near Monte de Gozo, proudly displaying the year of its origin, and crowned with a cross, like some stately civic building.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Part of the inland stretch between Zarautz and Deba. Luckily this stretch was dry, the rain started before we reached Deba making the descent into Deba very tricky over the very wet cobblestones. 1st, May, 2018.

 

[Anik2001]

Be sure to not take the stairs with your horse… horses not allowed up there!

Sarria 2017

 

[VNwalking]

Approaching Akerreta on the Frances, early March 2015. The day before I had just met the two peregrinos ahead of me - old friends from Madrid who were taking a week together to walk from Roncesvalles.

 

[Chenahusky]

Unless you are a real fan of industrial estates, I reccommend the route on the left . Camino Portugues, May 2019, North of Tui.

 

[Phoenix]

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." — Pat Conroy

Pilgrims beginning their last day to Santiago de Compostela.
CF, 2016

 

[Owensr23]

Every door has a story. On the CP

 

[SabsP]

Unless you are a real fan of industrial estates, I reccommend the route on the left . Camino Portugues, May 2019, North of Tui.

View attachment 106112

I hope that by now the local bars and the confraternity came to an arrangement making both parties happy about signalling and rerouting.

 

[Former member 49149]

Water! Drinking water! Nectar on the CP!

 

[Phoenix]

Every door has a story. On the CP

View attachment 106116

I think we could have a separate thread of Camino door photos. I know I could contribute dozens.

 

[dick bird]

I think we could have a separate thread of Camino door photos. I know I could contribute dozens.

Don't get me started. Too late.

 

[Cleigh]

Don't get me started. Too late.
View attachment 106139View attachment 106140

Have the same shot of that lovely door knocker!

 

[dick bird]

Unless you are a real fan of industrial estates, I reccommend the route on the left . Camino Portugues, May 2019, North of Tui.

View attachment 106112

Snap! This one/these two on the Norte, left is the slightly longer, but more attractive, route via Miéres. Note to self, whenever there is a variant, take it.

 

[mspath]

O Cebreiro
landscape

photo taken November 8, 2004



The first time I arrived at O Cebreiro on the CF
the weather was cold, but glorious with blue sky and bright sun.

Thrilled, I shot this view towards Ponferrada to show the distant landscape which day after day had been so tenaciously crossed.

...It remains a memento of an intense effort

 

[SabsP]

Simplicity. Cathedral Burgos.CF 2011.

 

[Theatregal]

A view from the Castillo de Cornatel on the Invierno. I'm very happy that I stopped to visit and explore this place. The views all around are spectacular.

 

[dick bird]

The camino goes from one city to another, as it always has done and as do modern motorways. It's a strange feeling to look down on this vast, busy piece of (really quite impressive) piece of engineering and think of all the people on it going about their daily lives totally oblivious to our slow, careful progress across the landscape. Life goes on.

 

[Phoenix]

Early morning long shadows on the oft-photographed stretch leaving Cirueña.
CF, March 2014

 

[Kanga]

Every door has a story. On the CP

View attachment 106116

The hand of Fatima (not Our Lady of Fátima, a 20th century saint, but Fatima, the daughter of Mohamed), or in the Jewish tradition the hand of Mirjam, the sister of Moses. A symbol of blessing, protection, and turning away from evil. A remnant of Islamic and Jewish influence.

My mother collected these doorknockers. They are found all over the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world. I think they are very beautiful. I have one from Argentina.

I love doors. Here is a beautiful one from the Camino Portuguese, Branca, on 25 October 2018

 

[Anik2001]

A group of storks, between Sarria and Portomarine. Is there a name for that kind of group? A flock? Anyway, it was something I had never seen before and it was impressive to see so many at the same time.

July 2017

 

[Kanga]

View attachment 106169
A group of storks, between Sarria and Portomarine. Is there a name for that kind of group? A flock? Anyway, it was something I had never seen before and it was impressive to see so many at the same time.

July 2017

Looks like that paddock was full of something good to eat.

 

[VNwalking]

Is there a name for that kind of group? A flock?

Flock works.
But I vote for 'clatter' as a much more apt collective noun for these guys.

Edit~
Boo. I looked it up, and it's a "mustering."
(Sorry, but no. Who makes these decisions anyway? I want to register a complaint.)

 

[Derek Booth]

Day 2 out of Pamplona in the delightful company of Corrina from Paraguay.
This is the underpass under the A12 just outside Cirauqui.

 

[Theatregal]

Mercado de Abastos - Santiago, June 25, 2019

 

[Chenahusky]

Not very Spanish. But after a cold, grey, foggy walk , over Alto do San Roque, I wanted a beer and a bacon sandwich. CF May 2019.

 

[Former member 49149]

This photo was the first taken after the water in my previous post.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF September 2013: Leaving Hospital de Orbigo and after sunrise I met these friendly fellows.

 

[Aspi]

Falta poco