On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 11.0

[mspath]

Pension Che near Amenal to Santiago de Compostela, Day 84, the last day of our Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 5th, July 2024.
Thanks Rowena for your very good wishes.
Yes, we have arrived safely! It has been long, enjoyable, tiring and very difficult at times but we are very happy to have arrived safely to Santiago.
This is probably our last Camino and it has been amazing, we have met so many wonderful people along the way! We are having four nights in Santiago to help us relax and enjoy the city once more, before we fly home to Australia via London for a few days, Edinburgh for one night and a concert. Three photos from our last day! We walked into the Praza and met up with one of the beautiful families we had met since Sarria and they very kindly took our photo for us. We were also very happy to see the Botafumeiro swing last night at Mass, the Cathedral was packed.
View attachment 173897View attachment 173898View attachment 173899

Anne&Pat,

Thank you so much for sharing your paths, photos and thoughts with all of your digital followers here on the forum. It was always a pleasure to read your daily updates.

Enjoy Santiago and the next days before you return home

Wherever you may be do keep on keeping on and be thankful for life and your precious memories.

Carpe diem!

 

[Rowena]

April 15, 2024 The castle of Zamora, Via de la Plata

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
entering Rioja near Logroño

photo taken October 29, 2013



Dappled light and brisk air made entering the Rioja region an easy pleasure.

 

[Rowena]

April 16, 2024 Via de la Plata
Storks’ nests in Montamarta

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Camino Portugués
My wife wants me to paint our dining room ceiling. I thought this pattern had some potential ... from the Sé Cathedral in Porto. She said no thanks.

 

[Corned Beef]

A view over Sembrancher on the Via Francigena today

 

[SabsP]

Spring 2011. CF.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Logroño

photo taken October 24, 2011



This gentle woodland path paralleling route N-111 would soon enter busy urban Logroño.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
Sant Miquel d'Oló.

 

[Corned Beef]

Today on the Via Francigena. Looking back down the route

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Logroño

photo taken October 27, 2015



This pilgrim and I were very tired. When I asked to sit on one of two camp chairs he inquired if he might use the other chair. The caring brothers then queried what we and/or future pilgrims might most enjoy -- hot chocolate or cake? In unison we weary pilgrims replied "More seats would be great !"

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
Sant Miquel d'Oló
The vineyards in February. The fields rest.

 

[Corned Beef]

Some of you might remember this bit. Final climb to the Grand St Bernard Hospice today in the snow.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
Parque del Espolón

photo taken October 28, 2014



We should take time to appreciate all 'roses' wherever they bloom, however these are special. During 2012 in Logroño they had been officially named rosa, Camino de Santiago .

 

[Theatregal]

Cherub support / repair detail. Cathedral rooftop tour. Santiago de Compostela. October 5, 2023

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
The path runs between farmhouses

 

[Rowena]

April 17, 2024 Via de la Plata

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
municipal albergue

photo taken February 6, 2009



All who have walked a long day can empathize with this weary pilgrim who years past sat by the main interior staircase in the Logroño municipal albergue

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Caldas de Reis to Padron
We left Caldas de Reis early, and after walking about 7 or 8 kms we came to a café and decided to stop, and get a stamp! My granddaughter went to pull out her credenciale … and it wasn't there! “Da”, she said, “I lost my credenciale!” She went through all her pockets and waist pack again, but no luck. I called the Albergue Albor where we had stayed in Caldas de Reis and explained the situation. The woman there remembered us very well, after all it's hard to forget someone who reserves a room as Abuelo Bill! While I was speaking with her on the phone, she went to the room where we had slept and she exclaims to me on the phone “I found it! It was on the floor!” I asked if our backpacks had been picked up yet and she said they hadn't, so she put the credenciale in a backpack. As soon as we reached Padrón we found our albergue and voilá … my granddaughter and her credenciale are reunited! That is one relieved and happy girl! A tip of the hat to a Camino Angel at the Albergue Albor!

 

[Rowena]

April 18, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres
Crumbling bodegas in Faramontanos de Tabara

 

[Theatregal]

Spring 2011. CF.

Beautiful soft light in this lovely photo @SabsP !!

 

[Theatregal]

Morning light nearing El Ganso. September 30, 2023. Camino Frances.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
Café Moderño

photo taken October 24, 2011



The good food and friendly service in this atmospheric 1916 site were hard to beat; their 3 course menu del dia was always a great value. ...And still is.

 

[Theatregal]

The good food and friendly service in this atmospheric 1916 site were hard to beat; their 3 course menu del dia was always a great value. ...And still is.

Wonderful to read the history of the Café Moderño !

 

[markie6]

Calzadilla de los Hermanillos Sept '22

in search of the Roman road

 

[Rowena]

April 19, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres
Inside the Romanesque church of Santa Marta, at Santa Marta de Tera

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logrono
Calle Barriocepo, 21
Sello Tatoo

photo taken October 29, 2013



I have often wondered which sello was his favorite.

 

[markie6]

Inside the Palacio de Gaudi and the Museum of the Caminos

well worth a visit ( Astorga ) Sept '22 Super sunny day which helped my photos

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Cathedral Eclipse

An imaginative Camino Amigo took a photo of my granddaughter and me in Obradoiro Square this past April.



And, if you are wondering how the square can be so empty on such a beautiful sunny day, well, here is the original photo. Using a camera feature to remove tourists. Pretty handy from time to time!

 

[Rowena]

April 20, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres, Santa Marta de Tera
Passing the Iglesia de Santa Marta on the way out of the village in the morning.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
Iglesia de Santiago el Real

photo taken October 24, 2011



Saint James is depicted on this bi-level door front in two different guises associated with his hagiography. On the lower level he is a gentle pilgrim wearing a hat and cape. The upper level depiction is as Matamoros or Moor slayer riding a spirited horse beneath which lie slain Moors.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

,

Camino Frances
Logrono
Calle Barriocepo, 21
Sello Tatoo

photo taken October 29, 2013

View attachment 174484

I have often wondered which sello was his favorite.

I think it's this
I was told it's very hard to get.
Look in your Credentials to see if you can find it.
May the Force be with you.

 

[SabsP]

O Cebreiro. May 2011.

 

[markie6]

,

View attachment 174631
I think it's this
I was told it's very hard to get.
Look in your Credentials to see if you can find it.
May the Force be with you.

only available once per year. May 4th

 

[mspath]

,

View attachment 174631
I think it's this
I was told it's very hard to get.
Look in your Credentials to see if you can find it.
May the Force be with you.

Thanks for your update. Unfortunately that one is not amongst the 400+ sellos that I have in my Credentials.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

.
No one can obtain this "sello", not even on May 4, because it is a joke by the author of the mural.
Number 10 of Barriocepo Street is the building where the wall that supports the mural is located. In this building there is a foundation.

As far as I know, the rest of the "sellos" are authentic.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
Parque de La Grajera

photo taken October 29, 2012



The CF exits Logroño by following the bucolic Parque de La Grajera paths. This handsome metal shell marked the way west towards Navarrete.

 

[Rowena]

April 22, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres
In Mombuey I treated myself to a private room, menu del dia, and after a stroll around the town, a good rest. The hotel caters to truckers, so I was able to have breakfast early the next morning.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Navarrete cemetery

photo taken February 17, 2007



On the west side of Navarrete this cemetery entrance repurposed/reused earlier features moved circa 1887 from the medieval complex San Juan de Acre on the east of town.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
Here we see the remains of a dry stone hut. Farmers used them when they went to the forests and fields to take shelter from storms, to store tools or food.

 

[markie6]

Must have been a good postman to be so honoured by the locals

Sept '22 Camino Frances , last few days after Palas De Rei

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Homages to Santiago

 

[Rowena]

I can’t imagine Saint James wanted those old boots!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Navarrete cemetery

photo taken February 17, 2007



These poignant figures at the cemetery entrance memorialize a Belgian woman hit/killed by a car while cycling in 1986 on the CF/N120 east of Navarrete.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
The Catalan Donkey is in danger of extinction due to the mechanization of agriculture.
Some romantic owners take care of them.

 

[markie6]

Day 15 Sept '22 Astorga to Acebo

Looking back at Foncebadón. Nothing but blue skies

 

[Rowena]

April 22, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres
Passing through the very quiet village of Cernadilla.

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Camino Portuguese
As we hiked along from Padrón to O Milladoiro, we spotted a pilgrim ahead of us with balloons attached to her backpack, and a sign indicating the age she was celebrating! Cool! From quite a distance behind her I said to myself "How nice! Someone is celebrating their 50th birthday by walking a Camino." ... that is ... until I got a lot nearer and could read what her sign actually said!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Navarrete cemetery

photo taken October 29, 2015



Attached to the entrance wall of the Navarrete cemetery this contemporary marker/tablet depicts two pilgrim basics, a water gourd and staff.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
Popular art.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Navarrete

photo taken October 31, 2012



I set off early paralleling the vineyard while enjoying the autumnal sun.

 

[markie6]

Sept '22

Always look forward to the meseta and the view from alto mostaleres

 

[Rowena]

Sept '22

Always look forward to the meseta and the view from alto mostaleres

I agree! Here is the view in the spring, April 23, 2018

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ventosa
Albergue San Saturnino

photo taken February 17, 2007



In Ventosa, a small village located slightly off the CF path between Navarrete and Nájera, this private albergue, named after the local church, was a very comfortable renovation wonderfully heated in winter.

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Camino Portugués

A short while after leaving Pontevedra, we emerged from a forest path onto a narrow gravel road. Looking at the type of road, and how narrow it was, I thought that putting up a ‘No Passing’ sign for automobiles was a little funny or else I am seriously underestimating the skills of Spanish drivers!!

 

[SabsP]

2013. Ventosa. The simplicity of this cross. I too stayed in the welcoming albergue San Saturnino.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 9, 2023. Lorca

An ensalada mixta appreciation post. This one, at the wonderful Albergue de Lorca was delicious... though the tinned white asparagus is always left on my plate

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Ventosa

photo taken October 31, 2014



Rough and slightly steep the dirt path from Ventosa led towards the Alto de San Anton and eventually Nájera.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west from Ventosa

photo taken October 25, 2011



The late October sunlight was mellow and the autumnal sky pale blue as I walked west from Ventosa.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Ninth stage. L'Estany - Artés.
Entering Artés.



If you are a lover of geology you may be interested in this
Central Catalonia UNESCO Global Geopark

 

[Rowena]

April 23, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres
Iglesia de Santa Maria del Azogue in Puebla de Sanabria

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Nájera near Aleson
guardaviñas

photo taken February 18, 2007



To form the conical roof of this guardaviñas, a circular stone shelter used by La Rioja vintners, flat stones would have been laid in a vertical series of concentric circles which diminish in size.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
Artés. The bell tower of the old church.

 

[markie6]

Sept '19
Day 23 Arzua to Santiago

Wandering between the trees wondering where the crowds were

 

[Kirkie]

Camino Frances
east of Nájera near Aleson
guardaviñas

photo taken February 18, 2007

View attachment 175141

To form the conical roof of this guardaviñas, a circular stone shelter used by La Rioja vintners, flat stones would have been laid in a vertical series of concentric circles which diminish in size.

Corbelling. People were smart, maybe a lot smarter than today.

Fahan Beehive Huts

Ireland's most remarkable collection of these curious cone-shaped houses is worth the buzz.

www.atlasobscura.com

 

[Rowena]

April 24, 2024 VdlP / Sanabres
Puebla de Sanabria in the morning light. So much stone.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Nájera
vineyard

photo taken November 1, 2014



Glimpsed through a chill morning fog
leaves recently turned russet matched the deep orange soil; autumn had arrived.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
The new church of Artés called Santa Maria. The bishop of Vic consecrated the church in 1912.
It was financed by the population, the textile company of the town made a great economic contribution.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera cliff

photo taken October 31, 2014



Najera which spans the Nájerilla river has a remarkable site beneath/beside high red sandstone cliffs; "place between the rocks" is the Arabic name.

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - O Porriño

After a long hot day of hiking ...
20 cl juice = 2 €
50 cl beer = 2.75 €
I suggested to my granddaughter that as soon as allowed, she should switch to beer!

 

[Kirkie]

April 2024 - O Porriño

After a long hot day of hiking ...
20 cl juice = 2 €
50 cl beer = 2.75 €
I suggested to my granddaughter that as soon as allowed, she should switch to beer!

View attachment 175258

Or, ask nicely for a refill of water bottle! and maybe a donation...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera
Santa Maria La Real monastery

photo taken October 31, 2013



Nájera's major monument is the medieval monastery Santa Maria La Real which now houses a museum and school of patrimony.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Frances
east of Nájera near Aleson
guardaviñas

photo taken February 18, 2007

View attachment 175141

To form the conical roof of this guardaviñas, a circular stone shelter used by La Rioja vintners, flat stones would have been laid in a vertical series of concentric circles which diminish in size.

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
In Catalonia we call them "barraques de pedra seca" dry stone huts, because there is no cement between the stones.
Here you can see another way to do it.

 

[Kirkie]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
In Catalonia we call them "barraques de pedra seca" dry stone huts, because there is no cement between the stones.
Here you can see another way to do it.

View attachment 175304

Similar to dry stone walls in the west of Ireland. Our pre tech smart forebears!

 

[Rowena]

On the Camino Sanabres I came upon this building, which struck me as having been constructed without anything to hold the stones together. April, 2024.

 

[SabsP]

Camino Vasco Interior 2019. Basque country. Bilingual menu.
Astigarraga.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera
Santa Maria la Real
museum interior

photo taken February 18, 2007



Recently restored in 2007 this painted trompe l'oeil cupola was magnificent.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
Montserrat is seen for the first time.

 

[markie6]

Not the greatest photo, but it encapsulates a moment. The Cheesy River with a couple of people I had walked with for a day and had dinner with in Roncesvalles the night before. I never realised I would never see them again or how often I would think of them afterwards. Even now 6 years on... Mads , Steff & Emilio

Sept '18 Zubiri ( The Cheesy River ™) River Arga

 

[Bill905]

Finisterre, April 2024

Café con leche for two ... time to share and reflect on our Camino ... hard to beat!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Najera
Panteón Real
sarcophagus

photo taken February 18, 2007



Small figures adorn this 12th c. sarcophagus which is one of the multitude of sculpted pieces within the pantheon of the kings of the kingdom of Nájera-Pamplon installed in a wing of the monastery of Santa María la Real.

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - O Portela Birthday Dinner!

Our communal dinner table at the albergue in O Portela, 19 people at the table representing the following countries: Canada; Portugal; Poland; Sweden; Czech Republic; Brazil; Germany; Greece; Croatia; Ireland; Netherlands. Before the meal, our host Pedro, gave a short speech on the tradition and importance of a communal meal on the Camino. One of the pilgrims from Poland had a birthday just a couple of days earlier, so Pedro secretly arranged with everyone else, to give him a little surprise. Before the meal, as he introduced the pilgrims from each country, he asked us to sing Happy Birthday to Adam in the tradition and language of their country! It was a hoot! 11 versions of Happy Birthday in different languages!

 

[SabsP]

Via de Bayona 2019.
Armentia.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera
Plaza Santa Maria La Real,
doorway

photo taken February 18, 2007



Distinctive escutcheons, akin to 3D armorial devices, are displayed above this doorway which now is the entrance to the Escuela de Patrimonio Historico de Nájera.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
Navarcles. Lake Park.

 

[Kirkie]

I found a thumb drive with photos!
Leon, just before walking the first day on the Salvador.

 

[Corned Beef]

One of three dogs on the route down from the Grand St Bernard Pass. Behind was an (Italian) Alpine guide with a fully loaded packhorse and about a dozen walkers on their way up to the pass (left of the pic).

Having just come down, we knew part of the route was sheer and narrow due to the spring rains that had loosened the scree. Have wondered since how they all managed.

 

[Rowena]

April 25, 2024
The Camino Sanabres crosses over the mountains from Puebla de Sanabria in Castilla y Leon to A Gudiña in Galicia. I had skipped a couple of very challenging uphill days by taking a bus between these two town and then a taxi to Campobecerros.
On this day I set out from Campobecerros early, and soon passed through the semi-abandoned village of Portocamba.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Primitivo. July 30, 2015. Climbing - breathtaking views between Tineo and Campiello.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera
calle Costanilla

photo taken October 31, 2014



Pilgrims pass this slightly sunken doorway of the massive Santa Maria la Real monastery when following the calle Costanilla to exit Nájera.

 

[Kirkie]

I am fairly sure I posted this before, but I need to justify my membership of this thread!
taken on the square outside Leon Cathedral.

We stayed in Covent Garden. It was €17 in 2017, breakfast included, and allowed more than one night. Central, comfortable.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
Navarcles. A decorated façade

 

[Rowena]

April 26, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Vilar de Barrio

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Nájera
moon setting; dawn breaking

photo taken October 23, 2010



"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Proverbs 4: 18

 

[Kirkie]

Why am I always drawn to these beautiful creations?
Early on the Salvador, 2017.

 

[dugavski]

Camino Primitivo. July 30, 2015. Climbing - breathtaking views between Tineo and Campiello.

View attachment 175435

Same place, May 15, 2024

 

[Bill905]

Camino Primitivo. July 30, 2015. Climbing - breathtaking views between Tineo and Campiello.

Your photo is reminiscent of the view from the Chapelle de Soyarce between Landaco and Ostabat on the Via Podiensis. This is from May 2023. What a climb!!!

 

[Bill905]

I am fairly sure I posted this before, but I need to justify my membership of this thread!
taken on the square outside Leon Cathedral.
View attachment 175439

Hi to you too!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Nájera

photo taken February 19, 2007



The morning light was golden, the sky vivid blue and snow covered the SW peaks; nevertheless, this day would be a long cold slog across frozen mud.

 

[Rowena]

April 26, 2024 Camino Sanabres, getting close to Xunqueira de Ambia, the end of this stage from Albergueria.



I love the old carved stone route markers on this part of the Sanabres.