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

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Sansol

photo taken October 27, 2012, noon




On route to Sansol a bit of a rainbow lit the western horizon as the mid-day sky began to clear. However, the air had definitely turned colder; I was glad to have my woolies!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fourth stage.
Save our planet.

 

[Anne&Pat]

31st, July, 2022. Historical Car Rally in Santiago that weekend. They all ended up in the Praza do Obradoiro.

We then flew to Scotland via Dublin that evening to spend a couple of weeks visiting family and sightseeing. Our 2022 Caminos were over, sadly.
We will have a rest from posting photos for a while but will continue to enjoy yours, thank you.
Buen Camino,
Anne and Pat

 

[Kirkie]

31st, July, 2022. Historical Car Rally in Santiago that weekend. They all ended up in the Praza do Obradoiro.
View attachment 153740
We then flew to Scotland via Dublin that evening to spend a couple of weeks visiting family and sightseeing. Our 2022 Caminos were over, sadly.
We will have a rest from posting photos for a while but will continue to enjoy yours, thank you.
Buen Camino,
Anne and Pat

I just want to thank you for your regular and ordered postings! I used to have photos, but they are languishing - can photos languish? - somewhere on my old laptop which sits hoping I will pay it some attention! I trust your trip to the best wee country in the world ( so says my remaining older brother) put girders under your feet to store up for the next camino, should it happen.
So, thank you, much appreciated.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

A Coruña, today

 

[Rowena]

September 22, 2017
The start point of the Via Podiensis, looking down from the steps of the cathedral in Le Puy en Velay, towards Santiago.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Torres del Rio

photo taken February 14, 2007



Beneath a winter sky in Sansol I took this view of Torres del Rio encircled by the rio Linares and riverside vegetation.

 

[lalaone]

Finisterre, July 31, 2007.
This small boat looked like it had seen and loved water. I enjoyed wondering about its past and future journeys, and also all its occupants.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Torres del Rio
Santo Sepulcro

photo taken October 9, 2004




Some historians link Santo Sepulcro, this small octagonal Romanesque church, to the Knights Templar who protected the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem; others link it to the nearby monastery at Irache. Whatever, it is a small gem.

 

[FourSeasons]

Palas de Rei May 2023. This isn’t my photo but taken by a well known Instagramer who was on CF. The first time I saw a suitcase on the Camino was in 2019 in Rabanal. Now? I’m speechless.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fourth stage.
Amer Monestry

 

[Kirkie]

Test
View attachment 153828

Loud and clear!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Torres del Rio

photo take February 14, 2007



This is a favorite photo from my 3nd camino. I loved walking that lit path in the cold Saint Valentine's night.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Palas de Rei May 2023. This isn’t my photo but taken by a well known Instagramer who was on CF. The first time I saw a suitcase on the Camino was in 2019 in Rabanal. Now? I’m speechless.
View attachment 153802

Last year when we walked the Camino Frances and at the end of our Camino Primitivo, we walked beside, within, in front of and behind groups of young people, a lot of scouting groups which included quite a number of very young children (aged as young as 7). They were walking with a number of leaders helping them. Some of the children were too little to carry even day packs but the rest of the group were only carrying daypacks.
The bags in your photo could possibly have been from a similar type group, the little ones we saw walking possibly would have brought small suitcases from home as they were too small to be using backpacks. Just a thought.

 

[Rowena]

September 18, 2016 First day on the Via Podiensis
Looking back at Le Puy en Velay

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I think that I am falling in love with Valencia, not only have I found what I consider to be the best Mocha in Spain, but it also happens to be the first Mochacino that I have found in Spain

Coffee aside, I am also loving the architecture and the feel of the city. If there weren't so many d*m tourists here (including me, of course) then I could imagine myself living here during an ANZ winter.

 

[lalaone]

I actually looked up "Mocha with kiwi" and "Mochacino with kiwi," before registering the New Zealand emoji . Valencia looks and sounds so beautiful, enjoy!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Viana

photo taken October 27, 2014



Walking off the path I literally stumbled upon this broken wayside cross, another poignant reminder that everything changes/omnia mutantur.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage.
Amer. Old railway estation.

 

[Rowena]

September 19, 2016 Via Podiensis
Saint-Privat d’Alier

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Viana

photo taken October 28, 2013



I had planned to rest at a woodsy nook remembered from past caminos; however, these two pilgrims were seated in my spot! Happily they shared their delicious hot tea brewed on a primus. After teatime we three packed up, shook hands, wished eachother "Buen Camino" and continued on our paths

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage.
The path is wide and well marked.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Viana municipal albergue
sello

photo taken October 10, 2004



This sello is a memento of my first CF at the Viana municipal albergue when the bunks were in tiers of three; each unit had a lower, middle and top space. The crowded dorm resembled a movie scene of a tightly packed WW2 troop ship! Since some were très sportif those uppermost bunks swayed all night.

 

[Rowena]

September 19, 2016 Via Podiensis
Arriving at Saugues, a welcome sight after a long and challenging day.

 

[SabsP]

Leon. March 2017.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Viana

photo taken October 23, 2011



During the autumn wine festival throughout Viana everyone was celebrating as everywhere the local Rioja was liberally imbibed.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage.
Les Planes d'Hostoles.



I don't make art. Art makes me.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Logroño

photo taken October 24, 2011



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

 

[Theatregal]

On this day - August 7th, 8 years ago. A stamp in A Guarda after just arriving on the ferry S.ta Rita de Cassia from Caminha. A beautiful early morning crossing. Caminho Português da Costa.

 

[Trailhawk]

Day Sixteen, 04 July 2022.
Camino del Norte.

Got a surprise on The Way. Among a thousand languages in the world, my own tongue got included on this greetings billboard in Cuerres as I was going to Ribadesella.

 

[Rowena]

September 20, 2016 Via Podiensis, Day 3
I don’t know why I took only one photo on this 25 kilometer walk, but I suppose it must have rained. It was a day of forest, farm tracks and little settlements like this one, stone homesteads clustered around a common area.

 

[SabsP]

March 2017.

Hospital de Orbigo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
entering Rioja near Logroño

photo taken October 29, 2013



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

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage. Sant Feliu de Pallerols.
The boy wanted to fish the moon in the river.
We all have to pursue our dreams.

 

[Rowena]

Day 4 on the Via Podiensis, September 21, 2016
This day ended in Aumont-Aubrac. I think by now we had begun to traverse the Massif Central. Forest in the morning gave way to lovely open countryside in the afternoon.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Logroño

photo taken October 27, 2015



After taking this photo I asked if I might sit on one of the two camp chairs and the Korean pilgrim inquired if he might use the other chair; we both were very tired. The caring brothers then asked what we and/or future pilgrims might most desire -- cold water, hot chocolate, or cake? In unison we both replied "More seats would be great !"

 

[Rowena]

September 22, 2016 Day 5 on the Via Podiensis
I was reminded of the expansive views on the Meseta as I walked through beautiful open pastureland all day.

 

[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 good value. ...And still is.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage. Sant Feliu de Pallerols.
Café de l'Esbart.

 

[lalaone]

Boadilla del Camino, Albergue "En el Camino." Camino Frances, 2007.
A beautiful bench. It looked as if the ends were repurposed from old millwheels used for grinding grain.

 

[mspath]

Boadilla del Camino, Albergue "En el Camino." Camino Frances, 2007.
A beautiful bench. It looked as if the ends were repurposed from old millwheels used for grinding grain.

View attachment 154574

lalaone, That's a great shot of their bench; being able to sit and finally relax is always such a pleasure after walking.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Navarrete
marker

photo taken October 28, 2015



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

 

[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 and wonderfully heated in winter.

 

[Rowena]

September 23, 2016 Via Podiensis, day 6
In the morning, the church in Nasbinals, the most picturesque town so far, and then a walk among the cows.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Ventosa

photo taken October 25, 2011



Walking west from Ventosa late October the sunlight was mellow and the autumnal sky pale blue.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage.
Sant Esteve d'en Bas.
The trench of the old railway.

 

[Rowena]

September 23, 2016 Via Podiensis
Saint Côme-d’Olt, beside the river Lot

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Nájera near Aleson
guardaviñas

photo taken February 18, 2007



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

 

[Robo]

VdlP. Zamora to Montamarta. April 2023.

For me this is the essence of the Camino.
Solitude. A broad landscape with those huge skies.
No distractions. Just me and my thoughts.
Feeling the wind, the warmth of the sun, the sound of the birds,
and pondering......... "I wonder what I'll see from the top of that hill"

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near 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. Fifth stage. Olot.
Albergue and my room.

 

[Robo]

Further to my photo of yesterday, can I share a 30 sec video?
(Turn on Volume)

I'll call it "You'll Love the Via de la Plata if"...........

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera cliff

photo taken October 31, 2014



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

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Nájera
Santa Maria La Real

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.

 

[SabsP]

Quiet Astorga. May 2011.

 

[Rowena]

September 25, 2016 Via Podiensis
Looking at Estaing, on the other side of the river Lot.

 

[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

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage. Olot.
Modernist building. Casa Solà-Morales.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Nájera

photo taken Februqry 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.

 

[SabsP]

Santiago de Compostela. Rua Hortas during siesta.
April 2014.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Azofra
Rollo

photo taken February 19, 2007



I wondered how many pilgrims had passed this post, known as a Rollo, which marks an ancient territorial boundary.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage. Olot.
Olot is in the middle of a volcanic area with no activity.
This photo is of an abandoned quarry, at the foot of a small volcano.


https://en.turismegarrotxa.com/terr...areas/la-garrotxa-volcanic-zone-natural-park/

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Cirueña

photo taken February 19, 2007



Mid day photo pause/pose for "me and my shadow"

 

[Rowena]

September 26, 2016 Via Podiensis, arriving in Conques

 

[SabsP]

Recycling in Pamplona.
April 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
after Cirueña
towards Santo Domingo de la Calzada

photo taken November 1, 2013



This day was bleak, cold and very tiring; there was no place to easily sit,

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Fifth stage. Olot.
I already posted pictures of the hostel in Olot, but I can't help add these two.

 

[Rowena]

September 27, 2016 Day 10 on the Via Podiensis, Leaving Conques
What an amazing experience it was, being in this ancient stone village clinging to the steep side of a river valley. The highlight of the Via Podiensis.
Stayed in the dortoir at the Abbeye de Saint Foy (where incredibly, nobody snored), enjoyed a communal dinner, heard an organ recital in the dimly lit church, and in the morning descended to the bottom of the deep and narrow valley before a dramatic climb up through the mist on the other side.

 

[SabsP]

Detail of the courtyard at the former Oficina de Peregrinos at Rua do Vilar. Santiago de Compostela 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada

photo taken November 2, 2013



Above this doorway distinctive architectural escutcheons, akin to 3D armorial devices, celebrate one family's history/heritage.

 

[Rowena]

Via Podiensis Day 10
Another photo leaving Conques, looking back down into the misty valley.

Back up on high ground, the beautiful French countryside was spread out before me once again.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada

photo taken October 28, 2011



From the Plaza España fleeting pre dawn splendor lit the magnificent cathedral.

 

[SabsP]

Well known street in Santiago de Compostela. Detail of the concha.
2011.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Sixth stage. Hostalets d'en Bas.
Church of Santa Maria

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
cathedral interior
effigy

photo taken November 2, 2013



Santo Domingo, an 11th c. hermit who had devotedly improved the local pilgrimage route, ie. the "calzada", is buried within the cathedral which bears his name . The symbol of Santo Domingo is a pair of chickens due to a legend of a young pilgrim's life saved by interceding immortal fowl.

 

[Rowena]

September 28, 2016 Via Podiensis
Crossing the river Lot, towards Livinhac-Le-Haut

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
calle Mayor 42
Cofradia del Santo albergue

photo taken November 2, 2013



In the 12th c. the Cofradia del Santo, was formed to help/host pilgrims as they still do within their historic headquarters.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Sixth stage. Hostalets d'en Bas.

 

[Rowena]

September 29, 2016 Via Podiensis
On this day I passed through the town of Figeac around noon.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
calle Mayor 42
Cofradia del Santo
portrait

photo taken November 1, 2013



This portrait of Santo Domingo with chickens hangs within the Cofradia headquarters.

 

[Rowena]

Via Podiensis, day 12
A little corner of the town of Faycelles, at the end of the day’s walk on September 29, 2016.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
calle Mayor 42
Cofradia del Santo
earlier albergue interior

photo taken Februqry 9, 2007



In 2007 within the attic of their historic building this small albergue was accessed by climbing a steep Renaissance staircase. Simple but sufficient it offered 20 single beds, 1 hot plate, 1 kettle, 1 shower/toilet and rather erratic winter heat.

 

[nycwalking]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
calle Mayor 42
Cofradia del Santo
earlier albergue interior

photo taken Februqry 9, 2007

View attachment 155332

In 2007 within the attic of their historic building this small albergue was accessed by climbing a steep Renaissance staircase. Simple but sufficient it offered 20 single beds, 1 hot plate, 1 kettle, 1 shower/toilet and rather erratic winter heat.

My mom and I slept there on my first camino in 2001.

I recognized the bedding.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Sixth stage. Hostalets d'en Bas.
Old barn.

 

[Rowena]

September 29, 2006 Via Podiensis, near Faycelles

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
symbolic chickens/1

photos taken November 2, 2013

Over time chickens have become THE symbol of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. This historic coop complete with live chickens (changed every two weeks!) is within the cathedral.



Concurently within the Casa del Santo garden this contemporary aviary shelters the future church coop choir.

 

[Rowena]

September 30, 2016 Via Podiensis
Looking down at the town of Cajarc, the destination at the end of the day. It was a very steep descent!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
symbolic chickens/2

photos taken November 2, 2013



The emblematic flock is ubiquitous!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Sixth stage.
In the middle of the beech forest
Going up to the grade of Olot

 

[Rowena]

October 1, 2016 Via Podiensis, Day 14, Cajarc to Limogne en Quercy
I came upon this place just before noon. Maybe it was a rest stop, but there was nobody there to provide refreshments.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Santo Domingo de la Calzada/
east of Grañón
cross

photo taken November 3, 2012



This cross marks the site of the
Leyenda de los Valientes/Legend of the Brave. Here during the middle ages a large plot of fertile land was fought over by the towns of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Grañón.

 

[Rowena]

October 2, 2016 Day 15 on the Via Podiensis

 

[sun is shining]

The beauty of the Via de la Plata in summer. 4am starts, walking into magnificent sunrises. Meet 7 pilgrims during this entire time.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
nearing Grañón

photo taken October 28, 2011



On this day I wrote in my blog/diary "...the earth is now dry brown, all seems vast and bleak, winter is coming".

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Sixth stage.
Font de les Marrades.

Jesus is born!

 

[Kirkie]

Camino Catalan. Sixth stage.
Font de les Marrades.

View attachment 155514 Jesus is born! View attachment 155515

On my laptop, for some reason, it takes forever to view photos, but fortunately my phone obliges. Beautiful sculptured figures, thanks for sharing!

 

[SabsP]

Santiago de Compostela. Yesterday.

 

[mspath]

near Camino Frances
east of Grañón
on Camino Magdalena at Arroyo de Majuelos

photo taken February 20, 2007



Depicting the route of the Camino de Santiago crossing Rioja this tile marker is located on the Camino Magdalena which branches off the CF to arrive at Grañón from the SE via the cemetery.

 

[mspath]

near Camino Frances and Camino Magdalena
Camino de Carrasquedo/Camino de Ermita

Ermita Nuestra Señora de Carrasquedo

photo taken November 3, 2014



Dedicated to Our Lady of Carrasquedo, this 17th c. hermitage is located about 2 km. south of Grañón in a wooded area .Also on site is a youth hostel and bar/resto.

 

[SabsP]

Ferrol. Last week. 27th of August.
We arrived by bus and did some sightseeing before starting the next day.