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

[SabsP]

The brand new swimmingpool at the Embalse de Beche with picknick tables and barbecues.
The stall adjacent to the swimmingpool had the worst service ever. Rude too.

f


So after a while of being completely ignored we saw behind the pool a very nice restaurant with terrace.
Seems the complex also has some ecological cabins where pilgrims are welcome too.

Brasa de Beche.

Restaurante | Brasa De Beche | Abegondo

Brasa de Beche · Restaurante km0 Cocina atlántica con fuego y brasa como corazón de la cocina. Restaurante Km 0 basado en el máximo respeto al excelente producto local procedente de la Reserva de la Biosfera, con opciones ecológicas y acciones de reforestación para ser neutros en carbono.

www.brasadebeche.com

Beche · Cabañas en la Reserva de la Biosfera -

beche-ecocamp.com

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Calzadilla de la Cueza

photo taken November 7, 2011



Sky, fields and path compose this view where the CF followed an old Roman route, the Via Trajana, which had once linked Bordeaux and Astorga.

 

[SabsP]

Never was I more happy to reach the hotel for the night. Hotel Canaima.
Meson do Vento on the CI. The hardest etapa on this short Camino.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Calzadilla de la Cueza

photo taken February 21, 2009



Across a cold landscape this moonrise resembled a painted theatrical backdrop.
... Tap the photo to better view the surreal scenery.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. Sept. 9, 2023

Car path and Pilgrim path. From the overpass just past Cirauqui.

 

[SabsP]

The simplicity of this cross at the Parroquia de San Pedro de Ardemil.
Etapa Hospital de Bruma to Sigueiro. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
path towards Sahagún

photo taken November 8, 2011



Wherever our paths might lead
may we go forward with hope.

"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5: 3-4

 

[SabsP]

Etapa Hospital de Bruma to Sigueiro.
Way in front our trained friend. Us two limping behind. On this day other friend and I both developed an annoying blister. Mine on top of my right small toe.
That stretch in the forest did not seem to end.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 11, 2023

A stormy morning passing the Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro on the way out of Estella.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Sahagún
municipal Albergue Cluny

photo taken March 3, 2007



This clever contemporary metal sculpture marked the entrance to the municipal Albergue Cluny which is in the repurposed ex-Iglesia de la Trinidad.

 

[SabsP]

Impression of private room at albergue Camino Real in Sigueiro.
Ah the random pics one makes on a Camino...

 

[Kirkie]

Impression of private room at albergue Camino Real in Sigueiro.
Ah the random pics one makes on a Camino...

View attachment 159796

Ikea! Ubiquitous! Washable! Reusable! Not to mention that the albergue you speak of really made a lasting impression on me.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Sahagún
Puente Canto

photo taken November 9, 2011



Night lights were still lit on the cold wet morning when I would leave Sahagún
by crossing the rio Cea on this bridge.

 

[Theatregal]

A perfectly positioned rainbow over Mount Monjardin. Camino Frances. September 11, 2023

 

[Rowena]

October 13, 2023
Arrival day in Porto. Stopped at the Majestic Cafe on the way from the metro stop to the hotel. The plan was to walk the Coastal Camino, then switch to the Central at Valença/Tui.

 

[SabsP]

Breakfast in Sigueiro. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Calzada de Coto

photo taken November 9, 2011



This confusing sign shows 2 ways to get to Mansillas de las Mulas after leaving Sahagún.The CF passes through Bercianos del Real Camino, El Burgo Ranero and Religios. The alternate route accesses Calzada del Coto and continues through Calzadilla de los Hermanillos.

 

[Rowena]

October 14, 2023 Day in Porto
The weather was beautiful and Porto was filled with throngs of tourists. The next day we would begin walking the Coastal Camino.

 

[SabsP]

.

Leaving Sigueiro. Crossing the rio Tambre. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Bercianos del Real Camino

photo taken February 12, 2010



Seen amidst a cold fog this sign pointing the way west towards El Burgo Ranero was a practical/colorful example of local folkart.

 

[Theatregal]

View from the little balcony in front of my bed at the wonderful Albergue Villamajor de Monjardin.

Camino Frances. September 11, 2023

 

[Pathfinder075]

Etapa Hospital de Bruma to Sigueiro.
Way in front our trained friend. Us two limping behind. On this day other friend and I both developed an annoying blister. Mine on top of my right small toe.
That stretch in the forest did not seem to end.

View attachment 159754

Was that the path after the xunta albergue near Ordes? I walked it in pitch black at 7am about a month back and not much could be seen at that point. But it was very foresty, but so was a lot of the Ingles.

 

[SabsP]

Was that the path after the xunta albergue near Ordes? I walked it in pitch black at 7am about a month back and not much could be seen at that point. But it was very foresty, but so was a lot of the Ingles.

No this was further on.

 

[SabsP]

Some quiet company . CI. Between Sigueiro and Santiago.

 

[Rowena]

October 15, 2023 Day 1 on the Camino Portugués Coastal, Porto to Matosinhos

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards El Burgo Ranero

November 16, 2014



Trudging this route towards El Burgo Ranero had been solitary and cold; however, my stay at the albergue Domenico Laffi was unforgettable thanks to an "hospitalera full of heart"

 

[SabsP]

Second breakfast of the day. Almost in Santiago. CI.
Bar Poligono. The big café next to the gasstation.
Those nice glass jars with the fresh tomatoes.

 

[Rowena]

October 16, 2023 Day 2 on the Portugués Coastal
Matosinhos to Vila do Conde
A gorgeous walk along the coast, spoiled only by intermittent rain.
The gathering clouds portended what was to come the next day.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
El Burgo Ranero

photo taken March 5, 2007



This is a fine example of an adobe (made of sun-dried earth and straw) vernacular (non-formally designed) structure typical of the area.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 12, 2023

View from the path, before Los Arcos. In the distance, the monumental Basilica of San Gregorio Ostiense.

 

[dick bird]

Camino Frances
El Burgo Ranero

photo taken March 5, 2007

View attachment 159968

This is a fine example of an adobe (made of sun-dried earth and straw) vernacular (non-formally designed) structure typical of the area.

Snap!

And I´ll raise you.

 

[SabsP]

High season! Arrival 1st of September this year.

 

[Kirkie]

High season! Arrival 1st of September this year.

View attachment 159979

Energy! Day bags? What does it matter! Heart pulls, that is what matters. Buen camino, people - pilgrim , walker, hiker, whoever you are. One day we will all be laughing - so say I - when we round a corner and say - hey! Pax, in as many languages as you can muster. Just be nice to the person next to you on the bus...

 

[Rowena]

October 17, 2023 Day 3 on the Portugués Caminho da Costa
Vila do Conde to Apulia

A powerful storm brewed up and attacked us, mainly from behind, thankfully, although as a result our backpacks were soaked even inside the rain covers. At least it wasn’t cold, but at one point we lost the path, which added to our woes. The ocean was whipped into a fury, with the wind blowing the tops off the waves and lots of churning sea foam.

My friend reminded me that I had said there was a plan B for if the weather along the coast was terrible, which it had been, and was going to be again in two days. Once we arrived at the warm dry haven of the Apulia Praia hotel, I set about figuring out how we could travel to Ponferrada and be ready to set off on the Camino Frances on October 20.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Mansilla de las Mulas
municipal albergue

photo taken November 18, 2012



Tidy shelves for dirty boots helped keep the dorms immaculate at the municipal albergue where the welcoming hospitalera, Laura, in her distinctive way had created with much ambiance and soul a pilgrim home.

 

[dick bird]

adobe

Including the albergue. These were all taken in April this year. We were hospis so I had plenty of time to stroll around taking photographs of doors - a favourite pastime of mine.

 

[SabsP]

Credencial and Compostela. CI. September 2023.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 14, 2023. A view of Torres del Rio, taken from the courtyard wall of the Iglesia de San Zoilo in Sansol.

​

 

[Rowena]

October 18, 2023 Abandoning the Portugués Coastal Camino
Apulia to Viana do Castelo by bus and train, with time to explore this attractive town situated on the Coastal route.


Our hotel on the street of umbrellas.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villarente

photo taken November 19, 2013



Strolling easily across the rio Porma on this traffic free wooden way replaced walking nervously on the distant historic bridge which was too narrow for two traffic lanes plus pedestrians.

 

[SabsP]

Well, I finished my second batch of pictures from my last Camino.
Time to rearrange the rest of the heap I have. So for now, no new pictures but this thread is so dear to me that I will keep popping in here.
You all make my day! Thank you for sharing all those memories and joy.

 

[Kirkie]

Well, I finished my second batch of pictures from my last Camino.
Time to rearrange the rest of the heap I have. So for now, no new pictures but this thread is so dear to me that I will keep popping in here.
You all make my day! Thank you for sharing all those memories and joy.

Thanks! I am a passenger and will be so for some time, but hey! Without an audience... Thanks for being so faithful in posting photos. So clean. So freeing. And sometimes, the odd research job gets the adrenaline going!

 

[Theatregal]

Keeping the cats out of the plants in Sansol Camino Frances. September 14, 2023

 

[Rowena]

October 18, 2023 Viana do Castelo
Riding the funicular up to the Templo do Sagrado Coração de Jesus atop Monte Santa Luzia

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
León
calle Mariano Domínguez Berrueta

photo taken November 9, 2010



Somber facades on both sides of this calle frame a narrow view of the nearby cathedral in early morning light.

 

[Rowena]

October 19, 2023
On this day my friend and I travelled from Viana do Castelo on the Portugués Coastal route via Vigo to Ponferrada by train and bus. The storms had driven us away from the coast and we hoped that the weather would be better if we started again further inland. As a result, we used both of our planned rest days
for travel.
Breakfast before leaving Viana do Castelo (Just so you know, I only ate one of them!):

 

[Kirkie]

October 19, 2023
On this day my friend and I travelled from Viana do Castelo on the Portugués Coastal route via Vigo to Ponferrada by train and bus. The storms had driven us away from the coast and we hoped that the weather would be better if we started again further inland. As a result, we used both of our planned rest days
for travel.
Breakfast before leaving Viana do Castelo (Just so you know, I only ate one of them!):

View attachment 160074

You didn't waste the other one, I sincerely hope!!! You can get these here, in Lidl and Aldi, if you don't mind!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
León
Cathedral Santa Maria

photo taken March 7, 2007



Elegantly panelled, this entrance into the Claustro/Cloister, was visible in 2007. Can it still be easily seen?

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances
León
calle Mariano Domínguez Berrueta

photo taken November 9, 2010
Somber facades on both sides of this calle frame a narrow view of the nearby cathedral in early morning light.

I love your early morning light @mspath !
The view 13 years later in late afternoon light - September 27, 2023.

 

[lalaone]

León, 2007.
This shop was closed in early morning but bore a memorable name and window, "Buenas Intenciones"

 

[Rowena]

You didn't waste the other one, I sincerely hope!!! You can get these here, in Lidl and Aldi, if you don't mind!

Certainly not! My friend ate the other one. Now she is trying to replicate the recipe, so far without success. I don’t think I could find pastel de nata here in Canada, unless I come upon a Portuguese bakery. I’ll just have to go back to Portugal…

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
León
plaza de San Marcos

photo taken February 14, 2008



Sitting with a new camino friend is a timeless pleasure.

 

[Rowena]

October 20, 2023 Back on the Camino Frances

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 14, 2023

A welcome surprise between Torres del Rio and Viana. The pathside Bar Casita Lucia - delicious pastries, fruit, hot & cold drinks and a pleasant place to sit and rest for a bit.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Trobajo del Camino

photo taken November 20, 2013



Slightly west of León the CF passed a hillside of partly underground wine cellars or bodegas; some were surprisingly large with space to sit, eat and, of course, drink.

 

[Rowena]

October 20, 2023 Ponferrada to Cacabelos


The exquisite chapel at Fuentes Nuevas

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances, alternate route
from La Virgen del Camino

photo taken November 13, 2011



The alternate camino SW towards Villar de Mazarife avoided highway noise and suburban sprawl. However, mid-November hunters' shots could be heard, often a bit too close for comfort!!

 

[Rowena]

October 21, 2023 Cacabelos to Trabadelo
A day of lovely weather and enchanting surroundings.


Looking back as the morning sun breaks through the clouds over Cacabelos.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villar de Mazarife

photo taken November 19, 2014



When staying at the comfy Tio Pepe albergue facing this parish church watching those nearby storks provided welcome amusement; I was apparently the only pilgrim patron that cold November day.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 14, 2023

Entry to the Albergue Andrés Muñoz in Viana. I stayed here in 2012 and at that time the rooms held triple decker bunk beds!
This year, I arrived 45 minutes in advance of the 12:30pm opening to hopefully get a bed in this very busy booked up town! There were 6 people in line when I arrived. Shortly after, a sign was posted on the door "Only 8 beds available". The albergue, which was undergoing renovations, usually has 46 beds available. Eight were in line by noon and during the next half hour, many disappointed pilgrims arrived to see the sign.
I was so grateful to be one of the eight and had a wonderful stay here.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances. September 14, 2023

Entry to the Albergue Andrés Muñoz in Viana. I stayed here in 2012 and at that time the rooms held triple decker bunk beds!
This year, I arrived 45 minutes in advance of the 12:30pm opening to hopefully get a bed in this very busy booked up town! There were 6 people in line when I arrived. Shortly after, a sign was posted on the door "Only 8 beds available". The albergue, which was undergoing renovations, usually has 46 beds available. Eight were in line by noon and during the next half hour, many disappointed pilgrims arrived to see the sign.
I was so grateful to be one of the eight and had a wonderful stay here.

View attachment 160282

Great shot and memory. When I stayed there on my first CF in 2004 the dorms crowded with 3 tiers resembled movie scenes of a tightly packed WW2 troop ship! Since some were très sportif those uppermost bunks swayed all night.

 

[Rowena]

October 21, 2023
The Puerta del Perdon at the entrance to Villafranca del Bierzo, where pilgrims who could not continue to Santiago could have their sins forgiven.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Hospital de Órbigo

photo taken November 1, 2004



After this photo was taken I crossed the bridge, lost my footing and fell head first onto paving! Although an egg quickly swelled on my forehead I was rescued by several camino angels.

 

[Baba John]

And here's the fantastic old bridge at the entrance to Loarre on the Camino Catalan. In a previous showing members had to guess where it was. @VNwalking noticed the nearby Castillo de Loarre.
View attachment 132183

"Boston , you're my home."

 

[Rowena]

October 21, 2023 Camino Frances
Photo taken in Pereje, the first of several villages strung out along the valley of the Rio Valcarce after Villafranca del Bierzo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santibanez de Valdeiglesias
marker

photo taken November 22, 2012



The way would now follow a rolling rural path leading towards Astorga.

 

[Rowena]

October 21, 2023 Trabadelo
One last photo from this wonderful day on the Camino Frances (although I do have several more!), taken while exploring this linear village before dinner. I found only one side street, which went up to the church. The village occupies a narrow strip of land between the river and the steep side of the valley.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of the Cruz de Santo Toribio
Casa de los Dioses

photos taken November 23, 2013



A vibrant graffiti partly covered an ad hoc shelter at Casa de los Dioses, a remote haven of camino caritas.



Amidst a vast plain with sweeping vistas, David Vidal created/maintained a simple pilgrim oasis. What was most plentiful here was David's special spirit and unconditional selfless love.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 15, 2023

Sitting in the Plaza de San Juan in Burgos, enjoying my favourite brand of agua con gas con hielo y limón, while watching the evening paseo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Astorga
Archbishop's Palace

photo taken March 10, 2007



This entrance to the Archbishop's Palace, designed from 1889 by Antonio Gaudi is emphatic; the building now known as the Palacio de Gaudi, is presently a museum.

 

[Rowena]

October 22, 2023 Camino Frances
This small church in La Portela de Valcarce was open. I admired the facade, so well preserved across the centuries, and the lovely statue of Saint James inside.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Murias de Rechivaldo
Iglesia de San Esteban

photo taken November 23, 2012



On my 8th CF after re-admiring the distinctive vernacular belfry of the Iglesia de San Esteban I then sadly noted that much of this once simple hamlet now displayed inauthentic "suburban chic".

 

[Peregrinopaul]

You’ll have seen lots of photos of Las Médulas from the heights on the perimeter. This is deep within the unique grove of chestnut trees, down below.

 

[Theatregal]

I encountered The Thinker at the top of the Matamulos Hill. Camino Frances. September 18, 2023.

 

[Kirkie]

I encountered The Thinker at the top of the Matamulos Hill. Camino Frances. September 18, 2023.

View attachment 160416

I see this photo as an emblem. Thank you. A respite from many troubles. Not necessarily my own...
This thread is a gift, and I thank all of you with far better filing systems than my own!

 

[Rowena]

October 22, 2023 Camino Frances
A moment‘s pause in the climb up to O Cebreiro to take this photo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Murias de Rechivaldo
albergue Las Águedas

photo taken November 3, 2004



At this private albergue a central patio was encircled by several units. Most were dorms; mine had a pot belly stove which made it very comfy on a cold night in early November!

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Camino Frances
Murias de Rechivaldo
albergue Las Águedas

photo taken November 3, 2004

View attachment 160448

At this private albergue a central patio was encircled by several units. Most were dorms; mine had a pot belly stove which made it very comfy on a cold night in early November!

I was there this year, and it has been well cared for. It might be my favourite albergue!

 

[Theatregal]

Backpacks in line for the 12:00pm opening at the Albergue de Peregrinos de Hornillos del Camino.
Security watch-cat on duty. Camino Frances. September 18, 2023

 

[Rowena]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances, Laguna de Castilla to Fonfria
On this day I discovered a much easier way to get from O Cebreiro to Linares, without going up and over. The path splits before the albergue, where there is a right fork onto a forest path staying down at the level of the road. Is this new, I wonder? I don’t recall there being two choices in 2018.
Anyway, later on, a nice break from the rain at the cozy Café Bar O Tear at Hospital.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Murias de Rechivaldo,
east of Santa Catalina de Somoza

photo taken November 16, 2011



Snow-capped mountains marked the distant route along the horizon west of Murias de Rechivaldo. Thankfully I was prepared for winter weather!

 

[Anne&Pat]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances, Laguna de Castilla to Fonfria
On this day I discovered a much easier way to get from O Cebreiro to Linares, without going up and over. The path splits before the albergue, where there is a right fork onto a forest path staying down at the level of the road. Is this new, I wonder? I don’t recall there being two choices in 2018.
Anyway, later on, a nice break from the rain at the cozy Café Bar O Tear at Hospital.

View attachment 160470

Thanks Rowena for your comment about the split in the path before the Albergue. We went to the left in 2022 as you can see by the photo of me (Anne)! We might go to the right next year.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Time to assemble the bike at St Jean. 25th May 2023.

I sent the bike bag on to Santiago with Express Bourricot.

 

[SabsP]

Ferrol. End of August.
Sunday afternoon. Day before the start of the Camino Inglés.

 

[Rowena]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances
After the rain, view from Albergue A Reboleira at Fonfria, a really really good albergue!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santa Catalina de Somoza

photo taken November 16, 2011



Glimpsing the church tower was always a pleasure when arriving at Santa Catalina de Somoza.



The tower's distinctive shape/bells are printed on the sello/stamp of the private albergue hospederia San Blas, calle Real, 11. Friendly and heated (!!) this was a perfect place to stop/eat/stay on a cold day.

 

[Theatregal]

First glimpse of a defined sun on a foggy morning after Hornillos del Camino.
Camino Frances. September 19, 2023.

 

[Rowena]

October 24, 2023 Camino Frances, on the way to Samos

 

[SabsP]

Statue. Example of cultural heritage Semana Santa.
Ferrol. CI.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Rabanal del Camino

photo taken November 13, 2010



This small personal, pathside cross was somewhere west of Santa Catalina de Somoza and east of Rabanal del Camino.

 

[Theatregal]

A full house at the very welcoming Refugio Municipal Antiguo Hospital de San Juan in Hontanas. A beautiful albergue with wonderful hospitaleros. Camino Frances. September 19, 2023

 

[mspath]

A full house at the very welcoming Refugio Municipal Antiguo Hospital de San Juan in Hontanas. A beautiful albergue with wonderful hospitaleros. Camino Frances. September 19, 2023

View attachment 160555

Your handsome photo brings back happy memories. In 2004 I stayed in this attractive municipal albergue for the first time. The door then was always kept ajar in case any pilgrim at any time needed solace. Within a small historic structure much had been built using basic plywood; all was natural wood, terra cotta, or stone and very effective. Heated and with appropriately designed HOT showers it was then a bargain at 5 euros!

 

[SabsP]

Restaurante O Pincho in Ferrol.
Patatas con mojo picon.

 

[Rowena]

October 24, 2023 Camino Frances
The Samos route from Triacastela to Sarria, although 7 km longer than the San Xil route, is well worth the extra distance, to discover the natural beauty of the valley of the Rio Oribio, to see and possibly visit this outstanding monastery and to experience the atmosphere of tranquility that surrounds it.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
El Ganso

photo taken March 11, 2007



Cobalt blue sky and an orange door formed a vibrant combo near El Ganso.

 

[SabsP]

Rainy afternoon in Pontedeume. CI August this year.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
nearing Rabanal del Camino

photo taken March 11, 2007



Trepidatious, since nothing now would be flat as the path gently rose towards the mountains, I wondered how it all might evolve.

 

[Rowena]

October 25, 2023 Sarria, Camino Frances

Perfection!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Rainy afternoon in Pontedeume. CI August this year.

View attachment 160604

We loved this Praza full of ice cream shops, had the best ice cream ever there! Dulce con leche, delicious. But no photo unfortunately! It was hot when we were there on 6th July 2022.

 

[Theatregal]

Your handsome photo brings back happy memories. In 2004 I stayed in this attractive municipal albergue for the first time. The door then was always kept ajar in case any pilgrim at any time needed solace.

The door is still kept ajar - lovely!