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

[Bill905]

May 2023 - Landaco on the Via Podiensis

6:30 AM from a window at our gite. It turned out to be a hot day!

 

[Kirkie]

View from window of albergue, Pajares, Salvador, 2017
The view changed from one minute to the next, following stormy weather...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Azofra
Rollo

photo taken February 19, 2007



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

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa.
Sant Benet de Bages.
It is more than a monastery. It is worth stopping and paying a visit. Too bad the hotel is a bit expensive.



https://www.monsantbenet.com/en/?_g...MIuvjWpcvVhwMVY6doCR2vFC0dEAAYASAAEgKha_D_BwE

 

[Kirkie]

One of three photos of gates in my Salvador folder, summer 2017.
Not factory made...
The day we went to Bendueños... a treat.

 

[markie6]

Day 28 My first Camino Frances all finished with at the Lighthouse at the end of the World

Start of the addiction if truth be told. October 10th 2018

 

[Rowena]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres


Crossing the Rio Miño at Ourense

 

[Bill905]

May 2023 - A Camino Crossroads

After completing the Via Podiensis, I traveled to Lourdes where I encountered this little information center and spent some time chatting with the two volunteers who were staffing the center that day. Both women had completed the trek to SJPP and they had a wonderful time looking over the stamps in my Credenciale. They recognized a few of the stamps from when they had completed their own pilgrimage, and fond memories resurfaced.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Cirueña

photo taken February 19, 2007



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

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa
Viewpoint of the dam. The power of the water of the Llobregat River has always been used to move mills, for irrigation or to produce electricity.

 

[Kirkie]

4 pilgrims enjoy a farewell moment, in Oviedo.

 

[Bill905]

Redondela , May 2024

I am sometimes accused of being stone-faced. This time however, my face is the only part of me that is not stony.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

photo taken November 1, 2013



This autumnal path lacked any place to easily sit.

 

[Bill905]

May 2023, St-Jean-Pied-de-Port

An early morning in SJPP with an empty Rue de la Citadelle. It's not too often that this street is so empty. I did not meet one pilgrim starting out on their Camino that morning. For my part, I was heading to meet my wife in Paris having just completed the Via Podiensis. I really enjoyed that trek and I hope to return someday.

 

[Kirkie]

Entrance, Grande Hotel de Paris in Porto where we stayed for 2 nights before walking from there to Santiago in 2013. Buffet breakfasts were wonderful.
Edit: it cost €25 pp per night.

 

[mspath]

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

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. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa
Saint Mary of Viladordis.
Viladordis = The village of barley, free translation from Catalan

 

[Bill905]

May 2023 - St-Jean-Pied-de-Port

An early morning view of Le Vieux Pont, sometimes known as Pont Notre Dame, and where one finds the Porte Notre Dame to enter the walled city ... or to leave it if you are starting out on the Camino Francés.

 

[Rowena]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres
The village of Cea, after Ourense, is know for its many bakeries, all of which produce Pan de Cea, the only bread in Galicia protected and monitored for quality.
Coming from Canada, where we seem to make everything from wood, I was awed by these stone balconies. There is an amazing amount of granite in Galicia. In northern Portugal too.

 

[Kirkie]

A detail from one of the beautiful tiles in the railway station in Porto.

​

 

[Kirkie]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres
The village of Cea, after Ourense, is know for its many bakeries, all of which produce Pan de Cea, the only bread in Galicia protected and monitored for quality.
Coming from Canada, where we seem to make everything from wood, I was awed by these stone balconies. There is an amazing amount of granite in Galicia. In northern Portugal too.

View attachment 175688

You mentioned the use of wood in Canada rather than stone - yesterday my sister told me that a lot of significant history has been lost in Jasper as a result of the fires. She is about 6 and a half hours drive, west of Jasper, but of course it hurts everyone in the country...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Cofradia del Santo

photo taken February 9, 2007



Set within the attic of their historic building this albergue in 2007 offered 1 hot plate/kettle,1 shower/toilet, rather erratic winter heat and 20 single beds; simple but sufficient, all felt cosy.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa
Manresa

 

[Bill905]

May 2023, Moissac

In the spring of 2022 I walked the Camino Portugués with my oldest granddaughter. Then in 2023 I found out how much it still meant to her. I had traveled to Moissac to complete the second half of the Via Podiensis and posted the photo of my first gÎte accommodation (below) in my blog. Her mom (my daughter) contacted me to tell me that when my granddaughter saw the photo tears were streaming down her face! My daughter, not realizing what had made her cry, asked what was the matter, to which my granddaughter replied "I just saw Da's picture of his gÎte. I miss the Camino so much!!"

 

[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.

 

[Theatregal]

August 6, 2013. Camino Primitivo. View from Lugo's wall.
I always wonder what the story is here - how / why did this stone cottage remain?

 

[Rowena]

You mentioned the use of wood in Canada rather than stone - yesterday my sister told me that a lot of significant history has been lost in Jasper as a result of the fires. She is about 6 and a half hours drive, west of Jasper, but of course it hurts everyone in the country...

Yes, I’m sure timber was used in all the historic structures in the townsite of Jasper, which was surrounded by magnificent forest. I am saddened by the loss of so much natural beauty, in Jasper and in many other areas of western Canada. The feeling has been termed “ecological grief”.

 

[Kirkie]

August 6, 2013. Camino Primitivo. View from Lugo's wall.
I always wonder what the story is here - how / why did this stone cottage remain?

View attachment 175737

Yet again, a tiny word. For many years, a small business held up a fancy development in a posh area in Dublin. Eventually... once more, it yielded.

Ozymandias

I met a traveller from an antique land

poets.org

 

[Kirkie]

Still in the foyer of the railway station, Porto...

 

[Rowena]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres
Lovely woodland path between Cea and Oseira, on the way to visit the monastery.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
symbolic chickens/1

photos taken November 2, 2013



Chickens are 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.

 

[Kirkie]

In Porto Cathedral Museo

 

[Bill905]

Porto, April 2024
Along the river Douro are several artists and artisans selling their wares. One of them had these rubber 'sculptures' for sale ... but I thought they looked a little tired ...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
symbolic chickens/2

photo taken November 2, 2013



The emblematic flock is ubiquitous!

 

[Rowena]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres

The monastery at Oseira

 

[Kirkie]

Museo, Porto Cathedral.

 

[Bill905]

March 2019 approaching Larrasoana on the CF

Remember this mural? So colorful!

 

[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 where during the middle ages a large plot of fertile land was fought over by the towns of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Grañón.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Tenth stage. Artés - Manresa
Regaining strength

 

[mspath]

near Camino Frances
east of Grañón

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.

 

[Rowena]

April 30, 2024 Camino Sanabres/Invierno
Between Lalin and Silleda

 

[Dani7]

Sunset Muxia June 2 2023.

 

[Kirkie]

On the Cathedral forecourt, Porto.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Grañón
San Juan Bautista albergue

photo taken October 15, 2004



My first visit at the parish refuge within the belfry of the church of San Juan Bautista, was special. The handsome common room had a fireplace and comfortable furnishing; one could really relax.

 

[nycwalking]

Camino Frances
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Cofradia del Santo

photo taken February 9, 2007

View attachment 175699

Set within the attic of their historic building this albergue in 2007 offered 1 hot plate/kettle,1 shower/toilet, rather erratic winter heat and 20 single beds; simple but sufficient, all felt cosy.

Memories.

Mom and I slept there August 2001.

I was again there in 2014.

Thanks for posting pic.

Buen camino.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh. Manresa - Montserrat.
The Old Bridge and the Cathedral.

 

[Rowena]

May 1, 2024 Camino Sanabres, soon after leaving Silleda.

The simplicity of a stone wayside cross.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Grañón
San Juan Bautista albergue

photos taken February 20, 2007



Arriving early during my 3rd CF I was invited by the priest to climb up the church bell tower to enjoy the wide view.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh. Manresa - Montserrat.
The Sanctuary built over the cave where St. Ignatius wrote the Spiritual Exercises

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Grañón
San Juan Bautista albergue

February 20, 2007



Drawn in my Credential by the vivacious French hospitalero this sello is a precious memento!

 

[Rowena]

May 1, 2024 Camino Sanabres
After dinner treat at Albergue O Cruceiro in Ponte Ulla

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Grañón
San Juan Bautista albergue

photo taken November 3, 2014




Eating dinner at Granon all shared ideas and thanks for the joy of being on the camino. Later as the local priest and a pilgrim sang in praise of the Virgin Mary their duet concluded a memorable evening of fellowship and caritas ...May it always be so.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh. Manresa - Montserrat.
A sign post

 

[Rowena]

May 2, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Ponte Ulla to Santiago
Looking back just before noon, I took a photo of the stormy skies. Only now do I realize that the Pico Sacro is visible in the distance!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Granon

February 23, 2006



Re-posting this arrow revives my fond memory of Serendipity and tea.

 

[Kirkie]

The famous bookshop in Porto.

https://www.livrarialello.pt/en/home

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Granon/east of Belorado

photo taken October 29, 2011



These twin mounds were seen in the dry autumnal sun-baked landscape north of the camino while walking towards Belorado.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Redecilla del Camino
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de La Calle
font

photo taken October 16, 2004



On route towards Belorado I stopped
to see this handsome 12th c. baptismal font which depicts the towers/windows of Heavenly Jerusalem.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
A first look at Montserrat

 

[Rowena]

May 2, 2024 Santiago
A tucked away corner of the cathedral wall.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Tosantos
Ermita de La Virgen de La Peña

photo taken October 27, 2010




This remote hermitage is built into the limestone strata of a cliff. When I stayed at the Tosantos parish albergue all pilgrims were able to visit/enter here via a local guided tour.

 

[Bill905]

Moissac, May 2023

This artwork decorated the room in the gite where I stayed. I was intrigued. I asked the owner "Who created these paintings?" He answered, "Aah ... these paintings were created by a world-famous artist ... well, famous in my world anyway. These were painted by my niece!"

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
Each of the peaks of Montserrat has its own name.
Here we can find out the most important ones.

 

[Rowena]

May 3, 2024 Santiago de Compostela
Saint James presides above the holy door.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
nearing Villafranca Montes de Oca
apse

photo taken February 12, 2009



A solitary vestige of a once vast pre-Romanesque monastery, the Ermita San Felices, appeared forlorn in the bleak light.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villafranca Montes de Oca
municipal albergue

photo taken October 17, 2004



Returning to this dorm each camino always felt like coming home; it was simple, sufficient and filled with memories for in 2006 I had sheltered here when a whiteout developed into
a true blizzard.

Since autumn 2017 due to a local imbroglio this comfortable albergue has been closed.
...At least my fond memories remain.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
Saint Christopher.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest

photo taken October 18, 2004



Where a dirt road crossed the CF a tall
fellow asked me “would you like to rest and have a tea?” Glad to sit, I did. A passing couple joined us.

All then enjoyed the unexpected pleasure of ad hoc camino caritas consisting of a chair, a chat, and a cup of hot tea amidst the forest!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
La Pedraja

photo taken February 23, 2007



At the Monument to the Fallen/
Monumento a los Caidos, 300 people were shot in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
Alto de la Pedraja

photo taken February 2, 2008



This French pilgrim and I shared the snowy trail. Although we both wore sturdy waterproof hiking boots I worried about hidden ice beneath the snow.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
We are close to the monestery.

 

[Kirkie]

Test

View attachment 176661

It works. Now, tell us more!

 

[mspath]

Test new

It works. Now, tell us more!

In a month or so but not now!!!

 

[dick bird]

Welcome to the 11th photo of the day thread!
Started during the height of Covid when we were all house-bound, these threads have taken on a life of their own, and a reliable daily source of joy for all of us who are home and thinking about the Camino.

So this is a place to share memories and short reflections, one photo per day, one day at a time. Some of us will not make it to Spain this year, so this is our every day Camino fix. If you have been along for the ride since 1.0, you may find you need to repeat your posts,, but that is totally fine! We will see them with new eyes.

For new contributors, please note:
One photo per day (from any camino)
Please attach the thumbnail size so that even those of us with slow connections can see them.

My photo today is from the Vasco in 2019, so called the 'Tunnel Route' because of this - a (possibly) Roman trick of turning a cave into a tunnel:
View attachment 161744

Two for the price of one. It´s quite a climb up to the tunnel and we reasonably expected to have it to yourselves. It was not to be. It was the day of a local romería so lots of locals had taken the short way up. But they were having fun. It would be a sad world if we persisted in resenting other people having fun.

 

[dick bird]

April 2024. Hot, sweaty and footsore, we were slogging into Huesca when we spotted a café bravely attempting to pass itself off as a baronial hall. For all its pretensions, it served us a damn fine breakfast. But I couldn´t resist this.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
on route to San Juan de Ortega
sunrise

photo taken November 6, 2013



Alone on my 9th CF as the November sun rose I felt that all was and would be good. ...Perhaps such secular transcendence sensed while walking is akin to what runners call "the zone". Neither easy, nor impossible it simply is; thus, thankfully I continued

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
towards San Juan de Ortega

photo taken November 6, 2013



The yellow arrow pointed the way through an autumnal wood.

 

[Kirkie]

Yet another of the bookshop in Porto...2013.

 

[Kirkie]

And please humour me.two on the one day I am doing a severe cull of info on my laptop, including deleting photos... .
I love this key. it is the key of the church of San Esteban in Zabaldika.

 

[Rowena]

The altar within the church of San Esteban at Zabaldika, March 24, 2022. A sign on the door directed me to a house close by, and a lady unlocked the church for me, probably using that beautiful key.

 

[Kirkie]

The altar within the church of San Esteban at Zabaldika, March 24, 2022. A sign on the door directed me to a house close by, and a lady unlocked the church for me, probably using that beautiful key.

View attachment 176764

No doubt, it is that key!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
nearing San Juan de Ortega

photo taken February 23, 2007



During my 3rd camino on a cold overcast winter day walking on the CF as it emerged from the dense forest I could at last glimpse the distant San Juan de Ortega monastery.

 

[Theatregal]

The always welcoming garden and Albergue En El Camino in Boadilla del Camino.
Camino Frances, September 22, 2023. This time I stayed on the pilgrim floor of their Hotel Rural next door but enjoyed a relaxing afternoon in the garden.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
San Juan de Ortega monastery

photo taken October 28, 2010



San Juan de Ortega/ Saint John of the Nettles, a follower of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, was, like him, a 12th c. builder of roads, bridges and hospices for pilgrims. It is thought that San Juan began the construction of this monastery.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
We leave the road for a very steep path

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
San Juan de Ortega monastery
albergue interior

photo taken October 18, 2004



Snuggled in my sleeping bag on a cold
October night I was sincerely thankful for the steaming cup of his famous garlic soup which the affable priest, Don José María, had served us pilgrims after evening service.

In 2008
Don José María Alomso Marroquin
died.
He is buried in the monastery cloister.
....May he be at peace.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Aragonés. September 6, 2023. Nearing the village of Otano. A day of constant ascents and descents along the slopes of the Alaitz mountain range. A very hot day and on arrival in the village, I was happy to find a shaded bench and a fountain with very cool water in front of the church!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
San Juan de Ortega monastery

photo taken October 31, 2011



San Juan de Ortega/ Saint John of the Nettles is buried within this splendid Gothic mausoleum which displays his recumbent effigy and additional small figures.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
We are very, very close to the monastery

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Montes de Oca forest
San Juan de Ortega monastery
capital

photo taken October 31, 2011



0ne of the magnificent Romanesque capitals which top the lofty interior columns within the monastery church depicts a fight similar to that between Roland and Farragut.

 

[Rowena]

The first day of my first Camino, September 14, 2015.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Agés

photo taken February 2, 2008



On a cold winter afternoon this tile marked the only open pilgrim place,
Casa Caracol/House of the Snail.



Once I entered the hospitalera, drew and then dated this special "stamp" in my Credential.

 

[Kirkie]

Redondela albergue, 2013

 

[Rowena]

Burguete, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Agés
Casa Caracol, meal time

photo taken February 2, 2008

l

The hospitalera prepared a delicious hot snack on the wood-burning kitchen stove; there was NO other heat.

Later in the frigid dorm wearing layered winter gear I pondered how important it is on the camino and in life to just relax and take it as it is, to let it be!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eleventh stage. Manresa - Montserrat.
Monestry of Montserrat.

 

[Kirkie]

This was very soon after the previous photo in my Portuguese photo list...

 

[Rowena]

Uterga, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
south of Agés

photo taken November 01, 2011

l

At the south side of Iglesia de Santa Eulalia a farming path/dirt road began which would cross the rio Vena via this bridge.



The dirt road continued south to Zalduendo on route N 120 where an old camino path west to Burgos parallels the highway.

 

[Rowena]

Puente la Reina, September 2015
Camino Frances