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

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Atapuerca
sculpture

photo taken November 7, 2013



This contemporary sculpture symbolically represents a Neanderthal who nearly one million years ago inhabited the Sierra de Atapuerca.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Aragonés. August 30, 2023

Someone ahead of me either didn't notice, or didn't honour the request
Ice cold potable water (assured by a local woman passing by) from this lovely fuente next to the Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora in Canfrac Pueblo.

 

[Rowena]

Mañeru, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
the Atapuerca hills

photo taken November 6, 2013



These stone mazelike circles are near Atapuerca but before Cardenuela on the long CF stretch between San Juan de Ortega and Burgos.

 

[Rowena]

Estella, September 2015
Camino Frances
View from the hostal window. It must not have been “a pie de Camino”, as I did not see this plaza on subsequent Caminos.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Cardenuela Riopico

photo taken October 19, 2004



As far as the distant horizon the rolling vegetation was broken only by the giant curve of the trail. This was not an imagined vision, but a memorable vista, on my first camino.

 

[Kirkie]

Mañeru, September 2015
Camino Frances

View attachment 177202

Such reassuring and solid dwellings! A fine albergue there run by a local pair who are pilgrims, at least a few years ago, on a short escape from Pamplona. An evening meal was part of the offering. I cannot recall if breakfast was included.

 

[Rowena]

Eduardo’s mobile canteen, between Villamayor de Monjardin and Los Arcos.
September 2015, Camino Frances.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Paseo del Espolón

photo taken November 8, 2013



The elegance of the pedestrian Paseo del Espolón was impressive as I wearily entered Burgos after walking 26km from Agés wearing, as always, my full pack. Ouf!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Good sun to start the stage.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Plaza de Santa Maria
Cathedral

photo taken November 1, 2011



After a long meandering walk it was a relief to finally arrive at the majestic Burgos cathedral mid-afternoon on
All Saints' Day /Día de todos los Santos.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Here you can continue three pilgrimage paths

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria

photo taken February 24, 2007



The 13th c. Gothic tympanum of the south portal is splendid.

 

[Rowena]

Approaching Logroño, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 9, 2012
Looking back to Pamplona and the ruins of Guenduláin on the left.

 

[SabsP]

Today.
Arrived in Santiago. Camino Sanabres from Ourense.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria
west facade

photo taken November 8, 2013



Anyone wishing to worship/meditate may freely enter Burgos cathedral through the sw door beneath the pointed arch furthest to the right in this view. Within the vast complex free access is limited; a fee is charged to visit the cathedral/museum.

 

[Rowena]

Grape Harvest
After Navarrete, September 2015
Camino Frances



They handed us a bunch of grapes as we passed by!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria

photos taken February 24, 2007



A camera lens can isolate the Matamoros or Moor Slayer although the vast scene covers one wall of the Capilla de San Juan Bautista y Santiago visited as part of the cathedral museum.

 

[kptorrahk]

Camino del Norte, Playa del Silencio
September 9th 2021
Walk down from the Albergue del Anden de Novellana, after already walking 40km that day

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria

photo taken October 20, 2004



Within the cathedral museum is this mid 15th c. reliquary. Roughly 30cm. high, clad in vermeil/ gold plate on silver, Saint James wears a pilgrim hat complete with shell atop his precise curls. Sainthood is depicted by the flat halo behind his head. He grips his pilgrim staff and from one shoulder hangs a tiny traveling bag known as a scrip.
...I still fondly recall seeing this exquisite sculpture for the first time in 2004.

 

[Rowena]

Santo Domingo de la Calzada, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria
interior detail

photo taken November 8, 2012



This small memento mori features a child/putto holding a skull. The themes of this infantile combo are not playfulness and childhood but life's fleetingness and the universality of death.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Cathedral de Santa Maria

photo taken February 24, 2007



The 13th c. cloister garden provids a welcome aesthetic contrast to the lavish Gothic riches/richness displayed elsewhere within/without the cathedral.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
Plaza de la Libertad
Casa del Cordón

photo taken February 4, 2008



Heavy ropes/cords carved in stone which surround the main door give this 15th c. palace, presently used as a bank/exhibition space, its name. The charming French speaking hospitalera viewed here guided our rest day visit.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos,
map-marker

photo taken November 8, 2013



Seen beneath your feet this map/marker is set lnto the pavement of the Alto Burgos area, uphill from the cathedral near the castle.

 

[SabsP]

Yesterday.
Muxia. Santuario Virgen de la Barca.

 

[Rowena]

Entering Villambistia, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
calle Valentin Palestina

photo taken November 8, 2013



Looking towards Iglesia San Esteban in the Alto Burgos area near the Castello.

 

[Kirkie]

Garden, Zabaldika,CF

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Burgos
calle Saldaña,

photo taken November 8, 2013



Looking across the rooftops from CAB, Centro de Arte Caja de Burgos in the Alto Burgos area.

 

[SabsP]

Tuesday afternoon the 3rd of September. Two weeks ago.

Concello de Ourense on the plaza mayor.

 

[Rowena]

Sunrise, viewed from the top of Alto de Matagrande, September, 2015.
Camino Frances.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Tardajos

photo taken November 2, 2011



West of Burgos the CF crossed farmland and wood with only a few yellow arrows pointing the way. One such haphazard arrow was this at the junction of the rio/canal Arlanzón near Tardajos.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 19, 2012. Passing the ruins of the Iglesia del Virgen del Rosario in Villalval.

 

[Rowena]

Burgos, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[SabsP]

Ourense by night.
3/9/2024. Two weeks ago.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Tardajos
La Fabrica albergue

photo taken November 8, 2014



At La Fabrica, a flour mill repurposed as an albergue/hostal, each heated dorm room could hold 4 pilgrims with fresh linens on the bunks and a sleek toilet/shower adjacent.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
The Wall of Sant Jeroni. A paradise for climbers

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Rabé de las Calzadas
Ermita de Nuestra Señora

photo taken November 9, 2012



The exterior wall of the Ermita provided some shelter from the fierce November wind.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Santa Cecília. Tenth century Romanesque.
This was the first monastery on the mountain of Montserrat.

 

[SabsP]

Puente Romano. Ourense.

 

[Corned Beef]

One of the residents of the garden at Casa Gloria in Vilanova. On the Norte, September 2022

 

[Rowena]

Rabé de las Calzadas, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 21, 2012

No room in the inns of Hornillos del Camino. The sports hall next to the Municiple Albergue was opened. There were a few cots and stacks of floor mattresses available. This is how the room looked when I arrived but soon, most of the floor area would be covered with mattresses and sleeping mats. There were 2 showers in the hall but we were also able to use the albergue showers. There was one restaurant open and we could reserve a time for seating. It was a good atmosphere - all grateful for a place to sleep and to have a meal. I noted in my journal "a restful sleep".

When I arrived in Hornillos this past September 18, 2023, I was amazed at how many more places there were to stay and eat. There wasn't a need to open the sports hall. Arriving early, I was able to stay at the wonderful municiple albergue and had time to explore the village in a way that I didn't in 2012.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Rabé de las Calzadas
rainbow

photo taken November 9, 2012



"..The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening. It is a little star-dust caught, a segment of the rainbow which I have clutched."

Henry David Thoreau,
Walden, 1854

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
After Santa Cecilia, I left the official way that goes along the road, and I took the GR 172.
Although the path is very beautiful and well marked,

I do not recommend it if you carry a heavy backpack. You have to go up and down continuously and there are some rocky points,

Now, those who are in shape will enjoy it.

 

[SabsP]

4th of September 2024.
Iglesia de San Pedro de Cudeiro.
Etapa Ourense to Cea.

 

[domigee]

Camino de invierno, september 2024

 

[Kirkie]

First day from Porto, 2013

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Rabé de las Calzadas

photo taken November 2, 2011



Winding west the CF crossed endless rolling fields.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 22, 2012. Lovely morning light. Three pilgrims I met before Hontanas.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
The Drilled Rock. The GR goes to the foot of these rocks

 

[SabsP]

Cea.
4th September 2024.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Hornillos del Camino

photo taken February 16, 2009



Gentle sunlight lit the path on a cloudy cold winter day.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. September 23, 2012. All quiet in Boadilla del Camino.

 

[Theatregal]

@SabsP and @mspath Beautiful skies and light in both your photos!!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Montserrat Natural Park Information Centre.

 

[SabsP]

This building from the Guardia Civil has seen better times.
Cea.
4th of September 2024.
I really take pics of everything .

 

[Rowena]

San Anton, September 2015
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Hornillos del Camino

photo taken October 5, 2010



A wide dry path beneath a clear sky made this a glorious walk.

 

[SabsP]

Leaving Cea. On the way to Castro Dozon.
Forest.
5th of September 2024.

 

[Rowena]

Looking back at Castrojeriz from the rest stop at the top of Alto de Mostelares, 8:24 am, September 2015.
Camino Frances

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Hornillos del Camino

photo taken November 10, 2013



The Meseta was bleak and cold with a wicked wind from the west on this late autumn day.

 

[SabsP]

Two today.
A Pendello at A Gouxa.
5th of September 2024.
More info in link.

Los pendellos no tienen quién los quiera

En Agolada siguen apuntalados algunos espacios desde hace meses sin que se actúe

www.lavozdegalicia.es

 

[mspath]

Valcarlos alternate
east of Valcarlos

photo taken September 27, 2004



This sign was within a dense wood; however, the path was neither visible nor easy to find my first day walking on my first camino exactly
20 years ago today!

 

[Rowena]

La Meseta
September 30, 2015

 

[SabsP]

5th of September 2024.
Happy with the well stocked shop at the gasstation in Castro Dozon.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Hontanas

photo taken February 26, 2007



Upon arrival during my first winter camino Hontanas appeared deserted; the air was bitter cold and no one was about.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Hontanas
El Puntido albergue dorm

photo taken November 9, 2014



After a hot shower I took a siesta in the spotless well heated dorm and slept until breakfast!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Here the GR 172 and the official path meet

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Camino Frances
towards Hornillos del Camino

photo taken November 10, 2013

View attachment 178081

The Meseta was bleak and cold with a wicked wind from the west on this late autumn day.

There should be a designated thread for people to post their photo from that exact same spot. Iconic camino. Mine are all in sunshine!

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Looking back at Castrojeriz from the rest stop at the top of Alto de Mostelares, 8:24 am, September 2015.
Camino Frances

View attachment 178055

Ditto. I waited for a couple of hours (for the weatherto clear) at the top to get this:

There is a single, much-eroded, perfectly horizontal bed of limestone stretching back all the way from the Alto to Tardajos. The blip of Castrojeriz Castle is built on it, and I'm standing on it. This vista is very special.

 

[SabsP]

6th of September 2024. Morning ritual. Breakfast and quick look at the regional paper.
Castro Dozon. Camino Sanabres.

 

[Theatregal]

Leaving Cea. On the way to Castro Dozon.
Forest.
5th of September 2024.

View attachment 178038

It's always special to encounter an older, weathered mojón along the way!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Hontanas

photo taken November 10, 2014



Within this cold, fog-hidden void it was impossible to see clearly but at least the mud was frozen!

 

[SabsP]

Hiding from the rain somewhere out of Castro Dozon.
Was the only rainy day in my eleven days of walking.

6th of September 2024.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Hontanas

photo taken November 11, 2011



..."Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning"
Psalm 30:5

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances. October 1, 2012

Leaving David's place after an interesting and restful break at La Casa de los Dioses. Next stop... Astorga.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
A look back

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Hontanas/east of Castrojeriz

photo taken November 11, 2013



A splendid day for walking through a lush landscape of shimmering, golden leaved trees.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Sant Pau de la Guàrdia.

 

[SabsP]

A private house somewhere between Castro Dozon and Botos.
6th of September 2024.

 

[Rowena]

October 2, 2015, Camino Frances
After Carrion de Los Condes

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Alto de Perdon

photo taken October 3, 2004



20 years ago clouds enveloped the sculpted silhouettes as well as we 3 actual pilgrims; today that view still seems surreal!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Where do I come from? Where am I going?

 

[Rowena]

October 3, 2015, Camino Frances
Sahagun in the distance.

 

[SabsP]

A Xesta. Camino Sanabrés.
6th of September 2024.

Fonte do Peregrino.

 

[mspath]

Camino de Frances
near Castrojeriz
Convento de San Antón

photo taken November 11, 2013



Early morning beneath a clear pale blue windless sky the camino passed the great arch of the monastery.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Castellolí in Catalan means the castle of oil, of olive I understand.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
nearing Castrojeriz

photo taken October 23, 2004



At the entrance to Castrojeriz the camino turned west as an longitudinal urban spine.

 

[Bill905]

Near Figeac on the Via Podiensis, May 2022

Time to brush up on your French ...

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
The village of Castellolí, small and welcoming. When you pass enter the town hall they will give you the stamp and offer you their hostel for free

 

[Bill905]

Bessuéjouls, on the Via Podiensis, May 2022

In the tiny village of Bessuéjouls, on the way to Estaing, we visited the church of Saint-Pierre-de-Bessuéjouls. There are sometimes little surprises waiting for visitors. At the rear of this church we came across a small wooden door, and beside it a sign that read “Accès chapelle aerienne" (Access to the aerial chapel, or, chapel in the sky). It is indeed a small and narrow passageway, with steep twisty stairs that I must duck and squeeze my 6'2" frame into, without my backpack! At the top we emerged into the small upper chapel with lots of what seemed like Celtic-inspired decorative detail on some of the column capitals. The stone altar itself was spread with notes and tokens of thanks and intercession.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Castrojeriz
La Taberna resto/bar

photo taken November 11, 2012



"Hola Americana!" said the barista/owner as he prepared a pot of true hot chocolate with thick slices of cinnamon toast, my usual midmorning winter combo in his welcoming resto/bar.

 

[Bill905]

Espalion, Via Podiensis, May 2022

One of the premier crafts that France is known for is knife-making. I have been wanting to buy a souvenir knife, and for days my Camino companion Didier has been telling me “Wait until we get to Espalion!” Well, when we arrived in Espalion, we found we had overshot our gite by 8 kms!! and we had to return to Saint-Come-d’Olt! It all worked out though ... we called the gite to explain, and the owner came to fetch us. In the morning, his wife had to go to Espalion anyway, so she drove us there around 8:30 am. There was a store in Espalion that sold knives, and it would be opening at 9:00. Soon enough the store opened and I bought a knife as a souvenir of my Via Podiensis. It took me a while to choose it, but eventually I settled on the knife below, with a handle made of pistachio wood. The maker is Laguiole, and their knives are collectors’ items.

A short while later, as we were walking along, Didier’s scallop shell fell from where it had been tied to his backpack, because it had finally worn through the piece of twine that was holding it on. We sometimes see pieces of nylon cord along farm fencing, so I suggested that next time we see some, that I could cut a piece with my new knife. “NO WAY!” says Didier! “When you christen that knife the first thing it is going to cut is cheese!” He was referring to a fondness for cheese that I have developed while on the Camino. It has become a running joke between us … or maybe I should have said a walking joke!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Castrojeriz

photo taken February 27, 2007



The steep ascent up the Mostelares plateau loomed ahead in the cold morning air.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Twelveth stage. Montserrat - Igualada.
Botifarra.

 

[SabsP]

6th of September 2024.
Botos. A rainy but short day.
Stayed at Taberna de Vento. The hostal is across the street of the restaurant.
A roundabout and not much else to see .
I could have stayed in busier Lalin but I actually do not mind quiet places like Botos.

 

[Rowena]

October 6, 2015 Entering Hospital de Orbigo
Camino Frances