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

[VNwalking]

On the way to Zegama, Vasco 2019

 

[SabsP]

Today. Five years ago. View from our pension in Zegama.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Larceveau to St Jean Pied de Port, Day 38, Via Podiensis, 20th, May, 24.
We have arrived safely in St Jean! We have luckily been able to buy new boots in the shop in Rue de la Citadelle after we visited the Pilgrim Office, because we both have holes in our uppers of our original boots from all the rain and mud over the last four/five weeks.
We are having a rest day in St Jean tomorrow and then start the Camino Frances on Wednesday morning.
We attended Mass tonight in the Eglise Notre-Dame du Bout du Pont and received the Pilgrim’s Blessing.

 

[Rowena]

April 17, 2024 Via de la Plata
Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela
First photo of the day, leaving Montamarta by the road bridge. The actual Camino is under the water.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Puente La Reina-Gares

photo taken October 23, 2013



This view of the Romanesque bridge is from the east shore of the river Arga looking west. Since the Middle Ages multitudes of pilgrims have crossed here on route to Santiago.

 

[Rowena]

April 17, 2024 Via de Plata, day 2
Around mid-morning we passed an enormous ruined wall in the distance, which went down to the river and would have enclosed a sizeable fortress. It must have been the Castillo de Castrotorafe mentioned in the Wise Pilgrim guide.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Puente La Reina

photo taken February 11, 2007



Arches reflected in the calm Arga river create an illusion of circular supports below the famous bridge for which the town is named.

 

[VNwalking]

On the reina etapa on the Vasco, from Zegama to Salvatierra - aoroaching the Tunnel San Adrian. May 21, 2019.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

April 17, 2024 Via de la Plata
Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela
First photo of the day, leaving Montamarta by the road bridge. The actual Camino is under the water.

View attachment 170929

June 2012

 

[Anne&Pat]

St Jean Pied de Port, Day 39, Rest day before commencing the Camino Frances. 21st, May, 2024.

 

[SabsP]

Today. Five years ago on the Camino Vasco Interior.
Iglesia San Martin de Tours in Gazeo.
Closed, but this link gives you an idea about the interior.

Church of Saint Martin of Tours in Gazeo - Álava Medieval / Erdi Aroko Araba

On the edge of the Camino de Santiago in Álava while passing through Gazeo is the church of Saint Martin of Tours. Its advocation of Xacobean resonances reminds us of the thousands of pilgrims who have contemplated its walls over the centuries.

alavamedieval.com

 

[Anne&Pat]

St Jean Pied de Port to Auberge Borda, Day 40, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 22nd May 2024.
We awoke to blue sky and sunshine this morning which was wonderful after all the rain we have had, so we had another amazing walk up into the Pyrenees, we have been blessed with good weather each time we have walked the Camino Frances over the Pyrenees.

 

[Rowena]

June 2012
View attachment 171033

That’s amazing! This spring there was a lot of rain on the VdlP. Pilgrims I met who had come from Sevilla told dramatic stories of the flooding and mud.

 

[Rowena]

April 18, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Granja de Moreruela to Tabara
Leaving the little village of Granja de Moreruela, I turned left to follow the Camino Sanabres towards Ourense, and eventually Santiago.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Mañeru

photo taken October 24, 2012



Walking on a paved path to cross this vignoble was an easy pleasure in the bright autumn sun.

 

[SabsP]

Today, five years ago.
Vasco Interior.
Armentia. Couple of kilometers out of Vitoria/ Gasteiz.
Basilica de San Prudencio.

Cofradía San Prudencio Álava

Te invitamos a conocer la historia y tradiciones de nuestra tierra nuestro Patrono San Prudencio del que todos conocemos su fiesta, pero pocos su obra.

www.cofradiasanprudencio.com

 

[Anne&Pat]

Auberge Borda to Roncesvalles, Day 41, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 23rd, May 2024.
Cold, cloudy and misty morning, no rain, which eventually cleared after midday, so we had clear views for our descent into Roncesvalles.

 

[VNwalking]

5 years ago on the Vasco, climbing the hill between Vitoria and Puebla de Arganzon, passing through an amazing area that was almost like a Japanese garden

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Cirauqui
Iglesia de San Román
south door

photo taken October 22, 2015



Nearby on the street were two tots with their mom who had asked me "What makes this door special?" As I pointed to the distinctive poly-globed arch she kindly snapped my photo.

 

[SabsP]

Today, five years ago.
Armiñon. Vasco Interior.
Medieval bridge over de rio Zadorra.

La Puebla de Arganzón - Miranda de Ebro | Camino Vasco del Interior | Gronze.com

Hoy, a la salida de Estavillo, encontramos la gran bifurcación del Camino Vasco del Interior: recto, hacia Santo Domingo de la Calzada en dos etapas; a la derecha, hacia Burgos en cinco etapas. Ambas opciones son igual de buenas. La etapa es muy corta y con escasos desniveles; aunque Miranda de...

www.gronze.com

 

[VNwalking]

5 years ago today, heading to Miranda de Ebro on the Via de Bayona. This was before the mud.

 

[Rowena]

April 18, 2024 Camino Sanabres
Approaching Faramontanos de Tabara a few minutes past noon, hoping for an open bar (which did not materialize). No surprises awaiting along this stretch of the path!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Roncesvalles to Zubiri, Day 42, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 24th May 2024. Cold start this morning but a sunny warm day later for a good walk, the path down to Zubiri hasn’t improved!

 

[Theatregal]

A favourite Santiago pastime. Coffee and window view at A Gramola. October 5, 2023

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Cirauqui
Roman bridge

photo taken October 20, 2011



Crossing alone this ruined bridge and climbing/crawling/balancing on those distant precarious "steps" of irregular stones would be nerve wracking. ..Nevertheless using my indispensable walking stick I made it and rested for a long time at the top!!!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Zubiri to Pamplona, Day 43, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 25th May 2024.
Our warmest day on this walk, so far, in the mid 20’s! There seemed to be a lot of pilgrims today but we still managed a few peaceful moments with no one in sight.

 

[Rowena]

April 19, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Tabara to Santa Marta de Tera
First photo of the day, looking back at Tabara.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Villatuerta

photo taken October 5, 2004



On route to Lorca the broad camino path followed antique cart routes and crossed this restored Roman bridge.

 

[SabsP]

Today, five years ago.
Camino Vasco Interior.
Towards Pancorbo.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Pamplona to Uterga, Day 44, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 26th May 2024.
Great weather today for our walk over the Alto del Perdon. We saw a lot of poppies today. Now enjoying a beer in Uterga!

 

[Theatregal]

Visiting the Castle of Burgos. September 16, 2023. It was closed on this day but the views of the city along the walk up were spectacular!

 

[SeñorJacques]

The Torres del Oueste on the rio Ulla, taken this morning on the boat from Vilanova de Arousa to Pontecesares on the Variante Spiritual of the Camino Portuguese.

 

[Rowena]

April 19, 2024, 11:00 am. Camino Sanabres
A perfect time and place for second breakfast in Villanueva de las Peras.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Lorca
rainbow

photo taken October 20, 2011



Glimpsing a rainbow is always special.

 

[VNwalking]

A favourite Santiago pastime. Coffee and window view at A Gramola. October 5, 2023

I've never been there and will have to check it out. Here's one of mine. Tea at Tertulia. From back the day when trying to make it a regular Forum meet-up place. That never worked, but the tea and whole grain crossants are still fantastic.

 

[SabsP]

Today. Five years ago.
From Pancorbo to Briviesca.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Uterga to Cirauqui, Day 45, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 27th, May, 2024.
Cloudy, cooler day today but great walking weather especially up the hill after Puente La Reina to get up to the level of the motorway before descending again into Maneru. This time we were overtaken by two Guardia Civil on motorbikes!

 

[Rowena]

April 19, 2024 Camino Sanabres
The oldest known stone sculpture of Santiago Apostol, above the door at the back of the church in Santa Marta de Tera.

 

[VNwalking]

5 years ago today, looking back towards Pancorbo, on the way to Briviesca.
Via de Bayona.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Lorca
tunnel

photo taken October 20, 2011



I yearned for that distant open space while walking through this confined tunnel which passed beneath the highway east of Lorca.

 

[Rowena]

April 20, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Santa Marta de Tera to Villar de Farfon
Part way through the morning the Camino followed a canal, which I assumed was taking its water from the Rio Tera.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino Frances
near Lorca
tunnel

photo taken October 20, 2011

View attachment 171464

I yearned for that distant open space while walking through this confined tunnel which passed beneath the highway east of Lorca.

Here is the same tunnel taken this morning at 09.15hrs!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Cirauqui to Estella, Day 46, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 28th May 2024.
Warm and sunny day, great walking but as we are recovering from colds and Pat has a sore foot/ankle it was good to have a short walk to Estella today. The countryside is looking beautiful.
We had another wonderful stay with Juanma and Paloma at Albergue Casa Maralotx last night.

 

[SabsP]

Via de Bayona. Five years ago.
Monasterio de Rodilla.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Villatuerta

photo taken 0ctober 24, 2012



Somewhere (!?) west of Lorca/east of Villatuerta lay this evocative
"...long, long trail a-winding..."

 

[SabsP]

Today, five years ago.
Hostal Hermanos Gutierrez in la Brujula. Etapa to Burgos on the way to Burgos. Superfriendly!
Call them directly seeing it is way less expensive than arranging it through the greedy bookingsites.
Via de Bayona.

Hostal Hermanos Gutiérrez | Comentarios y Recomendaciones | Gronze.com

Comentarios y Recomendaciones de Peregrinos sobre Hostal Hermanos Gutiérrez en el Camino de Santiago

www.gronze.com

 

[Anne&Pat]

Estella to Los Arcos, Day 47, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 29th, May, 2024.
Warmer today, glad to get into Los Arcos just after 13.00hrs, out of the sun. Again the countryside is looking beautiful. We enjoyed some delicious fresh vegetables and Hummus at the Cafe Movil, about 7 kms before Los Arcos.

 

[Rowena]

April 20, 2024 Camino Sanabres
Here the Camino crosses a power dam on the Rio Tera. The dry rocky land in this area, between the Meseta and the mountains, is called the Carbadella.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villatuerta
La Casa Magica

photo taken October 20, 2011



Grapes were once crushed for vino tinto on the rough pebble floor of the main entrance hall of this private albergue, a 300 years old farmhouse now sensitively renovated.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Los Arcos to Viana, Day 48, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 30th, May, 2024.
On our way into Sansol.

 

[Rowena]

April 21, 2024, at sunrise, Camino Sanabres
Leaving the remarkable little albergue at the end of the tiny village of Villar de Farfon, right on the Camino. The garden was just as beautiful as the albergue in the early morning light. Dinner and breakfast were provided. A truly wonderful place to spend the night.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villatuerta
La Casa Magica

photo taken October 20, 2011



In chilly October it was cosy to sleep in this miniscule "room" of my own.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Viana to Navarette, Day 49, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 31st, May, 2024.
Cooler, cloudier day today but fine weather for walking. We didn’t linger on Logrono but it seemed to take a long time to get through it!
The beautiful St James Way Rose on the outskirts of Logrono.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Cuesta del Moro
Ermita de San Miguel

photo taken October 25, 2013



Once part of a Benedictine monastery
this 10th c. hermitage seemed a bit too hidden from the path for me to calmly explore it alone.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Navarette to Najera, Day 50, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 1st, June, 2024.
Cooler and windier today, unusual weather for summer in Spain. Shorter walk today through many vineyards and great views of the surrounding mountains.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Estella

photo taken October 24, 2014



East of Estella a tunnel of greenery framed the CF path on this misty late October morning.

 

[Rowena]

April 22, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Mombuey to Asturianos
A lovely winding walk through countryside with a series of very small villages. There were no services, but each village had an imposing pedestal with an individual engraved message to the pilgrim.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Day 51, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 2nd, June, 2024.
The long and winding road between Azofra and Ciruena is still there! Two today of the same path!
Looking forward.
Looking back.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Estella

photo taken October 24, 2014



When walking through a dence wood towards Estella it was a surprise to see this isolated horse!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado, Day 52, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 3rd, June, 2024.
We had the constant companionship of the N-120 today, with many trucks plus trucks involved with the construction of what looks like two new roads being constructed close by. But the pilgrims continued on their way.

 

[Rowena]

April 23, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Asturianos to Puebla de Sanabria

This was a short walk, so I arrived with plenty of time to visit the town. The visit turned in to an unexpected overnight stop. My phone mysteriously locked itself while I was enjoying a very nice lunch. I couldn’t even turn it off. It was Castilla y Leon day, so I had to wait until the next morning when the tech shop opened, where a kind man unlocked it and didn’t charge, just offered a Buen Camino and sent me on my way.


Heading up steeply towards the church of Santa Maria del Azogue and the Castillo in Puebla de Sanabria.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
Calle Curtidores

photo taken October 25, 2012



Entering Estella via the south bank of the river Ega this was the view; Calle Curtidores is named after the tanners who would have used river water to process hides.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Belorado to Villafranca Montes de Oca, Day53, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 4th, June, 2024.
Beautiful warm sunny day for our short walk,only between 11 and 12kms today.
We passed Tosantos and had great views of the Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena built into the cliffside. It contains a XII th C image of the Christ Child.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
calle Rúa

photo taken October 25, 2013



Walking alone on the deserted silent calle produced a personal frisson that cold October night.

 

[dugavski]

25.5.2024 Muxia

 

[VNwalking]

A last glimpse of Las Médulas, looking back into the morning sun.
5 years ago today, Camino Invierno.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Villafranca Montes de Oca to Atapuerca, Day 54, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 5th, June, 2024.
We decided to start early this morning because of the forecast heat later in the day. Photo taken at 07.44hrs, about ten minutes before reaching the memorial Monumento de Los Caidos.

 

[Kirkie]

Villafranca Montes de Oca to Atapuerca, Day 54, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 5th, June, 2024.
We decided to start early this morning because of the forecast heat later in the day. Photo taken at 07.44hrs, about ten minutes before reaching the memorial Monumento de Los Caidos.
View attachment 171872

A day I remember well. A good friend drove out to meet us for dinner and took home 3 and a half kilos of stuff we knew we did not need - plates, cups, socks ! I am really happy to be reading your daily posts...
buen camino, both.

 

[Rowena]

April 24, 2024 Camino Sanabres, day 9
I had planned on skipping a couple of very challenging stages at this point, by taking a train from Puebla de Sanabria to A Gudiña, as indicated by Rome2Rio, and walking on from there. However the train no longer exists, so I had to wait for an afternoon bus, then take a taxi to Campobecerros, where I took this photo.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
19 calle San Nicolas

photos taken October 25, 2013



The elevator near San Pedro de la Rúa lifted all to see the geometric elegance of the monastery cloister garden below.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Atapuerca to Burgos, Day 55, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 6th, June, 2024.
We left even earlier this morning because of the forecast heat today, at 06.27hrs and reached our Hotel in Burgos just before 13.00hrs and it was very warm by then. The river walk was very busy with locals not pilgrims!
There was a beautiful sunrise this morning at the Alto and Cruz de Matagrande.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
San Pedro de la Rúa

photo taken October 24, 2014



Looming above the cloister of the historic monastery/church this huge mass of rock resembled a frightening nightmare image!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Burgos, rest day, Day 56, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 7th, June, 2024.
It’s a local public holiday in Burgos today, we had hoped to visit the Museum of Human Evolution but it is closed today! We have visited the Cathedral three times in the past but decided to go again. It is such an amazing place and we really enjoyed visiting again. The photo below is from the museum part of the Cathedral, with label.

 

[mspath]

Burgos, rest day, Day 56, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 7th, June, 2024.
It’s a local public holiday in Burgos today, we had hoped to visit the Museum of Human Evolution but it is closed today! We have visited the Cathedral three times in the past but decided to go again. It is such an amazing place and we really enjoyed visiting again. The photo below is from the museum part of the Cathedral, with label.
View attachment 171955View attachment 171956

This has been my favorite piece ever since 2004 when I first saw it on my first CF! Thanks for sharing your days and photos with all your digital followers.
Carpe diem!
Margaret

 

[dick bird]

Some people go to extraordinary lengths, and I do mean lengths, to make sure you don’t get lost. Today, between Villafranca and San Juan Ortega.

 

[Rowena]

April 25, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Campobecerros to Albergueria
This was a very challenging day for me, 26 km with a long decent to Laza, lots of it on pavement, and a difficult ascent, which seemed much longer than it actually was, at the end of the day.


On the way down to Laza.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
San Pedro de la Rúa monastery
cloister, capital

photo taken October 24, 2014



This Romanesque capital depicts a group of three horsemen, ie Magi or wisemen.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Some people go to extraordinary lengths, and I do mean lengths, to make sure you don’t get lost. Today, between Villafranca and San Juan Ortega.

View attachment 171972

Agreed! Here’s our photo from Wednesday 5th June 2024 at 08.43hrs, looking forward!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Burgos to Hornillos del Camino, Day 57, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 8th, June, 2024.
A big thunderstorm last evening in Burgos with some rain but we had a dry mainly sunny walk today. This evening we have just had a huge thunderstorm, with hail and torrential rain in Hornillos!
Burgos Cathedral was looking magnificent this morning as we went on our way just after 07.30hrs.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Irache

photo taken February 3, 2009



These three young Spanish guys and I had companionably shared nearly empty cold dorms in both Puente La Reina and Estella. Before leaving they sang/danced "adios" raising their hiking poles in a salute.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage.
We have already left Vic, there are only 20km left to reach L'Estany (the lake).

 

[Anik2001]

Camino Francés
Between Portomarín and Gonzar, July 2022

Guardia civil on horseback.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz, Day 58, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 9th, June 2024.
A cool, cloudy day today but great for walking and the countryside looked magnificent. The red of the poppies made the countryside look vibrant. A little mud on the way today after a very big rain, hail and thunderstorm in Hornillos yesterday evening.

 

[dick bird]

You have to wonder, when you look at some ancient piece of sculpture, what on earth is going on here?
The fountain outside Burgos cathedral today.

 

[Rowena]

April 25, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Alberguería.
My bed at Albergue El Rincon del Peregrino. Never was a bed a more welcome sight!

Thousands upon thousands of shells have been accumulating here and at the bar across the street since 2004.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ayegui

photo taken October 20, 2011



This personal ad hoc mix of symbols of the route, including a tile of Santiago, decorated a wall near Irache

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Invierno. June 8, 2019. Nearing the bottom of the path from Villavieja with Castillo de Cornatel looming through the early morning mist. I was the first to arrive that morning and had the whole castle to myself while I was there!

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany (the lake).
Walking near the river Meder.

 

[dick bird]

Next to a picnic spot by the reservoir coming out of Logroño. Ironically, 100 meters away on the dam, there was a father trying to teach his son how to catch fish.
I think they get fed by picnickers.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ayegui
Santa Maria de Irache monastery

photo taken October 21, 2011



Early one chill October morning golden sunshine lit the verdant setting of the splendid Irache monastery complex west of Estella .

 

[Anne&Pat]

Castrojeriz to Fromista, Day 59, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 10th June 2024.
Long day but again cooler perfect walking weather. We got to the top of the hill from Castrojeriz in just under an hour which we were quite pleased about. We must have gained some fitness over the last couple of months! The diversion around the road/bridge construction work on the Canal added about a kilometre to our days walk, unfortunately.
A wonderful view across the valley before our descent.

 

[Rowena]

April 26, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Alberguería to Xunqueira de Ambia

 

[Anne&Pat]

Fromista to Carrion de Los Condes, Day 60, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 11th June 2024.
Pulpit of the Templar Church, Iglesia Santa Maria La Blanca, Villalcazar de Sirga.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Irache
Santa Maria de Irache monastery
interior

photo taken February 13, 2007



It was a privilege to experience such a beautiful place alone on an icy winter morning; Peace reigned.

 

[SabsP]

On the way to Ponte de Lima.
Camino Portugues 2015.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany (the lake)
Free hens.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Villamayor de Monjardín

photo taken October 26, 2013



I walked through this splendid verdant tunnel east of Villamayor de Monjardin while following the CF/avenida Prado de Irache west of Estella.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Carrion de los Condes to Ledigos, Day 61, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 12th June 2024.
Another quite cold morning today, 9oC on the Pharmacy sign as we headed out of Carrion at 07.00hrs this morning. But we are now sitting in the garden of our Albergue in Ledigos enjoying some beautiful sunshine at 17.30hrs.
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Cafe Movil after about 9kms.
Another stone arrow this time pointing us to our destination for the day, Ledigos.

 

[Rowena]

April 27, 2024 Camino Sanabres, day 12
My least favourite day of this Camino, walking through the industrial area and into a big city, in the rain for most of the day. But there were shops where I could but food for a light supper, and a lavanderia where I could pass a few hours on a rainy evening.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villamayor de Monjardín
Fuente de los Moros

photo taken October 26, 2013



After a rather steep climb from Azqueta I arrived at the 13th c. fountain; in the near distance along the path rose the tower of the Iglesia de San Andrés Apóstol.