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

[VNwalking]

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:

 

[Kirkie]

From 2006, a scene that spoke to me of home colours. Very close to Manjarin.

 

[markie6]

Early walk from Cee to Lires via the Lighthouse at Fisterra

 

[Rowena]

October 22, 2023 Camino Frances
The big climb from Las Herrerias to O Cebreiro. I think I took this photo after a short break at La Faba.

 

[Anik2001]

A nice evening at albergue casa Domingo in Ponte Campaña. A fellow pilgrim playing a piece my parents loved at the guitar and bringing them back for a few minutes.
Camino Francés, July 2022

 

[iwalkinwinter]

March 17, 2023 “Galician“ green on Camino Primitivo

 

[WildPlace]

Day 1 on the Via de la Plata, 21st April 2022, my friend @Shona and I walked the river route rather than through Camas. Loved the VDLP, my third camino, though struggled with the heat at times as we had a terrific heatwave. It was wonderful to follow the spring north Met some truly wonderful people on the journey, several of whom are members here on the forum. Never a day goes by when I don't think of being on the camino. A few months after finishing this camino in 2022 i was found to have a 12.5cm tumour on my kidney and February 2023 had the pesky blighter removed. At the present time I have postponed my camino plans but love to live vicariously through others

 

[SabsP]

Main entrance of the albergue in Beasain. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.
Old mill.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
La Portela de Valcarce

photo taken March 15, 2007



The base of this statue marks the distance east to Roncesvalles, 559 kms, and west to Santiago, 150 kms.

 

[markie6]

From 2006, a scene that spoke to me of home colours. Very close to Manjarin.
View attachment 161743

looked familiar ( Sept 18 ) Up top before the drop

 

[VNwalking]

Very close to Manjarin.

The same general neck of the woods, in 2015:
The ancient heather was fantastic.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ruitelán
Pequeño Potala refugio

March 18, 2006



Although outside it was sleeting when I arrived here alone the first time, inside all was wonderfully warm and welcoming.

 

[Anne&Pat]

St Jean Pied de Port, 8 May 2022, before starting our second Camino Frances on 9 May 2022, with much anticipation.

 

[VNwalking]

Chosen absolutely at random, the view from our room in Zegama, on the Vasco.

Now there is a very nice albergue in Zegama, but not in 2019. Preparing ourselves for the climb the next day, I was happy to have the comfortable room in a pension rather than mats on the polideportivo floor. A wimp, I know. But sometimes age brings wisdom.

 

[kiwi-couple]

In the beautiful green forest between Venta San Blas and Lantz on the Camino Baztan. September 2033.

 

[SabsP]

Chosen absolutely at random, the view from our room in Zegama, on the Vasco.
View attachment 161810
Now there is a very nice albergue in Zegama, but not in 2019. Preparing ourselves for the climb the next day, I was happy to have the comfortable room in a pension rather than mats on the polideportivo floor. A wimp, I know. But sometimes age brings wisdom.

While @VNwalking tackled the Tunel after Zegama I chickened out because I felt under the weather so thought it wiser not to walk along.
I took over some of the content of the backpack from her and took public transport to Salvatierra.

 

[markie6]

St Jean Pied de Port, 8 May 2022, before starting our second Camino Frances on 9 May 2022, with much anticipation.
View attachment 161808

caught my eye too ...

 

[Rowena]

October 22, 2023 Camino Frances
The bar at Albergue La Escuela, between La Faba and O Cebreiro

 

[Anne&Pat]

October 22, 2023 Camino Frances
The bar at Albergue La Escuela, between La Faba and O Cebreiro

View attachment 161826

Just after 10.00 hrs on 14, June, 2022. Albergue La Escuela was certainly a very welcome rest stop on the way to O Cebreiro on this very hot summer day! Very sadly, a male pilgrim collapsed and died this same morning on the Camino on the way up to O Cebreiro, we had already passed the spot where it later happened.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ruitelán
Pequeño Potala refugio

photo taken November 27, 2014



On my 9th and last visit a new pilgrim friend and I shared an evening meal; once again it was a pleasure to relax and regain energy for the next day's big climb to O Cebreiro.

 

[VNwalking]

I am having fun on a very slow connection, because I have no idea what pic I have chosen; I just know the filename, and of course which camino it was.
Ah! OK, what came up at random is a distant view of all that remains of the Visigothic Santa Maria de Lara - very impressive up close, even though it's a fragment of the original, just one end of the nave.
Camino San Olav 2016.

 

[SabsP]

Etapa Beasain -Zegama.Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[iwalkinwinter]

17.03.23 «this way please»
Last kms to Santiago…

 

[Kirkie]

View attachment 161830
Just after 10.00 hrs on 14, June, 2022. Albergue La Escuela was certainly a very welcome rest stop on the way to O Cebreiro on this very hot summer day! Very sadly, a male pilgrim collapsed and died this same morning on the Camino on the way up to O Cebreiro, we had already passed the spot where it later happened.

Thank you for this compassionate call to remember that, here, we have no lasting city.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards O Cebreiro
near La Laguna

photo taken November 29, 2012



Shaggy with snow these huge pines resembled fairy tale phantoms.

 

[kiwi-couple]

Las Médulas, Camino Invierno. 6 October 2023.

 

[Theatregal]

Evening walk in Calzadila de la Cueza. Camino Frances. September 25, 2023

 

[SabsP]

Walking into Monasterio de Rodilla. Via this lovely path. Left is the main road.
Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro

photo taken November 29, 2012



During several stormy hours a sturdy fellow from Germany and I had climbed through a whiteout. The snow at O Cebreiro measured 1 m. deep!

 

[Anik2001]

The Guardia civil, making sure the pilgrims were doing fine on a very hot day, July 2022, between Portomarine and Gonzar on the camino Francés.

 

[Anne&Pat]

The Guardia civil, making sure the pilgrims were doing fine on a very hot day, July 2022, between Portomarine and Gonzar on the camino Francés.

View attachment 161930

On our first Camino in 2022, the Frances, we saw Guardia Civil on the path just before reaching Puente La Reina but they were walking towards us. We then saw some in Portomarin on motorbikes. We also encountered the Guardia Civil, this time on horseback, between Arzua and O Pedrouzo on our third Camino on 28th, July, 2022 at the end of the Camino Primitivo. But we were only able to take a photo from the rear after they had passed us! They appear to be very vigilant about looking after the Camino and pilgrims and we are very grateful for it.

 

[VNwalking]

Left is the main road.

Which was not so nice. I missed the path somehow, too distracted by plants and rock outcroppings.
Via de Bayona, 2019, a day or so from Burgos

 

[SabsP]

Main action in this quiet village of Santa Ollala de Bureba.
Some benches, the church and la Cantina ( the social bar ).
Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[Geebee]

Leavig Urdos in September '23, on my second day, heading towards Col du Somport
The weather closed in later.

 

[Rowena]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances
Within the church at O Cebreiro, this thoughtful Pilgrim Prayer.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro

photo taken November 28, 2014



Beneath the broad arch of the church porch the view was colored sepia; few pilgrims were about....I was very thankful just to be at such a beloved place on this10th and last time.

 

[Theatregal]

Plaza de Cervantes. Santiago de Compostela, October 5, 2023. The man himself oversees a book fair.

 

[markie6]

Early light between Lorca and Estella 2019. What I would do to have some Camino sun on my back right now

 

[Rowena]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances, OCebreiro
Saint James, Santuario de Santa Maria Real do Cebreiro



@mspath, can you shed some light on the inscription and the small figure on the pedestal below the statue?

 

[mspath]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances, OCebreiro
Saint James, Santuario de Santa Maria Real do Cebreiro

View attachment 161965

@mspath, can you shed some light on the inscription and the small figure on the pedestal below the statue?

Rowena,
I am sorry but I do not recall seeing this handsome statue in 2014, the last time I was there. If your photo is saved in Google Photos you might use Lens Search to find other photos of it which might have descriptions.

Thanks for posting this evocative image and good luck with your research. Please do post what you discover. Carpe diem.

 

[WildPlace]

Love these statues in Burgos, especially the lady with her crochet photo taken 29th September 2015, Camino Frances

 

[markie6]

Rowena,
I am sorry but I do not recall seeing this handsome statue in 2014, the last time I was there. If your photo is saved in Google Photos you might use Lens Search to find other photos of it which might have descriptions.

Thanks for posting this evocative image and good luck with your research. Please do post what you discover. Carpe diem.

I had a quick search, it seems to be to do with Oct 12 ( Columbus day ? ) and the Virgin of El Pilar in Spain

Our Lady of the Pillar .. it seems to go with the inscription and sculpture

 

[SabsP]

Albergue Salvatierra/Agurain. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

Albergue de peregrinos de Salvatierra/Agurain | Albergue de Peregrinos en Salvatierra/Agurain | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos de Salvatierra/Agurain, en Salvatierra/Agurain: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro
Santa Maria a Real
tomb of Don Elias Valiña Sampedro

photo taken November 28, 2014



I paused at the tomb of Don Elias Valiña Sampedro the local priest well known for much historic camino research and for painting the first yellow arrows. ...For basic info re O Cebreiro and Don Elias Valiña Sampedro's life and publications see this Spanish link.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro
Santa Maria a Real

photo taken November 18, 2010



May the intensity of these flames
always endure.

 

[Anik2001]

Leaving O Cebreiro in the morning fog.
Camino Francés, July 2022

 

[VNwalking]

O Cebreiro seems to be the flavor of the day.

The church on a fine morning in April 2015.

 

[VNwalking]

Test

Whatever you were testing, it worked, @mspath . What an evocative photo.

 

[mspath]

Whatever you were testing, it worked, @mspath . What an evocative photo.

Whoops. Hopefully you will see it again explained in February.

 

[SabsP]

The simplicity of a kitchen. Albergue in Salvatierra/ Agurain.Camino Vasco Interior 2019.
I think we used the microwave to heat up a bag of cauliflower.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
O Cebreiro

photos taken March 11, 2009
and November 23, 2011

Some uses of iconic symbols can be jarring.



The magnificent silver chalice in the church was a gift from royalty commemorating a medieval miracle of faith when a parishioner experienced the transformation of wine and bread.

In more recent time the stylized shape of the chalice became the symbol of Galicia and thus now appears throughout the province even on garbage containers !!

 

[Anne&Pat]

The O Cebriero theme continues. 14th, June, 2022.

We arrived in O Cebriero in time to join a group of French pilgrims who were walking with their own Priest, he was celebrating Mass for them. They all laid their candles in the shape of an arrow pointing to the altar.

 

[Anik2001]

The O Cebriero theme continues. 14th, June, 2022.
View attachment 162050
We arrived in O Cebriero in time to join a group of French pilgrims who were walking with their own Priest, he was celebrating Mass for them. They all laid their candles in the shape of an arrow pointing to the altar.

The arrow was still there at the end of July, I was wondering about the story around it. It’s nice to learn about it this morning !

 

[Rowena]

May 5, 2018 O Cebreiro
Outside the church, monument and tributes from various pilgrim associations to Don Elias Valiña Sampedro.

 

[SabsP]

Bunkbed at muni Salvatierra/ Agurain. Vasco Interior 2019.
@VNwalking and I shared one dorm. Our fellow Catalonian peregrino , Manel, shared another dorm with a French pilgrim walking home. Manel did not have a nice evening seeing the fellow pilgrim was lecturing him about what was " the correct way of walking a Camino ".

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Alto de San Roque
pilgrim sculpture

photos taken November 30, 2012



After passing this snow covered sculpture of a pilgrim I stopped at a nearby bar, ate a copious hot second breakfast and sheltered from the cold contentedly fell asleep in a cosy corner.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Another arrow, pointing the way on the Pradela route after Villafranca del Bierzo. We left our Albergue La Piedra at 06.22hrs and this photo was taken at 07.16hrs. Good encouragement for the rest of the days walk, with the steepest part behind us.

 

[SabsP]

Church Ventosa. A simple cross.
Camino Francés 2011.

 

[Rowena]

May 5, 2018 Camino Frances
After O Cebreiro, view of the valley below.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Triacastela
Praza da Deputación

photo taken March 13, 2009



In the praza it was a surprise to find prominently posted and translated into Spanish lines from Rudyard Kipling's famous poem If . Although written during WW1 much is appropriate for the camino as well as ordinary life.

 

[VNwalking]

A wet date to begin the Vasco, 2019.
As usual, @SabsP, my stalwart amiga, was well ahead.

 

[Rowena]

October 23, 2023 Camino Frances
The village of Hospital de la Condesa, between O Cebreiro and Fonfria.

 

[SabsP]

Practice of the church choir in Rabe de las Calzadas 2013.
I ended my Camino del Ebro and continued on the Francés.
Mentally it was a hard Camino that year.
The warm and generous welcome of these people lifted my heart.
After a good cry from myself and a gentle pat on the back from one of the ladies I made up my mind and ended that Camino. Took some public transport and enjoyed the rest of my days off.
Well I did continue for a couple of days but the fact I gave myself permission to stop made all the difference.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
San Martiño do Real
overlooking Samos Monastery

photo takes November 25, 2011



The CF between Triacastela and Samos parallels much of route LU 633; this bird's eye view down onto the immense monastery is from the hamlet San Martiño do Real.

 

[markie6]

One of the very few towns & Albergues I have stayed in on each Camino.

 

[SabsP]

One of the very few towns & Albergues I have stayed in on each Camino.

Same for me!

 

[SabsP]

Alfaro on a quiet Sunday.
Quite an ecclectic buildingstyle.
Camino del Ebro 2013.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
San Christovo do Real
photo taken November 25, 2011



This riverside location on the CF west of Triacastela appeared bucolic in the cold November morning light.

 

[Rowena]

October 24, 2023 Camino Frances
On the way to Samos. What an enchanting forest walk!

 

[SabsP]

Onwards to Finisterre. 2016.
A not unfamiliar view.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
rúa do Salvador
La Capela do Ciprés

photo taken December 1, 2013



Located + - 100 m. from the main Samos monastery this chapel contains the oldest remnants of the original complex and may once have been a monastic cell. It is named for an adjacent millennial cypress tree 25 m. tall, one of the most notable trees in Spain.

 

[FourSeasons]

Camino Frances
August 9, 2019
On the way to Samos, an alternative route I’d gladly walk again.

 

[Rowena]

October 24, 2023 Camino Frances
Samos

 

[SabsP]

Vila do Conde.
Camino Portugues 2015.

 

[Theatregal]

Flags of the world in Moratinos. September 26, 2023. Some of the wonderful yarn bombing projects by the women of this village. In 2012 I walked through. I was happy to stay this time.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leaving Samos at 6am on 17th, June, 2022, still dark! Statues illuminated by our headtorches.

 

[VNwalking]

On the A Coruña branch of the Ingles, 2018.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián

photo taken March 13, 2009



Although sections of this Benedictine monastery complex are 9th c. the majority was built in the 16th-17th centuries. Much, however, had to be rebuilt after a disasterous 1951 fire.

 

[FourSeasons]

Camino Frances
July 20, 2019
Between Fromista and Carrion de los Condos.

Hey Mister Pilgrim, Love your hat.

 

[markie6]

Camino Frances
July 20, 2019
Between Fromista and Carrion de los Condos.

Hey Mister Pilgrim, Love your hat. View attachment 162384

Villalcazar de sirga IIRC

 

[FourSeasons]

Villalcazar de sirga IIRC

Yes, yes thank you. I couldn’t remember the name.
(Not my photo)

 

[SabsP]

Quiet Obanos. CF 2011.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián

photo taken November 25, 2011



A splendid 18th c. dome crowns a mysterious interior space visible when either attending mass or following a guided tour of the monastery.

 

[Rowena]

October 25, 2023 Camino Frances
Between Samos and Sarria

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián
mural detail

photo taken November 10, 2004



Painted c.1955 these fantastic and historic figures surround an Oratorium door. Seen during a guided tour this new mural was most impressive and rather frightening.

 

[FourSeasons]

Camino Frances
Samos
August 9, 2019

 

[Anne&Pat]

October 25, 2023 Camino Frances
Between Samos and Sarria

View attachment 162447

Nearly identical photos!
17th, June, 2022, 07.21hrs.

 

[Kirkie]

Camino Portugues, day one from Oporto. 2013. Unless my memory fails me. Not a surprise if so!

 

[FourSeasons]

Nearly identical photos!
17th, June, 2022, 07.21hrs.
View attachment 162467

And an up close of the same church rooftop. August 10, 2019.

 

[SabsP]

Pintxo at Bar Blai in Beasain.
Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[Rowena]

October 25, 2023 Camino Frances
Those daunting steps in Sarria.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián
albergue interior

photo taken November 25, 2011



Since there was no heat in the monastery albergue dorm, shivering I took this photo of four frigid fellow pilgrims!

 

[SabsP]

Estella.
CF 2011.

 

[FourSeasons]

October 25, 2023 Camino Frances
Those daunting steps in Sarria.

View attachment 162498

Oh those stairs! I stayed at that lovely albergue on my 1st in 2013. Here’s what was waiting at the top when I stopped for a coca-cola before continuing to Barbadelo on my 3rd. The best welcome wagon in town.

Camino Frances
Sarria August 10, 2019

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos

photo taken December 1, 2013



Walking solo through this Samos "nightscape" was slightly disconcerting; however, seen here it simply resembles a painted theatrical scrim.

 

[VNwalking]

I don't even remember the stairs in Sarria - just being eager to pass through or get out the town and all its hubbub.
But I do remember these!

 

[Theatregal]

A theatrical setting, dramatically lit for Santiago in the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
Rabanal del Camino. September 30, 2023

​

 

[FourSeasons]

Camino Frances
Portomarin August 11, 2019
Enjoying an ice cream for dessert at the park overlooking the bridge.

 

[Rowena]

October 26, 2023 Camino Frances
The street outside Albergue Ultreia in Portomarin, washed clean by 24 hours of heavy rain!

 

[SabsP]

Between Torres del Rio and Viana.
2011.