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

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany
From the Camino to the right and up we can see the hermitage of Sant Sebastià.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Ledigos to Sahagun, Day 62, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 13th June 2024.
We were a bit apprehensive about arriving in Sahagun because there’s a week long Festa going on, involving bull runs and all the usual things with Spanish Festas! When we arrived at the Monastery, Albergue de Santa Cruz, where we had stayed in 2022 and really enjoyed participating in the Communal meal, we were very disappointed this time to be told there would be no communal meal because of the Festa and the shops were all closed!! So, instead we went to a small cafe/bar/restaurant for a late lunch, which is mentioned in Brierley’s guide, which we had visited on our way through Sahagun in 2014 on our first Camino, which we had noticed was open and had a Menu del Peregrino, it was delicious.
We didn’t need dinner later. We didn’t sleep much because of the noise, loud music and beating drums that went on until nearly 02.00hrs.
We had a beautiful day walking to Sahagun, the weather was perfect. The storks greeted us on our arrival.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Sahagun to El Burgo Ranero, Day 63, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 14th, June, 2024.
Didn’t sleep much last night, so after a quick breakfast we were on our way, another great day for walking, perfect weather, along the tree lined path, beside a very quiet road, all the way to El Burgo. We have previously walked the Roman road twice, so it was our first visit to El Burgo. We saw between 10 or 20 small rodents, possibly voles, running across and at the side of the path and one yellow/green lizard about a foot long run across the path. The countryside continues to look amazing.
We saw a couple of Guardia Civil vehicles and one of their helicopters flew over this morning. It is wonderful how attentive they are to the Camino.

 

[dugavski]

My second arrival, 24th May this year. It's very fresh but I already miss the feeling... I will have to come back again.

 

[Rowena]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Ourense to Oseira, day 13
Eager to leave Ourense behind me, I took a bus to Cea and walked from there to Oseira along peaceful woodland trails to this high point with the monastery (in the centre of the photo) visible in the valley below.

 

[mspath]

Villamayor de Monjardin
Iglesia de San Andrés Apóstol
capital detail

photo taken October 26, 2013



This Romanesque capital which depicts fighting knights represents Charlemagne and a Navarrese Prince.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany
A small haystack. A good place to rest.

 

[Anne&Pat]

El Burgo Ranero to Mansillas de las Mulas, Day 64, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 15th June 2024.
Cooler day, good for walking and eventually warmed up late morning. More of the same as yesterday along the senda by the very quiet road with many seats and small rest areas along the way. Great views of the distant mountains.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villamayor de Monjardin

photo taken October 7, 2004



In 2004 at this parish albergue the vivacious hospitelero cooked dinner curbside; we eight pilgrims and he ate beneath the stars. ...It was a great mix of simple food, pilgrim vibes and heartfelt caritas.

 

[Rowena]

April 28, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Monasterio de Oseira
I’m so glad I took the longer path to Oseira. The albergue is new, well equipped, even with heated floors which eliminate the need for blankets.
There was nowhere nearby to find food, but the very patient hospitalero managed to order restaurant meals for more than a dozen pilgrims to be delivered to the albergue, a task made quite difficult by the fact that a group from Germany on the first day of their Camino neither spoke nor understood any Spanish or English.
The evening tour of the monastery and the opportunity to observe vespers following the tour made this day most memorable.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany.
As in Galicia, cows are in the middle of the road

 

[Anne&Pat]

Mansilla de las Mulas to Leon, Day 65, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 16th, June, 2024.
Good walk to Leon this morning. We were very lucky to attend a Choral concert in the Iglesia Santa Maria last night given by the local Choral group from Mansilla with their new Director, it was excellent.
Today the Storks were out in force enjoying a field which was being irrigated.
Two photos today.
We are looking forward to our rest day in Leon tomorrow!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villamayor de Monjardin
private albergue

photos taken October 26, 2013



During later caminos I often stayed in a very comfortable private albergue named after the town; each small dorm had a nearby shower/loo.



The view from "my" balcony showed the westward path.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leon, Day 66, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 17th June 2024.
As we have been here twice before we really tried to have a rest day and only did minimal sightseeing. We did go back and have another look at the Cathedral with its wonderful stained glass windows!

 

[Rowena]

April 29, 2024 Camino Sanabres, Oseira to Lalin
A long walk, with a lot of pavement. After crossing the autopista into Castro Dozon (photo), I walked the rest of the way at the side of the N525, crossing over from the Sanabres to the Invierno in order to stay in Lalin that night.

 

[SabsP]

Finisterre. March 2016.
Mojon zero.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villamayor de Monjardin

photo taken October 25, 2014



Asked about lunch possibilities the friendly hospitalero in the then new private albergue offered me this splendid tomato from his father's garden.
...All these years later I remember the delicious taste and his kindness.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Leon to Villadangos del Paramo, Day 67, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 18th June 2024.
Heavy rain started overnight and continued light and heavy all the way to a little past La Virgen del Camino this morning. We didn’t leave until 08.0hrs this morning and for the first time when we reached the modern sanctuary of La Virgen del Camino it was open!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Villamayor de Monjardin

photo taken October 27, 2013



Sky and autumnal vegetation frame this distant view back towards the hilltop castle ruins at sunrise.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany
This is how they emptied the lake and gained farmland.
But there was never a lake again

 

[Rowena]

April 30, 2024 Camino Sanabres/Invierno
Leaving Lalin along the lovely river walk, on the way to Silleda.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Villadangos del Paramo to Villares de Orbigo, Day 68, Via Podiensis/ Camino Frances, 19th June 2024.
After more rain last evening and during the night we awoke to blue sky and had a great day walking to and through Hospital de Orbigo to Villares. Again the views of the mountains were fantastic and they are definitely getting closer!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Los Arcos
light after morning rain

photo taken October 22, 2011



"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
Psalm 19: 1

 

[Rowena]

April 30, 2024 Camino Sanabres/Invierno, Lalin to Silleda, day 15
The highlight of this day is the Ponte Taboada over the Rio Teza where it forms a steep narrow gorge, dating back to the year 912.

The Roman road goes up steeply after crossing the bridge.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Villares de Órbigo to Murias de Rechivaldo, Day 69, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 20th June 2024.
Good walk in perfect weather today. The countryside is looking great, we can still see a small amount of snow on the higher mountains ahead. Photo taken as we were leaving Astorga.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Los Arcos

photo taken February 4, 2009



Clear azure sky, bright sunshine and a wide, dry path; the walking conditions of our dreams.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Murias de Rechivaldo to Rabanal del Camino, Day 70, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 21st, June, 2024.
What a beautiful leisurely days walk today, both the weather and scenery were perfect. We passed a young man making and giving fantastic wax sello’s on the way today. Photo of ours attached.
We are looking forward to attending Vespers tonight in the Iglesia de Santa Maria in Rabanal.

 

[Rowena]

May 1, 2024 Silleda to Ponte Ulla
Another beautiful morning on the Camino Sanabres/Invierno, just after leaving Silleda. On this Camino I was blessed with good weather almost every day.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
east of Los Arcos

photo taken October 26, 2015



This pilgrim who had walked to Santiago was now going east towards southern France and ultimately Rome. After sharing camino confidences and cookies we, strangers no more, shook hands and wished each other Godspeed, Ultreia and Adieu.

 

[SabsP]

Courtyard of the muni albergue in Redecilla del Camino.
CF in 2011.
Drying clothes and writing ( with pen and paper ! ) our diary.

 

[Kirkie]

Cleaning up files and photos, and came across this one.
If I recall correctly, this was taken going down from El Acebo. 2006, July.
I may be mistaken, ready to be informed otherwise.

 

[Rowena]

May 1, 2024 Camino Sanabres/Invierno, day 16

 

[Anne&Pat]

Cleaning up files and photos, and came across this one.
If I recall correctly, this was taken going down from El Acebo. 2006, July.
I may be mistaken, ready to be informed otherwise.

View attachment 172781

You are certainly correct. Here’s a similar photo taken a few hours ago, as we entered El Acebo.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo, Day 71, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 22nd June 2024.
Cool morning especially at Cruz de Ferro, but the views were still amazing. We seemed to have forgotten how difficult the descent was to El Acebo and we were very glad to arrive safely. We were glad not to be walking on to Molinaseca today as we have done in the past. Age is creeping up on us!

 

[Kirkie]

You are certainly correct. Here’s a similar photo taken a few hours ago, as we entered El Acebo.
View attachment 172797

Thank you! Perhaps the two guys we met over breakfast and again on the descent blurred my memory. They hopped, skipped and jumped down, yapping and smoking away!
I am in admiration of your stamina, and wisdom in accepting changed capacities...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Los Arcos

photo taken October 27, 2013



One of several haystacks seen while
crossing seemingly endless fields towards Los Arcos.

 

[Bill905]

My older son recently toured a museum, and knowing my attraction for El Camino, sent me the photo below, with the question "Do you know who this is?" I immediately replied, "Of course, it's Santiago Matamoros!" What is a little unusual about this museum display however, is the clothing of the Santiago on the right. Based on the clothing, would anyone care to hazard a guess as to where this museum might be located .... how about Merida, Mexico!

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - the start, and the finish of the Camino Portugués with granddaughter number two. What a joy. I can tell you for a fact that the smile never left her face!

. .

 

[Anne&Pat]

El Acebo to Ponferrada, Day 72, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 23rd, June, 2024.
Well the descent to Molinaseca was as bad as yesterday’s descent and in parts worse, but luckily this time we didn’t have to compete with 12 very fast bikes trying to pass us on the worst part nearing Molinaseca, as we did in 2022!
The weather is heating up, into the early 30’s in Ponferrada this afternoon and to continue for at least a few days.

The Camino through Molinaseca.

 

[RobinK*]

May 9th this year. While walking the Via de la Plata, I had to stay in line with the rest
On my way from Casar de Caceres tot Canaveral.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Los Arcos

photo taken October 27, 2012



Looking back towards town the CF path led to the tower of the Iglesia Santa Maria while the path ahead would lead towards Sansol.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany.
Santa Maria de l'Estany.
There is a cloister from the twelfth century, which I could not visit.

 

[dugavski]

On this day a month ago, I arrived in sunny Santiago after very rainy Primitivo.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo, Day 73, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 24th June 2024.
Another hot day on the Camino, especially after midday. We want to walk the Pradela route again so have decided, because of the weather to walk on our rest day tomorrow and only go as far as Trabadelo, then taxi back to Villafranca and then head to Las Herrerias on Wednesday from Trabadelo.
Ermita De San Blas, Columbrianos, with Storks!

 

[RobinK*]

On this day a month ago, I arrived in sunny Santiago after very rainy Primitivo.

View attachment 172907

I don't know what it is exactly, but everytime I enter Santiago and as soon as I get a first glimpse of those towers, tears start rolling from my eyes. Every time....... can't help it

 

[Rowena]

May 2, 2024 Arrival

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Los Arcos

photo taken 0ctober 8, 2004



During my first camino when alone on a seemingly endless path beneath the vast dome of a cobalt sky I sensed that this was, indeed, my way and all would be good.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany.
Santa Maria de l'Estany.
A detail of the apse.

 

[markie6]

More haystacks for @mspath

If I had known how many times I would go through all my photos post Camino I would have taken a proper camera or at the very least and much newer smart phone. A mistake since rectified ( near Los Arcos IIRC )

 

[Anne&Pat]

Rest day in Villafranca del Bierzo!! But walked to Trabadelo via Pradela route.
Day 74, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 25th, June, 2024.
Wonderful views from this route and lots of heather in bloom.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
towards Sansol

photo taken October 27, 2012



On route to Sansol a bit of a rainbow lit the western horizon as the mid-day sky began to clear. The air had definitely turned colder; I was glad to have my woolies!

 

[Bill905]

April 2024 - Santiago de Compostela, church of Saint Francis
In the photo of the altar dedicated to the merciful Sacred Heart, note the tiny white rectangle on the left hand side of the altar. How many times as we pilgrims wandered along the Camino, have we encountered such petitions to Our Lord, his Mother, and his Saints? I pray that these petitions are answered. I am reminded of Matthew's parable of the centurion.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Camino Catalan. Eighth stage. Vic - L'Estany.
Monastery.

 

[SabsP]

My walking companion on the way to Miranda de Ebro.
Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Trabadelo to Las Herrerias, Day 75, Via Podiensis/Camino Frances, 26th, June, 2024.
Short leisurely stroll along the Valcarce valley stopping at Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in La Portela, Iglesia San Pedro in Ambasmestas. We then had some morning tea at the Panaderia at the start of Vega de Valcarce, where we had stopped in 2014 but not in 2022. We are ready for an early walk up to O Cebreiro tomorrow morning and then on to Linares.
Photos from San Juan Bautista in La Portela

 

[Rowena]

Loving your photos, Anne and Pat, and wishing I had continued onto the Frances when I walked from Le Puy en Velay to SJPP. I had walked the Frances the year before, so it wasn’t in the plan at the time.

Here’s the outside of the Iglesia San Juan Bautista. October 22, 2023.