On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 5.0

[mspath]

Logroño
Parque del Espolón
roses

photo taken October 28, 2014



Do appreciate these roses

While walking we should take time to appreciate all 'roses' wherever they bloom; however these in Logroño are special.

Bred/developed at the Pepinieres-Guerinais in Brittany, France, by Michel Adam; 2012 in Logroño they were officially named
rosa, Camino de Santiago

Flourishing now not only in Logroño but elsewhere along pilgrim paths I, too, would like to plant some on our French hillside overlooking the Marne.

 

[SabsP]

Briviesca. Town hall / tourism office. Staff called the older gentleman who volunteers as hospitalero. He accompanied us to the albergue ( flat in a bigger buidling ) and gave lots of information about the region and the etapa the next day.
Again a day full of kindness on the Camino Vasco Interior.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Our stay in Tomar coincided with the University Graduation and end of the Uni year. The city was very busy and we unfortunately were kept awake the first night with the students staying in the room next to us!
This was repeated when we reached Coimbra with the Universities end of year celebrations and Graduation in that city. Another sleepless night.

 

[Bill905]

Another piece of coloured stone 'art', this one in Palas de Rei. I liked this one because of its raised construction and the use of small 'bushes' to give a three-dimensional effect.

 

[VNwalking]

the University Graduation and end of the Uni year.

In Santiago this is quite something, too!

 

[Anik2001]

In the morning after leaving Santiago towards Fisterra, the rising sun made it look like the woods were on fire.

 

[Theatregal]

On the Português da Costa near A Guarda. Stopping to explore the remains of the Cetárea Redonda, one of four traditional intertidal lobster / crustacean farms along the Ruta de las Cetáreas. Constructed within the natural stone, this one was built in 1895.

 

[Anne&Pat]

After Calvinos on the way to Alvaiazere, a delightful walk through a Eucalypt forest, imagining we were back in Australia but glad to be sauntering through Portugal at the beginning of May, 2016.

 

[Former member 49149]

Day one from Oporto

 

[mspath]

O Pedrouzo
rua Concello
Camino Frances

photo taken December 7, 2014, 08.am



At daybreak upon entering this dense wood
I began walking the last 20 km of my 10th camino to Santiago de Compostela. I had been on route for 56 days.

Pre-dawn I had fled the municipal albergue for an early breakfast in a nearby cafe which by chance was crowded with Guardia Civil police. When at first light the police left for their rounds saying "Buen Camino Señora" I then walked into the wood.

After plodding through huge puddles, heavy mud, giant fern and groves of eucalyptus five hours later, very wet, and crying with joy I glimpsed Santiago de Compostela at last!

 

[SabsP]

Viana. CF 2011.
I did not stop there and have hardly any recollection of this , obviously, beautiful town.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On to Fisterra.

 

[Bill905]

The picturesque Ponte de San Xoán de Furelos, a Romanesque feature encountered as you enter Melide on the CF. A nice town. Apparently there is an interesting Museo Terra de Melide that features a lot of day-to-day items found in homes of the not too distant past. I will have to visit on my next walk, as I enjoy learning about practical everyday life of days gone by.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Finisterre. A lull between rain showers at the turn off toward Santa Mariña.

 

[VNwalking]

We love to hate Eucalyptus when it's been introduced. But I have to admit it is pretty, with the sun catching the bracken.
Camino Ingles, not far from Santiago.

 

[Anik2001]

Foncebadon... That arrow seems to say “keep going whatever happens”. Life will find a way.

 

[mspath]

Santiago de Compostela
Praza da Inmaculada

photo taken December 7, 2014, 3.pm



At last Santiago de Compostela! After 56 days of walking always carrying my full pack I arrived weary yet thrilled and sincerely thankful.

This 10th camino had been three concurrent journeys
- looking at the cultural heritage along the Camino Frances,
- traversing on foot northern Spain east to west,
- and a deeper discovery of myself.

Walking alone required adaptation to changing weather/varied terrain while overcoming fear of high bridges/slippery scree as I relearned personal tenacity/ endurance.

Serendipity brought daily pleasure such as the magic of sunlight within a silent wood or the joy of meeting old friends and making new.

Most importantly I relearned the necessity for sincerity in all interactions and was privileged to experience the power of true caritas, that special spirit of unconditional selfless love as offered by some to many along the camino.

As time goes by and takes its toll may I always remember these precious days.

 

[Bill905]

The occasional nature interpretation poster, such as this one, helps one appreciate, and perhaps understand a little more about the natural environment of Spain along the CF. This poster is encountered along a river trail a few kilometers before Carrion de los Condes.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Alvaiazere to Ansiao, a perfect day for walking on the Caminho Portuguese.May,2016.

 

[Former member 49149]

Moving ahead, to Vila do Conde, CP. 2013

 

[mspath]

Camino Finisterre. A lull between rain showers at the turn off toward Santa Mariña.

View attachment 101427

Theatregal,
I remember that turn. In 2013 at Santa Marina Maronas the albergue Casa Pepa was pleasant with very good food.

 

[peregrina2000]

A nice glass of Rioja Ramon Bilbao at bar O Boneco in Santiago de Compostela. When I stay at Pension Hortas in Rua Hortas this is the place for a nightcap.

This must be a photo from several years ago, or else the bar was in violation of the no-smoking rules.

 

[peregrina2000]

July 29, 2013. Mid-way up the long hill leaving Tineo on the Primitivo, is a small stone house with a sign "Aqui viva El Ultimo las Filipinas".

And a hundred meters or so beyond the house as the path curves to the right, some of the most astonishing views of Asturias emerge — do you have any to share, @Theatregal?

 

[peregrina2000]

I remember it too; a good restaurant, named Pontemaceira, located in a garden faced the bridge and Capilla.

Though I have stopped and enjoyed many long rests in this amazing village, I have never been there when the resturant was open. Did you eat a meal there, @mspath? Just sitting on the terrace with the stunning view would be worth the price!

 

[peregrina2000]

I have just caught up on a week or so of these posts. I have to say that I feel like I’ve been inside a pinball machine, batted from one camino to the other with beautiful pictures everywhere. I think this thread is one that needs to be savored day by day, the pictures are so beautiful and the memories they trigger are also.

 

[mspath]

Though I have stopped and enjoyed many long rests in this amazing village, I have never been there when the resturant was open. Did you eat a meal there, @mspath? Just sitting on the terrace with the stunning view would be worth the price!

Yes Laurie I ate here, December 10, 2013. It was very reasonable and relaxed, no bling. Rather mellow afterwards my onwards walk to the municipal past Negreira took much of the late afternoon.

 

[VNwalking]

The view of mountains from the castle in Ponferrada. April 2014.
The peach colored building across the street (in the center of the pic) has a fantastic panaderia/pastelleria, very much worth a stop.

 

[Theatregal]

Theatregal,
I remember that turn. In 2013 at Santa Marina Maronas the albergue Casa Pepa was very pleasant with very good food.

I had stayed in Vilaserio the night before and the cafe there wasn't open for breakfast. I hoped I might find a place for coffee in Santa Marina Maronas. It was a chilly morning in March 2017, alternating between periods of heavy rain and sun shining through the clouds for brief moments, making the rain drops on the fields and trees sparkle. It was magical walk. I arrived at Casa Pepa soaked and hopeful for breakfast. The door was locked but a woman inside heard me and came to the door. She said that she hadn't opened because there weren't any pilgrims staying the night before but her husband was coming in for breakfast and asked if I'd like to have some eggs and toast with them. A delicious breakfast with very nice company!

 

[Theatregal]

And a hundred meters or so beyond the house as the path curves to the right, some of the most astonishing views of Asturias emerge — do you have any to share, @Theatregal?

I do

 

[Theatregal]

The peach colored building across the street (in the center of the pic) has a fantastic panaderia/pastelleria, very much worth a stop.

It is! I enjoyed churos and chocolate there for the first time and made some new pilgrim friends while we waited for the castle to open for a visit.

 

[mspath]

The view of mountains from the castle in Ponferrada. April 2014.
The peach colored building across the street (in the center of the pic) has a fantastic panaderia/pastelleria, very much worth a stop.
View attachment 101514

VN,
Indeed it is worth 2 stops! The peach building is a well liked /well known coffee house called Liebana at 131 avenue El Castello.

 

[SabsP]

Another breakfast at Hostal Sigueiro in Sigueiro.

INICIO | SIGUEIRO HOSTEL - Bed & Breakfast

[Telf. +34.981 973 636 | +34.615 499 071 ] SIGUEIRO HOSTEL - Bed & Breakfast, Albergue de Peregrinos del Camino de Santiago en Sigüeiro. Alojamiento para peregrinos.

www.sigueirohostel.com

Camino Ingles 2018.
On my first Ingles I got ill in Sigueiro. The owners of this hostal were then the owners of the former Hostal Miraz. The lovely lady there insisted I visited ER in Santiago and asked a local taxi driver to assist me to the hospital. This nice gentleman stayed with me for the whole two hours at ER waiting for me. Nothing major going on so I was sent back to the hostal but the doctor advised me to stop my Camino and not walk the last 16k. into Santiago.

Fast forward. When I heard that the nice lady opened this wonderful place I decided to stay there. She surprised me completely when the former taxidriver ( now on a well deserved pension ) showed up. We hugged and talked a bit. The wine was on me!
Utter joy!

 

[JohnLloyd]

The last Pilgrim statue on my first Camino.

 

[mspath]

La Virgen del Camino
Av Astorga 67
La Basilica

photo taken February 27, 2009



Seven km from Leon on the CF is
La Basilica de La Virgen del Camino

Deep yellow windows light the interior of this extraordinary contemporary church.

Designed in the 1960s by a Dominican monk, Francisco Coello, a follower of the Brutalist style of Le Corbusier, this is basically a glass box; giant metal sculptures of the Apostles adorn the west façade.

The town is named for a famous 15th c. figure of the Virgin holding the dead body of Christ. Today the figure is within the contemporary church

Opposite the church you can either continue on the CF or follow the peaceful alternative camino route towards Villar de Mazarife thus escaping the N120 highway noise/ suburban sprawl while crossing flat plains.

 

[Anne&Pat]

I had stayed in Vilaserio the night before and the cafe there wasn't open for breakfast. I hoped I might find a place for coffee in Santa Marina Maronas. It was a chilly morning in March 2017, alternating between periods of heavy rain and sun shining through the clouds for brief moments, making the rain drops on the fields and trees sparkle. It was magical walk. I arrived at Casa Pepa soaked and hopeful for breakfast. The door was locked but a woman inside heard me and came to the door. She said that she hadn't opened because there weren't any pilgrims staying the night before but her husband was coming in for breakfast and asked if I'd like to have some eggs and toast with them. A delicious breakfast with very nice company!

View attachment 101526

We loved our stay at Casa Pepa. Great albergue, very hospitable, welcoming and good food. June, 2018.

 

[Anne&Pat]

La Virgen del Camino
Av Astorga 67
La Basilica

photo taken February 27, 2009

View attachment 101558

Seven km from Leon on the CF is
La Basilica de La Virgen del Camino

Deep yellow windows light the interior of this extraordinary contemporary church.

Designed in the 1960s by a Dominican monk, Francisco Coello, a follower of the Brutalist style of Le Corbusier, this is basically a glass box; giant metal sculptures of the Apostles adorn the west façade.

The town is named for a famous 15th c. figure of the Virgin holding the dead body of Christ. Today the figure is within the contemporary church

Opposite the church you can either continue on the CF or follow the peaceful alternative camino route towards Villar de Mazarife thus escaping the N120 highway noise/ suburban sprawl while crossing flat plains.

We have fond memories of La Basilica de la Virgen del Camino. We met a lovely American couple with their 6 year old daughter outside the church the day we walked passed. They had walked from St Jean and had a buggy pram for their daughter to rest in when she got tired. They had done much research about which was the best buggy to buy for this purpose and so far it had worked very well. We walked with them off and on for the next couple of days and stayed in the same albergue in Villar de Mazarife.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Ansiao to Condeixa-a-Nova. Passed many cork trees, pine trees and olive groves on this stretch of the Caminho Portuguese. May, 2016.

 

[VNwalking]

The peach building is a well liked /well known coffee house called Liebana at 131 avenue El Castello.

It was full of very well-dressed local ladies, and familes. The 1st time there we were the omly pilgrims and were feeling very scruffy! But you wouldn't have known it from the very friendly service.

 

[mspath]

It was full of very well-dressed local ladies, and familes. The 1st time there we were the omly pilgrims and were feeling very scruffy! But you wouldn't have known it from the very friendly service.

VN,
Perhaps it is the fact that one IS a pilgrim that impacts the service. Often when resembling the "wicked witch of the west" drenched with rain/covered in mud I too have been treated most royally.

 

[VNwalking]

Often when resembling the "wicked witch of the west" drenched with rain/covered in mud I too have been treated most royally.

Me too. It never fails to touch the heart.
There I am feeling mortified for leaving a trail of water, and maybe (God forbid) muddy footprints...but am being treated soooo kindly.
I do wonder - often people (always women) say, "I could never do what you are doing," or, "I would be afraid to walk alone," so it feels in some way that we solo women out there carry many others' prayers to Santiago. That may in part explain the special kindness...we are walking for them too.

 

[Bill905]

We met up again with another pilgrim we have been meeting occasionally, Karen, from Denmark, who is 69 years old, walking solo, and carrying her pack! Together, we explored our area of Mansilla de las Mulas a little. We found a rather nice restaurant and had a delicious dinner of gazpacho, paella, and sangria. When in Spain, eat like the locals! When our waiter came to ask how we liked the food, I said to him < De verdad, ¿está mi abuelita en tu cocina? > Did he ever laugh at that one! The locals really appreciate pilgrims who make an effort with their language.

 

[VNwalking]

That moment on the Frances when it feels like you have arrived at least to the edge of Santiago. The first time I got here it was ho hum...the second, I surprised myself in starting to blubber from joy and gratitude.

 

[Former member 49149]

Day one from oporto. I recall the need for a break. We took this photo just because. Then we continued...the whole section was such a delight, with the wind, the open sea on the left, the exhilaration of day ne, the struggle through the sand...

 

[Bill905]

That moment on the Frances when it feels like you have arrived at least to the edge of Santiago. The first time I got here it was ho hum...the second, I surprised myself in starting to blubber from joy and gratitude.

I do wonder - often people (always women) say, "I could never do what you are doing," or, "I would be afraid to walk alone," so it feels in some way that we solo women out there carry many others' prayers to Santiago. That may in part explain the special kindness...we are walking for them too.

I can identify with your observations VN. As I walked the CF, I kept an on-line blog. The technology was quite simple really, just a Google doc to which I shared a "View Only" link with family and friends etc. Due to the widespread availability of Wifi I was able to update the blog just about daily with photos, stories, meditations, the weather, etc. As I arrived in Santiago, I was a little emotional after 32 days of unforgettable experiences, and as usual I posted the photos and thoughts to my blog. What surprised me were the number of replies I received, from men and women following my blog, who told me they had tears in their eyes! We are indeed walking for others!

 

[SabsP]

Something completely different.
A toy store in Leon . 2011.

 

[Anik2001]

We’re off to see Santiago, so follow the yellow dirt road!
Just outside of Portomarine, this short stretch of the way made us sing!!!

 

[mspath]

I can identify with your observations VN. As I walked the CF, I kept an on-line blog. The technology was quite simple really, just a Google doc to which I shared a "View Only" link with family and friends etc. Due to the widespread availability of Wifi I was able to update the blog just about daily with photos, stories, meditations, the weather, etc. As I arrived in Santiago, I was a little emotional after 32 days of unforgettable experiences, and as usual I posted the photos and thoughts to my blog. What surprised me were the number of replies I received, from men and women following my blog, who told me they had tears in their eyes! We are indeed walking for others!

Bill905,
We are indeed walking/writing for others.

One of the great strengths of writing on line is the importance of sharing.
Tips and memories from/to scores of other readers, both known and unknown, pass to/from digital acquaintances.

For those of us who have walked it is a meaningful way to keep our journey anew while providing practical advice to those who plan to walk.

 

[Theatregal]

A lovely overgrown mojón with a bas-relief shell near Rodeiro on the Invierno.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Nearly there...

 

[Anne&Pat]

A very rainy day on the way to Coimbra, lots of arrows and a yellow boot! May, 2016.

 

[Former member 49149]

Each of the photos for the next few days was part of the gift of walking to Vila do Conde...I actually remember the experience.

 

[mspath]

Saint Jean Pied de Port
rue d'Espagne
view east

photo taken October 13, 2015



This Saint Jean Pied de Port view is
looking EAST across the Nive Béhérobie river.
from rue d'Espagne ie. the Camino Frances.

Many pilgrims miss this view since they hurry WEST on the Camino Frances and never look back.

 

[SabsP]

Ferrol on the Camino Ingles. Start. Not by boat...

 

[dick bird]

Our stay in Tomar coincided with the University Graduation and end of the Uni year. The city was very busy and we unfortunately were kept awake the first night with the students staying in the room next to us!
This was repeated when we reached Coimbra with the Universities end of year celebrations and Graduation in that city. Another sleepless night.
View attachment 101350View attachment 101351

They call it 'queima das fitas', or burning the ribbons. The story goes that in times past, a very male-oriented past, when only men could go to university and they had to wear black gowns; every time they 'made a conquest', they would tear a strip in the hem of their gown. At the end of their studies they would ritually burn their gowns, for reasons that no one was ever able to explain. But the name persists.

 

[Julia BOGNAR]

Leaving Melide. Do you see the elves?

 

[Julia BOGNAR]

Camino Primitivo: leaving Berducedo, towards the reservoir (Salime)

 

[Bill905]

We were required to take the Val Carlos route when we started the Camino in March of 2019. The Napoleonic route was officially 'closed' until April 1st. We were warned in the Pilgrim Welcome Center in SJPP that if anyone did take the Napoleonic route, and subsequently had to be rescued, the fines would be hefty! Here is a screenshot of what it took to reach Roncesvalles that first day. One of our walking companions had a phone app that tracked the altitude covered and converted it into the equivalent of floors of a building. When I saw that statistic, I knew why my thighs were so sore! The Napoleonic route would require even more floors.

 

[mspath]

We were required to take the Val Carlos route when we started the Camino in March of 2019. The Napoleonic route was officially 'closed' until April 1st. We were warned in the Pilgrim Welcome Center in SJPP that if anyone did take the Napoleonic route, and subsequently had to be rescued, the fines would be hefty! Here is a screenshot of what it took to reach Roncesvalles that first day. One of our walking companions had a phone app that tracked the altitude covered and converted it into the equivalent of floors of a building. When I saw that statistic, I knew why my thighs were so sore! The Napoleonic route would require even more floors.

View attachment 101626

Bill905,
Multi-floors indeed. You can read my 2004 reaction to all those "floors" in this earlier post
What a relief it was to finally sit down on level ground and have some tea!

 

[Theatregal]

Rear view of the Iglesia de Santa Maria Muxia. It was closed when I was there but I regret I didn't spend more time exploring the exterior. When I return...

IGLESIA DE SANTA MARÍA, MUXÍA

GALICIA

galiciapuebloapueblo.blogspot.com

 

[JohnLloyd]

Time for a beer.

 

[Owensr23]

Morning view from our room over the bar in O'Cebreiro September 2016.

 

[Owensr23]

Coastal Route north of Porto in 2018.

 

[Owensr23]

Near Rates on the Portugues -- going from coastal to inland in 2018

 

[Anne&Pat]

Hotel Astoria where we stayed for two nights while in Coimbra on the Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[mspath]

Arzúa
municipal albergue
interior

photos taken December 6, 2012





In Arzúa on the CF in Galicia the municipal albergue is a repurposed/renovated historic school. Old stone was handsomely combined with new slate; original details were kept. I always enjoyed staying here; the winter heating was great.

Unseen in these pictures, but best of all, in the spacious showers, hot water sprayed me/not the walls! Bliss

 

[SabsP]

More of Ferrol. Walk out of town. Camino Ingles.
2014 and hardly any rain on the Ingles when I walked in April.
2018 I walked also in April and I had horrid rain the first days in Ferrol and Pontedeume.

 

[Bill905]

Viloria de Rioja was celebrating their 1,000th Anniversary in 2019, and the posters also commemorated the birth of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

 

[Former member 49149]

Onwards, onwards, to the lovely Vila do Conde..

 

[Owensr23]

The Leon Cathedral in 2016. Thank God for digital -- to took almost 200 photos in this Cathedral.

 

[Owensr23]

Ponte de Lima on the Portuguese in 2018.

 

[Owensr23]

City of Porto where we started our Portuguese walk. Plan on spending a extra day here to sample port wine and rest. The city if VERY hilly. One day of touring and my Fitbit said '120 flights of stairs'. we walked from here to coast for two days and then moved inland.

 

[Theatregal]

St. Jean Pied de Port. I had a delicious lunch in the garden of the restaurant Hurrup Eta Klik (lower right) and then later, a view of it during a walk along the city wall.

 

[Anne&Pat]

A dull wet day in Coimbra, Caminho Portuguese, May 2016.

 

[mspath]

Saint Jean Pied de Port
Notre-Dame du Bout du Pont
church interior

photo taken October 13, 2015



Before begining my last camino in Saint Jean Pied de Port the riverside church,
Notre-Dame du Bout du Pont, was a welcoming sanctuary.

 

[SabsP]

Two today. The lovely wooden signs in Pancorbo warning us for " the industrial part" of this small town. As you can see in the other picture it was not bad at all. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

Pancorbo - Briviesca | Recorrido | Camino Vasco del Interior | Gronze.com

Recorrido y Cultura de la etapa Pancorbo - Briviesca de la Camino Vasco del Interior en el Camino de Santiago: Pueblos y ciudades, notas sobre el recorrido, monumentos, paisajes

www.gronze.com

 

[VNwalking]

Las Medulas on the Invierno
I missed posting yesterday so here is a two for the price of one: Where I walked in June (yesterday) and my one pic of the day here. Once photo of this place is hard to choose...it is spectacular.

 

[Former member 49149]

A rather startling change from the sea view en route to Vila do Conde. Let's wait till tomorrow's photo...

 

[VNwalking]

A rather startling change from the sea view en route to Vila do Conde.

Show this to @JillGat

 

[mspath]

Show this to @JillGat

De gustibus non est disputandum/ In matters of taste, there can be no disputes

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Arca

photo taken December 8, 2013



Dawn was frigid this December morning; frozen vegetation lining the camino path sparkled like crystal as the sun rose.
It was a perfect winter day for walking the last 20km into Santiago de Compostela and up the hill to the cathedral for the 9th time.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Quinta da Grimpa which is connected with the Bodega in Sao Joao da Azenha and the famous Bairrada grape about 10 kms before Agueda. Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[SabsP]

Another one from Pancorbo. Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[Former member 49149]

This and the one from yesterday gave us a smile or two...

 

[Kanga]

Entry from 22 April 2019 - on the Primitivo, near Tineo:
It was tough but so beautiful. Snow covered mountains around. Lush, lush, lush. Lots of cows, the sweet-sour smell of sileage, and milk tankers confirm we are in Asturias. Wild violets, and primula. Huge bumblebees hovering over a sweet smelling white bush.
Had a delicious taste of the local creamy blue cheese with my breakfast. At night a tapas of cured meat and cheese on a tostados.
My muscles tell me I climbed today. As do my hips, knees and feet. This large goblet of local red wine is sooo good - along with the super strength Spanish ibuprofen.

 

[Anik2001]

Portomarine: the dreaded bridge (I have a fear of heights, so I walked on the wrong side of the cement wall) and right after, the stairs, sooooo steep... not the best part of my camino!!! But still, I will do it again as soon as I can!

 

[mspath]

View attachment 101909

View attachment 101912
Portomarine: the dreaded bridge (I have a fear of heights, so I walked on the wrong side of the cement wall) and right after, the stairs, sooooo steep... not the best part of my camino!!! But still, I will do it again as soon as I can!

Anik2001,
Glad to read that you made it safely across.
Tomorrow should be easier. Carpe diem.

 

[Anne&Pat]

More Eucalypts against a very threatening sky as we were nearing Albergaria-a-Velha. Arrived at our accommodation to discover it was closed on a Monday! Even although we had a booking. By this stage it was pouring rain. The lady in the next door travel agency came to our rescue and invited us into her premises. She then phoned the owners for us. Reluctantly they arrived about an hour later and let us in.
Why they took our booking in the first place who knows. They were also meant to be giving us our evening meal, which they did, we were the only ones in the restaurant. It was all very strange. Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[mspath]

Cirauqui
Iglesia de San Román
door

photo taken October 22, 2015



Learning/teaching are continual


October 2015 alone in Cirauqui I was intently re-admiring the south door of the Iglesia de San Román.

Two local tots on tricycles and their mom also stopped to look. Mom asked "What makes that door of this church special?"

Forever the professor I pointed to the distinctive poly-globed arch as Mom took this photo.

 

[Bill905]

Looking back towards Castrojeriz from the summit of Alto de Mostares.. That hill is a good way to get your blood flowing in the early morning!

 

[SabsP]

My walking buddy. From Monasterio de Rodilla to la Brujula. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.
Almost in Burgos...

 

[Bill905]

A small side altar in the church of San Andreas in La Faba on the CF - although I realize that most of the tradition and mystique of a camino refers to, and revolves around, the person of Santiago, I also have to remind myself from time to time that as an apostle he was a personal friend of the two people depicted by this statue, i.e. the Blessed Virgin and her son, Jesus Christ. May they all inspire pilgrims forever!

 

[VNwalking]

Another twofer. Invierno 6/6/19.
There's absolutely nothing special about this photograph, Except what happened a few minutes later.
As you can see, the Camino here is right next to the railroad line. A train approached going in the other direction - and when it reached where I was walking, the driver gave a couple of cheerful blasts of the whistle. It made my day.
On the camino, it doesn't take much.

 

[JohnLloyd]

A message of hope from Finisterre.

 

[Former member 49149]

Finally, arriving in Vila do Conde, end of first day from Oporto, 2013.

I am sneaking in another shot of the boat...

 

[mspath]

Another twofer. Invierno 6/6/19.
There's absolutely nothing special about this photograph, Except what happened a few minutes later.
As you can see, the Camino here is right next to the railroad line. A train approached going in the other direction - and when it reached where I was walking, the driver gave a couple of cheerful blasts of the whistle. It made my day.
On the camino, it doesn't take much.

View attachment 102019

VN,
It doesn't take much but it is very special.
Much of my camino day was spent in a chaotic mental mix of personal thanksgiving, worry over the weather or my gut, and, the far more social act of simply waving to those that passed by.

These include other pilgrims, of course, but also dog walkers, police, bikers, farmers and especially lorry drivers. Such exchanges are silent gestures of our shared humanity.

 

[mspath]

Muruzábal
Iglesia de Santa María de Eunate
albergue
tea

photo taken January 31, 2009



January 31, 2009, I was the first pilgrim of the new seaon to stop and ask to stay at the Eunate albergue near the Camino Frances/Camino Aragones junction.

Jean, the French hospitalero, remembered me from 2008 and very graciously invited me to join him and his friends for "tea". We ate delicious goodies and shared much camino gossip in French !

That cold night I slept upstairs in the tiny dorm. One of the many delights of the albergue, now unfortunately closed, was falling asleep in the dark while regarding above applied to the dorm ceiling a phosphorescent band of stars, a Milky Way, leading westward...Magic.

.....All these years later as I fall asleep I still try to glimpse those stars.

 

[Former member 49149]

Day two, CP, 2013
Looking now at this photo, I recognise my ignorance of so much. 'Civilisation' has not helped me to know what is under my feet, because it has covered the earth in something that has desensitised me.
I am partly sorry for the dark note. It was prompted by seeing again these beautiful creatures, whose forebears surely did not include constraints of having to forage through metal barriers!

 

[Bill905]

Crossing a bridge on the CF, entering Sarria, I thought the the railing along the Rio Sarria with its incorporated scallop motif was very attractive.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Aproaching Oliveira de Azemeis, on our way to Sao Joao da Madeira, Caminho Portuguese, May, 2016.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The last lighthouse in Spain?