On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 9.0

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Valcarlos
ex municipal albergue

photos taken February 6, 2007



After crossing the old French/Spanish border I reached Valcarlos and stopped at what was then the municipal albergue. Set between two public lavatories on the municipal playground the dorm space was small but clean with a tiny heater and plenty of hot water for a welcome shower.



I was the only pilgrim. Snuggling in my sleeping bag I went to sleep early in order to keep warm.

 

[nycwalking]

Camino Frances
Valcarlos
ex municipal albergue

photos taken February 6, 2007

View attachment 129831

After crossing the old French/Spanish border I reached Valcarlos and stopped at what was then the municipal albergue. Set between two public lavatories on the municipal playground the dorm space was small but clean with a tiny heater and plenty of hot water for a welcome shower.

View attachment 129832

I was the only pilgrim. Snuggling in my sleeping bag I went to sleep early in order to keep warm.

February 2014, I too was the only pilgrim.

Slept beautifully.

 

[mspath]

February 2014, I too was the only pilgrim.

Slept beautifully.

nycwalking,
Solitude is one of the many joys of walking in winter. Your 2014 sleep would have been in the new well heated municipal albergue. I, too, stayed there in later CFs.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Moinho de Aguçadoura

 

[kohara]

A live one (sorry large file as on mobile). Yesterday morning on the lovely walk out of Negreira on the finesterra.
Clouded over later which was much welcomed as its a 30km plus stage.

Quick question, does anyone know if the opening hours for Casa Ivar on a holiday (this Monday) are the same as regular Mondays or would it be the same as a Sunday. I should have asked him when i met him, i think he is busy with emails, hence the question. Gracias

 

[VNwalking]

Dunno, @kohara, maybe send him a PM?
I have been absent as all my pics went poof. So here is one I added to the Forum media: The view as you are about to enter the Tunel San Adrian on the Vasco.
View media item 9750

 

[FourSeasons]

CF Sept 3, 2013 then CF April 16, 2016
Things change quickly on the Camino, embrace it and keep walking.
2013

2016

I noticed changes, some subtle during 2016 and some not so subtle during 2019. I feel so blessed to have walking all three Camino's but especially in 2013 before the drastic changes started happening. I can only dream of how it was during the years before 2013. (Heavy Sigh)

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Roncesvalles

photo taken February 7, 2007



The air was very cold. Since thin snow and sleet covered the ground I had climbed 5 hours from Valcarlos on the verges of route N135 to the famous Roncesvalles monastery. Suddenly a tourist bus pulled up. Within the heated interior several fur clad passengers quickly snapped a photo before I, shivering, slowly moved from their sight.

 

[VNwalking]

Coming in to La Puebla de Arganzon on the Vasco. My OSMand map says that's Rio Zadorra Ibaia, which in this area is the boundary between Castilla y Leon and Euskadi: This side, the Pays Vasco. The other side, Castilla y Leon.
View media item 9777

keep walking.

Indeed. And walk as @mspath does, in the winter - or on more remote ways.
But what is that thing in the second photo? A bench and wifi hotspot? Only half joking.

 

[Theatregal]

Venturing into the the interior of Manjarin. October 3, 2012. Many have had a wonderful experience here but on this day I didn't find the vibe very friendly. An interesting place but I didn't linger.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

On the 30th of April this year when we were on our way to Valdoviño on Ruta do Mar we came to this amazing beach!

 

[Former member 49149]

Coming in to La Puebla de Arganzon on the Vasco. My OSMand map says that's Rio Zadorra Ibaia, which in this area is the boundary between Castilla y Leon and Euskadi: This side, the Pays Vasco. The other side, Castilla y Leon.
View media item 9777

Indeed. And walk as @mspath does, in the winter - or on more remote ways.
But what is that thing in the second photo? A bench and wifi hotspot? Only half joking.

It looks like something similar at the end of the Quays in Dublin that has a solar charging element to it, so your half joke is not too far off the mark.

 

[FourSeasons]

But what is that thing in the second photo? A bench and wifi hotspot? Only half joking.

It’s unfortunate and unsightly is what it is. Not necessary.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Albergue de Aguçadoura, I didn't sleep there. According to their website they have reopened in June 2022 with improvements to the facilities.


https://www.alberguedeagucadoura.com/

 

[SabsP]

Calzadilla de la Cueza. CF 2011. When there was only one hostal / bar ( this one ) and one albergue ( operated by the same owner ) . After the 17k. walk from Carrion de los Condes.
Rest!

 

[mspath]

Calzadilla de la Cueza. CF 2011. When there was only one hostal / bar ( this one ) and one albergue ( operated by the same owner ) . After the 17k. walk from Carrion de los Condes.
Rest!

View attachment 129907

Sabine,
After the long slog from Carrion de los Condes like you I too always enjoyed eating at that same hostal/bar and some times even seeing the moon.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

April 2022 along the Ruta do Mar

 

[Peregrinopaul]

It looks like something similar at the end of the Quays in Dublin that has a solar charging element to it, so your half joke is not too far off the mark.

‘
“…solar charging element” ?? You lost me, Kirki.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Larrosoana municipal albergue

photo taken February 9, 2007, dawn



After walking 26 km down from Roncesvalles I stayed in this municipal albergue. No shop/resto open so 2 pilgrims and I pooled slim rations for "dinner". Cheese and sausage tasted great with German black bread, biscuits and mugs of hot tea!

 

[VNwalking]

It looks like something similar at the end of the Quays in Dublin that has a solar charging element to it, so your half joke is not too far off the mark.

You lost me, Kirki.

A place pilgrims to recharge their phones? I don't know. But it wouldn't be the first time - people have thought of more ridiculous things.

 

[Theatregal]

The beautiful wide open landscape after Santo Domingo de la Calzada. September 17, 2012

 

[Former member 49149]

‘
“…solar charging element” ?? You lost me, Kirki.

There was a photo of a wooden slatted contraption in an earlier post which looks to be the same as one on a patch of grass outside the last pub in Dublin before you hit the open sea, on the right side of the quays, at Ringsend.
edit: not sure if you recharge yourself or your device...

 

[FourSeasons]

CF September 3, 2013. Reaching the soft bouncy leaves on way to Roncesvillas under the canopy of shade is a memory stamped in my brain I’ll never forget.

 

[VNwalking]

My way into Roncesvalles was on the road - there was too much snow to walk in the forest!
Here was the view back the next morning, from just past Burguete:
View media item 2551

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
west of Larrosoana
Arga River

photo taken February 9, 2007, 11 am



Roiling river water and thick slippery mud framed my fear. Even today as I look at this shot I start to quiver reliving the memory. Never again in wet weather would I dare walk this exact section along the CF bordering the south side of the Arga River.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

On Ruta do Mar April 2022, we went by Praia A Frouxeira - the most famous and visited beach in the Concello de Valdoviño, and watched these guys playing soccer and having a great time



View attachment IMG_5013.MOV

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Today is Saint James

 

[Theatregal]

Today's photo is in honour of Saint James Day. Santiaguiño do Monte in Padrón. August 18, 2015

 

[SabsP]

Rooftop visit Cathedral , Santiago de Compostela.
After my Camino Portugues in 2015.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 2, 2019 Villar de Mazarife ---

Thank you St James.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Trinidad de Arre

photo taken February 9, 2007, 13.00



Another long slog in the cold sunshine led to this Marist monastery scenically located on the Arre riverbank; it also had been an important pilgrim refuge throughout the ages. Accommodation was in a refitted barn within a simple monastery garden.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Saint Peter. Esposende.

 

[Theatregal]

Well... we missed the one night only theatrical performance of The Pharmacy of A. Chekhov: An Interpretation of texts by the Russian Master by Ángel Simón... by about 6 weeks In Neda on the Ingles, July 26, 2014.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 4, 2019 near the green monster before Astorga.
A very old way marker, it's a thing of beauty.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Ruta do Mar April 2022 at Praia da Frouxeira. This area has an extensive beach and there are also dunes located near Valdoviño.

 

[mspath]

Camino Argonese
Muruzábal
Iglesia de Santa Maria de Eunate

photo taken February 10, 2007



Seemingly lost in the countryside this small, octagonal, Romanesque structure is extraordinary.
The photo is a memento of my earliest glimpse of the site the first time I walked here. On the right in the view is an albergue. Both the church and albergue were closed that day. However I promised myself that I would return and sleep there someday.
... And so I did stay in 2008, 2009, 2011 and continued to visit on later caminos. I shall always treasure these times at Eunate.

 

[Theatregal]

History in the stones. Mason's marks, ancient graffiti, game boards on benches - this one, a house mark on Rua Nova in Santiago. I always look for them when I'm there. August 7, 2014.

Markings in the houses of Santiago a unique heritage to discover

We invite you to discover with us some of the many hidden wonders of the houses of Santiago de Santiago and get to know your meaning

www.elcaminoconcorreos.com

 

[SabsP]

Menu at a bar in Astigarraga. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.
In Basque and Castellano.

 

[FourSeasons]

Menu at a bar in Astigarraga. Camino Vasco Interior 2019.
In Basque and Castellano.

View attachment 130156

Can’t I just say Bocadillo? Por Favor.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Puente La Reina - Gares
Calle del Crucifijio

photo taken February 11, 2007



After Sunday mass members of the congregation enjoyed the winter sunshine on the Calle del Crucifijo in the private/public space between the open door of the Convento del Crucifijio and the closed door of the Iglesia del Crucifijo.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Esposende - Ponte D. Luis Filipe



Metallic bridge over the Cavado river inaugurated on August 7th, 1892. It is the only example of Steel Architecture in the region of Esposende.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF September 14, 2013 walking towards Burgos. Beautiful blue sky and birds on a wire.

 

[FourSeasons]

@mspath Your posts about winter Caminos are very intriguing. I surely would like to talk with you, pick your brain about walking a winter CF. Would you be willing to help me, pass on your experiences? Gear, starting point etc... any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[mspath]

@mspath Your posts about winter Caminos are very intriguing. I surely would like to talk with you, pick your brain about walking a winter CF. Would you be willing to help me, pass on your experiences? Gear, starting point etc... any advice will be much appreciated.

FourSeasons,

Please read this post and look at this post to see what worked for me. My kit list/tips is from the viewpoint of another woman who often walked in late autumn/winter. Perhaps you might find it useful for your planning.

Avoiding any mob scene was one of the reasons I always enjoyed walking in late autumn/winter

In the happy, easier past years winter was the best time to walk the CF for me. Little was hectic; without the hordes of summer all had time to share. For personal commentary regarding walking several years at this time browse my Camino Gazetteer.

....In retrospect much was close to perfect. If I could I would do it again, but now at 83 I hike long distance only in my memory.

 

[FourSeasons]

FourSeasons,

Please read this post and look at this post to see what worked for me. My kit list/tips is from the viewpoint of another woman who often walked in late autumn/winter. Perhaps you might find it useful for your planning.

Avoiding any mob scene was one of the reasons I always enjoyed walking in late autumn/winter

In the happy, easier past years winter was the best time to walk the CF for me. Little was hectic; without the hordes of summer all had time to share. For personal commentary regarding walking several years at this time browse my Camino Gazetteer.

....In retrospect much was close to perfect. If I could I would do it again, but now at 83 I hike long distance only in my memory.

This is great, thank you. What beautiful memories you have made. God Bless you sweetheart and what a treasure you are. I am reading the Gazetteer now.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Cirauqui
Iglesia San Roman

photo take February 12, 2007



Bright winter sunshine effectively lit this distinctive polylobed pointed arch above the doorway on the 12th c. Iglesia San Roman .

 

[RENSHAW]

Antique reclaimed tiles at Albergue in Cirauqui.

 

[Kanga]

Antique reclaimed tiles at Albergue in Cirauqui.View attachment 130225View attachment 130226

Beautiful.

 

[Former member 49149]

FourSeasons,

Please read this post and look at this post to see what worked for me. My kit list/tips is from the viewpoint of another woman who often walked in late autumn/winter. Perhaps you might find it useful for your planning.

Avoiding any mob scene was one of the reasons I always enjoyed walking in late autumn/winter

In the happy, easier past years winter was the best time to walk the CF for me. Little was hectic; without the hordes of summer all had time to share. For personal commentary regarding walking several years at this time browse my Camino Gazetteer.

....In retrospect much was close to perfect. If I could I would do it again, but now at 83 I hike long distance only in my memory.

To update your memory: I took a memory walk this morning. I walked down to the roundabout in Burlada and kept left, turning in to the camino that goes via the Portal de Francia. A little visit to the Cathedral: some silent moments of prayer for you, @mspath, and the countless others who have sat or knelt there in thanksgiving. I will post one photo here, and the others will be in the where did you walk locally thread, so as not to abuse this thread!
Look carefully, you can just see the pinnacle of the Cathedral in the middle of th photo.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Esposende. Monument to the Men of the Sea​

​

The statue, made by the brothers, Bom Pastor, was inaugurated in
December of 1997. It is made up of 5 figures - 4 men and one woman - and the keel of a vessel. It symbolizes the struggle of the population who live off the sea and also of those who built the needed vessels to go out to sea.

 

[Theatregal]

Climbing the Escadas do Codeçal in Porto. Looking ahead and looking back to the Douro River.
On this day July 29, 2015.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF Sept 2013 between Villar De Mazarife and Astorga. I had no cell phone, only the Brierly Guide and was in awe how a yellow arrow could guide me over 500 miles. There were a couple of times I had to stop and wait for it to appear and it did, they always did, as if by magic.

 

[mspath]

CF Sept 2013 between Villar De Mazarife and Astorga. I had no cell phone, only the Brierly Guide and was in awe how a yellow arrow could guide me over 500 miles. There were a couple of times I had to stop and wait for it to appear and it did, they always did, as if by magic.
View attachment 130264

FourSeasons,
Thanks for sharing such a happy example of camino "magic" on the way to Astorga! Here is another chance encounter with a most helpful guide in the same area.

 

[FourSeasons]

FourSeasons,
Thanks for sharing such a happy example of camino "magic" on the way to Astorga! Here is another chance encounter with a most helpful guide in the same area.

Amazing! Dogs truly are our best friends. As I was walking towards Ponferrada Sept 27, 2013, I seemed to have lost the yellow arrow but was accompanied by twin brothers who appeared out of no where, German bothers who walked on each side of me what seemed like hours. Finally an arrow so I said goodbye to those two angels, those German Shepard angels. I wish I had a picture of them but the battery ran out on my camera at Cruz de Ferro.
(picture is a repeat)

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Torres del Rio

photo taken February 14, 2007



Beneath a winter sky I took this view of Torres del Rio encircled by the rio Linares and riverside vegetation. On the extreme right amidst other rooftops rises the tower of the octagonal Romanesque church, Santo Sepulcro. In the distant middle view soars the tower of the Iglesia San Andres. Further west in the far distant middle view the camino path towards Viana will cross the gully, Mataburros/Mule Killer!

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Hontanos

photo taken February 26, 2007



Upon arrival Hontanos appeared deserted; the air was bitter cold and no one was about. Recalling that the door of the municipal albergue, where I had stayed in 2004, was usually kept ajar in case any passing pilgrim needed solace I thankfully entered, signed the register, turned on the heat, and relaxed.

... Today this photo frames another winter camino memory.

 

[VNwalking]

Late winter/early spring on the meseta, somewhere after Fromista. 2015.
View media item 2563

 

[Theatregal]

July 30, 2015. An overcast day along the wonderful route out of Porto following the Douro River, passing the bronze sculpture, The Messenger by Irene Vilar.

https://www.heyporto.com/en/o-mensageiro-de-irene-vilar/

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Near Marinhas.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

April 28th, 2022 on Ruta do Mar near Porto do Espasante I came across the remnants of this stone windmill.

 

[mspath]

Saint Jean Pied de Port
55 rue de La Citadelle
municipal albergue

photo taken January 16, 2008



Reading this sign on the municipal albergue door began a new camino adventure, my 4th CF. Pondering the route and days to come. I was very content to be back once more in this special place where serendipity prevailed.

 

[VNwalking]

A cold and forlorn graveyard near Manjarin.
View media item 4953

 

[FourSeasons]

CF October 3, 2013. The morning sunshine brings out the brilliance of this way marker. Unfortunately I believe most of these older way markers have been replaced with the new ones. For me, it’s like taking away a piece of the Camino spirit.

 

[Former member 49149]

From the garden in Zabaldika. Half half between the camino and local, as this is my local till 9th August. This thread is for one photo, so...01/08/22

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 14, 2019 on the way to Pedrouzo. These doggies needed some McLovin Sorry I couldn’t post just one. Too precious. I will refrain from posting for a few days to make up for it.

 

[Theatregal]

Peeking in the window of the Capela Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, the private chapel of the 16th century manor house, Quinta da Boa Viagem, just after Viana do Castelo. August 5th, 2015

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Ruta do Mar on April 30th after having arrived in Valdoviño we went for a walk to the Laguna de A Frouxeira an ecosystem of great value to a large number of birds. Here is some information about this important wetland:

Laguna de A Frouxeira | Birdingplaces.eu

Shallow lagoon with reedbeds that is linked to the sea. A bird paradise for birds that winter here or make a stop during the migration season..

www.birdingplaces.eu

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Estella
50 La Rua
municipal albergue

photo taken February 3, 2009



Projecting from the municipal albergue facade this large painted shell was easy to spot from afar. It was always a relief to see for then I knew I could stop hiking for rest of the day.

 

[VNwalking]

One of the hardest sections of the Invierno for me was about to begin - along the ridge under these windmills. It wasn't the windmills. It was because I knew every step was going away from my destination and when I got to the place at the bottom of the hill where the camino crossed the autovia, I would make a U-turn and have to trudge all those steps and more back in the other direction. It was easy walking. But sometimes this mind is not my friend.
View media item 9707
I was sorely tempted to take the left turn in the near distance but there were lots of arrows essentially saying, "You'd better not even think of going this way!!!" Looking at a map after the fact I have a plan, because next time I probably will.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

To Fátima or to Compostela

 

[VNwalking]

Some of the older houses in Pancorbo, on the Via de Bayona, 2019.
View media item 9796

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Logroño
Parque de La Grajera

photo taken October 29, 2012



The CF exits Logroño by following the magnificent bucolic Parque de La Grajera paths. This handsome metal shell marks the pathway west towards Navarrete.

 

[SabsP]

Humour at the albergue .
Somewhere on the Camino Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Carrión de los Condes
Refugio Santa Clara

photo taken October 25, 2004



Located on the CF at the eastern entrance to Carrión de los Condes the pilgrim Refugio Santa Clara is part of the historic Real Monasterio Santa Clara; St Francis of Assisi during his early 13th c. pilgrimage to Santiago is said to have stopped in this monastery.

 

[Theatregal]

I have no idea what this guy dropped in the fountain but when he popped up, he was soaked past his shoulders! Viana do Castelo. August 4, 2015

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Belinho.
Immigration is not something new.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

On Ruta do Mar, April 2022. Strolling along Xardíns do Almirante Moreno in Cedeira I came across this old, rusty disconnected pay phone! A blast from the past - seems like yesterday!!!

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 17, 2019 Santiago. As I soaked it all in I had the pleasure of watching every single bikegrino get hoisted in the air for their triumphant photo. Well done! The Plaza was full that day, buzzing with excitement.

 

[VNwalking]

The view before heading down the steep hill to Ponte Ulla: the dramatic railroad viaduct, and Pico Sacra in the distance. Invierno, June 2019.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián

photo taken March 13, 2009



Sections of this Benedictine monastery complex are 9th c. , but the majority was built in the 16th-17th centuries. Much, however, had to be rebuilt after a disasterous 1951 fire. Areas can be visited on a guided tour or when attending religious services.

 

[kohara]

Last week on the Finisterre, first view of the ocean.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 7, 2019 After leaving Cacabelos heading to Trabadelo I took the high road at Villafranca del Bierzo way above the road. It was very steep getting there but worth the views and solitude.

 

[Theatregal]

After Doriga on the Primitivo. July 28, 2013.

 

[VNwalking]

Morning, Castrojerez. May 2019

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Ruta do Mar, 30th April 2022 as we approach Valdoviño.

 

[mspath]

Cabo Finisterre
photograph taken December 9, 2011



I walked alone the final path along the sea towards kilometer 0. After 1000 kms and nine weeks my 7th CF ended. Silently I gave heartfelt thanks for all that had been and for all those that had helped to make it so.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

On Ruta do Mar, April 2022. Strolling along Xardíns do Almirante Moreno in Cedeira I came across this old, rusty disconnected pay phone! A blast from the past - seems like yesterday!!!

View attachment 130550

Potes on the Lebaniego - Vadiniense.
The telephone is from the same era, but the cabin is older.
That day there was a quick painting contest in the village, which is why the painter is in the photo.

 

[SabsP]

Cabo Finisterre
photograph taken December 9, 2011

View attachment 130644

I walked alone the final path along the sea towards kilometer 0. After 1000 kms and nine weeks my 7th CF ended. Silently I gave heartfelt thanks for all that had been and for all those that had helped to make it so.

March 2016.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 7, 2019 the high road at Villafranca del Bierzo continues. I was the only pilgrim in sight.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Our wonderful place in Valdoviño on Ruta do Mar, 1st of May 2022. It was lovely and we were the only guests that night. They also served a great breakfast there! Great memories

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
photo taken pre-January 1, 2010



Unfortunately I know neither where on the CF nor when I photographed this handsome contemporary shell! However it was pre 1/1/2010 since I used it on 2010 New Year's greetings.

 

[SeñorJacques]

Camino Frances
6 May 2022



A hard-won stop (and much-appreciated cold beer) at Orisson on a perfect afternoon, three months ago today.

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 7, 2019 along the high road, still.
Delicious art.

 

[SabsP]

Quiet morning in Santiago de Compostela. 2011.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Ruta do Mar 1st of May 2022. As we make our way to final destination of this new Camino we passed a field of beautiful European Yellow Lupines - with Valdoviño in the background.

 

[VNwalking]

Once upon a time people's horses needed water as much or more than they did.
Fuente at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Valle near Monasterio de Rodilla on the Via de Bayona, 2019.

 

[SabsP]

Once upon a time people's horses needed water as much or more than they did.
Fuente at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Valle near Monasterio de Rodilla on the Via de Bayona, 2019.
View attachment 130717

See what I missed by sitting ( and not moving) at the bench at the entrance...

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Roncesvalles

photo taken October 12, 2011



This roadside statue of the Virgin was photograhed when I walked the N-135 route down from the Ibaneta pass towards Roncesvalles. What a wonderful relief it was to stop and sit here to offer silent thanks for my safe arrival after completing the 5 hour slog through the pass from Valcarlos.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Igreja Paroquial de Belinho

 

[FourSeasons]

CF August 9, 2019 on the way down from O Cebreiro. Does anyone know what kind of flower/fruit this is? It's beautiful and interesting looking. Its nectar must be sweet as the bee stopped to take it in. Is it a fig or prickly pear, or?