One Day at a time, One Photo at a Time (Part 3)

[SabsP]

I guess everyone remembers this part of the Francès?

 

[JohnLloyd]

Second breakfast at Cafe Zuriain where I found myself going into an ecstatic state over a slice of spinach omelette and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Exercise heightens the senses.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I guess everyone remembers this part of the Francès?

View attachment 88201

I'm embarrassed to say, but I don't remember those double mojones.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The senda

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The senda

Yes, but I walked every step of the 799 kilometers of the Frances and must have seen them.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Yes, but I walked every step of the 799 kilometers of the Frances and must have seen them.

You may have been having a nice chat with someone.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You may have been having a nice chat with someone.

Well if it was on the meseta it does have the ability to put you in a trance, lovely as it is.

 

[VNwalking]

Yes, but I walked every step of the 799 kilometers of the Frances and must have seen them.

Chris, you can't have not seen them, unless you walked wth a blindfold. But if they didn't make an impression, forgetting is more likey than remembering.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Chris, you can't have not seen them, unless you walked wth a blindfold. But if they didn't make an impression, forgetting is more likey than remembering.

According to the picture, they are unique and definately made an impression...perhaps a bit of dementia?

 

[VNwalking]

perhaps a bit of dementia?

It's called 'selective memory.'

Today's pic is another from the rooftop of the Cathedral.

 

[Theatregal]

The doors of the Museo de Arte Sacro de las Clarisas de Monforte open to welcome the eager visitors waiting in the courtyard.

​

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved my two rooftop tours. It was because of the members on this forum that I was made aware or I would have missed out on a great experience.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Just a PSA for winter Caminos... Yes, February can look like this in Galicia!

I noticed a huge difference in water levels between Jan/Feb and April. This February day gave me a quick peek at some old structures poking their heads out of the reservoir (zoom in to cloud reflection in middle) at Portomarin.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- May, 2018 The wonderful Albergue La Cabana del Abuelo Peuto run by Father Ernesto Bustio, a highly recommended stop on the del Norte.

 

[SabsP]

Obanos. Camino Francès 2011. Lovely quiet town.

 

[VNwalking]

The doors of the Museo de Arte Sacro de las Clarisas de Monforte open to welcome the eager visitors waiting in the courtyard.

Sigh. It was closed the day I was in Monforte.


This is the first vista of the plain of Alava after you come down from the Tunel San Adrian on the Vasco. It's a whole different landscape than the other side of the mountain!
View media item 9757

 

[Peregrinopaul]

An exhortation or enjoinder?

 

[JohnLloyd]

Who else stopped to have a chat with Dan at his refreshment stall a few kilometres outside Pamplona?

He was very proud of his picture with Martin Sheen.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Who else stopped to have a chat with Dan at his refreshment stall a few kilometres outside Pamplona?

He was very proud of his picture with Martin Sheen.

Good onya Dan

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

While going through my culled camino pictures the other day I came across this one, appropriate for today, Thanksgiving Day in the US, often called Turkey Day for the traditional meal served.



As an aside, a few years ago Peg and I were in a beach town in New Zealand on our Thanksgiving Day. We went to every restaurant in town but not one had turkey. We lucked out though. At the restaurant that we did end up going to we chatted with a US resident Kiwi visiting her father. As they left they gave us the last half of their pizza as an appetizer. The toppings: chicken and cranberries. Close enough and a reason for giving thanks.

 

[Former member 49149]

Happy Thanksgiving, forgive that there is no photo, just a heartfelt wish to send health and happiness to all who celebrate this day specially.

 

[mspath]

For all who celebrate may you have a
Happy Thanksgiving!
Here in rural France we old Americans are, as always, truly thankful to be alive and together.

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” —Epictetus

Ultreia!

 

[Theatregal]

Detail on a door at the Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Irache

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino Frances- August, 2014 One of those big haystacks on the way to Estella. Between Lorca and Villatuerta.

 

[SabsP]

Camino Francès 2011. Molinaseca.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Camino Francès 2011. Molinaseca.

View attachment 88290

What a gorgeous place that is.

 

[JohnLloyd]

It was my third day on the Camino, and I was still in that mode of thought that was quite proud of myself for actually coping with the sheer physical effort.

I was also constantly on the lookout for sights that I'd seen in "The Way" so that I could compare my Camino with Martin Sheen's experience.

So when I saw this bridge, the Puente de Arre, on the outskirts of Pamplona, I immediately connected it with the scene where Martin loses his rucksack with its precious cargo into the river.

Cheesy photo posed for, blog post composed and posted. Job done.

Naturally, it took about five minutes before the Internet informed me that it wasn't the same bridge, nor the right river or even the same part of the region.

Oh well.

One Up On Martin Sheen

Continuing the theme of finding certain things that have fictionally occurred to Martin Sheen’s family, a moment on the stage from Zubiri to Pamplona presented me with another opportunity to …

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

@VNwalking has the same pic.

 

[JohnLloyd]

It was a bit foggy when I got there.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

It was a bit foggy when I got there.

Just a little while ago I was thinking that I should edit my post to say that I've seen other pictures of these trees on the ridge besides @VNwalking's.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Gaudi palace museum in Astorga May 2017.

 

[Theatregal]

On the Primitivo. Standing at the site of the Museo y Castro Chao Samartin, looking back at the village of Castro.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino Frances- September, 2014 Ermita San Sebastian, Riego de Ambros, about 5 kms before Molinaseca. We loved Molinaseca but for some unknown reason we don't have any photos from our overnight stay. Pat had the best seafood soup of the whole camino and he was given enough to feed an army!

 

[VNwalking]

@VNwalking has the same pic.

I do indeed:
Haha...but now I can't find it! I'll post it later.
Edit~Here it is, not on a ridge but the crest of a gentle hill after Portomarin.



And to add a new pic, here's a lovely start to the morning after staying at Albergue El Beso, a few kms past Triacastella, walking towards the setting moon..

 

[SabsP]

The Portugues are one of the nicest and most generous people I know but they sure can speed in their cars. Can be a bit stressy for a pilgrim/ walker on these kind of roads.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The Portugues are one of the nicest and most generous people I know but they sure can speed in their cars. Can be a bit stressy for a pilgrim/ walker on these kind of roads.

View attachment 88336

Agreed! This stretch in the early morning mist outside Vila do Conde was a tad alarming.

 

[JohnLloyd]

A finer perspective for the Puente de Arre, without an idiot and his rucksack to spoil the view.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

We loved Molinaseca

I absolutely loved Molinaseca too, but it never worked out for me to overnight there. I do recall a stellar early afternoon meal in a restaurant downstairs with lovely decor, but do not recall its name to pass on unfortunately; it was on the far side of town, left side of the road.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Agreed! This stretch in the early morning mist outside Vila do Conde was a tad alarming.

I agree as well. A few times I was inching along the edge of the road, nearly hugging the walls. Thankfully just a few short-lived stretches.

 

[JohnLloyd]

I absolutely loved Molinaseca too, but it never worked out for me to overnight there. I do recall a stellar early afternoon meal in a restaurant downstairs with lovely decor, but do not recall its name to pass on unfortunately; it was on the far side of town, left side of the road.

I heartily recommend the Meson Puente Romano.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

San Anton

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino Frances- September, 2014. A bucolic scene in the vicinity of San Xulian, between Palais de Rei and Melide.

 

[SabsP]

Camino Francès 2011.




For those who do not know about Don Elias Valiña.

Who was Elías Valiña? Follow the yellow arrow! – Camino Travel Center

caminotravelcenter.com

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Camino Francès 2011.

View attachment 88394


For those who do not know about Don Elias Valiña.

Who was Elías Valiña? Follow the yellow arrow! – Camino Travel Center

caminotravelcenter.com

Fascinating article Sabine. But can you help me out with "Sempre no camiño"?

 

[SabsP]

Fascinating article Sabine. But can you help me out with "Sempre no camiño"?

Gallego for ' Always on the Camino ". Although it would be nice to hear from a Gallego speaking member here if the " no " in this sentence can be interpreted differently.

 

[Former member 49149]

Gallego for ' Always on the Camino ". Although it would be nice to hear from a Gallego speaking member here if the " no " in this sentence can be interpreted differently.

Not a native from Galicia, but google seems to be... you are 100% correct, Sabine!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

This picture was just before the San Anton picture that I posted yesterday. That made today's picture easy to pick.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This picture was just before the San Anton picture that I posted yesterday. That made today's picture easy to pick.
View attachment 88422

Beautiful, Rick! I don't think I ever saw so many poppies clustered together like that.

 

[Theatregal]

Walking late one evening in Santiago, nearing San Martin Pinario, we could hear the music of a violin. It took a moment to see her - playing alone in the shadows. We sat on a stone wall, quietly in the dark, listening to a beautiful solo concert, till she finished, packed her violin and left. A wonderful memory.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Young grape vines and olive trees on the way to Los Arcos.

 

[SabsP]

Walking late one evening in Santiago, nearing San Martin Pinario, we could hear the music of a violin. It took a moment to see her - playing alone in the shadows. We sat on a stone wall, quietly in the dark, listening to a beautiful solo concert, till she finished, packed her violin and left. A wonderful memory.

View attachment 88431

Sweet melancholy. I love those quiet evenings in Santiago.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Primitivo, May 2016.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

Primitivo, May 2016.
View attachment 88446

what amazing atmosphere... Love it!

 

[SabsP]

Camino Ingles 2014. When the Camino still passed by Bar Julia. The start for the , relative, steep climb to Hospital de Bruma.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- April, 2018 Descending into Zumaia. Between Zarautz and Deba. Good view along the coast.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Distractions on the outskirts of Pamplona.

 

[VNwalking]

Looking up Rua Hortas towards the spires of the cathedral. It sure would be nice to be there right now...

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

La puerta del perdon, Villafranca del Bierzo:



About las puertas del perdon on the Spanish Wikipedia. It includes a better picture of the door in Villafranca.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Camino del Norte- April, 2018 Descending into Zumaia. Between Zarautz and Deba. Good view along the coast.
View attachment 88464

I recall that awesome section vividly on that approach to Zumaia.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

La puerta del perdon, Villafranca del Bierzo:

View attachment 88493

About las puertas del perdon on the Spanish Wikipedia. It includes a better picture of the door in Villafranca.

Interesting link, Rick!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Early morning spider webs on the Primitivo.

 

[SabsP]

View from my pensionroom in Vega de Valcarce.
Camino Francès 2011.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- May, 2018 Between Ciguenza and Cobreces.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Ordinary houses, extraordinary decorations.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Camino del Norte- May, 2018 Between Ciguenza and Cobreces.

lovely photo. I’ve been looking at maps of the Norte and a lot of it seems to follow minor roads. Is this so? I’m thinking could be ideal on a bike.

 

[JohnLloyd]

My experience of the Norte, from Bilbao to Castro-Urdiales, was not of a bike friendly route.

 

[roving_rufus]

Moonlight evening stroll in Castrojeriz (I was actually hunting for the bus stop for the following morning as I had hurt my ankle and was heading home - but returned 10 weeks later to finish!) when I ccam across this dashing night time pilgrim

 

[Anne&Pat]

lovely photo. I’ve been looking at maps of the Norte and a lot of it seems to follow minor roads. Is this so? I’m thinking could be ideal on a bike.

Hi Peregrinopaul
There are parts that we remember would be bike friendly but also some parts that wouldn't be. But you might be able to take a different option where it isn't suitable for bikes. Some of the options we took certainly wouldn't be suitable, for example between Islares and Laredo via the coastal route and between Soto de Luina and Cadavedo there is the option to take a high route which wouldn't be suitable for bikes.
Also the 'Alpinist Route' after Santuario de Guadalupe and Pasajes de San Juan would be difficult on a bike but there is a low variant, don't know how bike friendly it is.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Norte, walking at the end of April, May and beginning of June 2018.
Some others may be able to remember more than we can to assist you in your planning.
Buen Camino
Anne & Pat

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

View from Albergue Villamayor de Monjardín

• Rick of Rick and Peg
• Jul 31, 2016
• 2

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View from Albergue Villamayor de Monjardín

• Rick of Rick and Peg
• Jul 31, 2016
• 2

The terrace off my room at the albergue Hogar Monjardin, operated by the Dutch. One of my best memories sharing wine with my son looking out at that view.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The terrace off my room at the albergue Hogar Monjardin, operated by the Dutch. One of my best memories sharing wine with my son looking out at that view.
View attachment 88539

Your view took in my albergue at the tall white building to the right of your photo.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A view that took in my albergue at the tall white building to the right of your photo.
View attachment 88540

You have a drone?
BTW...I'm joking.

 

[peregrina2000]

I’ve been looking at maps of the Norte and a lot of it seems to follow minor roads. Is this so? I’m thinking could be ideal on a bike.

There are parts that we remember would be bike friendly but also some parts that wouldn't be. But you might be able to take a different option where it isn't suitable for bikes.

The Norte’s main frustrating disadvantage for pilgrims on foot is that it is so frequently on asphalt about 2 km from the ocean. Yet on the coast itself there are unbelievably beautiful trails for walkers. I have put together a list of some of the alternatives that walkers can take that get you off the asphalt and on the coast.

Your problem would be the reverse. You could easily follow much of the Norte since it goes along the road, and then on those occasions when the Norte does take walkers directly over to the coast, you could stay on the minor roads. But that, IMO, would make for a very unsatisfying Norte experience. Your coastal experiences would pretty much be limited to seeing the ocean in the towns that are on the coast and on the camino. That may be somewhat of an overstatement, but you would miss a lot of the most inspiring scenery on a bike, I think.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The terrace off my room at the albergue Hogar Monjardin, operated by the Dutch. One of my best memories sharing wine with my son looking out at that view.
View attachment 88539

What a special place that is.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- May, 2018 Another example of one of the paths we followed, between Markina-Xemein and Gernika.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

... but you would miss a lot of the most inspiring scenery on a bike, I think.

I'm replying on your Norte thread.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Roman wall? Well ...no. It's the podium of the Temple of Diana in Merida.

(@VNwalking ... chunky felspar crystals in the bottom right block. Just sayin')

 

[SabsP]

Camino Portugues 2015.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The Magdalena bridge on the route into Pamplona.

By now, I'd learned not to think that I'd seen it in The Way already.

 

[camino07]

Ok, I need some asparagus education. I thought that the white asparagus were just green asparagus that have been kept in the dark. Either underground or under black plastic. I think that’s right. But I also thought that white asparagus were never sold fresh, just in jars or cans. I guess that’s wrong.

To my taste, there is nothing that rivals fresh green asparagus, I never liked those white slimy things. But I have never had a fresh white asparagus.

Brought back memories of the bar in Arres on the Aragones. We watched the owner sitting ,peeling freshly picked white asparagus. Next thing she brings over a plate for my friend and I. So delicious! Since then I have loved it...

 

[VNwalking]

(@VNwalking ... chunky felspar crystals in the bottom right block. Just sayin')

So I see.
Thank you for saying, because they would be easy to miss looking at the photo on my phone. (BTW, Paul, I replied on Laurie's thread about an option for getting from Zumaia to Pamplona.)

Here is the Iglesia San Nicholas in Pancorbo, with its facade only partly visible because the train cuts right in front of it, within meters. The town sits in a very narrow cleft between rugged terrain, and there aren't many other places for the train to go (besides a tunnel, and then it would miss Pancorbo altogether).
View media item 9808

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Also the Magdalena bridge but taken while on it. November 2019.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Castildelgado on the Camino Frances 2015.

 

[SabsP]

So I see.
Thank you for saying, because they would be easy to miss looking at the photo on my phone. (BTW, Paul, I replied on Laurie's thread about an option for getting from Zumaia to Pamplona.)

Here is the Iglesia San Nicholas in Pancorbo, with its facade only partly visible because the train cuts right in front of it, within meters. The town sits in a very narrow cleft between rugged terrain, and there aren't many other places for the train to go (besides a tunnel, and then it would miss Pancorbo altogether).
View media item 9808

Good that you took some pictures of the village. To the others here : I was too lazy to stroll through the village that day ( following the results of my country's elections on smartphone and lying on my bed in the hostal ).

 

[Theatregal]

On the Caminho Português da Costa between Perafita and the Praia de Angeiras. The camino path follows along boardwalks that protect the biodiversity of the sand dunes and passes by the Obelisco da Memória. We encountered a group of children who were on a nature walk learning about the dune plants and animals.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- May, 2018 More livestock! Between Nueva and Ribadesella.

 

[SabsP]

Albergue municipal Cacabelos. The cabinetype rooms with two beds each.
Camino Francès 2011.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On the Caminho Português da Costa between Perafita and the Praia de Angeiras. The camino path follows along boardwalks that protect the biodiversity of the sand dunes and passes by the Obelisco da Memória. We encountered a group of children who were on a nature walk learning about the dune plants and animals.

View attachment 88595

Those sand dune boardwalks were taxing pathways - walking on sand is not an easy task with a rucksack on.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Lazing around in the sun in Pamplona.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Albergue municipal Cacabelos. The cabinetype rooms with two beds each.
Camino Francès 2011.

Looks a bit grim. But 2 beds to a room is a definite plus.

 

[SabsP]

Looks a bit grim. But 2 beds to a room is a definite plus.

Nice and comfy though. Stayed in far worse places.
The hospitality on a pilgrimage makes all the difference.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Albergue municipal Cacabelos. The cabinetype rooms with two beds each.

When I walked by I thought that was a wonderful setup. At least in good weather.

Your picture @SabineP helped me pick out mine for today. As I remember it, just a few minutes past the albergue I came across a newly painted wall with a "Post no bills" instruction and an indication that someone found a loophole in the rule.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I too, stayed at the municipal in Cacabelos. I liked the quirky little "mini cabins"...definitely a "one of a kind" experience on the Camino Frances.

 

[JohnLloyd]

I too, stayed at the municipal in Cacabelos. I liked the quirky little "mini cabins"...definitely a "one of a kind" experience on the Camino Frances.
View attachment 88630

We looked at these, but ploughed onwards uphill to Pieros, where we had a fine evening at the funky El Serbal y la Luna.

 

[VNwalking]

Another bit of Pancorbo. For such a small town it had quite surprising public spaces. Here's the fuente and an enormous lavadero.View media item 9807

 

[Theatregal]

View from my room at the Pension San Andres in Estella.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Nice and comfy though. Stayed in far worse places.
The hospitality on a pilgrimage makes all the difference.

Just Googled it. What a unique set-up; seems amazing for a municipal! I'm sorry that I missed out on it.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

View from my room at the Pension San Andres in Estella.

Not the view from my room, but close by.
View attachment 88643

 

[Anne&Pat]

Albergue municipal Cacabelos. The cabinetype rooms with two beds each.
Camino Francès 2011.View attachment 88625

We also passed this albergue as we were leaving Cacabelos in September, 2014. This is the view from our Cacabelos accommodation. At the time we were pleased not to have chosen this accommodation for the night!

I (Anne) was suffering from bed bug bites and decided to stay in a Hostal for a change, we were also in grand company as the Azerbaijan cycling team were also staying there! The World Team Cycling Championships were on in the Ponferrada area when we walked through there in 2014! We had wanted to stay in Ponferrada and visit the Castle but there were no beds to be had!

 

[JohnLloyd]

Hemingway in Pamplona - the two are forever linked.