Pilgrim Donkeys

[Theatregal]

A friend sent me this vintage photo.

It reminded me of the several pilgrim donkeys I've met ~ These 3 near Hontanas.

Encountered this woman and her companions near Villamayor de Monjardin. They had reached Santiago and were now walking home.

This one in Foncebadon had finished her walk for the day.

Anyone else have photos of pilgrim donkeys along the way?

 

[jsalt]

Jill

 

[Jotown]

From back in October 2014 , this couple and their donkey was with us for several days - I think they were from Holland ( although I don’t think the donkey walked that far ) - on the CF and into SdC ! We were woken by the donkey alarm on several days !!
This picture just as we were entering Cacabelos

 

[Jotown]

And these two on horseback in Ribiero, on the CP , in May 2018

 

[KinkyOne]

In 2014 I met Dieter from Germany who was on his last three years leg (approx.1000km each year from Germany) from his home to SdC. He also showed me the newspaper clippings of himself and interviews he had with local newspapers. He said they weren't doing more than 20km per day because it would be just too much for the donkey. In his cart he had everything to camp and cook and also food for the donkey. If I remember correctly this one was female. Every year he bought new donkey though. The pictures were taken on the stage from Astorga.

 

[peregrino_tom]

https://flic.kr/p/5S52sX

Balthazar and Nina, just after an accident falling in the river coming into Santiago. Fortunately everyone recovered.
Balthazar the donkey, was very wilful and slipped his tether whenever given half the chance (or one time pulled a large bench halfway along the 'street' in Agés. Nina the mule, was besotted with Balthazar and followed him devotedly everywhere, especially when he made a break for it.
They were like talismen for our camino - and we worried about them in sub-zero temperatures, at night and we watched avidly, fascinated, when a farrier was called in at albergue Pelayo, in Vilarente to reshoe them. But they weren't always appreciated: one time tethered to a small tree in Hornillos, they munched away most of its leaves. It transpired that this was the only olive tree in the village and by the time they'd finished there wasn't much left of it, or goodwill in the village..
But overall, they were the best of times

 

[Dan Bolen]

A friend sent me this vintage photo.
View attachment 44134
It reminded me of the several pilgrim donkeys I've met ~ These 3 near Hontanas.
View attachment 44135
Encountered this woman and her companions near Villamayor de Monjardin. They had reached Santiago and were now walking home.
View attachment 44136
This one in Foncebadon had finished her walk for the day.
View attachment 44137
Anyone else have photos of pilgrim donkeys along the way?

 

[Nomad Pack]

Haha that's awesome to know I'm not the only one.
Do you have any info about this guy with the cart, I'd very much like to contact him and get some advice, thanks

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Thank you, @Theatregal, I love these photo threads that show up occasionally with a particular theme!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

On my way to Foncebadon.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Same guy and donkey, Peter!
Shortly after leaving Vilafranca del Bierzo in 2015.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

My picture was taken at May 12th. 2015.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My picture was taken at May 12th. 2015.

Mine taken early May. I wasn't too far behind you!