Gareth from Dublin on Camino yesterday.

[MickMac]

 

[Aidan21]

I am very envious. Enjoy the way. Buen Camino mi amigo.

 

[Cayou]

4 adults in St Jean and no masks ???

 

[Kathar1na]

4 adults in St Jean and no masks ???

@Cayou, St Jean is in France. There is no general obligation to wear masks on the streets in French towns, and there is only a handful of towns where the mayor has made it obligatory and often only for selected (busy) streets and markets, not for the whole town. SJPP is not among them, I have checked the newest edict for the area, valid from 5 August until 31 August 2020.

@MickMac, brilliant photos, what a clear view!

 

[Cayou]

Kat. Thanks for the legal angle. Problem is France is once again showing virus increases.
US reopened but lost track of the severity. And I’m with you, like the photos!

 

[Iriebabel]

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Amazing photos!! Thank you it bought back fond memories of my first day, first camino Buen Camino have a lovely walk!

 

[OzAnnie]

Oh ... to be there ! Great photos .. really love No3
Buen camino to Gareth .. (a fellow Irishman @MickMac ?) a brother perhaps ?

 

[MickMac]

Next door neighbour

 

[PilgrimJames]

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I am jealous! Don't mind admitting it. Enjoy every single moment. Buen Camino!

 

[Monasp]

@Cayou, St Jean is in France. There is no general obligation to wear masks on the streets in French towns, and there is only a handful of towns where the mayor has made it obligatory and often only for selected (busy) streets and markets, not for the whole town. SJPP is not among them, I have checked the newest edict for the area, valid from 5 August until 31 August 2020.

@MickMac, brilliant photos, what a clear view!

It's right ! !

 

[Michelle B]

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Beautiful pixs thanks for sharing!

 

[MickMac]

Gareth Staying in Casa Ibarrola Pamplona day 3. Those were the days my friends.
"Our day will come again"

 

[MickMac]

Just received from "Gareth" , referring to post regarding regulations on face masks in Galicia, from guest member casa susana, posted on the forum to respect Villages and wear face mask in public areas.

"Thanks Mick, everyone is wearing masks here unless in the mountains. People are being good. The police are everywhere today ensuring compliance. "

 

[Sue127]

Looks wonderful. Hope to experience the same soon. Buen Camino.

 

[paddypage]

Hi, is there many people leaving on Camino from St Jean? as planning to go again in 2 weeks. Thanks

 

[PedroG]

Brilliant pictures Gareth!
Are allergies all operating? I plan to go in 3 weeks.

PedroG

 

[ISABEL linares]

Nice photos.Saludos from Dublin.Buen Camino.

 

[PedroG]

I meant Albergoes!

PedroG

 

[MickMac]

Received from Gareth this evening.
"Most but not all albergues are open. Every second bed is empty though so capacity is limited. Everyone walking seems to get a bed. There are the expected hygiene requirements - use the hand sanitizer and masks are mostly expected inside in the albergues. Apparently about 80 people are setting out each day. It’s really hot now. It was 38 degrees today! Fun times though."

1. 

 

[Calibasco]

It all seems so surreal. Just a handful of pilgrims daily en pleno verano de vacaciones. Thank you for sharing your camino and pictures, Gareth. Ultreya!

 

[MickMac]

From Gareth today.
Thanks Mick, a good if hot day today. It really is worth starting early to avoid as much sun as possible. I had my first taste of rain today and a spectacular lightning storm last night. The wine fountain is tomorrow. Not that I am in a state to take advantage. It seems like a hilly stage and I’ll need my wits about me!

 

[Thornley]

From Gareth today.
View attachment 80487View attachment 80488View attachment 80489View attachment 80490View attachment 80491View attachment 80492View attachment 80493View attachment 80494Thanks Mick, a good if hot day today. It really is worth starting early to avoid as much sun as possible. I had my first taste of rain today and a spectacular lightning storm last night. The wine fountain is tomorrow. Not that I am in a state to take advantage. It seems like a hilly stage and I’ll need my wits about me!

I don’t think there has ever been a pilgrim not caught in a thunderstorm near Los Arcis,
so keep your wet weather gear handy

 

[Dubbydub]

Hi Gareth, thanks for the lovely pics. I am in Dublin also, hence my name here!

Since France and Spain are on the Red list in Ireland, will you do the 14 day quarantine on return?

I presume you will.

This virus is going nowhere, Laois, Offaly and Kildare have been shut down now for two weeks because of outbreaks in that area.

It's a nightmare, just as soon as you think it is sorted, off we go again on the rollercoaster.

Enjoy your journey my friend, and stay as safe as you can.

 

[Bala]

Beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing. Buen Camino.

 

[CaroleH]

Enjoying the photos. Buen camino from Australia.

 

[DBride]

Buen Camino, enjoy the road. Thanks for the photos.

 

[nicollb]

Just received from "Gareth" , referring to post regarding regulations on face masks in Galicia, from guest member casa susana, posted on the forum to respect Villages and wear face mask in public areas.

"Thanks Mick, everyone is wearing masks here unless in the mountains. People are being good. The police are everywhere today ensuring compliance. "

Doesn't surprise me. I have a friend/coworker who lives in Bilbao within a few meters of the Norte who just lost his father with COVID. Be safe.

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, all ok just out with some other pilgrims. It was a longer walk today to Logroño, but the weather was nice and refreshing. It was quite hard to find an albergue though. I was lucky in the forth attempt.

 

[Texas Walker]

I don’t think there has ever been a pilgrim not caught in a thunderstorm near Los Arcis,
so keep your wet weather gear handy

It seemed to us, in 2014, that the hills of the "scenic version" of the path were breeding the storm. Rather like the hills along the Norte do. Nothing is quite like being part of a long string of the highest things in the large hay field during a thunderstorm with the bolts not all-that-far-away!

 

[Thornley]

It seemed to us, in 2014, that the hills of the "scenic version" of the path were breeding the storm. Rather like the hills along the Norte do. Nothing is quite like being part of a long string of the highest things in the large hay field during a thunderstorm with the bolts not all-that-far-away!

When we huddled together , about 8 per group , we all discarded our walking poles and left them 20m away.
We had nowhere to go , could not even see the small shepards hut on the corner and it was 30m away.
That hut was was only 1.5m high .
Drenched so bad we all had to change in Sansol and the owners in every place there were magnificent.
Because it was so early they delayed all cleaning until we had showered and changed.
** Some accepted their hospitality and never walked another step that day........and they had a great time.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Thank you MickMac and Gareth for sharing your camino photos. Wish we were there. Your photos are wonderful.
Stay safe.
Buen Camino

 

[MickMac]

[12/08, 17:40]

From Gareth:
Your recommendation in Najera was spot on. I think this is the nicest albergue (Puerta Najera) that I have stayed in and the staff are lovely too.
More thunderstorms today, though I was not caught out in it. It’s the first time I have put on a jacket this evening. It’s chilly with the breeze
It was a longer stage today and everyone’s feet are sore. Luckily I have no blisters. Let’s hope that continues to be the case!

[12/08, 17:44]

MickMac reply: Great news, no blisters qualifies you for a Camino miracle, I will contact Vatican forthwith "St. Gareth" has a ring to it.

Buen Camino.

 

[PedroG]

Thank you so much for the updates Gareth.
Are you seeing any signs of tighter movement restrictions -or are you confident of completing the Camino?

PedroG

 

[roamingpaddy]

Thanks Gareth,im following your camino,love the pics.my aer lingus flight wad cancelled for sept 15th to SDC. I rebooked for sept 25th fingers crossed,I have O Cebrieo to SDC to do and hopefully onto Finnisterre.Buen Camino!

 

[Thornley]

hopefully onto Finnisterre

Would love you to take 5 days to Muxia then 2 days to Finnisterre.
They will be wonderful and relaxing , something to look forward too.
We loved this section very much

 

[Lexicos]

I like your photos Gareth. Lucky you.

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, a nice couple of days. It’s a little cooler which makes for pleasant rambling. I’m just two days out from Burgos and the dreaded Meseta! I’m going to push on a little further tomorrow so that I get a little longer in Burgos. I might try some night walks on the Meseta too. Any tips there?

Any suggestions on night walking on Meseta.???

 

[ISABEL linares]

After walking the long Meseta,when you arrive to Burgos,treat yourself to a tapa of morcilla de Burgos and a cerveza.Buen camino☘

 

[MickMac]

He's only approaching Burgos at moment not on Meseta I will pass it on to him Gracias.

 

[Thornley]

Any suggestions on night walking on Meseta.???
[/QUOTE]

Do it.
Plan with a few others , arrive at an albergue mid afternoon , shower, sleep and then a light tea.
We did it when there was a full moon and it was magnificent .
Not sure MM outside a full moon.
Bananas & water.
Pick your strip to do it .........................as you wish to arrive in a biggish town in the morning.

 

[roamingpaddy]

I did the mesata last year in hot weather,getting up to 35c afternoons,Im 66,it was tough but beautiful and I met great people and stayed in beautiful villages.

 

[VNwalking]

Lovely thread, Gareth...thank you for the gorgeous photos!
And about walking at night? Carrion to Moratinos is a great idea - and with Rebekah Scott's open door an irresistible one.

 

[Ste66]

Hola Gareth, nice photos, just finished our camino in Fisterra, we are also from Dublin, strange times but we really enjoyed the walk, fue muy tranquilo and the weather was fantastic.
Buen camino

 

[MickMac]

[15/08, 19:40] Gareth: Hi Mick, just getting settled here after a long day and some calls home. I’m in Ages at the moment. It was a hard day and I developed some shin splints. A lovely Spanish lady gave me some tiger balm that worked wonders.

It seems that Burgos is mostly locked down and all of the albergues are closed. The Spanish lady found an open place that I booked... hostel cathedral Burgos. So I should be fine.
[15/08, 19:41] Gareth: That sounds like a lovely offer from Rebekah. I will absolutely take that up. I need to look at the map and see when I will reach there. Thank you for posting on the forum.

 

[MickMac]

From Gareth leaving Ages this morning. :

That’s really nice. People are so good. I’ll sit down with the map and plan it out tonight. It’s always nice to meet good people, and I’ll take all of the opportunities that I can. It’s part of the adventure! Thanks for the forum. You are like base camp support!

 

[MickMac]

Well Mick, I’m finally a real pilgrim; I got my first blister today This was not the best day to rock up to Burgos being a Sunday on lockdown, but it is a beautiful city.

I followed your guide and came in through the park rather than the industrial area and it was a pleasant walk. I should really say that I mostly followed your directions, as two very helpful locals kept me on course when I was about to step wrong! Lovely people and I am thankful for my few words of Spanish!

So I had a look at the map and the really nice comments that you sent on. Tomorrow I will do Burgos to Hontanas during the day, Tuesday Hontanas to Boadilla Del Camino also during the day. This way I won’t miss the nice view during the day. On Wednesday morning I’ll set out and stop in Frómista for a coffee to say hello to GMAG if I know which albergue to stop at. It’s always nice to say hello in person after such a kind offer!

I’ll finish up around 1pm on Wednesday in Carrión, sleep for a few hours and then take Rebekah’s suggestion to walk from 11pm to Moratinos. With getting lost time, that should put me at Peaceable Kingdom around 6am on Thursday morning. If Rebekah’s kind offer still stands, I’ll slip in quietly so as not to wake anyone.

Thanks also for all of the nice suggestions from so many people including MarkyD, Bunny and Rick and the offers of help!

 

[MickMac]

Gareth off to Hontanus tomorrow just received:
Yes going to Hontanas. The nice Spanish lady told me that everything is closed there except the municipal albergue. You can’t reserve it, so I’ll need to hit the road early. In fairness they have 45 beds and I think there is only about 30 people walking. It should be fine

 

[AlwynWellington]

From Gareth today.

Gareth, kia ora (greetings) and please tell me the location of the second image on this day - 9 August - of the village on the hill with the footpath wending its way down and up to it.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going when you can)

 

[KinkyOne]

Gareth, kia ora (greetings) and please tell me the location of the second image on this day - 9 August - of the village on the hill with the footpath wending its way down and up to it.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going when you can)

The village is Cirauqui

 

[Thornley]

Gareth off to Hontanus tomorrow just received:
Yes going to Hontanas. The nice Spanish lady told me that everything is closed there except the municipal albergue. You can’t reserve it, so I’ll need to hit the road early. In fairness they have 45 beds and I think there is only about 30 people walking. It should be fine

A tener with tips on drinks & food in the best food city on the Camino
Come on Paddy

 

[MickMac]

That was just his tip, you know Dub, s are generous.

 

[Former member 42123]

That was just his tip, you know Dub, s are generous.

Kerrymen even more so.

 

[MickMac]

Thanks for that Mick. I’ll send Gabriel a text and I’ll swing in as I pass by to say hello and maybe grab a coffee if he is free.

Today was a tough enough day. The blisters are not fun! I lost my way coming out of Burgos, but pushed on with Google Maps for 10km to rejoin the path. What did pilgrims do before google?!

Everyone was in a rush to make the albergue, but there was no need. We all got a bed. We seem to be losing people as we go along. I guess not everyone can take 5 weeks off. It seems there was only twenty or so of us on this stretch.

It is very nice to catch up over a coffee along the way or over dinner in the evening. It really is a great bunch of people. Everything is closed in Hontanas so we’ll all have a communal dinner in the albergue.

It was fairly cold today and it’s raining now. I hope the sky clears up so I can see some stars

 

[MickMac]

 

[MickMac]

Gareth on way to Boadilla from Hornillos 29 k walk.
Then there was 12........

Gareth....

12 of us left this morning. More cycling. Some people are also planning to go to the next village.(fromista) 29km is enough for me!

 

[roamingpaddy]

Your doing great! Yes dont over do it ,love your updates

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, 29km today was a little painful, but this was mitigated by beautiful views. The day was overcast with a little refreshing rain. It was a nice day.

I took your suggestion and booked a hotel room. Heaven! The staff here were great, and the food was good too. I had a lovely dinner with a German and a Dutch guy. Really nice conversation and companionship.

I also text Gabriel, though I’m not sure if it got through. I’ll see him in Frómista tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be my fun day. I’ll walk to lunch time, sleep and then set out at night. It was a little overcast today, so hopefully it will be a little clearer. Either way, I look forward to the adventure.

 

[AlwynWellington]

The village is Cirauqui

Thank you. I had suffered an injury (pulled thigh muscles) coming down from Alto del Perdon the day before (early May 2016) and was walking on road shoulders to minimise thinking. My approach to Maneru, Cirauqi and Lorca was quite different: by and large I was "descending" into these villages from the NA 1110 and did not receive the vista the image shows. And I could not replicate the position using street view etc since seeing this image a few days ago.

These images have helped fill in a "gap" for me.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going as you can)

 

[MickMac]

From Gabriel luz de Fromista Alburgue :

" Garreth has been here.
He is an incredible, fantastic person, his way of understanding life, the Camino, and listening, makes it a real pleasure to be with him, although I am left with a slight feeling of having talked too much and I need to have heard more about him .
Mick, thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet Garreth. He is also one of the great reasons for being here, on the Camino. And one of those people who leave a feeling of sadness when they leave."

 

[Former member 49149]

From Gabriel luz de Fromista Alburgue :

" Garreth has been here.
He is an incredible, fantastic person, his way of understanding life, the Camino, and listening, makes it a real pleasure to be with him, although I am left with a slight feeling of having talked too much and I need to have heard more about him .
Mick, thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet Garreth. He is also one of the great reasons for being here, on the Camino. And one of those people who leave a feeling of sadness when they leave."

I would love to meet Gareth on his return - in the Epic Centre on the Liffey. A perfect place for a coffee with as much social distance as weather allows, because you can meet outside with the coffees you buy inside. The coffee will be on me...

 

[barnettstakeagiantstep]

Hi Mick, 29km today was a little painful, but this was mitigated by beautiful views. The day was overcast with a little refreshing rain. It was a nice day.

I took your suggestion and booked a hotel room. Heaven! The staff here were great, and the food was good too. I had a lovely dinner with a German and a Dutch guy. Really nice conversation and companionship.

I also text Gabriel, though I’m not sure if it got through. I’ll see him in Frómista tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be my fun day. I’ll walk to lunch time, sleep and then set out at night. It was a little overcast today, so hopefully it will be a little clearer. Either way, I look forward to the adventure.View attachment 81142View attachment 81143View attachment 81144View attachment 81145View attachment 81146View attachment 81147View attachment 81148View attachment 81149View attachment 81150View attachment 81151

Maybe our most favorite place

Hi Mick, 29km today was a little painful, but this was mitigated by beautiful views. The day was overcast with a little refreshing rain. It was a nice day.

I took your suggestion and booked a hotel room. Heaven! The staff here were great, and the food was good too. I had a lovely dinner with a German and a Dutch guy. Really nice conversation and companionship.

I also text Gabriel, though I’m not sure if it got through. I’ll see him in Frómista tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be my fun day. I’ll walk to lunch time, sleep and then set out at night. It was a little overcast today, so hopefully it will be a little clearer. Either way, I look forward to the adventure.View attachment 81142View attachment 81143View attachment 81144View attachment 81145View attachment 81146View attachment 81147View attachment 81148View attachment 81149View attachment 81150View attachment 81151

So nice to see your pic of St. Anton, think our favorite

 

[Former member 42123]

From Gabriel luz de Fromista Alburgue :

" Garreth has been here.
He is an incredible, fantastic person, his way of understanding life, the Camino, and listening, makes it a real pleasure to be with him, although I am left with a slight feeling of having talked too much and I need to have heard more about him .
Mick, thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet Garreth. He is also one of the great reasons for being here, on the Camino. And one of those people who leave a feeling of sadness when they leave."

Have just cancelled my September Camino.Due to UK GOV travel advice rendering insurance void,coupled with age of 73,I have little choice.I was due to walk Burgos to Ponferrada from 5th for my 7th trip as I love the Meseta and the lovely people I meet on the way.It is so good to see the photos you've been sent,even if it makes me so envious and sad.Thank you for your posts.

 

[SioCamino]

I would love to meet Gareth on his return - in the Epic Centre on the Liffey. A perfect place for a coffee with as much social distance as weather allows, because you can meet outside with the coffees you buy inside. The coffee will be on me...

Count me in if you do arrange that (allowing for government restrictions on gatherings of course!!!) . I would love so much to get back to the camino this year but hard to see it happening. Torn between jealousy of Gareth's and desire to hear all about it!

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, so another wonderful day. I left late at eight and walked the beautiful stretch along the canal to Frómista this morning. There I dropped into see Gabriel at Luz de Frómista albergue.

It is a beautiful albergue and I recommend it to anyone passing through. Ramona, a fellow walker stayed there last night and sung it’s praises at dinner tonight. Of course the albergue was nice, but spending a couple of hours with Gabriel was the real pleasure. Over a nice coffee he shared many stories of Pilgrims and he has absolutely collected some wisdom from all of this exposure. He said the Camino is the way of winners! It was a lovely and memorable time. What a gentleman!

I had a long walk to Carrion afterwards in the sun and I managed to get a bit burned. I had a lovely dinner with two pilgrims and then checked into the albergue run by nuns. They are so nice and were singing and playing guitar. It’s a peaceful place.

Im going to grab four hours sleep now before I set off to walk the next stage at night and see Rebekah and Paddy in the morning.

This has really been a wonderful day.

 

[MickMac]

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, a great night and day so far. I set out from Carrion at 11pm last night, slipping out like a ninja to keep my disturbance to a minimum. The sky was glorious and I saw my first real shooting star! My intention was to walk without a light but with no moon it was far too dark for that. It got overcast after a few hours and it was a hard additional 30km after a full day of walking. I limped into Rebekah and Paddy’s place at 6am and collapsed into a deep slumber!

I vaguely remember Rebekah popping her head in before she left, though I was only semi awake! Rebekah, I’m sorry for my incoherence!

I woke up at 11am and got myself together. Paddy got back around 12.30pm and we had a very civilised G&T before a wonderful lunch at a local restaurant. Paddy is a really interesting guy, and I really enjoyed the chat. So much so that I am staying another night here with him! I’m sorry that I didn’t get to chat with Rebekah as she is off doing another stretch of the Camino, but I would be happy to put them up in Dublin some time. It would be a pleasure.

Because of the night walk, I haven’t many pictures. Certainly none that can do the sky justice!

 

[CMD]

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Fantastic pictures - my feet are twitching

 

[OzAnnie]

The picture I have in my head of Gareth hobbling into the Peaceful Kingdom at 6am, makes me think he needed a rest day ..
I haven’t been there myself but just reading about it and it’s inhabitants (which includes pets )., I think this would be perfect..... and good company for both him and Paddy. Lucky men. Time enough to discuss some of the problems of the world
Maybe he will see Rebekah in Santiago or on the way.


Buen Camino

 

[NualaOC]

Thanks @MickMac and Gareth for sharing this journey with us. The photos and narrative are a joy.

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, I spent a very nice evening with Paddy at Peaceable Kingdom last night. He filled me full of real tea, which I missed greatly and there was lots of good conversation while the rain poured down amid thunder and lightning.

A nice early start with the blister much improved made for pleasant walking. It’s overcast here with a nice breeze. Perfect walking conditions.

I met a fellow Pilgrim for breakfast that I hadn’t seen for a week. He was telling me that one evening there was no room at the inn and three pilgrims slept in a graveyard. I told him he fit in well

I kept the day easy and stopped in a nice albergue in Bercianos Del Real Camino. Good food and nice surroundings. 2 more days to Leon...

 

[MickMac]

 

[Lexicos]

Your pictures really do bring it home. Good stuff.

 

[ISABEL linares]

Gracias for the nice photos.Buen Camino

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick,

I’m in Leon now. The shins are a bit sore and so I’m going to stay an extra night and enjoy this beautiful city. Sunday is not the best day to arrive, so I’ll extend the stay.

The cathedral is beautiful and the sun is shining while I sip on a beer in the square. What more could a man want?

I managed to lose my phone charger somewhere along the way so I was disconnected for a couple of days. That in itself is liberating.

I walked with a very nice Spanish girl today. So only 300km left. It goes by so quickly!

 

[ISABEL linares]

Nice tapa of salchichon,chorizo and queso with a cerveza ,enjoy to be desconnected.Buen Camino.

 

[Lexicos]

Your pics & updates are doing my head in.

 

[Lexicos]

I’m not playing any more!

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, a tough couple of days due to shin splints. I only walked 12km today and yesterday. I hoped to get some ibuprofen in the pharmacy, but the pharmacist would only give me vitamins! Im limping, so I’m taking it very easy.

It’s a short day tomorrow to Astorga and I’ll pass a few pharmacies along the way. One of them will give me what I need I’ve already taken a rest day in Leon, and I can’t afford to take too many more, so I’ll continue on taking it easy. The show must go on!

 

[MickMac]

[26/08, 20:28] Gareth: Thanks for that. Just watched the video too. Will try some massage and to stretch sitting on the heels.

I’m in Orbigo now. It’s a nice place, and I had a good feed earlier. The albergue is good too. There seems to be less and less walkers as I go on. I almost have the Camino to myself!
My reply:
[26/08, 20:35] michaelmcaul: It's sad when you reach foncebadon there is a good place trasgu foncebadon pricey but nice, before that is alternative rabanal de camino was a big stop for pilgrims.
It gets tough a bit of climbing to come. It must be lonely with not many about but try to enjoy it.

Buen Camino

 

[roamingpaddy]

Oh sorry to hear of your foot trouble.hooefully you can get it sorted soon.but dont be killing yourself,you can always come back again to finish,thanks for your updates and lovely pics,

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Gareth's photos are all stunning! They make me feel as though I am walking the camino with him...he is a gifted photographer.

 

[Former member 49149]

[26/08, 20:28] Gareth: Thanks for that. Just watched the video too. Will try some massage and to stretch sitting on the heels.

I’m in Orbigo now. It’s a nice place, and I had a good feed earlier. The albergue is good too. There seems to be less and less walkers as I go on. I almost have the Camino to myself!
My reply:
[26/08, 20:35] michaelmcaul: It's sad when you reach foncebadon there is a good place trasgu foncebadon pricey but nice, before that is alternative rabanal de camino was a big stop for pilgrims.
It gets tough a bit of climbing to come. It must be lonely with not many about but try to enjoy it.

Buen CaminoView attachment 81751View attachment 81752View attachment 81753View attachment 81754View attachment 81755View attachment 81756

I want a Tayto Park mask like yours! Sorry to hear of the shin splint problem. I won’t waste your time offering other remedies, just keep trying for ibuprufeno. I was wondering actually, why the silence. Your photos are so evocative, “memories are made of this...” if you have to hop on a bus or take a taxi, do it, because you have a return flight to catch, I imagine.
I wish I had one to catch! Yesterday, and this is a little moan, I gave in and accepted a voucher from Iberia for a single ticket I had booked way back in February before we woke up to Covid19. I have been practising patience and phoning politely every few days, but the wall of marble that describes the inflexibility of the position of the company, through the voice of its agents, could not hear that I cannot catch a flight on Saturday in Pamplona, because I cannot fly to Spain at all at all!!! It has taken months, but when I gave in yesterday, within a minute, the voucher plopped into my email. I know they have cancelled the flight, because a friend was due to sit beside me and as she had a return, she is being refunded. Moan over. I promise not even to refer to it when we meet for that coffee after you have done your 14 days of self isolation.
Easy does it, Gareth. You have time for many more caminos...

 

[Madidi]

How are these trees now? Photo taken 2006

kirkie, if you check out Gareth's photos from Sunday above, I think you will see how these trees are right now

Super photos Gareth. Take care, be safe over there.

 

[MickMac]

Is this itView attachment 81788

 

[Former member 49149]

Actually, I do believe so! I got distracted earlier, but I had seen it and thought YES! fourteen years in the growing...

 

[VNwalking]

Mick, thank you! These are a delight.
Too bad you are not staying with Lee (a beloved memberof our forum commuity), who has the Albergue in Villares de Orbigo. Maybe pop in and say hello, and she can give you sage advice about those shins.

 

[MickMac]

He is just arriving in Astorga at noon he loved Orbigo.
Because of taking rest days with shin splints he is on his own very few on Camino.
Looking at the Orbigo only one cyclist passing I think he maybe hitting the barrier we all went through.
Sad times.

 

[VNwalking]

Please pass on our good wishes - Buen camino, Mick - I hope the shins get more comfortable soon!

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, so I took your suggestion and booked a hotel today. The one that you suggested was full and I got a nice place opposite the cathedral.

The ibuprofen worked wonders. I’m a new man. Just on time considering tomorrow’s climb!

Astorga is a beautiful town, a very nice place to spend a few hours. Pilgrims seem ever thinner on the ground. The odd one that I do meet seems to be Spanish and there are more cyclists than walkers by an order of magnitude. Onwards I go.

 

[MickMac]

 

[MickMac]

Thanks Mick, your video motivated me to buy a stick for the climb and descent ahead! I bought it from a lovely lady from London in a shop called A Step on the Way. It’s on the left just as you approach the Cathedral in Astorga. It sounds like she has had a rough time lately between the pandemic and other things. If anyone is passing please drop in with a smile and maybe pick something up. You’ll be glad that you stopped by.

Im looking forward to the Templar Castle at Ponferrada.

 

[Lexicos]

Gee, thanks for the pictures Gareth. It's made my day. Really has.

 

[OzAnnie]

I bought it from a lovely lady from London in a shop called A Step on the Way. It’s on the left just as you approach the Cathedral in Astorga. It sounds like she has had a rough time lately between the pandemic and other things. If anyone is passing please drop in with a smile and maybe pick something up. You’ll be glad that you stopped by.

Michael ., Gareth sounds like a lovely pilgrim.
I know that’s how we all hope we are but it was good to read the ‘shout out’ he gave for the lady struggling through this pandemic in Astorga. There wouldn’t be much custom right now for walking supplies or much less than expected I’d guess .
His walk is really quite an experience for all of us right now and I’d guess that ‘you’ are also ‘gnawing at the bit’.
Hoping his shin splints don’t give him any more grief and wish him Buen camino.
Annie

 

[Lexicos]

".... gnawing at the bit"? What bit? I chewed and swallowed it long ago....

Just keep those photos rolling in Mick ...

 

[MickMac]

I post and paste Gareths messages, he calls me his "base camp" so I guess that makes me his "Sherpa Mick".
I asked his permission to post these messages and pics he agreed "enthusiastically" (thank heavens for spell check).

So I apoligise if it takes a while to open thread posts. I hope forum members hanging on to a thread of hope (oops another pun!) will bear with us but it's important at this time to remember times past and future caminos.

Buen Camino

 

[Deleted member 34316]

I apoligise if it takes a while to open thread posts

Why don't you use the thumbnail option then? I think it is the recommended way to insert the pictures into the posts (I've seen a post about it in one of the threads). When you insert any picture into your post, you have option of "thumbnail" and "full image". This saves a lot of megabytes of transfer for both the forum administrator as well as for those who read the post on their phones and have certain limits of free transfer... just an idea

And thumbnail turns into full picture with just one click. But if prevents from opening dozens or hundreds of pictures that we have already seen many times, each time we read a new post.

 

[MickMac]

I realize that a thumbnail uses less but thought it would be easier for instant view for members..
Many thanks for your wise advice.

 

[MickMac]

 

[peregrina2000]

Why don't you use the thumbnail option then? I think it is the recommended way to insert the pictures into the posts (I've seen a post about it in one of the threads).

I realize that a thumbnail uses less but thought it would be easier for instant view for members..

@arthur1218 is right that members have had this conversation on other threads. I know that on several of them, the participants have agreed to go to the thumbnail option to make it easier for those with slower devices. I am one of those for whom the huge number of full size images makes it hard for me to open the thread. There is no forum policy on this, and I have learned that the issue of data transfer is not much of an issue, but I do think there are many who would prefer the thumbnail. And getting the full size picture is easy, even for someone like me — just click on the thumbnail and it opens up full size.

 

[MickMac]

Hi Mick, so the trek to Foncebadon was not nearly as bad as I expected. It was not a crazy climb and I had no problems. The stick and the ibuprofen worked wonders!

I saw a nice message written on a stone on the path. It was too faded for a photo, but as far as I could make out it said “not all stones that come to you are there to obstruct, some are there to pave your path”. I just have another 240km on this path.