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

[Josep Montserrat]

Fornelos Salt Pans

 

[FourSeasons]

del Norte July 6, 2019 San Sebastián. It looks like the Sarria crowds made it to the coast.

 

[Theatregal]

Camino Frances, October 8, 2012. First photo - the view from the wonderful converted schoolhouse Albergue de Peregrinos Municipal de Ligonde across to Casa Mariluz, where we had dinner. Second photo - view from the garden of Casa Mariluz across to the albergue. We arrived in the early afternoon - a memorable, quiet, restful stay here.

 

[Rowena]

Cathedral of Santa Maria de Real, Pamplona, March 22, 2022



After a leisurely morning exploring the layers of history exhibited in this fascinating place, I took the bus to Roncesvalles, where I would start my pilgrimage.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

On the Camino Inglés May 2022 we stayed at the Kensington Hotel in Narón. I read JohnLloyd "Live from the Camino" report from early April where he mentioned spending his first evening here! It was a lovely stay with a clean room, good food, great service and a nice outdoor seating area. Thank you for the recommendation;-)

 

[lalaone]

"Bibliobus," a traveling library spotted between Burgos and Hornillos, 2007. It was a sweet and marvelous idea and I've never seen anything like it before or since. I wish the driver had been present to share its story! Alas, the Bibliobus remains a small but charming mystery to me.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving Sahagun
Puente Canto

photo taken November 9, 2011



Night lights were still lit on the cold wet morning when I would leave Sahagun by crossing the rio Cea on this bridge.

 

[Former member 49149]

"Bibliobus," a traveling library spotted between Burgos and Hornillos, 2007. It was a sweet and marvelous idea and I've never seen anything like it before or since. I wish the driver had been present to share its story! Alas, the Bibliobus remains a small but charming mystery to me

A charming mystery to you - a lifeline to the people of the country!
Sending a pm with more info. Why a pm? Not camino related.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Four years later, to the minute, negotiating those super-slidy sideways stones on the descent into Zubiri.

The only day it rained on me during my first Camino. The poncho was never used again.

 

[Rowena]

The bus arrived in Roncesvalles after three in the afternoon. I was so excited to get going that I didn’t think to get my credential stamped before I rushed off towards Espinal, where I spent my first night on the Camino.

Looking back at Espinal in the morning, March 23, 2022

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
leaving La Virgen del Camino

photo taken November 13, 2011



This metal pilgrim points towards the two ways to leave the town La Virgen del Camino. He stands near the junction of the main CF, which parallels the noisy route N120 direct to Villadangos, and the peaceful alternate camino going slightly SW to Villar de Mazarife.
...The choice is yours.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Camino Inglés 5th of May, 2022 on the way from Neda to Pontedeume we saw the area near Fene was chock-full with the Camino de Santiago signs, a water fountain and many homes displaying scallops on their façades, entryways and even on their door mail slots.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day, four years ago, I took my first wrong turn approaching Pamplona.

But that meant I had a wonderful view of this bridge as I returned to turn left over it.

Sometimes wrong turns end up being good turns.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Bonança​

Vila Praia de Âncora

 

[Theatregal]

On the Primitivo August 3, 2013 - Windmills and sweeping views before O Acebo.

 

[VNwalking]

The beautiful Igrexa de Santiago de Barbadelo.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

5th of May, 2022 on the Camino Inglés crossing the bridge over Río Eume coming into the beautiful town of Pontedeume.

 

[Anik2001]

After mass in Roncesvalles and the first of many pilgrim’s blessings on the way to Santiago. Love that church. July 2022

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Villavante
Iglesia de la Purificación de Nuestra Señora

photo taken November 14, 2011



In Villavante it was a suprise to see this circular flight of steps "hidden" in the locked church tower while walking from Villar de Mazarife along the CF alternate route towards Hospital d'Orbigo

 

[dick bird]

There's a thread somewhere about your favourite grafitti on the camino but I can't find it so I'll put this here. On the way into Burgos, last day on the Lana. It says "So this is how we share the work" "And the wealth, my lord, and the wealth."

On a slight tangent, I've always thought the characters of Blackadder and Baldrick were based on Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. Both brilliant in their own way.

 

[mspath]

There's a thread somewhere about your favourite grafitti on the camino but I can't find it so I'll put this here. On the way into Burgos, last day on the Lana. It says "So this is how we share the work" "And the wealth, my lord, and the wealth."

On a slight tangent, I've always thought the characters of Blackadder and Baldrick were based on Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. Both brilliant in their own way.
View attachment 131631

dick bird,
Might we all share that "wealth".
Here is a recent forum link to favorite graffiti.
Carpe diem!

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day, at this time, arriving at Alto del Perdón where the path of wind crosses with the stars.

A Sunday service was in progress when I arrived, and it was a meaningful moment to observe.

 

[Rowena]

Inside the church at Zabaldika, March 24, 2022

 

[Anik2001]

La Abadia, on the way to Larrasoaña. The owner was tending to his fruit trees when I stopped for a stamp. July 2022

 

[Umwandert]

June 11th 2022, around 10am, between O Logoso and Cee on the way to Fisterra I met "Vákner". Possibly the most unexpected view on my camino. In Olveiroa the day before I had noticed two big billboards with promotion for Vákner. I thought it was for a new Hollywood horror movie blockbuster. And I wondered why here, there is no cinema around. And why this strange German sounding name, in my ears a mix of Wagner and Valkyrie, possibly to make the creature sound more frightening? Only when I stumbled upon the enormous statue (which was obviously brand new) I learned that Vákner actually was a medieval pilgrim-eating monster from the Galician woods. I was more amused than frightened due to its look (Godzilla-meets-werewolf-with-digestive-problems).

 

[VNwalking]

Vákner actually was a medieval pilgrim-eating monster from the Galician woods.

Wow we need to revive and update that tradition. How about we get a rumor going that he appears any time someone leaves their TP in the bushes?
We could start by adding a sign at the bottom of this post that says 'Danger - Vakner,' and have someone upload a freaked-out post on FB, Twitter, IG, and Tiktok?

 

[Peregrina 2013]

5th of May, 2022 enjoying a walk in town and learning about the Torreón de los Andrade in Pontedeume. This is the remaining tower that was part of the Count of Andrade's medieval XIV century castle.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Rabanal del Camino
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

photo taken November 17, 2011



From afar it was alway a relief to see this church tower rising above the Rabanal roof tops; here I could rest before continuing into the high mountains.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day, at this time four years ago, gazing at the wonder of the Queen’s Bridge at Puente La Reina

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Bon Caminho

 

[Rowena]

Looking back at Pamplona, March 25, 2022.
This was a very long and tiring day, as everything between Pamplona and Puente la Reina was still closed. Thankfully I had reserved at Albergue Jakue, at the entrance to Puente la Reina.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
El Acebo
photo taken November 20, 2011



Leaving El Acebo on a very cold, overcast morning this was the last typical/vernacular structure before the descent; local mountain slates covered the roof and the second floor porch opened onto the single street, the Calle Real/Camino.

 

[Theatregal]

In Villavante it was a suprise to see this circular flight of steps "hidden" in the locked church tower while walking from Villar de Mazarife along the CF alternate route towards Hospital d'Orbigo

They caught my eye too, @mspath ! September 30, 2012

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day, at this time four years ago, approaching Estella, and looking for the wine fountain!

 

[Anik2001]

Going through Pamplona during a parade with the giant puppets for the San Fermines was very difficult, but the atmosphere was vibrant. I’m just glad I stayed in Cizur Menor for the night! July 2022

 

[SabsP]

Estella. April 2011.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Taken the 5th of May 2022 in Pontedeume. This is the stone bridge -rebuilt in late XIX century, over the Río Eume that gives its name to the town.




PS Sorry forgot to hit the "Post reply" botton last night!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

In Pontedeume walking around town in May this year I came across this beautiful façade.

 

[Rowena]

March 26, 2022

On this day I backtracked from Puente la Reina to see the church of Santa Maria de Eunate, then returned to Puente la Reina for a second night, this time at Albergue Estrella Guia, very close to the bridge. I had plenty of time to relax, enjoy this beautiful town, and attend evening mass at the church, which included a special pilgrim blessing. The priest gave each of us a copy of the pilgrims’ prayer and a small heart shaped necklace and told us to wear it so that Puente la Reina would always be close to our hearts. I wore mine all the way to Santiago.

Here’s one of the photos I took at Eunate:

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Molinaseca
Calle Real

photo taken November 20, 2011



Sunday morning in Molinaseca the CF/Calle Real was very calm. No pilgrims were about and nothing appeared to be open.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Praia da Foz do Minho.
In the background mount SantaTrega and its castro that we visited the next day.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day four years ago, between Torres del Río and Viana, marvelling at the stone tributes lining the Way and wondering if there was a story to be told about them.

 

[SabsP]

Best breakfast ever.
Pan con tomate.
At a bar in Caldas de Reis on the CP.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Best breakfast ever.

Completely agree with this being the best breakfast ever. I make it at home a few times a week;-)

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Camino Inglés on 6th of May, 2022 near Paderne

 

[VNwalking]

and wondering if there was a story to be told about them.

My response to your photo was not directed at you, John, but at the people who insist on making their little 'I was here' rock piles. It's a tribute to ego nothing else.

Vent for the day concluded, here is something less grumpy - the way leading down to Hospital Santa Maria de Velate on the Baztan, 2017.

 

[SabsP]

Camino Inglés on 6th of May, 2022 near Paderne

View attachment 131803 View attachment 131804

Is that the one with the picknickbench in front?

 

[Rowena]

Estella, March 27, 2022

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Is that the one with the picknickbench in front?

I honestly don't remember a picnic bench, and I looked at all the pictures we took there. All I know is that this is the bridge that goes into the tiny village of Lambre - in the Paderne municipality, on our way to Betanzos.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Ponferrada

photo taken November 20, 2011
markers



These handsome markers are attached to the south side of the Iglesia de San Andrés at the crossing of the Avenida el Castillo and Calle el Temple. .

 

[SabsP]

I honestly don't remember a picnic bench, and I looked at all the pictures we took there. All I know is that this is the bridge that goes into the tiny village of Lambre - in the Paderne municipality, on our way to Betanzos.

I guess it is not the same place. Me and names!

 

[JohnLloyd]

My response to your photo was not directed at you, John, but at the people who insist on making their little 'I was here' rock piles. It's a tribute to ego nothing else.

Vent for the day concluded, here is something less grumpy - the way leading down to Hospital Santa Maria de Velate on the Baztan, 2017.
View attachment 131805

I posted the cairn image on a few Facebook groups and it generated some negative responses about the culture of cairn construction on the Way, and elsewhere.

Making no comment on that, it was revealed that this particular collection was the work of a local man, who has constructed it over the years as a magnet for his donativo/refreshment stand.

He wasn't there when I passed by.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day four years ago, I was impressed by this statue in Logroño as it was the first “official” recognition of female peregrinos I had seen on the Way.

It might have been a predominantly male experience in times past - but this statue acknowledged the modern-day reality.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Samos
Mosteiro de San Xulián

photo taken November 25, 2011



Viewing these life-size images of monks painted on a monastery corridor wall seemed quite surreal while being guided on a tour through the dimly lit space by an actual monk!

 

[Rowena]

Villamayor de Monjardin, CF, March 28, 2022

The open gate was inviting, but the church, like so many on the Camino Frances, was closed.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

I guess it is not the same place. Me and names!

View attachment 131833

I have to say the bridge looks so similar, doesn't it? But I think this one is longer - and here is a photo of the other side of the bridge where you can see Lambre

 

[Peregrina 2013]

A most beautiful rose on the Camino Inglés in May of this year.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

View attachment 131839


On this day four years ago, I was impressed by this statue in Logroño as it was the first “official” recognition of female peregrinos I had seen on the Way.

It might have been a predominantly male experience in times past - but this statue acknowledged the modern-day reality.

Hi John,
Everybody thinks they are pilgrims to Santiago, me too. But I was told by a local guide that they are pilgrims to the Virgin of Valvanera. This virgin is the patron saint of La Rioja, they do the pilgrimage once per year and is called Valvanerada.
You can look at the plaque on the floor.



So we have to search the first “official” recognition of female peregrinos on the Way.


,

 

[JohnLloyd]

Hi John,
Everybody thinks they are pilgrims to Santiago, me too. But I was told by a local guide that they are pilgrims to the Virgin of Valvanera. This virgin is the patron saint of La Rioja, they do the pilgrimage once per year and is called Valvanerada.
You can look at the plaque on the floor.

View attachment 131881View attachment 131882

So we have to search the first “official” recognition of female peregrinos on the Way.


,

Yes, I have been informed of exactly those details on a Camino Facebook group - fascinating stuff! And perhaps a reason to visit there again to participate!

So, where is the first statue representing female peregrinos on the French route? Mansilla de las Mulas?

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day four years ago, after enjoying a great chat with a local historian on the way to Ventosa, and falling in love with Spanish summer scenery as I carried on towards Nájera.

 

[Anik2001]

The open gate was inviting, but the church, like so many on the Camino Frances, was closed.

But sometimes, if you’re lucky, the priest sees you looking around and opens the church for you to visit. That’s how I got to see this same church and have a nice chat with the priest!

 

[lalaone]

Yes, I have been informed of exactly those details on a Camino Facebook group - fascinating stuff! And perhaps a reason to visit there again to participate!

So, where is the first statue representing female peregrinos on the French route? Mansilla de las Mulas?

I believe so? The "Monumento al Peregrino" in Mansilla de las Mulas was erected in 1998. Absolutely beautiful. Sadly, it appears that the artist passed away this year.

P.S. (edit) I do have a photo of the woman in this statue, taken by my husband this June, but I'm having formatting issues. Will try to post it once sorted.

Ángel Muñiz Alique - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

Monumento al Peregrino, Mansilla de las Mulas - 86671 - Biodiversidad Virtual / Etnografía

Título: Monumento al Peregrino, Mansilla de las Mulas, Descripción: Escultura en piedra que carece de un frontal principal y en la que las tres figuras de peregrinos que la forman adquieren igual importancia alrededor de un crucero. Obra realizada en 1998 por el escultor Ángel Muñiz Alique (La...

www.biodiversidadvirtual.org

 

[JohnLloyd]

I believe so? The "Monumento al Peregrino" in Mansilla de las Mulas was erected in 1998. Absolutely beautiful. Sadly, it appears that the artist passed away this year.

P.S. (edit) I do have a photo of the woman in this statue, taken by my husband this June, but I'm having formatting issues. Will try to post it once sorted.

Ángel Muñiz Alique - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

Monumento al Peregrino, Mansilla de las Mulas - 86671 - Biodiversidad Virtual / Etnografía

Título: Monumento al Peregrino, Mansilla de las Mulas, Descripción: Escultura en piedra que carece de un frontal principal y en la que las tres figuras de peregrinos que la forman adquieren igual importancia alrededor de un crucero. Obra realizada en 1998 por el escultor Ángel Muñiz Alique (La...

www.biodiversidadvirtual.org

Ah, what about the bronzes at Alto del Perdón? Isn't at least one of those a feminine figure?

 

[SabsP]

I believe so? The "Monumento al Peregrino" in Mansilla de las Mulas was erected in 1998. Absolutely beautiful. Sadly, it appears that the artist passed away this year.

P.S. (edit) I do have a photo of the woman in this statue, taken by my husband this June, but I'm having formatting issues. Will try to post it once sorted.

Ángel Muñiz Alique - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

Monumento al Peregrino, Mansilla de las Mulas - 86671 - Biodiversidad Virtual / Etnografía

Título: Monumento al Peregrino, Mansilla de las Mulas, Descripción: Escultura en piedra que carece de un frontal principal y en la que las tres figuras de peregrinos que la forman adquieren igual importancia alrededor de un crucero. Obra realizada en 1998 por el escultor Ángel Muñiz Alique (La...

www.biodiversidadvirtual.org

Not on the CF but nevertheless a depiction of a peregrina.

Peregrina del Camino de Santiago

La imagen nos muestra una peregrina jacobea, a juzgar por una vieira que porta en su saco de camino...

arteviajero.com

Found this article, nothing to do with the statues but an interesting read.

10 mujeres peregrinas que hicieron historia - Google Arts & Culture

Descubre la historia de 10 mujeres extraordinarias que vivieron sus peregrinaciones como experiencias inolvidables. Son claros ejemplos de su vinculación al espíritu mismo del Camino de Santiago y de otras rutas.

artsandculture.google.com

 

[lalaone]

Nice catch @JohnLloyd ! I'd never looked closely enough at those figures at Alto de Perdón but I think you're right. Google says it was done by Vincent Galbete in 1996, so that would predate the female pilgrim in Mansilla by two years. As promised, here is my husband's photo - female pilgrim sculpted in Mansilla de las Mulas monument, June 2022.

 

[Former member 49149]

Not on the CF but nevertheless a depiction of a peregrina.

Peregrina del Camino de Santiago

La imagen nos muestra una peregrina jacobea, a juzgar por una vieira que porta en su saco de camino...

arteviajero.com

Found this article, nothing to do with the statues but an interesting read.

10 mujeres peregrinas que hicieron historia - Google Arts & Culture

Descubre la historia de 10 mujeres extraordinarias que vivieron sus peregrinaciones como experiencias inolvidables. Son claros ejemplos de su vinculación al espíritu mismo del Camino de Santiago y de otras rutas.

artsandculture.google.com

You have given plenty of material there, thank you very much! I never read Shirley Macleane - I doubt she really had to beg for food though!

 

[mspath]

Not on the CF but nevertheless a depiction of a peregrina.

Peregrina del Camino de Santiago

La imagen nos muestra una peregrina jacobea, a juzgar por una vieira que porta en su saco de camino...

arteviajero.com

Found this article, nothing to do with the statues but an interesting read.

10 mujeres peregrinas que hicieron historia - Google Arts & Culture

Descubre la historia de 10 mujeres extraordinarias que vivieron sus peregrinaciones como experiencias inolvidables. Son claros ejemplos de su vinculación al espíritu mismo del Camino de Santiago y de otras rutas.

artsandculture.google.com

These are quite impressive examples!
Now all we peregrinas should joyfully shout "Never underestimate the power of a woman" !

 

[JohnLloyd]

When I was thinking of the "first" female statue on the French route, I was thinking geographically.

If we're going for chronology, then perhaps the wonderful woman who sits serenely atop O Cebreiro may take the cake.

 

[SabsP]

The outskirts of Ferrol to Naron.
You can spot the golden arch of a well known burgerplace ( described in many guides as a good place to use the bathroom ) and a Lidl to buy some groceries.

Camino Ingles.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

On the Camino Inglés on the way to Betanzos in May of this year.

 

[Rowena]

Viana, Camino Frances, March 29, 2022

 

[VNwalking]

The Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro in Torres del Rio on a damp gray morning in March 2015.
Sadly the door was locked. It is a treasure inside.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
Portomarin

photo taken November 28, 2011



After following the CF through frosty fields, oak wood and tiny hamlets I glimpsed distant Portomarin through a delicate scrim of early morning fog.

 

[SabsP]

The Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro in Torres del Rio on a damp gray morning in March 2015.
Sadly the door was locked. It is a treasure inside.
View attachment 131941

In 2011 I had the privilege of an open door. Only two fellow New Zealand peregrinas and I seemed interested in visiting. A very memorable afternoon ( I also received a rather emotional message from one of my workmates so the visit to Torres del Rio is something I treasure very much ).

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day at this time four years ago, on the path from Azofra to Grañón.

By now, I was hitting my stride, thinking more than I thought possible, and learning lessons every step of the way.

Pay It Forward

As I left the albergue at Azofra this morning, I noticed an old man walking just ahead of me. He was slightly hunched over and limping a little, and I had thoughts of saying “hello” and…

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Peregrina 2013]

On the Camino Inglés this past May as we walked by a place that once was and no longer is. I always wonder what memories are still alive of a place long forgotten.

 

[Rowena]

Inside the spectacular Church of the Assumption, Navarrete, CF, March 30, 2022

It seemed that each church I entered was more ornate and imposing than the one before. I couldn’t linger in this one though, as a funeral was about to begin.

 

[mspath]

Camino Frances
near Gonzar

photo taken November 28, 2011



This horreo/ granary is located near Gonzar where the CF crosses the wood at the junction of routes LU 633 and LU P 4905.

 

[Josep Montserrat]

Chafariz de Caminha

 

[JohnLloyd]

Inside the spectacular Church of the Assumption, Navarrete, CF, March 30, 2022

It seemed that each church I entered was more ornate and imposing than the one before. I couldn’t linger in this one though, as a funeral was about to begin.

View attachment 131982

I remember that. You need to put a 1 Euro coin into a slot to see it properly?

That was illuminating, in more ways than one. I wonder if the price has increased in line with energy prices.

 

[JohnLloyd]

On this day at this time four years ago, I was still thinking about the extraordinary events at St Juan Baptista the night before.

Of course, the Camino soon provided new material for my mind to mull over, as I began to marvel at the magnificent murals of Belorado.

The artistry on display, and the history that it spoke of, were mind-blowing.

The Biography Of Silence

If you know me, you’ll know that I generally use a lot of words, when fewer might do just as well. If you know me well, you’ll know that when in company, I cannot allow a silence to dev…

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Rowena]

I remember that. You need to put a 1 Euro coin into a slot to see it properly?

That was illuminating, in more ways than one. I wonder if the price has increased in line with energy prices.

I don’t remember that in Navarrete, but I did see such a coin slot at the Knights Templar church in Villalcazar de Sirga, and put my Euro in.
This photo is from 2015:

 

[mspath]

Santiago de Compostela
Cathedral

photo taken December 3, 2011



Perhaps 15 pilgrims attended this evening mass; we all sat or stood close to the altar. A solitary nun sang; her voice rose pure and clear. The places from which we pilgrims had begun our caminos were read.
...Indeed, all was timeless.

 

[lalaone]

Leon on an early Sunday morning, July 2007

After experiencing the shock of noise and crowds a day before, it felt deeply moving to follow sunlit bronze pavement shells out of Leon on silent streets – the intimate stillness of a great city at rest.

 

[VNwalking]

I love the walk out of Leon - being anonymously part of the rhythm of an everyday morning.
Captured by the allure of the picturesque, lots of people take a bus. I did too, the first time. But now this is one of my favorite mornings of the Frances. Looking back towards the rising sun, 2015.

 

[SabsP]

Not the most beautiful picture. On the way out of Leon, towards Villadangos del Paramo.
But this is also a Camino.
Taken in 2011.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Walking the Camino mirrors life: it’s full of ups and downs.

On this day, four years ago, that parallel took on another meaning for me.

Keep Your Head Up

The significance of this experience is beginning to challenge my ability to keep up with it – physically, spiritually and literarily. This morning’s post covered the events of a memorab…

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Jennifer1959]

Camino Joy (Portuguese)

 

[markie6]

Morning assault on the North Face of O'Ceibreiro on The Frances Sept Oct 2018 in warm sunshine ( unlike my second run in howling wind and rain filling my trainers)

 

[markie6]

View attachment 131743

On this day, at this time four years ago, approaching Estella, and looking for the wine fountain!

Sept 9 2019 for mine .. Remembering the 2 people I was there with Gary (Canada) and Tine (Denmark)

 

[Rowena]

Camino Frances, March 31, 2022
The exquisite Plateresque style walnut-wood door inside the Monasterio Santa Maria de la Real, Najera. What a treat to find the monastery open as I walked from Navarrete to Azofra.

 

[Peregrina 2013]

Camino Inglés, 6th of May, 2022 in Betanzos walking around the Parroquia de Santiago unable to go in, unfortunately! It was very interesting to read that the clock tower - though attached to the church, is not a part of it and it belongs to the municipality instead.

 

[mspath]

Finisterre
photo taken December 9, 2011 am



Just after dawn walking the final kilometers along the sea to Finisterre I silently offered my heartfelt thanks for all that had been and for all those that had helped to make it so.

 

[nycwalking]

On my first pilgrimage, in 2001, I neglected to factor travel days when planned trip. Ergo, I was short on time. Started in Roncesvalles then took bus from O’Cebreiro to just before Monte de Gozo where I stopped to receive a stamp walking on to Santiago. Lozano guidebook I was using said you must walk at least 100kms.

So, 09/03/2001–03/09/2001, I met with mom. She took transport while I walked pilgrimage. Off we two went to pilgrims office. Where I happily slapped my credential on table. I started in Roncesvalles. I walked at least 100kms. I was a pilgrim. Young lady in office looked at my pilgrim’s passport. Then asked, “what did you do from O’Cebreiro”? I said: “I took a bus”. She said: “Sorry, you are not a pilgrim”.

I argued guidebook I picked up in Spain’s Office of Tourism in NYC and used for trek only said walk at least 100kms. Finally, manager gently opened my credential to penultimate page which clearly outlined necessity to walk at least last 100kms.

Pictured is the thanks for visiting tomb of St. James nicety non-pilgrims receive. Also, added credential page outlining Compostela requirements.

 

[SabsP]

Somwhere on the Camino Portugues.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The Beatific Beagle of Burgos

 

[lalaone]

I love the walk out of Leon - being anonymously part of the rhythm of an everyday morning.
Captured by the allure of the picturesque, lots of people take a bus. I did too, the first time. But now this is one of my favorite mornings of the Frances. Looking back towards the rising sun, 2015.

I really enjoyed that anonymous feeling of everyday immersion, too, @VNwalking. Very well said. My other favorite aspect of the walk out of Leon was how after Virgen, back on country paths, the soil suddenly seemed a different color underfoot. From the light and chalky look of the Meseta, the earth took on rich sienna hues. Perhaps the subtle changes had been occurring all along, but the contrast after Leon struck all at once and left me amazed.

Between Virgen del Camino and Mazarife, 2007

 

[David with new Kit!]

This morning at 0700hrs leaving Santander to start the coastal route

 

[VNwalking]

Wow. Buen camino David!

I am starting a new thread as we are well over 1000 posts here.
See you all there!

 

[Peregrina 2013]

One of our best dinners along the Camino Inglés was in Betanzos 6th of May, 2022. The entire meal we had at the Onze Restaurant was an incredible culinary experience. For starters we had chipirones - baby squid, ensalada mixta, aceitunas - olives, zamburiñas - variegated scallops and, wonderful rustic bread. The tarta de queso - cheescake, was creamy, dense and delicious!