- Time of past OR future Camino
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Here's the thread to post pictures, musings, etc. for any dates in April from any year, and for any Camino route.
When you respond, please mention the year, route you were on and where you walked (or rested) that day. Thanks!
I think I am going to have to wait till late September before I can participate!Here's the thread to post pictures, musings, etc. for any dates in April from any year, and for any Camino route.
When you respond, please mention the year, route you were on and where you walked (or rested) that day. Thanks!
There's a thread for September where you can post your September memories and pictures.I think I am going to have to wait till late September before I can participate!
Have you ever posted your thoughts and remembrances of this Camino? It is one I have been thinking about doing one day.April 1, 2018 Camino de Madrid
Ciguñuela - Wamba (mid morning .. timed perfectly to join a guided tour of Iglésia de Santa Maria de Wamba and the Ossuary ) ) Peñaflor de Hornija (for lunch) Castromonte -Albergue for the night .
I have a question and comment.April 8, 2015, first day of my first Camino on the Napoleon Route from SJPdP to Roncesvalles, a day I will never forget. It was freezing cold, very windy and in places the snow was thigh deep. A real eye opener for a newbie from Australia. The confidence that day gave me has stayed with me through all my subsequent journeys. Buen Camino.
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Hi, This was before the advent of the current "closed" period for the Napoleon Route. Yes, I did check with the Pilgrim Office before departure and their advice was that the route was passable. I fell over a couple of times in the snow, but otherwise survived unscathed. Like you, I assured myself that if I could get through that first day I could handle anything, although a week later a terrible bout of gastro literally stopped me in my tracks! I have since walked the Valcarlos route twice and found that more difficult, especially in bad weather. Just my humble opinion - don't want to start a debate. Cheers.I have a question and comment.
The comment is that even though I walked that first Camino on a beautiful day in September out of SJPP, and as I sat in the shower in the albergue in Roncesvalles I said to myself, if I survived that walk I definitely got this. I am sure you and I are not alone with that feeling of exhausted happiness and new found confidence.
Question, was the Napolean Route officially open and/or did you check with the Pilgrim office to see if it was safe to walk? Not a criticism just a question.
No debate. is needed on that front. We all have our own definitions of difficult. When I walked in the CF November-December 2019 it was survival of the fittest when it came to illnesses. People got sick left and right. I had bronchial spasms for about 10 days. That was just loads and loads of fun. But wouldn't trade that camino for anything. It was fun and have a few more lifetime camino pilgrims to add to my wonderful list.Hi, This was before the advent of the current "closed" period for the Napoleon Route. Yes, I did check with the Pilgrim Office before departure and their advice was that the route was passable. I fell over a couple of times in the snow, but otherwise survived unscathed. Like you, I assured myself that if I could get through that first day I could handle anything, although a week later a terrible bout of gastro literally stopped me in my tracks! I have since walked the Valcarlos route twice and found that more difficult, especially in bad weather. Just my humble opinion - don't want to start a debate. Cheers.
...from somewhere after Valcarlos the gradient to the top is formidable. Glad to hear you made it..!!1 April 2018 - Easter Sunday
Roncesvalles
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The day before (31 March) I’d set out in light rain from St. Jean. Napoleon route was closed so of course I chose Valcarlos. As I gained altitude, the light rain & hail turned to light snow. Pretty! (I’m a California girl so snow is a novelty.) Then the snow got heavier & I started to worry I might lose the trail. Although it was my second Camino, it was my first time through the Pyrenees, and very humbling. There weren’t many markers, and I saw very few pilgrims. By mid-afternoon I was exhausted and drenched in sweat despite my fancy wooly layers, high-tech jacket & poncho. Had to keep moving to stay warm, although my legs were almost worn out from the endless climb — it was too cold to stop & rest for more than a minute. Wasn’t sure how much farther I had to go since my phone didn’t work in the mountains. Really thought I might have to spend the night in the snow if the snow obliterated the trail, and I was NOT prepared for that! Fortunately, I finally made it to Roncesvalles about 4:30pm without incident, overflowing with gratitude (& more than a few tears). I think of that day whenever I’m having a rough time. We are all of us so much stronger than we know, until we are tested. Buen camino.
31 March 2018 - along the Valcarlos route
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Great story, really enjoyed it. Thanks1 April 2018 - Easter Sunday
Roncesvalles
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The day before (31 March) I’d set out in light rain from St. Jean. Napoleon route was closed so of course I chose Valcarlos. As I gained altitude, the light rain & hail turned to light snow. Pretty! (I’m a California girl so snow is a novelty.) Then the snow got heavier & I started to worry I might lose the trail. Although it was my second Camino, it was my first time through the Pyrenees, and very humbling. There weren’t many markers, and I saw very few pilgrims. By mid-afternoon I was exhausted and drenched in sweat despite my fancy wooly layers, high-tech jacket & poncho. Had to keep moving to stay warm, although my legs were almost worn out from the endless climb — it was too cold to stop & rest for more than a minute. Wasn’t sure how much farther I had to go since my phone didn’t work in the mountains. Really thought I might have to spend the night in the snow if the snow obliterated the trail, and I was NOT prepared for that! Fortunately, I finally made it to Roncesvalles about 4:30pm without incident, overflowing with gratitude (& more than a few tears). I think of that day whenever I’m having a rough time. We are all of us so much stronger than we know, until we are tested. Buen camino.
31 March 2018 - along the Valcarlos route
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Thanks Ed!Great story, really enjoyed it. Thanks
Thanks for sharing your memories; glad to read that you made it safely up to the monastery. Ultreia!1 April 2018 - Easter Sunday
Roncesvalles
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The day before (31 March) I’d set out in light rain from St. Jean. Napoleon route was closed so of course I chose Valcarlos. As I gained altitude, the light rain & hail turned to light snow. Pretty! (I’m a California girl so snow is a novelty.) Then the snow got heavier & I started to worry I might lose the trail. Although it was my second Camino, it was my first time through the Pyrenees, and very humbling. There weren’t many markers, and I saw very few pilgrims. By mid-afternoon I was exhausted and drenched in sweat despite my fancy wooly layers, high-tech jacket & poncho. Had to keep moving to stay warm, although my legs were almost worn out from the endless climb — it was too cold to stop & rest for more than a minute. Wasn’t sure how much farther I had to go since my phone didn’t work in the mountains. Really thought I might have to spend the night in the snow if the snow obliterated the trail, and I was NOT prepared for that! Fortunately, I finally made it to Roncesvalles about 4:30pm without incident, overflowing with gratitude (& more than a few tears). I think of that day whenever I’m having a rough time. We are all of us so much stronger than we know, until we are tested. Buen camino.
31 March 2018 - along the Valcarlos route
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On the Way Tolosana, 6th/7th April 2019. Started in Toulouse, finished in Lourdes. Photos taken in L’Isle-Jourdain and Léguevin.Here's the thread to post pictures, musings, etc. for any dates in April from any year, and for any Camino route.
When you respond, please mention the year, route you were on and where you walked (or rested) that day. Thanks!
@OzAnnie - what a stunning photo! WOW. In 2018 I sat on that very bridge in Ponferrada for a good 45 minutes, pondering whether to go left & take the Invierno, with its much sparser crowds, or turn right & stay with the flow of numerous pilgrims along the CF. Decided to consult my “pocket oracle” (that is, a coin) — & ended up on the CF. But next time… Invierno!6 April 2018. Camino de Invierno -
Day 1 - Heading downhill into Borrenes - walked this route without seeing any other pilgrims but even that can’t spoil this camino- even the memory gets better ! It’s a very beautiful way ... I walked this way into sdc after finishing the Camino de Madrid - caught train from Sahagun to Ponferrada where I saw huge numbers set off on CF whilst I headed across the bridge starting the Invierno.
I enjoyed a meal at Borrenes but continued on to accommodation at Casa Socorro in Las Médulas. It was quite a long uphill day for me. I think I’d choose a stop earlier in Borrenes if I walked this way again. I’m learning more about myself and schedules .....
Stephen,Of my five caminos, I think my favourite was the Camino del Ebro in April and May 2015 in Fontcalda. Here's just one picture. Sadly my camino days are over, as old age has caught up with me. I miss the caminos. I miss Spain and her blue skies so much, and thank God for the happy times He gave me, walking the hills and coastal paths.View attachment 97084
Stephen - so lovely to read of your appreciation for what you have received. As @Kanga says - you can possibly re visit some of these special places of memory in a vehicle. England isn’t too far away.Of my five caminos, I think my favourite was the Camino del Ebro in April and May 2015 in Fontcalda. Here's just one picture. Sadly my camino days are over, as old age has caught up with me. I miss the caminos. I miss Spain and her blue skies so much, and thank God for the happy times He gave me, walking the hills and coastal paths.View attachment 97084
Is this on the Invierno? Hoping to walk there in October!Shortly after dawn, and near Pieros - 17/4/2015. Looking South across the Bierzo towards the landscape carved out by the Rio Miño and (much later) the Romans.
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Yes. I'm sorry to have been ambiguous. Edited.Whoops! Looks like the Frances
Before the next time download this excellent PDF made by a forum member, and discussed in this thread.April 20, 2018
A short walk into Burgos, planned to allow time for visiting the cathedral in the afternoon. I tried to find the way to the river walk, but didn’t succeed. Next time! I can see from the map of Burgos that if I could find the river walk, I could avoid a lot of problems on the way through the city.
Burgos was rather intimidating after days in the countryside, and I kept losing the yellow arrows on the way into the city. At one point, a kind Spanish gentleman walked with me to find the route. Eventually I just followed the road signs for the hotel Norte y Londres, which I knew was on the Camino, thinking I would stay there. Alas, it was full, but it was easy enough to find a small hotel instead.
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The magnificent cathedral was definitely a memorable highlight.
Posting this particular older thread was a good idea as so many have been confused on how to get to the river walk that takes you into the city. I had no problems only because I walked behind my son who knew what to do.Before the next time download this excellent PDF made by a forum member, and discussed in this thread.
Great shot Peter! Now all are dreaming of seeing morning light in Santiago once again.View attachment 98432
2018 , early morning in Santiago.
These early morning walks were amazing, hardly anyone on the street was actually very surreal compared to the rest off the day.Great shot Peter! Now all are dreaming of seeing morning light in Santiago once again.
The 3 of you look very happy and excited; that's THE way to go!
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