On the Camino: One Day at a Time, one Photo at a Time 4.0.

[TrvlDad1]

Which way?
Arzua 2017.

 

[jozero]

I've always admired the dedication to the Camino by locals. The first real example I recall is the flagstone after Pamplona but this rock work was impressive and functional.

 

[JohnLloyd]

The fabulously quirky Albergue Amanecer, just outside Población de Campos.

Stopping here for breakfast, it was a place I quickly wished I had stayed in overnight, given the cheerful hilarity of the staff, the wigwams, the dreamcatchers and all the musical instruments.

Not only that, but they were playing a Gregorian chant version of Pink Floyd's “Wish You Were Here” when we arrived.

Perfect!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Not only that, but they were playing a Gregorian chant version of Pink Floyd's “Wish You Were Here” when we arrived.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Some more photos from the Norte, haven't run out of photos yet! Hopefully we don't repeat any .
2018 At the start of the Camino del Norte, on the border between Hendaye and Irun.

 

[nycwalking]

November 13, 2019. Started Camino two days later.

 

[nycwalking]

November 16, 2019.

 

[SabineP]

Some details. A beer, a bag of salted crisps and a , by now, very outdated cellphone.
Under the arcades of Carrion de los Condes. 2011.

 

[VNwalking]

2019, Beginning the day at San Anton, having just left the albergue after a very special stay there.

 

[mspath]

Granon, February 20, 2007

The Granon albergue within a tower of the church of San Juan Bautista was always a special stop.
Once invited by the gracious priest I climbed a ladder onto the roof to see this wide view.
... Unforgettable!

 

[Kiernan]

Thanks so much, Rick! I see there are many of his drawings/water colors! I will give each of them a closer look.

Sorry Chrissy. I skiped your comment, but I see Rick didn't, and answered you already.
Thank you both!!

K.

 

[kirkie]

Oh, my hat! a trusty friend on the CF. Lost, blown away on the day of exploring Oporto 7 years later, before walking from there to Santiago. I still have not found the right replacement.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Arriving at Calzadilla de la Cueza after a torturous transit across the Meseta on a burning September day, the sense of relief was further boosted by meeting Matt from Northern Ireland at the cafe there.

He was toting a portable speaker blaring out cheerful ABBA tunes and a solar-powered muffin oven as his method of Meseta survival.

He was clearly not one who worried about the weight he was carrying!

For the rest of the day, ABBA's "Voulez-Vous" was playing on a loop in my head, which was a good thing. I didn't get to taste one of the muffins though!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

After crossing this (terrifying) bridge

I had to ascend these stairs.

Why didn't Portomarín just put up a No trespassing sign?

For the rest of the day, ABBA's "Voulez-Vous" was playing on a loop in my head, which was a good thing.

That won't happen today.

 

[JohnLloyd]

After crossing this (terrifying) bridge
View attachment 93980
I had to ascend these stairs.
View attachment 93981
Why didn't Portomarín just put up a No trespassing sign?


That won't happen today.

I was rather amused on that bridge, rather than terrified.

 

[Theatregal]

The Sé do Porto framed along a narrow street.

 

[Ian L]

View attachment 93969
Arriving at Calzadilla de la Cueza after a torturous transit across the Meseta on a burning September day, the sense of relief was further boosted by meeting Matt from Northern Ireland at the cafe there.

He was toting a portable speaker blaring out cheerful ABBA tunes and a solar-powered muffin oven as his method of Meseta survival.

He was clearly not one who worried about the weight he was carrying!

For the rest of the day, ABBA's "Voulez-Vous" was playing on a loop in my head, which was a good thing. I didn't get to taste one of the muffins though!

It looks like Matt has a utility belt that would make Batman jealous! He even has a roll of duct tape and bungee cords on there! lol!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Irun, the evening before we started the Camino del Norte in April, 2018.

 

[SabineP]

Vasco Interior 2019. In between Idiazabal and Zegama.

 

[mspath]

Sunrise west of Hontanas
November 11, 2012



..."Weeping may tarry for the night,
but joy comes with the morning."
Psalm 30:5

May the potential of each sunrise
provide daily hope. Carpe diem and, in the truest sense, Ultreia!

 

[JohnLloyd]

A map on the wall at our albergue in Terradillos de Templarios illustrates the approach of the halfway point.

 

[RENSHAW]

View attachment 92533 View attachment 92534
2006 - San Anton - another great memory

Not quite as 'Arty' as yours but most historical.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

 

[Theatregal]

On the Primitivo - the Hospitales Route.

 

[kirkie]

 

[jozero]

Loved the cloisters of Burgos Cathedral, looking inward and outward.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Irun to Pasajes de San Juan, April, 2018.
Santuario La Virgen de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Hondarribia, is visible from practically the entire municipality. The hermitage is located on Mount Jaizkibel (545 m) and was erected in the 16th century. Destroyed and rebuilt several times after the sieges suffered by the city throughout history, the current construction dates from the 19th century.

 

[SabineP]

I already wrote about the very nice people in the choir at Rabé de las Calzadas. Now the exterior of the church. CF 2013.

 

[mspath]

Santo Domingo de la Calzada,
contemporary coop
November 1, 2012



This recent garden structure shelters a future 'church coop choir'; before dawn each morning their lively chorus announces another new day to all the Casa del Santo dorm!

Domingo after whom the town is named was an 11th century hermit who devoted his life to improving the local pilgrimage route, ie. the calzada. Buried within the cathedral, he later became a saint and the village took his name. In the 12th century the local confraternity, Cofradia del Santo was formed to help and host pilgrims as they still do today.

Due to a later legend of a young pilgrim's life being saved through the assistance of immortal chickens Saint Domingo himself is usually depicted accompanied by such birds.

There is an historic coop complete with chickens (changed every two weeks!) within the cathedral and over time chickens have become THE symbol of the town.

 

[kirkie]

 

[JohnLloyd]

View attachment 94117

Are we following each other, @kirkie?

 

[JohnLloyd]

Here's my autumnal hay bale scene!

 

[kirkie]

View attachment 94118
Here's my autumnal hay bale scene!

A few days ago I thought I had better fast forward but you are right there behind me!!! I do love your photos. I love ALL the photos (just broke a rule by using all caps!).

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

In Valcarlos.


@jozero, lie to keep me happy but I say that you spent some time moving your camera around to line things up in your window and courtyard picture. That was no snapshot.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Not quite as 'Arty' as yours but most historical. View attachment 94051 View attachment 94052

Love it! I took photos of all those photos at San Anton. A great history.

 

[Theatregal]

A rest day in Castro on the Primitivo. From a hill overlooking the village.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Looking back to Irun, Hondarribia and France, where we had come from earlier that day, from nearly the top of Mount Jaizkibel. April, 2018.

 

[SabineP]

Albergue municipal in Azofra. CF 2011.
Nice village!

Albergue de peregrinos de Azofra | Albergue de Peregrinos en Azofra | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos de Azofra, en Azofra: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[mspath]

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port,
55 rue de la Citadelle, a special threshold



October 13, 2015

"For me the Camino Frances could ONLY begin at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the picturesque Basque mountain town in the French Pyrenees.

At 55 rue de la Citadelle the famous red door of the municipal albergue with its welcoming shell was ajar. Crossing that special threshold symbolically always begins my new Camino adventure; it is a magical entrance to another way of life, the Camino way.

Mme Jeannine, the tireless hospitalera who has served pilgrims for so many years is in charge. She greeted me happily with a big hug, fond recollections and many kind wishes.
...Thus serendipity prevails."

.

 

[kirkie]

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Another of my farm animal shots.

 

[Theatregal]

The Albergue de Peregrinos in the sports hall at Vilanova de Arousa on the Variante Espiritual. Enjoyed our stay here - very kind hospitaleros!

 

[JohnLloyd]

One of many inspiring messages that kept me going on the Camino.

 

[jozero]

View attachment 94146

Albergue municipal in Azofra. CF 2011.
Nice village!

Albergue de peregrinos de Azofra | Albergue de Peregrinos en Azofra | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos de Azofra, en Azofra: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

I stayed there one year as well and was soooo excited when I saw the rooms. And then the wheels fell off the cart. Turns out the old school dorm rooms were built for children who are 5' tall and 18" wide. As a 6'3" chap who most certainly has exceeded 18" of width, it turned out to be a terrible sleep because there was no way to position myself to be comfortable. I later saw a photo of someone with the same issue who dragged his mattress into the bathroom so at least he could stretch out...!!!

 

[jozero]

Such a nice walk along the canals leading to Fromista. Must have been nice to have a small vessel transport you along this way back in the older days...

 

[Anne&Pat]

After the summit had been reached, looking towards San Sebastian and the north coast of Spain. April, 2018.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I loved the cheerful red doors on the Primitivo.

 

[camino07]

If so, that is not what it was called in 2006. I can't recall the name - I will ask Joe, who has a much better memory than I.

L'esprit du Chemin. great place in 2007 and 2011

 

[SabineP]

Another door/ gate. On the Camino Ingles. Still my favourite compact Camino.

 

[kirkie]

We all need a bit of sunshine, don't we? At least in this neck of the woods...the photo was taken between Reliegos and Carrion.

 

[mspath]

west of Azofra, mixed moods



February 19, 2007

"Today was a long cold slog, but without wet mud. The sky was vivid blue and the sun bright; deep snow covered mountains to the south on my left

At the historic Rollo west of Azofra
I pondered how many countless pilgrims had passed this ancient post throughout time. Conscious that I was treading where ‘their feet had trod’ it was doubly surprising when later in the morning after the camino climbed up to a recent golf course at Cirueña it later crossed a new but vacant upmarket housing estate. Tempora mutantur!"

 

[VNwalking]

This is at Bar Blai in Beasain on the Vasco.
A wonderful place to eat!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

 

[Anniesantiago]

L'esprit du Chemin. great place in 2007 and 2011

Yes, I went back and looked at my notes. It was a lovely place. I think it may have a new name now?

 

[kohara]

The famous Ponte De Lima on the Portugues. A stunning morning's walk awaits

 

[Theatregal]

The Torre do Relógio in Caminha, Portugal.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Reaching Sahagún and passing the symbolic centro geografico del Camino.

Closer to the end than the beginning....

 

[Anne&Pat]

Windows of the Albergue de Peregrinos Ermita de Santa Ana, where we stayed in Pasajes de San Juan, after our first days walk on the Camino del Norte from Irun. April, 2018.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Passing by weary pilgrims on a warm day.
June, 2018 on the Le Puy Camino.

 

[Kiernan]

west of Azofra, mixed moods

View attachment 94207

February 19, 2007

"Today was a long cold slog, but without wet mud. The sky was vivid blue and the sun bright; deep snow covered mountains to the south on my left

At the historic Rollo west of Azofra
I pondered how many countless pilgrims had passed this ancient post throughout time. Conscious that I was treading where ‘their feet had trod’ it was doubly surprising when later in the morning after the camino climbed up to a recent golf course at Cirueña it later crossed a new but vacant upmarket housing estate. Tempora mutantur!"

Sadly (for me), the Rollo has been another victim of the "Concrete Fever"...

 

[SabineP]

Monumento al Peregrino at Finisterre.

 

[mspath]

Astorga, Bishop's Palace interior
photo taken March 10, 2007



designed from 1889 by Antonio Gaudi
the Palacio de Gaudi is now a museum.

 

[kirkie]

I could take time to try a collage, but instead will just simply post two. Each has the title, Roman wall, Carrion...

 

[JohnLloyd]

Astorga, Bishop's Palace interior
photo taken March 10, 2007

View attachment 94314

designed from 1889 by Antonio Gaudi
the Palacio de Gaudi is now a museum.

What an extraordinary treasure this was. I was delighted to have decided to divert in here for an hour or two.

 

[Theatregal]

A wonderful day, strong in my memory - arriving early afternoon and exploring St. Jean Pied de Port the day before starting my first camino in 2012.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Another wonderful piece of Camino art, hanging in the restaurant of the Viatoris albergue in Sahagún.

 

[Anne&Pat]

The side view of the Albergue in Pasajes de San Juan. You may just see a peregrino lurking in the shadows! April, 2018.

 

[SabineP]

Irache. CF 2011. I think I was the only one visiting the premises seeing most people just stop at that wine fountain.

 

[mspath]

Cirauqui
Iglesia San Roman detail
photo taken October 23, 2013



Waving as we passedl

Although I usually walked alone I hardly ever felt lonely. Much of each day was spent simply waving to those I passed and those that passed me by. These included some pathside sculpture and striding pilgrims, of course, but also dog walkers, police, bikers, farmers and especially lorry drivers.

Such waves exchanged were silent gestures of our shared humanity.

 

[kirkie]

Albergue, Mansilla de las Mulas. Maybe, once more, the previous location I stated was wrong. Was it Mansilla? My pm angel on location, come to my aid! Anyway, here, there was a lovely courtyard. We arrived around the same time as a fast moving troupe of German women who had taken an older man in tow. The courtyard in this albergue was a delightful space, full of flowers. Was it here we had Maragata stew? I sometimes think of walking the whole CF again. I doubt it will happen, so it is lovely to cherry pick my own photos, and those of others, to let my mind wander over that most unanticipated event in my life.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The view of the roof of the municipal albergue in El Burgo Ranero as seen from my bunk.

 

[Theatregal]

Through the arches of the Igrexa de Santa María Salomé on Rua Nova in Santiago.

 

[JohnLloyd]

En route to Bercianos del Real Camino, and luxuriating in a fifteenth consecutive sunrise warming my back.

Not that I was counting...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

strong in my memory

Oh, I love these words! Exactly how most of us on this thread feel as we look for the next photo we want to add that evokes strong memories for us.

 

[jozero]

It is such a nice, sunny day on the west coast today, I had to dig back to find some spring Camino photos that matched my mood today...! This one is shortly after Sahagun and was breathtaking... I remembered the Canola (Rape) growing as we went up Alto del Perdon but this was sooo much more inspiring!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

On the Primitivo, somewhere before reaching Lugo. I loved many of the bright, cheerful houses in Spain, but at home they would look very much out of place.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Irache. CF 2011. I think I was the only one visiting the premises seeing most people just stop at that wine fountain. View attachment 94369

We also spent most of our rest day in Estella exploring Monasterio de Irache. In fact we had a picnic lunch in the village square outside the Chapel.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Faro de la Plata, after Pasajes de San Pedro, on the way to San Sebastian. April, 2018.

 

[SabineP]

Igrexa de Santa Maria de Xunqueira in Cee. Epilogue to Finisterre.2015. Only five days but for me it felt like a complete Camino.

IGLESIA IGREXA DE SANTA MARÍA DA XUNQUEIRA EN CEE A CORUÑA

Cronología: XV- XIX- XX Estilo: Gótico y ecléctico. Es una de las iglesias de mayores dimensiones de la comarca de Fisterra. Tiene planta de cruz latina con tres naves, la central es mas ancha que las laterales, pilares de sección cuadrada soportan los arcos de medio punto que las separan. A...

www.turismo.gal

 

[mspath]

near Cardenuela Riopico
photo taken October 19, 2004



The first time I "saw" my way

In chill autumnal rain I slowly walked across Olmos de Atapuerca. Looking towards Villaval, Cardenuela Riopico and Burgos on the distant horizon, the rolling greenery was broken only by the giant curve of the dusty trail. All was reduced to simple basics.

Alone on that seemingly endless gravel path beneath the vast dome of an immense sky I sensed that special moment when everything 'clicked' realizing that this was, indeed, MY way and that all was and would be good.

 

[kirkie]

Leon.

 

[kohara]

Iglesia de San Esteban, Zabadilka just before Pamplona. I had never seen post it notes behind a statue of Jesus before in any church, all with personal camino wishes on them. Beautiful, peaceful place

 

[JohnLloyd]

Yes, it is.

 

[SabineP]

View attachment 94420
Yes, it is.

The Camino is one of the many good things in life IMHO.
Graffiti on the other hand is not!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

This stone, located in a glade just outside Riego de Ambrós, invited us to pause for awhile. We didn't but later regret set in.

 

[Bill905]

Easter Morning, 2019 - Stopped for a rest at O Cebreiro and my Camino Amigo Thomas from Denmark comes rushing over to me and says, "Come quickly to the church!" I followed his urging and beheld a beautiful Easter Morning sight ...

 

[Theatregal]

Hontanas, September 2012. Pilgrims illuminated in the overflow accommodation in the sports hall next to the albergue. This photo was around 2pm and by 5pm the floor was covered with mattresses. It was very organized. Two women and two men were helping with the distribution and placement of mattresses, creating aisles in the middle and a clear perimeter around so people could move freely.

 

[jozero]

Somehow foggy and vibrant at the same time...

 

[Anne&Pat]

After two days off and meeting with family who had travelled from Scotland to see us, we departed San Sebastian and continued on the Camino del Norte. Again this is looking back up the coast to where we had walked from. April, 2018.

 

[SabineP]

First day on the Camino Vasco Interior 2019. Out of Irun to Astigarraga. Little did we know how much mud and water we would find that day.

 

[kirkie]

Still, Leon

 

[mspath]

Vilar de Donas
Iglesia de San Salvador, door

photo taken November 13, 2004



A doorway to eternal rest

East of Palas de Rei the 12th century Iglesia de San Salvador in Vilar de Donas, was the official burial place of the Chevaliers de Santiago for several centuries.

Extraordinary iron fittings support the wooden panels of the great entrance door; within delicate 15th century frescos surround tombs topped with recumbent effigies of the knights.

When I slipped into visit in 2004 restoration had just begun. For comprehensive history and stylistic analysis in Spanish see San Salvador de Donas

From Portos on the CF it is a 30 min. 2.4km walk following the LU P 4005 crossing attractive undulating countryside thick with low walls, oak, pine and gorse.

...Almost hidden in the verdant countryside San Salvador de Donas was, and hopefully still is, a special site filled with eternal peace .

 

[JohnLloyd]

After two days off and meeting with family who had travelled from Scotland to see us, we departed San Sebastian and continued on the Camino del Norte. Again this is looking back up the coast to where we had walked from. April, 2018.
View attachment 94452

It’s an extraordinary place, San Sebastián

 

[JohnLloyd]

Love the Way, leave no trace.

 

[SabineP]

I love all the contributions here ( I like the flow of it all ) and especially the contributions of @mspath recently. So beautifully described. Your eye for detail is stunning.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Approaching Finisterra by the beach.

I thought that I might see Peg here but, although she had been here earlier, I met her at the albergue that she had booked. Peg had stayed a bit in Santiago and bussed to Finisterra in the morning. The distances of the stages along the way was too long for her to be comfortable walking. We did do the two days to Muxia together though.

 

[kohara]

Best seat in the house. Comillas

 

[Theatregal]

I love the wrought iron posts and signs in Santiago. This one has a fixture for a light in the hat.

 

[jozero]

After a gruelling uphill the day before, you are well rewarded with such a scenic descent from O'Cebreiro. The greens of Galicia are always a favourite of mine.

 

[Anne&Pat]

About 8.5kms from our days destination in Zarautz. Wonderful signage. April, 2018.