One Day at a time, One Photo at a Time (Part 3)

[VNwalking]

That is just absolutely beautiful. You have an amazing photography talent, @Theatregal.

Agree 1000%!

Cirauqui. Frances 2011.

The iconic camino photo. Beautiful!

Here's one of my first impressions of the cathedral in Leon on my first camino. I was wandering around with my mouth hanging open, just dumbstruck.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Beginning the second day with another rookie flounder - forgetting my water bottles and having to go back to the bunks to rescue them.

Is this the most photographed road sign in Spain?

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Cirauqui. Frances

That’s Cirauqui on the hill.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Is this the most photographed road sign in Spain?

And possibly the most confronting.

 

[JohnLloyd]

And possibly the most confronting.

Especially as it adds about 46km to the distance, compared to what Brierley says!

 

[Terry Callery]

On the Route Francis -Awesome horse - I asked the rider if he did not mind me taking the picture - he put a thumb up so I clicked it

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

This isn't a great photo but it is a reminder of one of my most favorite camino moments. While we saw a few cows along the way I was thinking that we weren't going to encounter cows being herded along the roads like in the videos and pictures we'd seen. Well, JUST before the Galician border on the Camino Francés a herd was driven past us. These two guys were near the rear. The dog was yap-yap-yaping away beside the cow. The cow was walking along nicely, unlike some behind it who WERE in need of encouragement or chastising. My impression was that these were two good friends having a conversation while taking a stroll. I think that if I showed a video of the moment you would agree with me. Sorry, no video, I'm glad that I had enough luck to get the picture.

 

[Theatregal]

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- June, 2018 In the vicinity of Miraz, Galicia.

This isn't a great photo but it is a reminder of one of my most favorite camino moments. While we saw a few cows along the way I was thinking that we weren't going to encounter cows being herded along the roads like in the videos and pictures we'd seen. Well, JUST before the Galician border on the Camino Francés a herd was driven past us. These two guys were near the rear. The dog was yap-yap-yaping away beside the cow. The cow was walking along nicely, unlike some behind it who WERE in need of encouragement or chastising. My impression was that these were two good friends having a conversation while taking a stroll. I think that if I showed a video of the moment you would agree with me. Sorry, no video, I'm glad that I had enough luck to get the picture.
View attachment 87676

A herd of cows also passed us in a small village on the way up to O Cebreiro, where we had stopped for a drink in a cafe/bar. Your cows look very familiar, unfortunately we didn't take a photo of them back in 2014.
But this herd also looks similar! But not in the same part of Spain!

 

[SabineP]

Burgos 2013.
Hotel Norte y Londres.
Old school charm.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Burgos 2011.
Hotel Norte y Londres.
Old school charm.

View attachment 87730

Burgos, 2014. Not quite but nearly the same room! Very nice hotel for a two night break.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Strolling through Burguete on the second morning, still at the point where everything is a picture.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

The view from our Hotel El CID window in Burgos.

 

[Theatregal]

Panorama view from my favourite place to sit on the square (if it's available ) - against the 7th column of the Palacio de Rajoy

​

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Cirauqui. Frances 2011.

View attachment 87658

I was so excited the first time I saw Cirauqui in the distance. It was the epitome of a "hilltop village".

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Let's see, I've submitted pictures of tractors, horses, cows, goats, sheep, dogs, hay and grain. Now it's time for

 

[JohnLloyd]

Panorama view from my favourite place to sit on the square (if it's available ) - against the 7th column of the Palacio de Rajoy

View attachment 87748

​

Here's my favourite view of Obradoiro.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino Finisterre/Muxia- June, 2018 Between Santa Marina and Olveiroa. The silage to feed the cattle!

 

[SabineP]

Of course on the Camino Portugues...
Pasteis de Belem.

 

[JohnLloyd]

"Where are these brightly-coloured humans going?"

"I don't know, but they just keep walking past us"

"I never see any going the other way"

"I know, it's strange, isn't it?"

"This grass is nice"

"Is it going to rain?"

"I think so"

"Oh, look. Here come some more"

"Is it milking time yet?"

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The chickens are demanding more time.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The 5 guard dogs demanded we leave.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The 5 guard dogs demanded we leave.
View attachment 87800

I think you misunderstood them. Looking at their ribs I think they were inviting you in for a meal. Theirs.

 

[Theatregal]

The bright goodness of a fresh ensalada mixta - except for the tinned asparagus which I'm not so fond of

 

[SabineP]

The bright goodness of a fresh ensalada mixta - except for the tinned asparagus which I'm not so fond of

View attachment 87807

I find it very strange that even in THE area of the white asparagus in Spain, Tudela I got the canned version.

Espárragos - Verduras de Tudela

El espárrago blanco es una de las hortalizas más consumidas a nivel mundial, de esquisito sabor y un sinfin de propiedades.

verdurasdetudela.com

But I'm biased seeing it is one of our national dishes here in Belgium. I always make them frech like in this recipe.

White Asparagus a la Flamande | Asperges op Vlaamse Wijze | Global Table Adventure

globaltableadventure.com

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I find it very strange that even in THE area of the white asparagus in Spain, Tudela I got the canned version.

Always easier for the restaurants/albergues to grab a can off the shelf to serve than dealing with the refrigeration and cleaning issue to prepare, disappointing as it sometimes is.

 

[jozero]

I've usually walked in the winter and one great (photography) benefit is the much later sunrise. And I have been lucky to enjoy a few very nice ones...

Burgos Sunrise

• jozero
• Apr 27, 2016
• 15

From our hotel window (Meson del Cid) on 27-April-2016. Perfect start to our rest day in Burgos!

 

[Theatregal]

I find it very strange that even in THE area of the white asparagus in Spain, Tudela I got the canned version.

Espárragos - Verduras de Tudela

El espárrago blanco es una de las hortalizas más consumidas a nivel mundial, de esquisito sabor y un sinfin de propiedades.

verdurasdetudela.com

But I'm biased seeing it is one of our national dishes here in Belgium. I always make them frech like in this recipe.

White Asparagus a la Flamande | Asperges op Vlaamse Wijze | Global Table Adventure

globaltableadventure.com

Looks delicious! I'll have to try this recipe with green asparagus until I can find white asparagus in the early summer farmer's markets.

 

[peregrina2000]

I find it very strange that even in THE area of the white asparagus in Spain, Tudela I got the canned version.

Looks delicious! I'll have to try this recipe with green asparagus until I can find white asparagus in the early summer farmer's markets.

Ok, I need some asparagus education. I thought that the white asparagus were just green asparagus that have been kept in the dark. Either underground or under black plastic. I think that’s right. But I also thought that white asparagus were never sold fresh, just in jars or cans. I guess that’s wrong.

To my taste, there is nothing that rivals fresh green asparagus, I never liked those white slimy things. But I have never had a fresh white asparagus.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino Portugues- 25th, April, 2016 Azambuja, Freedom day in Portugal remembering the Carnation revolution, a Military coup that took place on 25th, April, 1974. This was our 4th day walking from Lisbon. We have a son who is a volunteer firefighter here in Australia and we took this for him. We then continued to take many photos of Bombeiros Voluntarios stations all along the Caminho Portugues! More tomorrow!

 

[Anne&Pat]

I (Anne) am not a fan of canned white asparagus, would always pass them over to Pat. But love fresh green asparagus, which we get here in Australia. Don't know if we can get white asparagus here or not.

I never liked those white slimy things.

I agree Laurie!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I (Anne) am not a fan of canned white asparagus, would always pass them over to Pat. But love fresh green asparagus, which we get here in Australia. Don't know if we can get white asparagus here or not.

I agree Laurie!

I agree, too, Anne! They are wet, limp snd slimy.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Organic recycling

 

[kirkie]

I think this is one of my photos. If I am mistaken, owner please forgive...

 

[kirkie]

re: asparagus,

https://www.asparagus-lover.com/white-asparagus.html

I know it from Navarra, and it is served simply with a mayonnaise dressing on the side. generally tinned, and from a locally produced source. Now I had better close down and get into the business awaiting me! Loving all your photos.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The chickens are demanding more time.
View attachment 87796

I think this guy was the ringleader.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I think this guy was the ringleader.
View attachment 87838

I think that anvil in the background says it all. That cock is headed for the chopping block.

 

[SabineP]

More white asparagus for me then! Frankly I find the green ones extremely bland. But I know that I am blessed to live in a country where even a small town brasserie prides themself in making high standard food with honest ingredients.
@peregrina2000 Some more info.

White Gold Time

It's asparagus season in Belgium, which means that the markets (both supermarkets and outdoor markets) are overflowing with piles of white...

belgiumshock.blogspot.com

Flemish Food: Asparagus | VISITFLANDERS

Asparagus is a populary Flamish vegetable side dish. In the Flemish style, it is boiled or steamed and served with hollandaise sauce and/of melted butter.

www.visitflanders.com

Now back to the pics.

Carrion de los Condes in 2011. My first Camino.

 

[jozero]

There are very few times I could be called a night Pilgrim but leaving Roncesvalles in January 2018 was one of those few times! Yes, Brrrr was the word of the day

 

[Theatregal]

The Iglesia Parroquial de Santiago de Olveiroa as I was leaving on a dark cloud rainy morning.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

There are very few times I could be called a night Pilgrim but leaving Roncesvalles in January 2018 was one of those few times! Yes, Brrrr was the word of the day

@jozero, I'm glad you're posting here. You've got great photos (but you and @Theatregal may be our Borgov and Harmon). I remember your photo of Roncevalles from France probably taken on the same camino).

 

[jozero]

@jozero, I'm glad you're posting here. You've got great photos (but you and @Theatregal may be our Borgov and Harmon). I remember your photo of Roncevalles from France probably taken on the same camino).

Is there a way I can quickly (yet gracefully and with necessary dignity) concede???!!!???

 

[Theatregal]

Is there a way I can quickly (yet gracefully and with necessary dignity) concede???!!!???

Perhaps a draw?

 

[jozero]

Perhaps a draw?

I’m not worthy! But happily accept!!

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Early morning. My unique Airbnb in Rochefort.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Caminho Portugues- April, 2016 Alhandra, before reaching Vilafranca de Xira.

 

[jozero]

@jozero, I'm glad you're posting here. You've got great photos (but you and @Theatregal may be our Borgov and Harmon). I remember your photo of Roncevalles from France probably taken on the same camino).

Seems I always manage to find snow in Roncesvalles... This one was January 2013.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Seems I always manage to find snow in Roncesvalles... This one was January 2013. View attachment 87887

Do you pack special snow shoes with you when you walk winter caminos?

 

[jozero]

Do you pack special snow shoes with you when you walk winter caminos?

I didn't the first couple of times but the third time, after numerous slips, falls and near misses, I listened to my wife and took a set of ice trekkers.........

 

[JohnLloyd]

Espinal's unexpectedly modern church - it rather stood out.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Who was it that said "My treat!"?

 

[SabineP]

Castrojeriz 2011.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

One more camino chicken. A BIG one.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

One more camino chicken. A BIG one.
View attachment 87917

Rick, I often have my head in the sand.

 

[Theatregal]

A last bit of the beauty of No. 19 peaking through - somewhere before Bentanzos on the Camino Inglés.

 

[jozero]

Love those frosty mornings, especially when you're in the home stretch!

 

[Anne&Pat]

Caminho Portugues- April, 2016 Golega

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Yeah, before taking the picture I realized that I was in a picnic area but my first thought was they were announcing a place to poop.

 

[SabineP]

Fiesta in non social distancing times. Vasco Interior 2019.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Is this place for real?

 

[JohnLloyd]

Is this place for real?
View attachment 87956

I wouldn't like to try to get in without an invitation...

 

[JohnLloyd]

On my first Camino, it rained only on one day, for the morning stretch between Roncesvalles and Zubiri.

That made these super-slippery sideways stones a little tricky to walk over.

 

[VNwalking]

against the 7th column of the Palacio de Rajoy

Now I know where to find you!

except for the tinned asparagus

I find it very strange that even in THE area of the white asparagus in Spain, Tudela I got the canned version.

To my taste, there is nothing that rivals fresh green asparagus, I never liked those white slimy things.

I thought I was the only one who abhorred slimy white asparagus out of a tin. I love it fresh any way it comes, but have never seen fresh asparagus anywhere on any Caminos.

Seems I always manage to find snow in Roncesvalles...

Me too!
March:

 

[Theatregal]

Leaving Bentanzos in the morning - a lovely shop on the Plaza de los Hermanos Garcia to buy bread, cheese and fruit for the day.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Caminho Portugues- May, 2016 Igreja de Santa Cruz, Coimbra.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

On my first Camino, it rained only on one day, for the morning stretch between Roncesvalles and Zubiri.
That made these super-slippery sideways stones a little tricky to walk over.

More rocks!
Outcrops of strata turned on end - absolutely vertical, testament to the titanic forces that threw up the Pyrennees.
I remember that stretch. Hell on a bike. I turned right onto the bitumen for the descent from Erro.

 

[SabineP]

Albergue parroquial Grañon. Camino Francès 2013.

 

[JohnLloyd]

More rocks!
Outcrops of strata turned on end - absolutely vertical, testament to the titanic forces that threw up the Pyrennees.
I remember that stretch. Hell on a bike. I turned right onto the bitumen for the descent from Erro.

That would have been very tricky.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Albergue parroquial Grañon. Camino Francès 2013.

View attachment 88027

What a night I had there. When I saw the mats, I nearly considered going elsewhere. I'm so pleased I stayed put.

 

[VNwalking]

Ahhh, Grañon!
Here it is in 2015:
Not the place so much as the feeling. When I was there in March there were only four of us staying the night and it was so special, with an amazing hospi from Barcellona named Laura. I actually never saw most of those people again, but they are precious to my heart. Here is the parting of ways in the morning, peregrinos taking to the open road

 

[JohnLloyd]

My second day took me from Roncesvalles to Zubiri, as I was taking note of Brierley's sage advice to not overdo it on the first few days.

That meant that I was nearly the first to book in at Albergue Rio Arga Ibaia, with its lovely riverside setting and natural white noise generator.

A raucous evening at the Cafe del Camino followed, with some good chicken wings too. One too many Estrellas, perhaps...

For daily reminders of the Camino from here, I recommend @javierzubiri on Instagram. Some lovely images.

Roncesvalles to Zubiri

Somewhat surprisingly, I woke up this morning to discover that I was in fact still alive and even more incredulously, not one part of my body had gone on strike overnight either. That said, I was a…

johnelsewhere.blog

 

[Theatregal]

Freshly plowed. Early morning after Silleda.

 

[peregrina2000]

One more camino chicken. A BIG one.
View attachment 87917

Rick, do you (or does anyone else) by any chance remember when there was a house in Eirexe next door to the municipal albergue? The owners, an upper middle age couple, served pilgrim dinners in their home, which would never have passed a basic health inspection. But we all survived the meal in 2000. Out back, they had a bunch of ostriches, not sure what they did with them, but the meal did have a lot of mystery ingredients. I also remember that the owners of the house sent us all off to the local romanesque church to search for a carving of male genitals.

I went by several years ago when I walked the Olvidado-Francés and saw no evidence of the couple or the animals. And Eirexe itself was totally changed!

 

[peregrina2000]

but have never seen fresh asparagus anywhere on any Caminos.

I met this man as I was walking from Moclín to Alcalá del Real on the Mozárabe. As I approached a large field, I saw many people bent over from the waist down (not a back-friendly position) apparently cutting something and putting it in a pocketed apron. Turns out it was asparagus. This bunch you see in the picture sells for 2€ to the co-op that buys them. To make the harvesting more complicated, the vegetables mature at different rates, so going up and down a row means skipping some and coming back in a few days. This man was not a complainer, and his expression shows the pride he takes in his work, but he did admit that his back was reaching the end of its shelf life in this job. I had many plates of fresh grilled vegetables in this part of Spain that included asparagus. So though there is no romanesque, there are other advantages.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Not too much to say about this picture other than I like it and it was taken in Galicia.

 

[jozero]

Me too!
March:

I can accept snow from Dec-Feb but white In March is tough to take.

 

[jozero]

Does anyone recognize this courtyard? The white stuff probably makes it a little more challenging but I am sure there are at least two items many will recognize.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Caminho Portugues- May, 2016 Outside Igreja de Santa Cruz, Coimbra and adjoining it is the Cafe Santa Cruz built on the original monastery buildings.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Shortly after leaving Combarro, the Spiritual Variant on the Portuguese May 2019.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Some locals are welcoming.

Others are not.

Angry Basque birds.

 

[SabineP]

Sign outside trainstation in French Hendaye. Could have taken local shuttle to Spanish Irun but decided to walk the three k.
Ah the anticipation of yet another new Camino. The Vasco Interior in 2019. The first with a companion. When I arrived @VNwalking had already checked in into our hostal.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Rick, do you (or does anyone else) by any chance remember when there was a house in Eirexe next door to the municipal albergue?

Sorry for the late reply Laurie. I do not know anything about about the house or occupants. I wanted to check where I took the ostrich photo though in case it was nearby and that required me to check culled photos and maps. The ostrich picture was taken right on the camino somewhere after entering Paradela and before the albergue Casa de Banderas. That is just a short walk more to Portomarín.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

 

[jozero]

The forest that became soup...

 

[Anne&Pat]

Caminho Portugues- May, 2016 Hotel Astoria, Coimbra.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The forest that became soup...

View attachment 88148

They look like palm trees from the angle of your photo, but realized they are kale stalks.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Primitivo 2016, on the way to Campiello...sometimes I thought the fog looked magical.

 

[SabineP]

Quiet Sarria in 2011.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

A designated pilgrim shelter by the road from Béziers to Carcassonne: (Voie des Piémontes).
Not a bus stop.

 

[JohnLloyd]

After being unsettled by the Angry Birds of Larrasoaña, it was a relief to see this.

 

[VNwalking]

So though there is no romanesque, there are other advantages

Ha! You have me there. Definitely.

The forest that became soup...

Yes!
On the Ingles these forests were particularly impressive:

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Food for thought.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Food for thought.
View attachment 88165

Rick, the pictures you share are not always your beautiful ones, but they are always very interesting!

 

[jozero]

No crowds in the afternoon in February...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

No crowds in the afternoon in February...

View attachment 88171

A pre-Covid Camino...or during Covid Camino?

 

[jozero]

A pre-Covid Camino...or during Covid Camino?

2 years pre-covid, Feb 2018. But this is indicative of the entire winter Camino experience. People yearning for the social experience would not be happy, often there were stretches of 3-4 days I could walk without seeing or speaking to another Pilgrim. Usually a few around at night but not many...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

2 years pre-covid, Feb 2018. But this is indicative of the entire winter Camino experience. People yearning for the social experience would not be happy, often there were stretches of 3-4 days I could walk without seeing or speaking to another Pilgrim. Usually a few around at night but not many...

Thank you, @jozeo. I would only walk in winter if it became my only option due to covid, which is definately messing with all our plans for now.

Edit, duh...I see you said you were there in February.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'm really cheating today. I already submitted a picture this morning and now I'm going to submit two more this evening (but I'll try to be quiet tomorrow). In addition, and the reason I'm submitting these now is, I've submitted my architecture pictures of San Martin in Fromista to @C clearly's thread Romanesque architecture for beginners in my post numbered #107 on her thread.

So, for a full dump of my San Martin pictures, go to my architecture pictures at the numbered link above and take a look at these non-architecture pictures here.

.

 

[Anne&Pat]

Camino del Norte- May, 2018 El Puntal to Santona Ferry, looking back at Puntal de Laredo. Don't think we have posted this before!

 

[Peregrinopaul]

The only unusual thing about this picture is that the pilgrims are walking towards me - I was going the other way, returning to France from Santiago. A strange experience.