Post your favorite flower photo taken on Camino.

[Camino Chrissy]

What's your favorite photo(s) of a flower while walking the Camino....Here's mine, taken in Finesterre.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have no idea what the above flower's name is, but it is so unusual and 3 dimensional...an all time favorite of mine!

 

[Cayou]

28.5K marker nearby ...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

28.5K marker nearby ...

So pretty! Thankyou!

 

[Purky]

I took tons of pictures of flowers on the camino, including in France. The sad part is that I maybe know one or two names of them, despite the fact my dad was a garden architect and my mom used to work in a flower shop.

 

[Bradypus]

I have no idea what the above flower's name is, but it is so unusual and 3 dimensional...an all time favorite of mine!

Pretty sure it is a Passion Flower - a big genus with lots of species, most of them pretty dramatic.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora

 

[Bradypus]

Not strictly on Camino but taken on pilgrimage in Japan a few days ago. Cherry blossom - "sakura" in Japanese - is a national obsession. When you see it in the landscape and set against so many beautiful buildings it is easy to see why.

 

[Dorpie]

Taken somewhere not a million miles from O Cebreiro judging by the date.

 

[HedaP]

My (real) namesake. Rare in my own country but abundant along the CF.

 

[Kathar1na]

Pyrenees. Spring. A flower I've never seen before or since.

 

[Rinspin]

It’s not a flower per se, but this was the biggest I’d ever seen!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Pretty sure it is a Passion Flower - a big genus with lots of species, most of them pretty dramatic.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora

You are definately right... a passion flower it is! Thanks, and your own photos are beautiful, too!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

My (real) namesake. Rare in my own country but abundant along the CF.
View attachment 41216

I loved these tiny clusters of flowers in several areas of the Frances route as if they'd been planted as part of a rock garden. Is it heather and is that your name, @heda?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It’s not a flower per se, but this was the biggest I’d ever seen!

Wow, this plant is HUGE, especially seen in perspective with the door in the background!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Purky, what a wonderful selection of colorful flowers. I knew this thread would provide lots of lovely photos for many of us to enjoy!

 

[Purky]

Not strictly on Camino but taken on pilgrimage in Japan a few days ago. Cherry blossom - "sakura" in Japanese - is a national obsession. When you see it in the landscape and set against so many beautiful buildings it is easy to see why.

View attachment 41210View attachment 41211View attachment 41212

Nice that you mention 'Sakura'. I've never been to Japan, but do share their love for cherry blossom. So much so that I planted a cherry tree in our backyard when our son was born 17 years ago. And each spring I marvel at the speed and abundance with which that tree explodes in lush and delicate flowers. It is blossoming as we speak: I think tomorrow it will hit its peak.
And at the same time our cherry tree does its thing, I always make a point to go look at a huge magnolia tree a couple of streets away. It is equally impressive to see that one, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands, according to a national contest that was held some years ago (as I was told by the proud owners).

 

[John Sikora]

Here is mine

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi John, I have only walked in spring, so have yet to see the sunflowers in bloom on the Camino...they have such happy faces.

 

[Bradypus]

And at the same time our cherry tree does its thing, I always make a point to go look at a huge magnolia tree a couple of streets away. It is equally impressive to see that one, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands, according to a national contest that was held some years ago (as I was told by the proud owners).

The Japanese have some lovely magnolias too. I took this photo on the same day as the ones above

 

[Yoyo]

I've never been much of a flower person. Especially cut flowers in vases don't do anything for me.
But I really learned to see, appreciate and love the wild flowers along the Camino.

This picture I took just after Navarrete in May 2017.

 

[SusanSmyth]

 

[HedaP]

I loved these tiny clusters of flowers in several areas of the Frances route as if they'd been planted as part of a rock garden. Is it heather and is that your name, @heda?

You got it.

 

[HedaP]

Pyrenees. Spring. A flower I've never seen before or since.

Not as good a photo as yours but looks like the same flower. Photo was taken in the Pyrenees in early April. The flowers seemed to be growing straight out of the ground in clumps. Most unusual.

 

[naplesdon]

No comment.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You got it.

Awww, what a pretty name! If I'd had a daughter that was one of my top choices!

 

[Bradypus]

Not as good a photo as yours but looks like the same flower. Photo was taken in the Pyrenees in early April. The flowers seemed to be growing straight out of the ground in clumps. Most unusual.

I think it is an odd plant called purple toothwort in English or clandestine in French. Doesn't need leaves because it is actually a parasite growing on the roots of other plants, especially some tree species.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lathraea_clandestina

 

[Camino Chrissy]

No comment.View attachment 41261View attachment 41262

I love Camino poppies as we have none in the wild where I live, but I have no comment on the pooch, other than some confusion...or were you a little confused when you added that photo?

 

[naplesdon]

No, all of Rebekah's rescue dogs are flowers.

 

[Anamiri]

The poppies on the Meseta were amazing, and Galecia was just one big garden

 

[HedaP]

Here’s another one for you. It’s a wild thistle and you can see dried versions hanging on doors in Basque country in Navarra apparently to protect against evil spirits.
I did think I had a photo of one on a door but can’t find it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Here’s another one for you. It’s a wild thistle and you can see dried versions hanging on doors in Basque country in Navarra apparently to protect against evil spirits.
I did think I had a photo of one on a door but can’t find it.
View attachment 41304

I remember seeing a few huge thistles here and there, but don't recall noticing the flower at the top...although not too pretty, it's still very interesting!

 

[SusanSmyth]

Here’s another one for you. It’s a wild thistle and you can see dried versions hanging on doors in Basque country in Navarra apparently to protect against evil spirits.
I did think I had a photo of one on a door but can’t find it.
View attachment 41304

It’s an eguzkilore. It keeps the bad spirits away.

 

[Former member 49149]

It’s an eguzkilore. It keeps the bad spirits away.

Now pronounce it. And be thankful I am not at my laptop to include a rather hilarious piece on English pronunciation for speakers of other languages!

 

[Bradypus]

It’s an eguzkilore. It keeps the bad spirits away.

In Scotland it used to be believed that a rowan tree growing near a house was a protection against witches and black magic. Many houses had one near the front door. Much of the Highlands was cleared of people in the 19th century and almost all the houses were torn down. Very little left to be seen. Sometimes you can still tell where they once were because a solitary rowan tree is growing in the middle of a wide open landscape. It can be a very poignant sight.

 

[Former member 49149]

In Scotland it used to be believed that a rowan tree growing near a house was a protection against witches and black magic. Many houses had one near the front door. Much of the Highlands was cleared of people in the 19th century and almost all the houses were torn down. Very little left to be seen. Sometimes you can still tell where they once were because a solitary rowan tree is growing in the middle of a wide open landscape. It can be a very poignant sight.

Bradypus, I have been waiting for a chance to say I noticed your new avatar, although I miss the old one! ah, the clearances! A similar story holds where I now live, Ireland, but it is the hawthorn, which is the Fairy tree and not to be disturbed...

 

[Kaiur]

In Scotland it used to be believed that a rowan tree growing near a house was a protection against witches and black magic. Many houses had one near the front door. Much of the Highlands was cleared of people in the 19th century and almost all the houses were torn down. Very little left to be seen. Sometimes you can still tell where they once were because a solitary rowan tree is growing in the middle of a wide open landscape. It can be a very poignant sight.

Rowan tree? Is like this? This one is from my family second home in the mountain

 

[Bradypus]

Rowan tree? Is like this? This one is from my family second home in the mountain

Yes - that's the one. Sometimes also called the mountain ash.

 

[Former member 49149]

this is my favourite. I found them smiling up at me from a gutter on the street leaving one of the towns on the camino from Porto to Santiago.

 

[Kathar1na]

Much of the Highlands was cleared of people in the 19th century and almost all the houses were torn down. Very little left to be seen. Sometimes you can still tell where they once were because a solitary rowan tree is growing in the middle of a wide open landscape. It can be a very poignant sight.

Interesting. It reminded me of the solitary stone pines or parasol pines that one sees along the ways of Saint James through Les Landes, shortly before one reaches the Pyrenées. They are said to have marked the houses of Protestants or Huguenots when they lived under difficult circumstances, including persecution, in 16th and 17th century France. I photographed one such pine tree and duly felt a certain frisson and the breath of history (I know that's not English ... what do you say?).

So these pine trees marked homes where a Protestant could find shelter and kindred spirits in the South West of Catholic France:



Turns out that they have a life span of only 150 years ...

Apparently, that's similar to the lifespan of the rowan trees but of course they may still be the originals.

 

[Kanga]

Co-incidence! I was just visiting a friend in hospital this afternoon, and she was amusing herself looking at photos of wildflowers she took on the meseta two years ago. She's a wonderful photographer. My photos are not nearly as good, but I was pleased with this, because it is unusual. A wild orchid:



And on the Norte, in Galicia, we kept finding these beautiful roses - profusely covered bushes, and the flowers themselves varied in colour from a deep to a light pink, all on the same bush. I've asked various knowledgeable gardeners, and so far no-one has come up with exactly what it is. The locals just shrugged and said "rosa común".

 

[Bradypus]

and duly felt a certain frisson and the breath of history (I know that's not English ... what do you say?

We just steal from the French and use the word "frisson" too

 

[Penny Kingma]

The poppies inspired me. They appear so fragile on their delicate stems and equally delicate petals. Yet they’d continue to stand proudly during the extream heat as well as the strong rain and wind. When I’d feel tired or in pain I’d spot one and stand straighter....and walk stronger.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Interesting. It reminded me of the solitary stone pines or parasol pines that one sees along the ways of Saint James through Les Landes, shortly before one reaches the Pyrenées. They are said to have marked the houses of Protestants or Huguenots when they lived under difficult circumstances, including persecution, in 16th and 17th century France. I photographed one such pine tree and duly felt a certain frisson and the breath of history (I know that's not English ... what do you say?).

So these pine tress marked homes where a Protestant could find shelter and kindred spirits:

View attachment 41313

Turns out that they have a life span of only 150 years ...

Apparently, that's similar to the lifespan of the rowan trees but of course they may still be the originals.

Is this the same tree? I've read that this house on the alternate path near Villafranca del Bierzo is the most snapped photo on the Frances...don't know if it's true.
I've seen these trees in Rome and love them. I call them Umbrella pines. Lol.

 

[Kaiur]

Is this the same tree? I've read that this house on the alternate path near Villafranca del Bierzo is the most snapped photo on the Frances...don't know if it's true.
I've seen these trees in Rome and love them. I call them Umbrella pines. Lol.View attachment 41320

I think it's the same as Kathar1na refers. Pinus Pinea

 

[VNwalking]

So many plants...Wild roses, wild poppies, wild narcissi, and all sorts of spring flowers ~ the almond trees and wisteria, and the gorgeous flowering cherries as one walks into Santiago.
Lovely thread, Chris! Thank you for starting it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Thanks, @VNwalking. The variety of photos you posted are all lovely and two of them are new to me!

 

[Kaiur]

Yes - that's the one. Sometimes also called the mountain ash.

We known it as Serbal (Sorbus aucuparia ); in the foto I´ve uploaded before, you can see in the left down several Fresnos (Fraxinios excelsior); ash tree is the name in english?, and above them, on the hillside, can see an oak forest.


Sorry, I love trees

 

[VNwalking]

Sorry, I love trees

Oh, no need to be apologizing for that!

 

[Hiawatha]

The ' Way of St. James ' rose

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Beautiful huge roses!

 

[Hiawatha]

And another I took on the Meseta , of all the places in the world to grow extraordinary roses the Meseta must rank amongst the best .

 

[HedaP]

Is this the same tree? I've read that this house on the alternate path near Villafranca del Bierzo is the most snapped photo on the Frances...don't know if it's true.
I've seen these trees in Rome and love them. I call them Umbrella pines. Lol.

Really good photo, Chris. Best I’ve seen of that house and there have been a few.

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

Have so many but one that makes me smile every time is this one from Camino Francés. Taken here: https://www.google.com/maps?q=loc:42.5245563,-5.6763314
Have some roses I really like as well like this one from CP and a lot of thistles from the Meseta

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Have so many but one that makes me smile every time is this one from Camino Francés. Taken here: https://www.google.com/maps?q=loc:42.5245563,-5.6763314
Have some roses I really like as well like this one from CP and a lot of thistles from the Meseta
View attachment 41453

Beatrice, the excellent lighting on your sunflower picture makes it very special!

The rose photo is outstanding, graced with perfectly placed beads of rain or dew droplets...very unique!

 

[BeatriceKarjalainen]

Beatrice, the excellent lighting on your sunflower picture makes it very special!

The rose photo is outstanding, graced with perfectly placed beads of rain or dew droplets...very unique!

Thanks! Yes I was lucky with both the sunrise and the rain

 

[Deleted member 56069]

 

[Deleted member 56069]

Is this the same tree? I've read that this house on the alternate path near Villafranca del Bierzo is the most snapped photo on the Frances...don't know if it's true.
I've seen these trees in Rome and love them. I call them Umbrella pines. Lol.View attachment 41320

Same picture more or less from April 2014.

 

[tomnorth]

Hollyhocks at Rabanal del Camino

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View attachment 41489

I loved all the calla lilies. I took several pictures of them along the way. I forwarded the best one to my sister as she carried a bouquet of them on her wedding day in 1980.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Same picture more or less from April 2014.

View attachment 41492

I think I passed through in early May. I really enjoyed that alternate route, in fact it was one of my favorites.

 

[lilym]

I have no idea what the above flower's name is, but it is so unusual and 3 dimensional...an all time favorite of mine!

Passion fruit

 

[Jacobus]

 

[Jacobus]

Sant6iago Rose in Park entering Logrono

 

[Jacobus]

I have no idea what the above flower's name is, but it is so unusual and 3 dimensional...an all time favorite of mine!

Passionflower

 

[Mark Barnes]

Loved these flowers on Camino Frances October 2017

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Loved these flowers on Camino Frances October 2017

I'm pretty sure it's a variety of hydrangea.

 

[alansykes]

There have been a LOT of almonds in flower these last few days on the Ruta de la Lana in Albacete and Cuenca provinces.

 

[Jacobus]

I have no idea what the above flower's name is, but it is so unusual and 3 dimensional...an all time favorite of mine!

Passionflower I think.

 

[Tollymore]

 

[Camino Chrissy]

They are all beautiful! Thanks for posting them.

 

[Gadflyparexcellence]

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." - John Keats

Photo taken shortly after Astorga.

 

[Roland49]

Enjoy!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Delightful, Roland!

 

[Roland49]

Delightful, Roland!

Thanks!
All Photos from SJPdP to SdC
Photo 1: Pyrenees behind Orisson
Photo 2: short before Roncesvalles
Photo 3: between Pamplona and Alto del Perdon
Photo 4: Astorga
Photo 5: Triacastela
Photo 6: Samos
Photo 7: Palas del Rei (I think)
Photo 8-10: Santiago de Compostela

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You must have a great memory or took good notes!

 

[SFletcher]

Taken June 2019 between Torres del Rio and Viana

 

[David Tallan]

From the Frances, 2016:

From the Portugues, 2018:

 

[KJFSophie]

I have no idea what the above flower's name is, but it is so unusual and 3 dimensional...an all time favorite of mine!

We saw a lot of those on the Via San Fransico in Italy...was told it is the flower of passion fruit...?

 

[KJFSophie]

Flowers are my addiction...hundreds of photos from my 5 Caminos...just gorgeous!

 

[sugargypsy]

Love flowers too and therefore this thread. From May till July 2019 on the Francés:

 

[sugargypsy]

Some more flowers:

 

[Felice]

I put together this PDF of the orchids I saw on the Le Puy route from Conques to Moissac this May

 

[C clearly]

See this new thread for Part 2 of the flower series.