Category: Camino de Santiago
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Crowds Can’t Dampen Spirit: Camino de Santiago
As we head down the home stretch, we've said goodbye to nearly all familiar faces. We spent a couple laughter-filled afternoons with two Englishmen (center of left photo) before they sped ahead in an effort to reach Santiago in time for the Sunday morning service. We've been playing leapfrog for several days with the Dutchman…
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This and That: Camino de Santiago
There have been mornings when getting out of bed has been difficult. A restless night, a cold room, tired feet, an aching back, snoring, wind, rain and for some (fortunately, not us), even snow, cause weary Pilgrims to think twice about lacing up his or her boots! However, the promise of each new day keeps…
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What is the Camino de Santiago?
As we descended steeply into the waterside village of Portomarin this afternoon, I mourned the loss of my Camino. During the past several days, the quiet calm of the path has been interrupted often by large groups of walkers and bicyclists. Many seem to have just started their trek. Sarria, where we began the…
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Finding Our Way: Camino de Santiago
Our guide book promised that the Camino was well marked and the yellow arrows would be easy to follow. Mostly, we've found that to be true but even seasoned veterans run the risk of wandering off course if lost in thought…or conversation. Communities seem to care for their portion of the Camino…
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El Puente Peregrino: Camino de Santiago
We stumbled upon this pension, El Puente Peregrino, in Trabadelo and knew it was the place for us! We spent a lazy Saturday afternoon on the bench out front, chatting with the owners and a couple from New Zealand who have been keeping pace with us for several days. Santiago cooked and Elly served us…
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There is a rhythm to the Camino de Santiago journey
More than three weeks and 300 miles since we left Pamplona on April 11, there is a rhythm to most of our days. We are up by 6 or 6:30 most mornings and, if available, coffee and breakfast are first. Usually, a bar will offer tostada (big piece of toast with jam and…
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Warm Sun Returns: Camino de Santiago
We reached a milestone today. Cruz de Ferro, a monument that sits 4,934 feet above sea level, has become a symbol for the Pilgrim way of St. James. A place to pause and reflect, many Pilgrims carry small stone to leave on the pile as a personal token of their individual journey. We each added…
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Up, up and up goes Camino de Santiago
I made instant Starbucks coffee for the three of us in our freezing Castrillo albergue before we headed out at 7 a.m. Wednesday, top photo. Our 13-mile walk to Foncebadon was marked by a pause for coffee at a Brazilian cowboy outpost. We climbed about 1,700 feet and are near 5,000 feet tonight in a…