We gave ourselves an extra hour of sleep to enjoy a daylight walk into Santiago. It was a beautiful day. We all walked at different paces but joined forces to walk into Santiago. Only on the Camino! Chase’s friend from Olympia! My 4th time at 10 km from Santiago I was threatened by an albergueContinueContinue reading “Day 36 O Pino to Santiago”
Author Archives: wildwomenwalking
Day 35 Castaneda to O Pino
As Santiago grows nearer I am doing more reflection on this journey that has taxed my body and my soul. It is so much different than the other two Frances’; not better or not worse, just its own. There was familiarity, and then there was total surprise. Some days, I wondered how I could haveContinueContinue reading “Day 35 Castaneda to O Pino”
Day 34 Palas de Rei to Castaneda
I’m sitting here at the end of a 15 mile day watching a cat in the field across from us do it’s afternoon hunting. That’s my entertainment. Life is simple on the Camino. Today’s hike was a lot of climbing hills, especially at the end of the day. Walking through the eucalyptus forests was asContinueContinue reading “Day 34 Palas de Rei to Castaneda”
Day 33 Portamarin to Palas De Rei
I am tired today. The no rest days are catching up with me and I am out of sync with my Camino. The last few days are a mix of emotions always. People who have been a part of your weekly life are now missing, the end is near, the Camino is busier, and bodyContinueContinue reading “Day 33 Portamarin to Palas De Rei”
Day 32 – Sarria to Portamarin
And then there were SEVEN. This was another great day. Lots of climbing and downhill. The trail is now full of newbies doing the final 100 km to get their Camino Compenstela. I have been meeting quite a few my early Camino friends. Somehow it is like we have know each other for years. AllContinueContinue reading “Day 32 – Sarria to Portamarin”
Day 31 Triacastela to Sarria
There could not have been a more perfect day. The weather, the cool dark start to the day, being on the trail to hear the birds singing their first songs of the day, walking through the forests of Galacia, and having my daughter-in-law share my love of the Camino Frances. One of my favorite placesContinueContinue reading “Day 31 Triacastela to Sarria”
Day 30 – Liñara to Triacastela
Sleepless on the Camino….This was Vini’s first night and Nancy’a 2nd night in a bunk room Albergue. Neither of them could sleep. So we got up at 5:00, out of the Albergue by 6:15 leaving a tramatizes bunk mate. There is an art to leaving a shared room quietly and we failed. But what aContinueContinue reading “Day 30 – Liñara to Triacastela”
Day 29 – Vega De Valarce to Linares
The 3 Amigas Today we set out to conquer the mountain with headlamps to beat the heat. Luckily today was much cooler; perfect mountain climbing weather. Nancy was a little mountain goat today, so we did not see her until the end of the day. We went from 2000 feet elevation and climbed to 4400ContinueContinue reading “Day 29 – Vega De Valarce to Linares”
Day 28 Cacabelas to Vega De Valcarce
It was a wonderful quiet walk in the dark this morning. The moon was full and the sky was an array of stars. The coolness of the morning was a great break from yesterdays finish in the heat of the day. Even though it was a long day of road walking, it was quite pleasant.ContinueContinue reading “Day 28 Cacabelas to Vega De Valcarce”
Day 27 Rabanal to Cacabelas
Unfortunately for Nancy, she joined me when I had set up some 15-18 mile days to get to Sarria by the 5th. It is rough to begin your 10 day hiking with these big mileage days. She is doing well, but has a few blisters and sore muscles. From day one she has become comfortableContinueContinue reading “Day 27 Rabanal to Cacabelas”
Day 26 – Rababal De Camino to Molinaseca
I couldn’t quit saying how much I loved this morning’s hike. I know that I even tested Nancy’s patience. I loved the climbing, I loved the pastures, I loved the heather, I loved the smell of the pine trees….. We got into the top and reached Cruz de Fiero. We didn’t make it by sunriseContinueContinue reading “Day 26 – Rababal De Camino to Molinaseca”
Day 25- Astorga to Rabanal
Hmmm, as easy as yesterday seemed for the same mileage, today was much harder. It was the heat with barely any shade. It was in the mid 80’s today with no wind. This was a real test for day #1 for Nancy. She did a great job! Today was a day of meeting new CaminoContinueContinue reading “Day 25- Astorga to Rabanal”
Day 24 Hospital De Órbigo to Astorga
I thought that heard some familiar voices behind me this morning. When I turned around to take a picture of the sunrise: there were Alan and Barb! Today was a perfect day. It seemed fo fly by. It was so much fun having a day with Barb and Alan. It was great doing some climbingContinueContinue reading “Day 24 Hospital De Órbigo to Astorga”
Day 23 – La Virgin del Camino to Hospital De Orbigo
Today I felt like I was on the Camino. I know that sounds strange, but I felt a lightness. No more huge Camino signs that no one can miss. I am back to having to look for those yellow arrows and being in the moment as I walk. Stork nests A little rest… Today wasContinueContinue reading “Day 23 – La Virgin del Camino to Hospital De Orbigo”
Day 22 – Leon to La Virgin del Camino
As I left Leon this am I ran into a Camino friend for sharing an albergue in . She had injured her ankle in the downhill into Zubiri and here she is still waking the Camino with an injury. We walked together until just outside the La Virgin del Camino, then she was on herContinueContinue reading “Day 22 – Leon to La Virgin del Camino”
Day 22 Leon
Wow! Did I need this. After clearing out my pack and having a lengthy conversation with T-Mobile (which they resolved the problem in the most caring way) I sat in the plaza and watched people and had a delightful Italian 🤣lunch. Leave it to my nose to lead me to Italian. I soon found myselfContinueContinue reading “Day 22 Leon”
Day 21 – to Shahgun to Leon
Last night I made my final decision. I am taking the train to Leon and get some rest. It was a difficult decision to leave the last three days on the Meseta, but my body needs a break and I need to be in a Astorga by the 28th. A short hike into Sahagun; 1/2ContinueContinue reading “Day 21 – to Shahgun to Leon”
Day 20- Carrion De Los Conder to San Nicolas del Real
Today was 20 miles. I am trying to make up for some short days early on. The morning was amazing. I took off at 5:30 AM and there was no one in front of me or behind me for about two hours. The skies were beautiful; full of stars. This part of the walk wasContinueContinue reading “Day 20- Carrion De Los Conder to San Nicolas del Real”
Day 19 – Frómista to Carrion de Los Conder
I very rarely have dreams about my sister; maybe never in my adult life… it’s complicated. But last night I dreamed that she was in my private room with me. This morning the dream was weighing heavy on my mind. On the Camino Meseta I have done some soul searching each time, but never feltContinueContinue reading “Day 19 – Frómista to Carrion de Los Conder”
Day 18 – Castrojerez to Fromista
The hill climb went on for about 3/4 of a mile. It was steeper than I thought it would be and I almost fell off the side of the mountain trying to adjust the bill on my rain poncho! Note to self: figure your gear out before you are in harsh weather on a mountainContinueContinue reading “Day 18 – Castrojerez to Fromista”
Day 17- Hornillas to Castrojerz
Our dinner last night was wonderful. Eva and I had stayed at this Albergue in 2019. It was a wonderful hike today. There were some climbs from a lower meseta to an upper meseta. It was very interesting and then turned into an area with a river so the terrain changes a bit. Pretty RockyContinueContinue reading “Day 17- Hornillas to Castrojerz”
Day 16 – Burgos to Hornillas del Camino
today was very interesting day. this is the beginning of the Meseta. There are a lot of people who choose to bus across the Meseta that I find it a perfect time for thinking, and observing and reevaluating. Before we made it to the Meseta I had to walk out of Burgos. Luckily, the walkoutContinueContinue reading “Day 16 – Burgos to Hornillas del Camino”
Day 15 – Acapuerca to Burgos
One complaint I have about all the guidebooks for the Camino is that either they under or overestimate how difficult a day is going to be. A woman in our alberge read that today was going to be a short uphill with a long downhill. True on the long downhill, but we climbed a frickenContinueContinue reading “Day 15 – Acapuerca to Burgos”
Day 14 – Villa Franca to Atapuerca
What an interesting little town. It is tiny yet a UNESCO sight. The caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca contain a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago and extending up to the Common Era. Only 172 people live in this important archeological site. They alsoContinueContinue reading “Day 14 – Villa Franca to Atapuerca”
Day 13 Belorado to Villa Franca
A wonderful dinner with Camino friends, Yun from Canada, Jolanda, and Heidi from Zwitzerland There are so many stories on the Camino. Each Pilgrim has a reason for walking. A lot of the time it is because of a tremendous loss or sadness. Sometimes it’s just because they saw the movie and it intrigued them.ContinueContinue reading “Day 13 Belorado to Villa Franca”
Day 12 Santo Domingo to Belorado
Jolanda and I had breakfast at the hotel before setting out for the day. Today was a wonderful day. It did rain which most people were sad about, but being from the Pacific Northwest, I actually looked forward to it. Today we walked with Heidi from Switzerland. She is a fun, energetic woman that definitelyContinueContinue reading “Day 12 Santo Domingo to Belorado”
Day 11 Najara to Santo Domingo
Today I started with “I just want to get to the end of the day” to really enjoying the time on the Camino. We walked from vineyards to fields that were being prepared for next year’s sunflower and potato crops. Santo Domingo is a charming town. Jolanda and I had a real hotel tonight andContinueContinue reading “Day 11 Najara to Santo Domingo”
Day 10 Navarrete to Najara
Rioja is a beautiful rolling countryside. The vineyards are abundant and ready for harvest. A pilgrim told me that he had been walking with another pilgrim who is a “wine expert”. The guy told him that the Spanish winemakers don’t expect a good vintage because the weather is already too ripe. Saying goodbye to theContinueContinue reading “Day 10 Navarrete to Najara”
Day 9 – Viana to Navarrete
I have had a hard time recognizing the villages (cities) in the Rioja region. The new economic growth in this area is amazing and a bit sad to see the charm replaced by high rise apartments and miles of industrial complexes. I am noticing a great improvement in my hill climbing and overall endurance. IContinueContinue reading “Day 9 – Viana to Navarrete”
Day 8 – Los Argos to Viana
Finally I am feeling like the physical part of the Camino will see the end before the whole one third of my journey. I still keep my slow and steady pace that I set for myself but am climbing Spanish mountains without stopping as much. Unfortunately the early pilgrims didn’t waste time with switchbacks. TheContinueContinue reading “Day 8 – Los Argos to Viana”
Day 7 – Estella to Los Arcos
The perfect way to start your morning hike; free Navarre wine! Oh, they also have a water tap😎 The night was filled with the loudest thunder and lightening! It sounded like it was striking right on top of the village. Luckily by day break the rain had stopped. The Albergue where I stayed last night,ContinueContinue reading “Day 7 – Estella to Los Arcos”
No Worries…
My post is having Wi-Fi and author errors…will post later. All is well.
Day 6 – Puente La Reina to Estella
Today was a 15 mile pilgrimage in the heat. In this area there is very little shade because of the direction of the trail. I use the word pilgrimage because I need to remind myself that the Camino has a purpose. We need to find the strength every day to survive what is in frontContinueContinue reading “Day 6 – Puente La Reina to Estella”
Day 5 – Pamplona to Puente La Reine
Today was hotter than yesterday and far less shade. For most of the day there was no wind to help. Needless to say, I am exhausted. I couldn’t even leave my bed for a beer!!! Luckily I ate my way through the countryside today, because there was also no going out for dinner. This isContinueContinue reading “Day 5 – Pamplona to Puente La Reine”
Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamploma
Not too much to say about today but I am happy to finally be settled in my Albergue. It was a 4:30 wake-up in our Albergue with numerous phone alarms going off. Notes for group sleeping: -Turn your alarm to vibrate only. -Get you backpacks ready the night before and take them into other spacesContinueContinue reading “Day 4 – Zubiri to Pamploma”
Roncevillas to Zubiri
Today was a day of extreme physical and mental agility. There was much climbing up to reach a couple of mountain peaks and some treacherous downhill that required all the concentration and physical awareness that I had in me after two other days of exhausting my body. I switched between solo hiking and walking withContinueContinue reading “Roncevillas to Zubiri”
Day 2 – Orisson to Roncevalles
Today was a great hiking day. Lots of elevation but a variety of terrain. I walked alone most if the day and it felt wonderful to just put one step in front of the other. The only drawback was the wind. The good news is that the extra weight I didn’t want on my bodyContinueContinue reading “Day 2 – Orisson to Roncevalles”
Day 1. SJPP to Orisson
And I am off…. Today was extremely hot and very humid. I didn’t sleep well and nothing but coffee for breakfast so all those things made a challenging day. Today was difficult. Like childbirth, I forgot the pain of the first 7 km of the Frances. Tomorrow is another climb but just 3/4 of theContinueContinue reading “Day 1. SJPP to Orisson”
2nd Day of Travel
I had a very good sleep. I fell asleep early, not by our time zone, and got up on early, 3:30 am London time. Spent the am going to another terminal, eating a traditional British breakfast, and then waiting for a long time for our gate to be open. travel was really enjoyable, even thoughContinueContinue reading “2nd Day of Travel”
🎶You can’t always get what you want, but….you get what you need….🎶
Somehow this just seemed to speak to me about a Camino journey. There is no need to have “wants” and expectations. When you start, a Camino, because the Camino shows you what you need. I am looking forward to releasing control and just being in the moment. It has been awhile. Cannot start a caminoContinueContinue reading “🎶You can’t always get what you want, but….you get what you need….🎶”
Twas the night before….
I am a mess! Let’s just get that out of the way. It has been a whirl wind month. Not good, nor bad, just busy and emotionally and mentally challenging. With that, I have not been very focussed on my trip and feel like I am a bit behind with preparation; but I guess IContinueContinue reading “Twas the night before….”
Excitement Growing
My pack is out. A sign that I am ready to believe I am going. In seven weeks I will be leaving for Europe! This will be my first Camino solo. It feels freeing and yet a bit sad to not daily share the journey’s struggles and joys with a friend or family member. EvenContinueContinue reading “Excitement Growing”
Ticking Off Prep Items From My To Do List
After purchasing my ticket to London in February, I decided to try to put my seventh Camino on the back burner for a bit. That is not always possible for me once my ticket is confirmed because I go down the rabbit hole of planning. Now that I am… ….weeks away, I am ready toContinueContinue reading “Ticking Off Prep Items From My To Do List”
New Year’s Hiking with My Wild Women Walking Tribe
Hike #1. New Years Day. We all donned our rain gear and headed for our City Forest. I am so fortunate to live one mile from a State Park and City Forest with 5,400 acres of land with 52 miles of trails. My husband and son have helped build a great many of those trailsContinueContinue reading “New Year’s Hiking with My Wild Women Walking Tribe”
Mt. Rainier – Skyline
October 9, 2022 Four Wild Walking Women, along and hundreds of other people from all over the world, descended on Mount Rainier for the fall colors and beautiful weather Sunday. The day did not disappoint us in anyway! Joan and I left our town of Montesano at 4:30 AM picking up Kris and Laura onContinueContinue reading “Mt. Rainier – Skyline”
Upper Big Creek
https://videopress.com/v/1VuQRKm6?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true . October 2, 2022 This is a hike that I like to do seasonally. Today it felt like we were doing it mid summer with the weather still in the high 70s. Luckily the loop trail is covered by the forest canopy the whole way. This loop hike has a 2 ½ mile climbContinueContinue reading “Upper Big Creek”
Tapa & History Tour
We had a wonderful Tapa and History Tour last night in Madrid. Anna, or guides was very knowledgeable and helpful. @devourtours #devourtours https://videopress.com/v/T3WaHkk9?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true
Day 6 – The End is Near
https://videopress.com/v/dvESkU72?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Beautiful tranquil moments right when you need them. Today was a short day. As always it was climbing a good deal of the way and a very steep decent. I found myself with a bit of a sinus cold or allergy problem. I tested for COVID and negative, thank goodness. Anyway, I feel aContinueContinue reading “Day 6 – The End is Near”
Day 5 -To The End of the World and then Some.
Great grandma’s sauté pans made by a local smith. The family gallery. We stayed a a nice apartment last night. I think the apartments and restaurant are a family affair. The food was very good and has been family owned and operated for 100 years. Each morning starts with foot care. Since we’re staying inContinueContinue reading “Day 5 -To The End of the World and then Some.”
Day 4. Hospital to Sardiñeiro
I really enjoyed today. There was a slight wind so in addition to the birds singing us through the forest there was also the rattling of pinecones in the trees. It was quite meditative. Here the Caminos split. We are going to Finisterre then to Muxia. The other trail is for Muxia to Finisterre. IContinueContinue reading “Day 4. Hospital to Sardiñeiro”
Day 3 Saint Mariña to Hospital
Not to worry, it is the name of the village. Todays hike was shorter, still some climbing but not nearly as hot or difficult. There was a lot of forest walking and many villages for beer stops. Plus we are getting in better shape. The terrain is almost always the same, one climb after anotherContinueContinue reading “Day 3 Saint Mariña to Hospital”
Day -2 Negreia to St. Mariña
Fours hours of the day was in the forest climbing and the rest was on pavement next to highways and corn fields with no shade and in the high 80’s. And yet we did it and felt like it was a good hike, after two beers and a shower. https://videopress.com/v/BunjGerZ?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I noticed something today. WhenContinueContinue reading “Day -2 Negreia to St. Mariña”
Day 1 on the Finstera Camino
https://videopress.com/v/EjoP0X71?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Today we start a new adventure that has been on my list of “will do someday!”. We are walking from Santiago to the Coast or “the end of the world”. Our journey will take us to Finsterre and then up to Muxia. It was a beautiful hike but challenging. There was a small mountainContinueContinue reading “Day 1 on the Finstera Camino”
Santiago
What a crazy, busy place this is. The streets are full of pilgrims and tourists. Over 2600 pilgrims came in yesterday! This is one of three line to get onto the Cathedral. This line is for the holy door to see St. James’ crypy. It is only open for viewing on a holy year. WeContinueContinue reading “Santiago”
4th Day – 5th Walk in to Santiago
The day was lovely. Lots more memories of times past. I am finding it hard to recognize the Camino Frances. Lots of new cafés, albergues, and what seemed to be changes in part of the walk. I could be just where my head or body was at a moment walking through an area, that myContinueContinue reading “4th Day – 5th Walk in to Santiago”
Day 3 The Sun Is Out
Today feels like I am on a Déjà vu merry-go-around. It truly isn’t déjà vu it is memories of walking through the same villages three times. But many things have changed, new cafés, small villages that are now seeing new housing and I think the beginning of prosperous recovery from the Covid years Karen andContinueContinue reading “Day 3 The Sun Is Out”
Day 2 – Ferreira to Melide
https://videopress.com/v/USzTp8zi?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true I really was a bit more enthusiastic than this video looks! I had a sleepless night last night, hence the large bags under my eyes. 😴😎 The terrain was a continuation of yesterday. We climbed over a small mountain which was beautiful at the top, then through many forested areas, which Karen considered aContinueContinue reading “Day 2 – Ferreira to Melide”
What Doesn’t Hurt Tonight?
Hummmm, 17 miles was not a great idea for our first day; especially in Galacia which is nothing but one hill after another. We were so excited this morning when the alarm went off at 6:00 am. A whole day ahead of us, of doing what we love; hiking, eating and drinking. https://videopress.com/v/uQYXOO4o?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Ready forContinueContinue reading “What Doesn’t Hurt Tonight?”
Itchy Feet….
9/12/2022 Today was a day for relaxing. We slept in a bit, visited the Cathedral and museum, and walk the top of the wall that surrounds the city. It is the only continuous standing Roman wall in the world. Walking the walk Sweet Chestnuts Use of all spaces Siblings. I am anxious to start walkingContinueContinue reading “Itchy Feet….”
Spanish Nights
“We arrived in Spain on a full moon, and we leave Spain on a new moon. Wonder what that means?” -Karen Temen There are a few disadvantages to coming to Santiago de Compostela before you begin your own Camino. 1) Seeing the Cathedral without a sense of accomplishment. 2) Envying the faces of pilgrims asContinueContinue reading “Spanish Nights”