Our last trail day was long and a bit difficult for me. Usually I am at my peak walking in this area, but the Camino taught me a few lessons that have humbled me today. Soreness from my fall showed up in my hips which made the long climbs and descents difficult. Josh was hisContinueContinue reading “Final Day”
Category Archives: Women Walking
Day 13 – Melide to A Brea
Today was a 17 mile hike full of hills and lots of cafes and bars; finally! My goal today was to have breakfast at one of my favorite small village cafes, and it ended up that we made it for lunch! 10 miles without food thinking it was just around the corner! Going from aContinueContinue reading “Day 13 – Melide to A Brea”
Day 12 Ferreira to Melide
What started out as a quiet stroll through Galacia… Hippy scare crows The first black cow I have ever seen in a Camino Today smelled of eucalyptus… This can was here the last time I walked by… Pig farm We climbed and descended our way over the hills of the region. The climbs are definitelyContinueContinue reading “Day 12 Ferreira to Melide”
Day 11 Lugo to Ferreira
I love Galicia. Walking through the hills today felt like being home. I loved sharing this area with Josh. Our bodies and minds are in sync today, and we flew through the day. There was a lot of road walking, but they were back roads. Today was quite pleasant except for the pounding our feetContinueContinue reading “Day 11 Lugo to Ferreira”
Day 10 – Lugo
We are on a walking day through Lugo, replenishing our bodies and minds. In 15 minutes we had first breakfast And second breakfast. Eggs benny absolutely the best! Then we went on a wall walk. Old town Lugo was a walled city. Back to our room for a rest then out again for afternoon vermutContinueContinue reading “Day 10 – Lugo”
Day 9 – 0 Piñeiro to O Cadavo
First, of my thoughts for the day: I am grateful for my son. He is thoughtful, caring, observant not to bruise my already black and blue ego, and has patience beyond humanly possible. https://videopress.com/v/5KRCfI9u?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Josh and I discussed the trail today and wondered why it felt so hard. Some said it was going to beContinueContinue reading “Day 9 – 0 Piñeiro to O Cadavo”
Day 8 Castro to O Piñeiro
Somehow, I had convinced myself that today was going to be an easier day… HMMM? In a way was easier because we only had a 2000 foot elevation gain instead of 3000 feet. Walking 16 miles was two miles more than I wanted to do, but with no choice we made it to our Albergue.ContinueContinue reading “Day 8 Castro to O Piñeiro”
Day 7- La Mesa to Castro
I knew Josh was multitalented , but now he can add Madidore to his resume. Our day started with a massive climb of about 1500 feet, and when we reached the top, it was magical because the fog was below us. It looked like we were walking into a a white sea. Unfortunately, we wereContinueContinue reading “Day 7- La Mesa to Castro”
Day 6 Pola De Allende to La Mesa
I come to this blog tonight from my bed. I feel like a Tour De France rider after the mountain stage who lost their lead because their legs gave out. Unfortunately, there is no massageus helping my legs recover. Three thousand nine hundred two feet of elevation gain today! The morning started out promising; well,ContinueContinue reading “Day 6 Pola De Allende to La Mesa”
Day 5 Campiello to Pola De Allande
We decided to do an alternate route today because we were unsure my knee would withstand a big climb and a decent for 19 miles. And also, Allison told us that this village has some of the best Asturian food in the region, so who wouldn’t choose the alternate route? So it was a 9ContinueContinue reading “Day 5 Campiello to Pola De Allande”
Day 4 – Bodenaya to Campiello
We said goodbye to our Albergue host from Twist and off we went. It was great to be back on the Camino. For most of the day, my knee felt good. I taped and wore a knee brace, and except for specific slopes on the downhills, I did pretty well for 16 miles. https://videopress.com/v/hT2MGT62?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true LotsContinueContinue reading “Day 4 – Bodenaya to Campiello”
Day 3 – Cornella to Bodenaya
https://videopress.com/v/DWwyoAy8?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Well I have had might feet up all day, except for the visit to the bakery, café for second breakfast and then to the market for food before dinner tonight. Just me and the kitties today. A gift from Gloria, the owner of the albergue. Gloria with her daughter and grandchildren. Her daughter wasContinueContinue reading “Day 3 – Cornella to Bodenaya”
Day 2 Paladin to Cornellana
I call today “highway to hell…when you have a knee injury anyway. I tried all measures to overcome the now up and downhill pain….singing my irritating “Oscar Meyer Weiner” theme song in my head; Josh had enough to deal with. I tried cursing and then laughing. I wanted to cry, but again, Josh had enoughContinueContinue reading “Day 2 Paladin to Cornellana”
Day 1 & I Thought it Might Be the Last Day….
What the heck? Years of hiking and not a twinge in my knee. That is until today. I was the weak link, and everyone knows I do not like to be the weak link! I was fine climbing but when the downhill came my body let me down. I was in pain most of theContinueContinue reading “Day 1 & I Thought it Might Be the Last Day….”
Two Days of Travel….
Day one: One forgets how much time and energy it takes to get to Europe. Well worth the effort, but the hours in the plane takes it’s toll. And no matter when I go, I never go rested. So our wonderful overnight in Dublin was measured by a great pint of Guiness and mediocre bangersContinueContinue reading “Two Days of Travel….”
I am a bit of a mess….
Walking the Camino is about the experience; letting the journey unfold before you. This is my vision for our journey on the Primativo. I feel a bit unprepared. After numerous Caminos you would think that I could pack without a list, need no new purchases; just jam, bang and take off. Well….. Aging has changedContinueContinue reading “I am a bit of a mess….”
Day 7 Rome
My day I started with a wonderful coffee and a fantastic croissant filled with cream. I had once thought the croissant I had in France was the best croissant experience of my lifetime, but I have to say this was better or at least as good. We walked to the train station to welcome Maria’sContinueContinue reading “Day 7 Rome”
Day 6 – Sorrento to Rome
https://videopress.com/v/KSa9oQFS?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true We had another train ride again today. We are returning to Rome, where we will spend four days before heading home. We rode the local train to Naples and then upgraded to the fast train, which saved us two hours. After we checked into our room, we decided to do a whirlwind walkabout throughContinueContinue reading “Day 6 – Sorrento to Rome”
Day 5 – Pompeii
There are a lot of families traveling together. The teenagers seem bored, but I know they will remember their family trip with fond memories as the years go by. Today, I observed two teenage girls intently, looking at their phones until one noticed a flock of chickens outside the train window. They got very excitedContinueContinue reading “Day 5 – Pompeii”
Day 4 – A Favorite Day
This was just the type of day I love about traveling. We did a cooking class in an agriturismo just 20 minutes in the hills above Sorrento. It was wonderful to get out into the rural area of Campaigna seeing the groves of citrus and olive trees and vineyards of local grapes. The Agriturismo PrimaluceContinueContinue reading “Day 4 – A Favorite Day”
Day 3 – Another Travel Day
Our little “hotel”; one floor of a city building, is very charming. At the breakfast this morning we met an interesting couple from New Zealand. They are on a whirl wind European trip to several countries. Today we are going to board a bus, ferry and then another bus, to explore Almafi, Positano, and Ravello.ContinueContinue reading “Day 3 – Another Travel Day”
Day 1 and 2 in Italy
Brenda had the food scene all scoped out by the time I arrived in Rome. I think I had traveled 22 hours by the time we made it to our hotel and into bed! Finally arriving in Rome…Seattle to Heathrow, Heathrow to Rome Airport and then train to center. First stop Il Mercoto Centrale ,ContinueContinue reading “Day 1 and 2 in Italy”
My Whirlwind Italy Trip…
Brenda and I are traveling separately both coming and going to Italy. Brenda is leaving before me with a two-day stopover in Iceland. She will meet me in Rome on April 3. I’m flying out of Seattle in one day. I have a 1.5 hour layover in London at Heathrow Airport which is a bitContinueContinue reading “My Whirlwind Italy Trip…”
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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….🎶”
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”
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”
And So It Begins
Two more pilgrims, Candi Bachtell and Debby Hoyt June 24. 1015, Debby and I will be leaving Seattle for our pilgrimage. We will be walking the 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago (the French Way). In 2010, we walked the last 114 km of the Camino and the Camino has been calling to usContinueContinue reading “And So It Begins”