It has been a journey. I started my first Camino at 60 years old and here I am at 75 still “finding myself”. I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing; but perhaps mostly good to still meet a challenge. 🥰
And here I go again,
My Latest Posts
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- Day #15 Riotinto to Santiago
Roberta, a retired teacher and Pilgrim Office volunteer, shared invaluable insights, making my Camino unforgettable. - Day #14 – Poncesures to Riotinto
Embarking on the Camino de Santiago, where every step brings new friends and unforgettable moments. From stunning landscapes to enriching conversations, the journey is as much about the people you meet as it is about the miles you walk. - Day #13 – Caldas de Reis to Pontecesures
A brilliant day on the Camino! Meeting new people, great chats, and a memorable encounter with Madelyn. - Day # 12 – Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Staying in the same hostel from my past Camino journey, I’m excited to finish my trek and make new memories in Santiago - Day 10 & 11 – Vigo to Rondondela & Rondondela to Pontevedra
The lyrics of one song kept going through my head today, “what goes up must come down”🎵 I have not been very good about reading much information about what theContinue reading “Day 10 & 11 – Vigo to Rondondela & Rondondela to Pontevedra” - Day 9 – Nigrán to Vigo
Solo hiking offered quiet contemplation, while the lively plazas of Vigo provided a vibrant contrast. - Day 8 – Viladesuso to Nigran
The trail was a rollercoaster of surprises, with unexpected climbs and descents that kept me on my toes. - Day 7 -A Guarda to Viladesuso
A perfect blend of walking a Camino that takes you through villages, mountain trails, coastal walkways and busy highways. - Day #6 – Vila Praia de Ãncora to Guarde
A whirlwind of activities! From exploring Portugal to Spain, every step was a new discovery. - Day 5 – Viana do Castelo to Vila Praia de Ãncora
An incredible day of exploration, with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and finally a coffee spot or two. - Day 4 – Esposenda to Viana do Costelo
At the next stage of my trip, within five minutes of my walk, I realized what had been missing from the last three days. It was the varied terrain, the birds singing in the woods, the trees, the smells, the river, and the tranquility of a forest. A sense of relief washed over me, and even though I had been doing nothing but flat walking for three days, the climbs felt incredible and like coming home. - Day 3 – Vila do Conde to Esposende
Despite the physical and mental demands of the Camino, I found moments of tranquility and reflection. From the scenic coastal route to the helpful staff at Albergue Ultreya, there’s much to appreciate on this incredible journey - Day 2 – Matosinhos to Vila da Conde
After 17 challenging miles of the Camino Literal, I arrived at the Albergue, exhausted but grateful for the beautiful day. - May 1 – Day 1Porto to Matosinhos As the sun was coming up, I heard birds outside my window. It’s gonna be a great day. I’m not sure that I’ve forgotten or if peopleContinue reading “May 1 – Day 1”
- Travel Day – as always patience is needed.Would not suggest this travel itinerary.
- T’was the Night Before….
The night before departure is always an endless blur. I’m thrilled to almost have the planning behind me and the actual trip ahead, filled with the excitement of the unknown. - Day 9 – Logrono to Madrid to Dublin to SeattleAs I coughed my way into the evening, unable to think about leaving my room for food, I decided to either find a hospital or a plane home. Fortunately thereContinue reading “Day 9 – Logrono to Madrid to Dublin to Seattle”
- Day 8 – Lorca to LogronoI’ve been walking since 6 AM and there is no one on the trail in front of me or behind me. I keep checking my map to make sure thatContinue reading “Day 8 – Lorca to Logrono”
- Day 7- Lorca to Villamayor de MonjardinI will keep this short and sweet….I made it! This respiratory issue with no sleep is taking its toll plus I have no appetite…not a good thing when distance walking.Continue reading “Day 7- Lorca to Villamayor de Monjardin”
- Day 6 – Obanos to LorcaI think that I might’ve been the only pilgrim that stayed in this cute little town. I know I was the only one who stayed in my Albergue/Rural Hotel. IContinue reading “Day 6 – Obanos to Lorca”
- Day 5 – Pamplona to ObanosThe early start was a great idea. Lots of open area with little shade. Nothing on the Camino is truly flat and it is easy to be caught up withContinue reading “Day 5 – Pamplona to Obanos”
- Day 4 – Ilarratz to Pamplona
Today the morning was cool and refreshing. A nice walk through some woods and countryside with just a bit of background noise from the freeway that runs parallel to thisContinue reading “Day 4 – Ilarratz to Pamplona” - Day 3 – Burgette to Ilaratz14.8 miles Whew! It was in the low 90’s by the time that we finished today. All of us were cooked and ready for a shower. Unfortunately my albergue wasContinue reading “Day 3 – Burgette to Ilaratz”
- Day 2 – Borda to Burquette
13 miles Today was challenging again. This time it was twice as long. There were so similarities to the Primativo. Lots of climbing and lots of downhills. Truly beautiful scenery.Continue reading “Day 2 – Borda to Burquette” - Day 1 on the FrancesSt Jean to Borda It was perfect temperature for hiking a 2300 foot elevation gain in under 5 miles! The church bells were ringing and the birds were sing meContinue reading “Day 1 on the Frances”
- Camino Travel Day
It was an early rise today, 3:00 am to catch my plane from Copenhagen to Paris to Biarritz when a shuttle to St Jean Pied a Port, the start ofContinue reading “Camino Travel Day” - Denmark – Day 4-5Day 4 Today was an incredible day! I was part of a blended family gathering to celebrate a parent’s annual tradition. It was a truly special moment to be aContinue reading “Denmark – Day 4-5”
- Denmark – Day 3Today was centered around food and family as today was a family brunch. We hopped around doing grocery shopping, then pick up Julius. I got to see his first newContinue reading “Denmark – Day 3”
- Denmark – Day 2For those who have not followed my blog over the years…where have you been🤣…I will explain my Danish Family. In 1987 Maria was a foreign exchange student in Montesano. WeContinue reading “Denmark – Day 2”
- Travel Day – Seattle to Copenhagen
FYI the new carry-on and personal item size is serious business with Icelandair. The scales are out, the new size board is being used and there is no allowing aContinue reading “Travel Day – Seattle to Copenhagen” - One day Until the Journey Begins…
I spent the day packing, unpacking, repacking and finally saying I’m ready. Many people have asked me what I take with me so I have done a picture essay ofContinue reading “One day Until the Journey Begins…” - Time To Get Into Action….
I woke up last weekend and realized I was three weeks from leaving for Spain. I had made a few reservations: my favorite albergue in St Jean Pied de Port,Continue reading “Time To Get Into Action….” - I Cannot Ignore the Call of the Camino…
I have walked approximately 2000 miles on Camino trails. I guess it is yet to be enough. I was planning on doing two shorter Camino‘s this year but as IContinue reading “I Cannot Ignore the Call of the Camino…” - Day 4 -Lanjarõn
What a beautiful, restful day. It was not quite as hot today or we are adjusting to the arid high country weather. Our day was spent eating, drinking and sitting.Continue reading “Day 4 -Lanjarõn” - Post Camino Day 1-3
Lots of lessons learned this Camino! The main one was to be a little gentler on myself. I never want to ask or expect help, and for this Camino. IContinue reading “Post Camino Day 1-3” - Final Day
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 lessonsContinue reading “Final Day” - Day 13 – Melide to A BreaToday 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 villageContinue reading “Day 13 – Melide to A Brea”
- Day 12 Ferreira to Melide
What started out as a quiet stroll through Galacia… We climbed and descended our way over the hills of the region. The climbs are definitely not the straight up theContinue reading “Day 12 Ferreira to Melide” - Day 11 Lugo to FerreiraI 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 flewContinue 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. Then we went on a wall walk.Continue 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 patienceContinue 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 insteadContinue reading “Day 8 Castro to O Piñeiro” - Day 7- La Mesa to CastroI 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 reachedContinue 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.Continue 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 usContinue reading “Day 5 Campiello to Pola De Allande” - Day 4 – Bodenaya to Campiello
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 slopesContinue reading “Day 4 – Bodenaya to Campiello” - Day 3 – Cornella to Bodenaya
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.Continue reading “Day 3 – Cornella to Bodenaya” - Day 2 Paladin to CornellanaI 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” themeContinue 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 toContinue 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 noContinue 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 numerousContinue reading “I am a bit of a mess….”
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