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”
Tag Archives: Camino de Santiago
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 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”
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”
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”
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”
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”
7 Days Count Down
Salut! Primativo here we come. With just a week before we board the plane to Madrid, we have begun serious training! Many things have gotten in the way of pre-Camino physical training, but since my last five Camino’s consisted of training on the Camino’s themselves, starting seven days in advance seems like progress. (Notice weContinueContinue reading “7 Days Count Down”
I know…3 trips to Europe in 1 year….
I also find it amazing that all stars have lined up with this great opportunity. It truly was a celebration and gift to myself (and one trip a gift from Maria and Benny; my Danish family) for 36 years of owning a business and finally saying goodbye to my beloved café and staff. On thisContinueContinue reading “I know…3 trips to Europe in 1 year….”
Day 4 – Tamel to Ponte De Lima
https://videopress.com/v/ZPScTxiH?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Last night in the municipal auberge was interesting and nice. We met a lot of people. The Albergue was not full so we all got lower bunks. Today we have walked with many of the people that we met last night. Today was feeling more like the Camino . The farmers are all tillingContinueContinue reading “Day 4 – Tamel to Ponte De Lima”
And Then There Were Three…
We have started to gather our Camino family even before we have taken one step! A very close friend of Laura’s, Ian, will be joining us in Porto as we explore that beautiful city, eat amazing food, and drink a lot of port and Vinho Verde. The three of us will take our first stepContinueContinue reading “And Then There Were Three…”
Day 3 Roncesvalles to Zubiri
After two days of climbing the Pyrenees we look so optimistic about today…..it is a beautiful walk out of Roncesvalles. Flat, tree lined; right into charming villages My first, of many, pictures of my shadow. This one includes our tribe at this time. This is a great spot to stop for espresso and patata tortilla.ContinueContinue reading “Day 3 Roncesvalles to Zubiri”
The Excitement is Building
Four years ago I would not have considered that this note, left by another pilgrim, would have been a sign that my Eva and I would be walking on this very trail, together, in August of 2019. I came upon this simple note which immediately brought me great joy, appreciation and love. I felt lighterContinueContinue reading “The Excitement is Building”
We are Camino Bound
It was a difficult goodbye but as we sat, waiting for boarding, our excitement grew. We both have received so many words of encouragement and support. It is humbling and we take you all in our hearts on our journey. Taking time for gratitude is one lesson I am hoping for on my camino.ContinueContinue reading “We are Camino Bound”
The Kitchen Has Been “Tucked In” for the Summer….
It is official. Debby is retired, the cheflets have been sent home for the summer and we leave in five days. It seems like just a few days ago that I posted “365 days until we leave”. Now the time is here. In the worlds of Peter, Paul, and Mary; yes, most of you areContinueContinue reading “The Kitchen Has Been “Tucked In” for the Summer….”
“Messing” Around
I have been sorting through my bags and “stuff” for my Camino. It is quite fun to organize and think about what makes sense in each compartment. I try visualizing getting in from a long day of hiking and being able to reach into my pack for first thing I will want….probably my sandals. So they areContinueContinue reading ““Messing” Around”
A Few False Starts
Wow….for a person who has spent very little of her 64 (almost 65) years NOT in a doctor’s office, it seems like I have become best friends with mine….well actually she and I are good friends in private life! My fall last summer seemed to start a downward spiral for me. Unable to go aContinueContinue reading “A Few False Starts”
Finally….2015
Five years ago in 2010, about one month after finishing my Sarria to Santiago hike, the Camino began calling me to go the entire route. At that time, I owned a restaurant and knew that there was no possible way that I could ever be gone for that length of time. So I put the ideaContinueContinue reading “Finally….2015”
Training has started….
This is where I will be doing a lot of my training; my wonderful little town of Montesano, Washington. Right now it is hunting season, so I won’t be doing much hiking in the forests around and behind our town for the next two months. So urban walking it is…. The day I decided to start my training IContinueContinue reading “Training has started….”
Learning to slow down…..
My training has had a 6 week set back. My head over heels tumble has restricted me from doing much of anything for the summer. Needless to say, it has been a challenge, mentally more than physically. I have learned one thing….there is no doubt about it; I am a v-e-r-y impatient person! Ten minutesContinueContinue reading “Learning to slow down…..”