Left Leon today and walked to San Martin (halfway to Astorga). The walk was boring... till I saw this sign! Let me share a bit about Leon. Only a bit because I did not take a rest day there. I did see the cathedral, which is amazing! Built in only 50 years, using revolutionary methods, …
Approaching Leon!
A common practice on the Camino is to buy breakfast the night before. In Bercianos Del Real Camino, I bought fruit for the next morning. Actually had a nice selection, but you had to let shop owner collect everything. From Bercianos Del Real Camino to Mansilla de las Mulas, I walked with Raeanne of Canada …
Joseph’s Birthday & Bercianos!
Today my son turns 17! And he landed in Paris with a group from Edwardsville High School! What a day! While walking the Camino, I was able to arrange for these macaroons to be delivered to his hotel. He was thankful they were not delivered in front of the whole group. My pilgrim pals have …
Carrion de los Condes
My dinner companions at Castrojeriz two nights ago. Roland from Netherlands next to me. Other side, Clayton of Australia, Raeanne of Canada and Maureen of UK (now living in France). It was a fantastic meal of discussing international politics, comparing governments, family stories, and teasing. After walking in rain most of the day from Castrojeriz …
Sticks: an ode?
A classic image of a pilgrim includes a stick / staff with a scallop shell tied to the top. My experience in the Camino is watching some walk with no staff and some walk with one stick. Most walk with two. A decent pair of sticks can be priceless. I purchased this set in St …
Wobble: The Way
Sandra from the U.K. says, "sometimes you just have to give your head a wobble." It was a great summary of a dinner conversation of our groups experience of the Camino. (Sandra - U.K., Clayton -Australia, Hernan - Florida, Roland - Netherlands, Me) We were discussing various experiences of the Camino providing renewal. For some …
Cathedral of Burgos
Walking 36km yesterday allowed a full tourist day today and what a treat. Was able to visit pharmacy for various items from toothpaste to blister treatment to etc. Most of all, I was able to tour and to pray in the Cathedral of Burgos. There are many side chapels, too many to image here. The …
Just say NO
As Clayton from Australia said, "If someone asks you to walk 36km (24miles) with all you own on your back, just say NO!" So Clayton and I did that today. I now agree with him, and so do my feet. (My phone / watch says I took over 54,000 steps today) One of the many …
Grañon: Communal Meals
If you saw the Camino movie we showed at church, they did some filming at the albergue in Grañon, where I stayed last night. What an experience! At 6pm, all the pilgrims cooked dinner under guidance of the two hosts. At 7pm, we were told we would need to sing for our food. A story …
Navarrete
What a fun day! Started in Logroño checking out farmers market... the produce was fresh and the butchers were showing their skill with blade and clever. Then a stop to pray at the last church on The Way as I walked out of Logroño... Walked 6 miles or so to Navarrete seen up head... rather …
Sacred Stirrings 