What an amazing walk today! Leaving Astorga, I caught the cathedral in this light. This is an early view along the Way. Unlike previous days, the physical challenge and visual reward increased! Visited a very festive cafe. We removed our boots and socks, giving our feet some air. This is me walking the trail. Our …
Astorga y Gaudi
Astorga was an amazing place for a rest day! Began the day with errands such as banking, pharmacy (always more foot care products) and a haircut. Sergio, the barber, and I did well with broken Spanish / English and hand gestures. During my errands I found how the pork is delivered here... on the shoulder …
To Astorga!
Leaving San Martin to walk to Astorga, we crossed this ancient bridge. There was a bike race today. So bridge was flooded with bicycles. However nobody minded that we pilgrims were walking and taking pictures in their race. After walking alone by the highway all day as my friends followed normal route, we met at …
Skylight
So it is 9:54pm. I need to be walking early AM. And here is my ceiling at this moment. No drapes or shutter. Lol!!
Less than 300km to go..
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 …
Sacred Stirrings 