In Bayeux, France we began our tour of the Normandy beaches and the WWII D-Day points of interest. We had taken a train from Paris the previous day to Bayeux. What a delightful town and our hotel, Novotel, was wonderful. Our tour began with a solemn visit to La Cambe, a German war cemetery. It …
Notre Dame
We (Joseph, my parents and I) toured Notre Dame cathedral in Paris after Amy and Kendal left for the states. It is a magnificent facility! A space sacred by reputation and design. The impact of the French Revolution was dreadful for this church. For some years, the church was not under Catholic control and was …
Sagrada Familia
After connecting with family in Santiago de Compostela, we flew to Barcelona for a couple of days. We began our visit with a tour of Sagrada Familia. Construction began in the mid-1800s. The construction should be complete by 2026. It is difficult to capture the scale of this sacred space, which is a goal of …
La Faba’s blessing!
Villafranca in the distance as we begin our climb. Headed to La Faba so as to cut our big climb. Spain is in a heatwave. It is affecting pilgrims by rearranging our walking goals and routines. I have met pilgrims who have started walking at night to miss the heat. The albergue in La Faba …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
