Tag Archives: Camino

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October 12, 2023

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Camino de Santiago, Europe, Spain

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LOS ARCOS – LOGROÑO

Route Information

Camino: Day 7

Distance: 28 KM (17.3 miles)

Grand total: 172 KM (106.8 miles)

Weather: sunny, 50-80 degrees

Time on trail: 8 hours counting breaks

We knew we had a long day ahead of us. Thankfully the hotel offered a 7:00 breakfast.

When we entered the breakfast room it was full of fellow pilgrims we had seen & met on the trail over the past week.

We were able to be out on the trail at 7:30.

Sunrise came around 8:20. Our first large village was Sansól.

Followed by Torres del Rio.

Along the path we came across an interesting place that I would call a rock cairn memorial site. Rocks had been stacked with names written on or near each. There was also a tree with tied ribbons.

From this view point we could see Logroño in the far distance. Only 10 more miles to go.

The next village was Viana where we enjoyed a nice break & lunch. Then 6 more miles to Logroño.

Things we saw along the way.

That way
Need a rest?
More abandoned shoes
Where we came from

Interesting mural at a lovely picnic spot where a few pilgrims were resting before the final push into Logroño.

With 2.5 miles to go we took a short break and enjoyed a few almonds. Along the route there are many almond trees. A few days ago a man gave us a few that he had found on the ground. It was time to crack some nuts.

Finally in Logrona. Long day and happy to be finished.

A few people we have met are stopping here and going home. It will be interesting to see how many people we recognize tomorrow.

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October 11, 2023

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Camino de Santiago, Europe, Spain

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Estella to Los Arcos

Route Information (We started from Estella)

Camino: Day 6

Distance: 21 KM (13 miles)

Weather: sunny, 54-80 degrees

Time on trail: 6 hours including all breaks

We had our earliest start beginning around 7:40. It was still a little dark when we reached the famous Monastery of Saint Mary the Royal of Irache.

The monastery dates from the 8th century. Next door is the Irache Winery that provides free wine to any pilgrim that passes by.

Along the way you meet many people. Some you pass many times a day as one or the other stops for a break.

On day 3 Jim & I kept passing this woman. Jim starts up a conversation and learns she is from France. We have stayed in the same hotel 3 times. She has now become one of our Camino friends.

She reminds my husband of my mother so we sometimes call her French Georgianne.

A group of Koreans left on the same day as us. So we see them often. Most speak very little English and we know zero Korean. So we wave, smile and say “Buen Camino” when we see each other.

One of the few shady break spots along the route.

This was the last place to stop for food & drinks before we started the long 7 mile stretch to our home for the night.

Getting a wet scarf to wear around his neck. (Drive on rag)

Pictures along the 7 mile stretch.

One of the funny occurrences along the trail is lost men’s underwear. We are guessing they put it on their backpacks hoping it will dry, only to have them fall somewhere along the trail.

Happy to have made it to Los Arcos.

Santa Maria de Los Arcos
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October 10, 2023

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Camino de Santiago, Europe, Spain

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PUENTE LA REINA – ESTELLA

Route Information

Camino: Day 5

Distance: 22 KM (13.6 miles)

Weather: sunny, 54-80 degrees

Time on trail: 6 hours including all breaks

We were once again on the trail close to 8:00 and enjoyed the morning sunrise.

The trail is slowly getting better. Less steepness and fewer big rocks to maneuver around. More and more long stretches on gravel trails making it easier to walk at a constant speed.

Vineyards and Cirauqui in the distance

The old town of Ciraiqui was lovely to walk through.

Outside the town we followed the old Roman road for a short distance.

You can usually find food & drinks to eat in many villages and the bigger towns. But as a pilgrim, there are also a number of people who offer you food for free or a small donation along the trail.

The bread and grapes were delicious.

One of my favorite things about Europe are the church bells that chime through out the day.

Other images along the way.

We are making progress. Passed this mileage marker today. They tell you how far it is to Santiago.

Only 422 miles to go.

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October 9, 2023

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PAMPLONA – PUENTE LA REINA

Route Information (we travel from right to left)

Camino: Day 4

Weather: sunny, 52-83 degrees

Distance: 24 km (15 miles)

Time on trail: 6.75 hours (includes lunch & water breaks)

We left Pamplona close to 8:00. Saw many parents walking their children to school.

Once we left the city we could easily see our route for the next few hours.

The gravel trail took us across dry and freshly plowed farmland.

We then began our gradual climb up to Mount El Perdón. Once at the top you can see Pamplona in the distance and where the path will take you the rest of the day.

At the top, you find one of most photographed locations on the Camino.

Information on the sculpture.

More image along the route.

We arrived in Puente La Reina close to 4:00 pm. I was ready to stop. The last hour continues to be difficult. The mornings seem to fly by. Around 11:00 we had walked over 6 miles that felt easy, but as the day warms and feet become tired you finish on pure will power.

After some rest and a nice shower we enjoyed the end of our day in Puente La Reina. It’s know for its famous Puente Romanesque Bridge built in the 11th century and roasted spicy hot peppers.

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October 7, 2023

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Camino de Santiago, Europe, France, Spain

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SAINT JEAN PIED DE PORT – RONCESVALLES

The Pyrenees

Camino: Day 1

Distance: 26.8 km (16.6 miles)

Weather: sunny 55-80 degrees

Time on the trail: 9 hours

Fabulous day to start our walk. Big blue skies the whole day. We left our hotel at 8:00am.

The first 7 hours was a slow gradual uphill climb. (1227 meters, 4035 feet) the last 2 hours was a steep decline. It felt great to stop.

At the start of the day you could always see 10-20 pilgrims walking near you, by midpoint that had thinned to 5-10. By the last mile we only saw 2. Showing how everyone starts out together, but as the day moves forward some fall behind while others speed up. We were somewhere in the middle.

The goods news is that every book says this is the hardest day of the entire trip. I hope this turns out to be true.

Today’s route following the Napoleon route in red
Leaving town
Koreans stretching
On our way
Sunrise
Women resting their feet, blisters are a big issue on the Camino

The only obstacle for the day was avoiding the sheep, cow and horse poop on the trail.

And not stepping on the flowers
Serenade of cow bells
Time to fill water bottles
Leaving the only stop for refreshments on the route
Someone already pulling out items from their backpack to leave behind
Only 475 more miles to go (actually think it’s further)
Entering Spain

Happy to be at our hotel relaxing.

Perfect end to our first day.

Salad, pasta, wine and ice cream for only 16€!!!

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October 5, 2023

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Walking the Camino De Santiago – The Way

Routes to Santiago de Compostela

There are many ways to walk to Santiago, we have chosen the popular French route that leaves from Saint Jean Pied de Port in southern France. If all goes as planned, we will reach Santiago in 34 days, then Finisterre (End of the Earth) 4 days later.

The French route has been walked for 1,000s of years and actually follows the Milky Way.

From: https://star-name-registry.com

There are many reasons why people make this 500 mile journey by foot. In fact, I’ve read it is the most common question asked by fellow pilgrims.

Some say if one goes in spirt of meditation & reflection, you are a pilgrim, otherwise you are just a tourist.

For us, no doubt, it will be an adventure which will test our physical abilities, but that’s what life is always about. Struggle mixed with JOY.

It’s been a dream to walk the Camino since watching a documentary in 2014 which followed various people making the pilgrimage.

Very exciting to finally be on our way to do “The Way.”

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