Camino 2017

A 46-day adventure by Coleen Read more

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Trip start
August 30, 2017
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Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 9:44 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 915 m
Canada Henderson Lake 49.694951, -112.79354149°41’42” N 112°47’37” W
All trails lead to ...
August 29, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Months of coulee and mountain hikes, are now behind us. The Camino beckons and we can't wait to put our hiking boots to path.
TravelerCan't wait to see the sights through your lens
8/30/17Reply
TravelerWe are very much looking forward reading your blog and seeing the pictures! Have a very good time!
8/31/17Reply
TravelerDublin is beautiful/ Gail and I visited it some years ago. What a great start to Camino!
9/7/17Reply
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Day 8
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 8:42 PM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 85 m
Ireland Clondalkin 53.31436, -6.4055753°18’52” N 6°24’20” W
A City of Immigrants
September 6, 2017 in Ireland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
I was struck today by the realization that Dublin is as much a city of immigrants as any in Canada. We were guided first by a fellow from Nigeria and then a woman from Latvia, into the arms of Ana, the Brazilian who is our B&B host. Our appetites were sated by lunch at a Hare Krishna eatery and then supper at a Korean fish monger's establishment. Sightseeing was full on Irish though. We toured Dublin Castle, Killmainham Gaol, and Christchurch Cathedral. Walking past the Catholic Church of St. James reminded us of the reason for our journey as it is an official part of the Camino for Irish pilgrims.Read more
TravelerDublin looks beautiful...and sounds delicious! Cannot wait to hear more. Love you!
9/7/17Reply
TravelerGood start to all the people you'll meet on the path. Enjoy the land of your roots!
9/7/17Reply
TravelerDublin is great! If you are still there try "Queen of tarts" for a break. Lots of love from Germany!
9/10/17Reply
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Day 11
Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11:11 AM
☁️ 16 °C
Altitude: 306 m
Spain Milagro 42.2416, -1.765942°14’30” N 1°45’57” W
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Irish Immersion
September 9, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Dublin is not stuffy despite its stately architecture. Softening touches such as colorful doorways, murals and quotations from famous authors/poets give tourists lots to look at and ponder. But poetry isn't left to the scholars. Locals have fun naming their public art. My favorite was a mermaid statue "The Floozy in the Jacuzzi".Read more
Traveler I think I recognize this as Trinity with the Book of Kells
9/15/17Reply
Traveler Love this!
9/15/17Reply
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Day 16
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 4:48 PM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 414 m
Spain Estella-Lizarra 42.66868, -2.023442°40’7” N 2°1’24” W
Symbols Along The Way
September 14, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
From graffiti to sponsored public art, from abandoned hiking gear to decorated public fountains, we pilgrims have much inspire, shock and delight us!
TravelerPraying a blessing for your hiking boots!
9/15/17Reply
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Day 17
Friday, September 15, 2017 at 5:41 PM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 493 m
Spain Sansol 42.55362, -2.265542°33’13” N 2°15’56” W
The Camino Provides
September 15, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
What a day! Six pictures just doesn't cover it. Although it was barely 9 AM, we lined up for the Fuente Vino to fill a small water bottle with red wine for our noon meal. Today's alternate route took us through woodlands and agricultural lands reminding us that we came to the Camino for the walking. But aside from that, we found accordion entertainment at a cross roads and an orange juice vendor at another oasis. We've met pilgrims from all over the world, passing and then reconnecting with them at unexpected times. Something familiar in otherwise days of new beginnings.Read more
TravelerLooks like so far so good. Really missing you here.
9/15/17Reply
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Day 19
Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 5:07 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 750 m
Spain Cirueña 42.41272, -2.8943642°24’46” N 2°53’40” W
Beehives to Ghostowns
September 17, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Our track today lead us through the famous ochre soils of Rioja. Grape vines to the left, olives to the right, most of the way. Rioja provides many picnic sites for its pilgrims as well as a most helpful series of kilometer markers. At one of the earlier picnic sites we saw this beehive shaped structure. Much of the last half of our day followed a country road, newly graded and topped with a mustard colored rock. Just as Dorothy before us, our track lead to a surreal location. Ciruena was built during the boom and more or less abandoned during the down turn. Our albergue is straight out of a psychedelic dream.Read more
TravelerDifferent from the beehives in Ireland but similar idea
9/17/17Reply
TravelerWill have to do research on them both, but the Celtic influence is strong throughout this region.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 20
Monday, September 18, 2017 at 4:10 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 776 m
Spain Belorado 42.42047, -3.1905542°25’14” N 3°11’26” W
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To the Artists
September 18, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
I was struck today by how much the early church and present day Camino support the artistic community. Generations of stonemasons and sculptors built the cathedrals we've visited. Painters and stained glass artists colored them. Today, municipalities have put a lot of money into sculptures, murals, logos and all manner of public art to honor the pilgrims. But let's not forget the Chefs whose work may not be as permanent, but just as appreciated!Read more
Traveler Presentation is everything!
9/18/17Reply
TravelerToo bad about the crusades painting but other than that . . . yeah for the support of artists!
9/18/17Reply
TravelerThat too is history, dark vs the light, yin vs the yang. Always the struggle, always the opportunity to improve the present.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 21
Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 3:39 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 967 m
Spain Agés 42.36971, -3.4783642°22’11” N 3°28’42” W
Walk for the Ages
September 19, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Our walk today started in the mists and continued through oak forests over a pass to a remote monastery. Plenty of time to contemplate and commune with nature. Our destination, Ages, is a quaint little town, alive ONLY because of the pilgrimage.Read more
Travelerloved the labyrinth. hugs, Pat
9/19/17Reply
TravelerLots of representations of these. Energy/life spiraling inwards and outwards simultaneously.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 22
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 5:17 PM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 818 m
Spain Tardajos 42.34494, -3.8101142°20’42” N 3°48’36” W
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How Far We've Come
September 20, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Our day started near Atapuerca where our earliest ancestors have been unearthed. The Way lead us to Burgos and the Catedral de Santa Maria XIII. The simple to the ornate ... And here we are attempting to return to the basic.Read more
Traveler Funny!
9/21/17Reply
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Day 23
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 2:30 PM
⛅ 24 °C
Altitude: 880 m
Spain Hontanas 42.31261, -4.042942°18’45” N 4°2’34” W
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Tranquillo
September 21, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C
We've left the bustle of Burgos behind us and opted for a short day - around 20 km rather than 30. The Meseta reminds us of home on the prairies, big skies, sun baked fields, and sparse populations. Far fewer pilgrims meant we had much of the way to ourselves, such a change from the last few days. The rhythm of our poles and the vast horizons lulled me into a much more contemplative mood.Read more
Traveler Love it!
9/23/17Reply
Traveler Windmills? Could be Pincher!
9/23/17Reply
Traveler I know!
10/17/17Reply
Traveler The Way makes it easy. Just following our shadows each morning.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 24
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 3:54 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 792 m
Spain Boadilla del Camino 42.25821, -4.3463842°15’30” N 4°20’47” W
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The Camino Provides ...work
September 22, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Many of the small towns we pass through owe their existence to the pilgrims. Populations of 70 quadruple for a few hours each evening and then empty out by 8 AM again so the albergues can clean and ready themselves again for the onslaught at 2 PM. How they make enough on 10 euro beds and meals is a mystery.Read more
TravelerWe should create a holy trail through Alberta small towns to keep them alive - substitute for the railway system that created them.
9/23/17Reply
TravelerIs that how many kilometres you have left to go??
9/23/17Reply
Traveler So beautiful!
9/23/17Reply
TravelerYes and yes!
10/17/17Reply
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Day 25
Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 3:13 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 824 m
Spain Carrión de los Condes 42.33716, -4.6005142°20’14” N 4°36’2” W
The Unexpected
September 23, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Color in the dawn's light, the harvest and a painter's pallette. Playfulness in gamboling sheep and a pilgrim's sculpture.
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Day 26
Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 4:11 PM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 857 m
Spain Moratinos 42.3609, -4.9278442°21’39” N 4°55’40” W
Lightened Heart
September 24, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
In the year and half since Marita's heart skipped its final beat, I've been collecting heart shaped stones. We've added dozens to our rock garden and inside decor. As we were so vigilante about weight on the Camino, I told myself that I wasn't going to pick up any on the way, BUT I have been tempted by 2. The strange thing is that they both disappeared from my pack. Perhaps it is a sign that I've moved on to a lighter heart. Remembering Marita on her birthdayRead more
TravelerHugs!
9/25/17Reply
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Day 26
Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 5:26 PM
🌬 26 °C
Altitude: 858 m
Spain Moratinos 42.36098, -4.9277842°21’40” N 4°55’40” W
Raindrops on Roses ...
September 24, 2017 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 26 °C
Footbaths at the end of a 30 km walk, amigos made along The Way, OVER HALF done our walk ... these are a few of my favorite things! Scott is Rey of the Castillo atop a hill riddled with manmade caves (Bodegas) for holding wine at the proper temperature. Paulo, be gone!!!Read more
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Day 27
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:01 AM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 872 m
Spain El Burgo Ranero 42.42432, -5.2204842°25’28” N 5°13’14” W
Until We Meet Again
September 25, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Some familiar faces that have shared the trail or a common meal with us are leaving The Way. Andres catches a train back to Madrid for work, Barbara and Francisca (and their doggie pawed chaos tubes) return to Italy, the Belgians - Rosette, Eric, & Adelan - will finish in Leon, Jean-Luis and his wife have returned to their farm near Orloron St.Marie, we've lost track of the Germans - Hagen, Elsbeth, et al. Hyun Sook Shin, who walks more slowly, may intersect with our Camino again. BUT with shared contact information, who knows where we will meet again.Read more
TravelerFriends in every corner of the world!
9/25/17Reply
TravelerSo thankful for the opportunity.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 29
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 6:08 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 818 m
Spain Hospital de Órbigo 42.45949, -5.8850242°27’34” N 5°53’6” W
What a Pilgrim Needs
September 27, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
A simple map, a path, and kindness along the way. There is very little else a Pilgrim needs. This fellow had set up a rest stop along a barren section of our trail this morning. He had constructed geodesic domes for a simple bathroom and sun shelter. On offer was coffee, tea, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh fruits, cookies and meusli bars. He stamped our Passports and brightened our day! Another farmstead had practical supplies for walkers and cyclers alike. Hospital de Orbiga constructed this amazing bridge for pilgrims years ago to help with the river crossing - ok, so bridges are great to have too!Read more
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Day 30
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 4:28 PM
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 989 m
Spain Santa Catalina de Somoza 42.45509, -6.1590442°27’18” N 6°9’33” W
2 1
Body, Mind, & Spirit
September 28, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
We completed the rigorous Body section of our journey by conquering the Pyrennes, danced through the Mind challenging Meseta, and now begin the final third with the Spiritual realm. What better way to begin but at an Albergue run by a group of back to the earth, vegetarian, musicians. After at least 2 hours of yoga, meditation and spiritual guidance, we were lead to the dining room for another meditation/blessing of the food and a sing along grace before finally diving into Crisp Green Salad with Apple and Pomegranate Arils in Mustard Honey Dressing; Cauliflower Soup; Pesto and Roasted Pepper Bruschetta with a choice of Mushroom or Eggplant; Hummus with carrots, zucchini and/or wholemeal bread; and Spice Cake for dessert. Food for the soul indeed!Read more
Traveler Peace and joy!
9/29/17Reply
Traveler Wonderful architecture
9/30/17Reply
Traveler Contentment ...
10/17/17Reply
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Day 31
Friday, September 29, 2017 at 4:50 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 1,128 m
Spain El Acebo de San Miguel 42.50093, -6.4601842°30’3” N 6°27’37” W
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David Myles Day
September 29, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
"(Wo)man of simple pleasures". The Spiritual Journey continued today. I'm loving walking out under the cover of stars each morning with The Way ahead of me. A clean slate, a day of new found wonders.
Traveler Lovely!
9/29/17Reply
Traveler Looks like your weather has been fantastic!
9/29/17Reply
Traveler 😻
9/30/17Reply
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Day 32
Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 5:33 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 491 m
Spain Camponaraya 42.5797, -6.6687842°34’47” N 6°40’8” W
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Autumn Arrives
September 30, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
We walked through highlands shrouded in autumn colors today. Grape vines are particularly beautiful as they turn ... wine colored! Trees planted along our path shed Maple-like leaves, but the bitter East wind has yet to gain momentum. The Knights Templar castle in Ponferrada is stunning in size and repair. Nothing fancy, but a spectacle just the same. Day 21, we are 3/4 the way through our Camino.Read more
Traveler Fun imagery! Relating to the blowing wind ... !
9/30/17Reply
Traveler Nothing better than a castle!
10/2/17Reply
Traveler It spoke to me having lived in Southern Alberta!
10/17/17Reply
Traveler Well, this one certainly won me over.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 33
Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 4:01 PM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 599 m
Spain La Portela de Valcarce 42.66008, -6.9179642°39’36” N 6°55’5” W
Paths Less Taken
October 1, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
If offered an alternate route, we take it. They tend to be less traveled, more scenic, and remote ... albeit longer. Today's took us up an extra 600 meters, out of the vineyards and into the chestnut groves with their magestic ambience softened by the fuzzy seed case! Less than 200 km left to Santiago - we climb O'Cebrerio tomorrow. Hoping for clear skies.Read more
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Day 34
Monday, October 2, 2017 at 4:28 PM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 1,288 m
Spain Fonfría 42.73113, -7.1569842°43’52” N 7°9’25” W
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Falling in Love with Galicia
October 2, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
After 21 days of Hostel living, last night Scott and I had a room AND shower to ourselves! Renewed, we set out for O'Cebreiro, under star lit skies, and then came the Big Reveal. A perfect day, sun drenched hillsides, and bright blue skies made selecting today's pictures agonizingly difficult. To top it off, we've landed at a well run albergue with a pilgrim's communal dinner in a traditional building pictured here.Read more
Traveler So cool!
10/2/17Reply
Traveler Beautiful
10/2/17Reply
TravelerA perfect night and a perfect day - what could be better!
10/2/17Reply
Traveler Interesting structure ... excellent service AND amazing food. What more is there?
10/17/17Reply
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Day 35
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 5:33 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 531 m
Spain Barbadelo 42.76893, -7.4448942°46’8” N 7°26’42” W
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Footsteps
October 3, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Following this ancient trail, we've been awed by all those who having gone before us. The trails, deeply furrowed in places have been lined with stone walls, some over 7 feet in height, to keep the hillsides from giving way. This 800 year old tree helped feed generations of pilgrims. Samos monastery, from the 6th century, continues to support its faithful. Modern day volunteers supplement official signposts with helpful spray painted way signs. Long before The Way became a Christian pilgrimage, the land inspired earlier generations to walk its length to the end of the earth and the dying sun in Finisterre.Read more
Traveler Did you stay there?
10/5/17Reply
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Day 36
Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 3:28 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 538 m
Spain Gonzar 42.82521, -7.6961842°49’31” N 7°41’46” W
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Contemplative Mood
October 4, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Cocooned in the woodland paths today, the deeply rutted trail beneath me, hand made stone walls each side, and forest canopy above, I've found my steps slowing, each experience more nuanced. Less than 100 kms to Santiago.Read more
Traveler Looks ancient
10/5/17Reply
Traveler Like walking through time.
10/17/17Reply
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Day 37
Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 8:50 PM
🌙 17 °C
Altitude: 460 m
Spain Melide 42.91478, -8.0171942°54’53” N 8°1’2” W
It's a Wonderful Life
October 5, 2017 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 17 °C
Today's celebration started with a rock picked up along the Camino, soon followed by a video of last night's bunkmates singing Happy Birthday. Another rendition was sung by Jesus and Paulo's troupe when we met at a breakfast stop. I was presented with handpicked walnuts by a smiling elderly Spanish man and lots of Happy Birthday e-mail messages - many of which were orchestrated by my best friend and love of my life, Scott. Thanks to all who participated! I've had a truly wonderful day.

Supper was a Pulpa Feast - octopus!Read more
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Day 38
Friday, October 6, 2017 at 4:39 PM
☀️ 23 °C
Altitude: 265 m
Spain Arca 42.9038, -8.3605742°54’14” N 8°21’38” W
Graffiti ...
October 6, 2017 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
along The Way tends to range from religious to New Age, Simon & Garfunkel to John Lennon. But this morning's message read, "I'm almost to the end and I haven't found the answers. This is all a hoax."

We often hear, "The Way provides. " I'd add ... opportunity ... In the gift of living in community with strangers, one has the opportunity to learn a lot about one's self. In the discipline of moving each day toward the unknown, one has the opportunity to learn to conquer fears. In the quiet of the morning mists, one has the opportunity to listen to one's inner knowing. And under the dazzling night sky, one has the opportunity to recapture wonder.Read more
TravelerBeautifully said, Coleen.
10/7/17Reply
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