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Our First Camino
  • Sarah and Nat
  • Sarah and Nat

Our First Camino

You may be asking why? This journey represents a chance to honour loved ones lost, make new friends, embrace challenges, and meander the simple life. Maybe there will be a higher purpose. We are about to find out. Buen Camino! Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 25, 2025
    Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Melbourne

    April 24, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After years of dreaming, binge-watching youtube videos, reading blogs and books, and imagining this adventure a million times over, we’re finally doing it!

    My obsession with the Camino de Santiago started with the movie ‘The Way’ back in 2010. I walked out and said to my friend Sandy, ‘I’m going to do that one day.’ Her reply was, ‘I know you will, but you’re on your own there sweetie’.

    We both have personal reasons why this adventure is important, and as time ticks by, these may become evident in our stories here. I’m also sure we’ll uncover other reasons we didn’t expect, as we go along.

    The nerves are definitely creeping in. It’s starting to hit us just how far we’re going to be walking (same distance as Sydney to Melbourne, who signs up for that?!).

    We’ve been occupied the past few months planning and prepping. This morning we did the final gear check, packs sorted and our post-walk holiday luggage ready. My bag is not as neatly organised as Nat’s I might add. It would also be remiss of me not to mention that Nat has officially dedicated an entire side of his suitcase to ‘the pillow’. No, it’s not a travel pillow! Comfort is non-negotiable, apparently!

    We’re currently en route to Paris via Abu Dhabi for a quick stopover. We’ll be in Paris for three nights, and from there, it’s off to our official starting point, St Jean Pied de Port in France.

    Next update will be from Paris! Au revoir until then.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    4

    Paris

    Apr 25–28, 2025 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    We spent three nights in stunning Paris, staying at the lovely Quinzerie Hotel with a view to the Eiffel Tower. We managed to see all the must do sights, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs de Élysées, Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, just to name a few. We did a brilliant walking tour, and a food tour in Montmarte where we had endless pastries, quiche, cheeses, and French wines. Paris is definitely a new favourite city. Hospitality second to none, grand architecture, incredible history, beautiful people, gorgeous fashion and oh my, those pastries are out of this world!Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles - 27km

    Apr 30–May 1, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Hola from Spain! Today we meandered from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles, 27km over the Pyrenees, with a 1.5km climb. Can confirm… that is very, very, very steep! Quite relentless, in fact. The views were absolutely stunning, like nothing like we’ve ever experienced. Wild horses and cows with loud bells roamed the hills. We saw snow close by, which made a lovely cool breeze. There were big birds gliding overhead. So peaceful to watch. Up top, it was so windy we were walking sideways. Have a lovely contrasting colour of wind and sun burnt legs. Just to add to the list of ouchies.

    To make things more exciting, we accidentally took the road less traveled with 4km to go… the same one the Pilgrim Office specifically said not to take due to recent storm damage. It was rocky, super steep, and incredibly muddy and slippery. A great day and proud we conquered our first day. A big day of 32km ahead tomorrow.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    St Jean Pied de Port

    Apr 30–May 2, 2025 in France ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We arrived in St Jean Pied de Port on Monday afternoon after a five hour train trip. This beautiful village is at the base of the Pyrenees. So far, we’ve met people from the US, Germany and Australia. The river is flowing fast after recent heavy rain and snow (missed by a week). We picked up our first Camino stamp in our Credentials Pilgrim Passport at the Pilgrim Office. It actually felt surreal, having only seen that in the movies—seamless as well! Tomorrow we start with 26km over the Pyrenees. Total ascent of 1.5km.
    It’s game time!!
    Au revoir France,
    Hola Spain!    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Roncesvalles to Akerreta - 32km

    May 1–2, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Today’s walk was incredibly long. 32km.

    We started in Roncesvalles and made our way through forests, small villages and hills. The path was a mix of narrow paths and rocks. Seemed to be uphill most of the way. Legs and calves are feeling it today. Beautiful scenery with plenty of farm animals to keep us company. For lunch we had the best pizza.

    The hotel we are staying in is the hotel in the movie, The Way. It’s stunning ! Takes away from the grind of the last few kms.

    16 or so kms ahead today en route to Pamplona.

    Oh, the group photo is with our fellow Aussie travelers from Raw Travel. Lovely bunch!    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    Akerreta to Pamplona - 18km

    May 2–4, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    An 18km peaceful walk today through forests, riverside trails and quiet villages. The path followed the Arga River for most of the way,
    Beautiful sounds of rapids and waterfalls. We got caught in a thunderstorm. First test of the wet weather gear. Lightening was a bit close, but otherwise quite bearable. We had fewer uphills today (there is a God!!). Entering Pamplona felt like stepping back in time, greeted by the Portal de Francia in the historic gate with a drawbridge mechanism with chains. Gorgeous town. Looking forward to our first rest day tomorrow.

    Been to the Camino store for some supplies and some blister popping tutorials. Thread with needle and cotton and leave the cotton in. I’d show and tell, but a bit gross haha. Quite fascinating !

    One toenail gone, 9 to go.
    Couple of blisters brewing;
    Bit of sunstroke (from yesterday)
    All in all, alive and well.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Pamplona to Puente La Reina - 25km

    May 4–5, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Today we walked 25km through beautiful rolling hills and colourful canola and wheat fields dotted with poppies and sweet pea the whole way.

    We stopped at the Alto del Perdón statues on the ridge line. Also known as the ‘hill of forgiveness’. The view from the top was incredible.

    The descent was a bit rocky, not our favourite, terrain, especially for the blisters.

    Arriving in Puente la Reina felt like stepping into a postcard:. Cobbled streets, stone arches,, a medieval bridge and beautiful churches.

    We had a lovely dinner with the crew to finish the day.

    Off to wine country today. Roughly 25km ahead.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Puente La Reina to Estella - 26km

    May 5–6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Today we walked 26km. A mix of rolling hills, wheat farms, a few steep climbs and pretty flowers. So many different shades of green in the vegetation.

    We passed through some amazing old villages, some from the 1100”s.

    Beautiful scenery once again and great company. Ian, our mate (we met getting off the train in SJPDP) joined us again today. We had rain gear on and off, but we just kept missing the rain. Thank goodness.

    Nat bumped a lovely Italian couple he met back in the hotel in Puente la Reina, they own a cafe in a gorgeous village on our walk today.

    Can’t wait to visit the famous wine fountain tomorrow on our 22km walk.

    Feet are feeling it at the end of each day, but somehow they’re ready the next morning to go again!    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Estella to Los Arcos - 22km

    May 6–7, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Quite a speedy 22 km today through vineyards, bush tracks and open gravelled roads. We made the essential stop at the Irache wine fountain just after breakfast.

    We only had one brief break today, there were no villages on the Jacob’s route, lucky for brekky buffet supplies! It was very cold , enough for the winter woolies to come out.

    Nat and Ian helped a policeman on our walk a few days ago who’d fallen down an embankment with a motorbike. They’ve become legends it seems as many people we talked to today seemed to know about it.

    We continue to meet great people, all here with the same dream, different reasons. Father sons, mother sons, mother daughters, couples, friends, or solo.

    Many pilgrims we’ve met at the beginning sharing their blister, sickness or injury stories today when we arrived in Los Arcos. Some having to grab taxis or buses.

    So far we worked out we’ve walked 253,000 steps, including a days rest. Big day tomorrow with 28km. Feeling rested and nourished, so feeling pretty good.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    Los Arcos to Logrono - 30km

    May 7–8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We walked 30km from Los Arcos through wheat fields into the village of Sansol through La Rioja’s vineyards, At Viana we stopped for lunch, oh and a bought a new pair of pretty purple Altra trail shoes. Third time lucky!

    We really enjoyed today’s walk, very pretty, changing scenery. Many different flowers and even a flock of sheep.

    We had great Michelin star pinxo’s and vino tinto for dinner with our American mate Marty, Brazilian mate Enrico and Aussie mates Ian and Nina followed by some ice cream. Clearly no dieting on this trip.

    Ready for another 30km today.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Andrew from Marlo VictoriaNat's new Italian matesEnrico from Brazil

    Logrono to Najera - 29km

    May 8–9, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    The walk from Logroño to Nájera was beautiful , around 29 kilometers through the heart of La Rioja wine country.

    We passed by a lake and parklands into rolling hills and vineyards. We saw some ugly catfish and very bold red squirrels. The path took us through the village of Navarrete where a good we had a cuppa and ‘Santiago almond cake’. We visited a spectacular historic church (lined in gold). Pay 1 Euro to turn the lights on behind the altar to see the gold light up.

    As we came into Nájera, the landscape flattens and the town appears beside the river and the Monastery of Santa María la Real. Najera dates back 1,000 years (a Roman settlement) and was a royal city in the 10th and 11th centuries.

    We had our first paella dinner with the crew and a few new mates, — where the table water is red wine (vino tinto)!

    Looking forward to a shorter 22km or so today, feet are sore after two back to back 30km days.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1111Marty singing Desperado

    Najera to Santo Domingo - 21km

    May 10–11, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We walked from Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 21 km through beautiful Rioja vineyards, open farmland and small villages.

    The trail passed through Azofra, a small village where we stopped for morning tea. From there, it was a long, open walk across fields toward Cirueña—a newer town with a golf course, oddly out of place. It was like a ghost town. So many houses and businesses deserted due to financial crisis apparently. Even the local pool.

    In the cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a live rooster and hen are kept to commemorate the miracle in which a cooked chicken came back to life to prove a pilgrim’s innocence
    .
    The hotel was pretty flash. Right outside the cathedral and main piazza. We were awake at 6am by the beating of drums.

    22km or so ahead of us today. Thunderstorms expected. So gearing up for that.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat

    Santo Dominigo to Belorado 24km

    May 11–12, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Yesterday’s walk from Santo Domingo to the quiet village of Belorado was breathtaking. Rolling countryside, so green with open wheat field through the Rioja hills. We had a short stop at a caravan selling cakes, coffee and fresh orange juice.

    The last few kms bucketed down, our first taste of wet icy cold weather. We’ve been lucky so far.

    Another spectacular church in a small village. Still can’t believe how they built these things. We are just blown away by the churches in Spain. Usually always laced in gold.

    24km again today. Feeling pretty good to go again.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    Belorado to San Juan Ortega - 25km

    May 11–12, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Started earlier today under a very chilly, grey sky. We had a long steep climb into the Montes de Oca, where we followed a forest most of the way. The scenery was really different to other days. Pines and oak trees lined the trail.

    We passed through Villafranca Montes de Oca—a quiet village, then up into more rugged, remote country.

    The final stretch into San Juan de Ortega through the woods was a reminder of bush tracks back home. Love walking these type of trails.

    Feet are very sore, bubbling away with blisters. Waiting for the miracle of the Camino to save them.

    Spent a lot of time today thinking how quickly the years fly by and how precious life and time is with loved ones. Missing my kids, grandkids and Mum on Mother’s Day today.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Camino family2

    San Juan de Ortego to Burgos - 26km

    May 12–14, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Yesterday’s walk was a chilly one. We had every winter wooly on the whole way.

    We passed through Agés and Atapuerca, which are home to some of the oldest human remains found in Europe. Pretty crazy to think how long people have been walking this land.

    After Atapuerca, the terrain got steep and rocky as we climbed up over the Sierra de Atapuerca ridge. It actually looked a bit like the Snowy Mountains with open farmland, flocks of sheep, cows and horses across the hills.

    The road into Burgos felt long, and we ended up walking through the industrial area.
    We missed the alternative route turnoff to the river path, which we definitely should have taken. Not very well signed, so easy to miss. The last 10km or so wasn’t the best we’d experienced. Dodging traffic and smelling car fumes.

    But Burgos itself? Absolutely stunning, straight out of a fairytale. The cathedral is completely jaw-dropping. We could’ve spent hours exploring it. Can’t help but do the maths in your head on how much marble and gold is in there and the wealth associated with it.

    We said goodbye to our Camino friends Marty and Enrico. We won’t see them again on this trip. We had a lovely dinner together. We were reunited with Ian today and will catch up again in a week or so.

    We had our second out of third day off today.

    Only 21km tomorrow. Feeling rested and ready to go again.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Lorna our travel buddy11Precision with fine cured meatsStorks in their nests

    Burgos - Day Off

    May 13–15, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    We had a much needed rest day in the Medieval city of Burgos. Founded in 884, Burgos became the capital of the old Kingdom of Castile. It’s also the home of El Cid, one of Spain’s most famous knights, born nearby and buried right in the cathedral. Burgos became wealthy in the Middle Ages from the wool trade. That wealth apparently built the stunning Burgos Cathedral, the most beautiful and wealthiest we’ve ever seen. It took over an hour for us to walk through. Not near enough time.

    We caught up with friends we’d met on our travels, Enrico, Marty and Ian. We shared some meals together and many fine treats and vino tinto along the way.

    Besides its incredible history, it’s an absolutely charming, pretty city and would recommend anyone to visit.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1Wayne1TerryTerry and Tony

    Burgos to Hornillos del Camino - 22km

    May 14–15, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We walked 22km from Burgos to Hornillos del Camino. An easier walk, through the outskirts of the city for the first 10km or so then opened up into beautiful farmlands.

    We saw one of the most breathtaking views we’d seen so far when we came into Homillos del Camino. Pilgrims were sitting on the bench for a welcomed stop looking at the scenery.

    We stayed in a beautiful farmhouse with rapids flowing underneath, visible by a glass floor. It was cold, so the wood fire kept us warm. We had an amazing 3 course pilgrim meal. They have plenty of pork options on the menu. Seems to be a staple in Spain.

    We are walking around 20km today. Weather looks ominous. We’ve been lucky, so let’s see.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    Hornillos to Castrojeriz - 20km

    May 15–16, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We left Hornillos under a grey sky. The track most of the way was thick with mud from overnight rain. A bit of slipping and sliding kept us on our toes.

    Despite the muddy mess, wildflowers lined the trail, so pretty and turned into one of the nicest walks so far.

    Close to Castrojeriz, the ruins of San Antón Convent appeared. It was built in the 1100s to care for Camino pilgrims. It was abandoned in the 1800’s.

    We are staying in a luxurious spa retreat (well luxurious for pilgrims) — it’s called Quinta San Francisco. The grounds are so beautiful and relaxing. We can only hear the birds chirping.

    We were so fortunate to walk behind a saints parade in the village — for San Isidro patron Saint of farmers.

    A shorter day tomorrow, only 18km. Then we start to increase again.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Lorna and WayneJoe the Italian chefTop of the world

    Castrojeriz to Boadilla del Camino - 22km

    May 16–17, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We left our retreat in Castrojeriz and went straight into a steep 1 km climb up Alto de Mostelares. It was a bit tough, but the view at the top was incredible, wheat fields and wildflowers in every direction.

    The path down was steep, then the track flattened out, just like the Meseta is known for. We passed Fuente del Piojo, a small spring, and crossed the old stone bridge, Puente Fitero, over the Pisuerga River.

    We walked through Itero de la Vega, a quiet village, then more straight paths through open fields until we reached Boadilla del Camino. In the main square is the rollo jurisdiccional, a tall stone column from the 1400s.

    We had a ridiculous amount of food today. The Albergue offering three course pilgrim meals for 14 Euro. Needless to say we had lunch and dinner. The food was delicious with homemade soups included. Nat was happy to find out the chef was Italian and of course became best mates.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Wayne1Going a bit madMore poppies1Yes pleaseLooks good from hereSurely we're over the half way mark

    Boadilla to Carrion De Los Condes - 26km

    May 17, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Left Boadilla early as we had a long day ahead. The first few kilometres followed the Canal de Castilla, a flat path alongside the river with trees for shade and lots of birds singing.

    We stopped briefly in Frómista for morning tea. Then continued along the river. Most of the walk was on gravel tracks and dirt paths beside the road. We passed through Villalcázar de Sirga and visited the Church of Santa María la Blanca.

    Arrived in Carrión de los Condes and are staying in a monastery, which is absolutely breathtaking. Picked up a couple of new blisters but otherwise feeling okay.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    View outside the Monastery windowMonastery groundsMonastery entranceGetting closerLoads of snails joining pilgrims

    Carrion to Terradilos Templarios - 26km

    May 17, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    An earlier start leaving Carrión, still frosty. With 26km of open Meseta ahead, we wanted to beat the heat. The hotel gave us a picnic breakfast to eat on the road. We stopped at an overgrown picnic site at the 8km mark.

    The Meseta was a mix of dirt tracks and gravel paths stretching through pretty wheat fields. Some trees brought about plenty of bugs, bees and wasps. Nature at its best, it was so peaceful.

    Arrived in Terradillos de los Templarios around lunch time. It’s a very small village. Nothing opened, other than the albergue we stayed in. We caught up with a few familiar faces we’d seen along our journey. We joined the pilgrims dinner, staple offerings once again, soup, bread, pork, fish and ice cream. Not too much Spanish food in sight, until we get to Leon. Looking forward to that in a couple of days.

    22km ahead today and finally we reach the OFFICIAL HALF WAY MARK!! Feeling pretty damn good about that!

    Not too many photos today as the scenery didn’t really change.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Half way markerHalf way marker

    Terradillos to Bercianos - 25km

    May 19, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today’s walk was pretty special. 13kms in, we officially reached the halfway point of the Camino Francés. Just outside of Sahagun the official marker stands — Ermita de la Virgen del puente (once used as a pilgrim hospice and burial ground) guarded by a Templar knight and local saint.

    We visited the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin, The sanctuary is dedicated to Our Lady of the Pilgrim Virgin (La Virgen Peregrina), who is considered a spiritual protector of pilgrims walking to Santiago. We picked up our halfway certificate there. It was complimentary upon entry.

    The rest of the walk was quiet and flat — not much to look at, but easy walking. Gotta be happy about that.

    We’re staying in another Albergue tonight which seems to be in the sticks — but peaceful just the same. So far most villages in Spain seem so quiet, we often wonder where everyone is !

    27km ahead tomorrow. Closer to a day of rest/exploration in Leon on Thursday.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Our guest house friends

    Bercianos to Mansilla de las Mulas - 29km

    May 20, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Today we walked from Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de las Mulas —28.8km.
    The path along the road was long and flat, with wide open wheat fields. Not much change in the scenery, but very beautiful just the same.

    We stopped for a short 10 minute rest and snack in a small grass clearing. We made it in good time arriving at 1pm. Hoping we don’t need to walk on the road today as the feet felt the burn yesterday.

    We were transported to a little village out of town to our guest house accommodation, again like a ghost town, with storks taking main residence on top of the church..

    We have another 27km ahead today to Leon.    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    Local volunteers greeting us in LeonEntering LeonThe crew after a big dayA tyoical salad in SpainFavourite - Patates BravasHappy boy!Accomodation in LeonCamino fashionNat losing his mind !

    Mansilla to La Virgen del Camino - 27km

    May 21, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Today’s walk started in Mansilla de las Mulas, a quiet little town with cobbled streets and old stone walls. We were reunited with our mate Ian from Qld on his way through the village which was a nice surprise.

    As we got closer to León, the scenery changed. The peaceful countryside turned into busy streets and heavy traffic. The final 6km stretch to La Virgen del Camino was mostly along footpaths next to busy roads. Not pretty at all, but it was about taking a few kms of our next walk which would have been 32-34km.

    A lovely Benedictine Nun introduced herself in the foyer of our hotel. Her order works for orphanages in Myanmar. She was really interested to hear about our journey. She made our day!

    Day off today in Leon — time to do the chores, heal the blisters and see the sights. We try not to do too many steps on our days off, but we still do of course. The tourist train is looking like a good option today!    Read more

  • Sarah and NatOur First CaminoSarah and Nat
    1

    Leon - Day Off

    May 22–23, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We had a very welcomed day off in beautiful León. We wandered around, visited the cathedral and caught the tourist train. We bumped into many fellow pilgrims. Sharing morning tea, afternoon drinks and dinner.

    Leon is a small, chilled but vibrant city. The cathedral is absolutely stunning – the stained-glass windows are massive and super detailed. Apparently the cathedral only took 50 years to build. We find it hard to comprehend how these cathedrals were built. Leon also adorns a Gaudí designed building, much like something out of Disney World.

    Everything shuts down in Spain at 2pm for a few hours. Dinner bookings start at 8.30pm. Very hard for the Aussies to adjust to, especially when we’re usually in bed by 9pm.    Read more

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