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Nipawin

Nipawin

Walking is my happy place! Read more🇨🇦Vancouver Island
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  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Lovely walking!
    1The tiny pins indicate where pilgrims are fromRainy day....going over a bridge1I liked the clouds in this one1Almost to hostelBaby goats🥰I haven't seen very many stained glass windows on this tripThis depicts a pilgrim seeing Santiago for the first time1My bunkDining areaThis is Lisa and Terry from Edmonton Note their tea presentation ( there is a cup underneath the topYup! A churro stand. No I didn't buy sny

    Day 13 Padron - Milladorio 19 km

    April 16 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Shorter day today. Bumped into Lisa and Terry and had tea with them.

    Hostel was very full. The shower was just warm ... DARN!!!
    It is so cold here as it keeps raining😥 I am wearing all of my clothes!!

    Sent off 1,kg of unnecessary stuff from my pack home today👏🎉

    A lot of Germans here, more than French or Italian. There also are a lot of Dutch people.

    Tomorrow Santiago!!    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Sunrise
    Morning mistSo beautiful1Grapevines1I love this oneThe lighting was so coolAnother favoriteRainbow in the backgroundFresh tortilla🥰Such beautiful sceneryRain puddleYay! Sunshine🌞Coming into PedronPedron is the sight where St. James body was brought back to SpsinCute little town1Almost missed the hail storm....but not quite

    Day 12 Caldas de Reis - Padron 19.4 km

    April 15 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Very nice hostel. I am noticing more kids and families walking the Camino. There was a family from the UK walking with their sons ages 8 & 10 I am guessing?

    I had probably one of the most beautiful walks today. The morning light, mist, and then finally some SUN!!!!

    More and more pilgrims each day as the Coastal and Central routes have now joined together.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Looking the opposite way
    1Best time of the dayThe bridge had all of these little lights on the surfaceView of PontevedraThe trail today... Very muddy in places! Wore my gators1Massive dog guarding the lumber yard2Took a break here away from the crowds of people. The wood smelled great!Cool houseVineyatdPalm arch

    Day 11 Pontevedra to Caldas de Rei25.6km

    April 14 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Raining this morning as expected. So many pilgrims today.... Honestly I must have seen hundreds!

    I am so happy that I decided to walk this part of the Camino instead of starting from Lisbon.

    Not many pictures due to the rain. I was fortunate to find a bar that was able to serve me without having to wait a long time.

    Was totally drenched when I arrived in Caldas del Reis.
    Very interesting Albergue. It is a series of bedrooms with 3 single beds in each room. The lady wanted to put me with an old man and I said No!

    I am with 2 German ladies. I can't believe how much German I am hearing.

    2 more days until Santiago.

    Oh yes, my wounds are healing well👏😉👍💪    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Arcade
    Morning raysVery steep incline. I walked backwards down this oneAwesomeThe scenery just got better and better! Arcade1Rio de Vigo - Atcade2Romanesque bridge in background1On the bridgeColour and beauty everywhere!!So clever....Very peacefulI heard the weirdest sound and found this little guy hiding in a Lilly pond🥰Beautiful little chapelRandom Spanish girl with palm from Palm SundayBeautiful church in squareStained glass inside12

    Day 10 Redondela to Pontevedra 21km

    Apr 13–17 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Very cool morning. I used my phone as a headlamp at times when walking in the woods.

    It was supposed to rain , however it didn't which was great!
    The sun came out and it truly was a perfect walking day.

    My favorite spot was Arcade and the Roman bridge🥰🥰

    Not all was rosy today as I now have renamed myself to " Punctured Penguin Pilgrim".......so....my arm was bit by a Belgian Shepherd pup.
    Yikes!! But don't worry. guys, i know what you're thinking.....I am fine, I really am.....just a little sore tonight.

    The owner was walking towards me and had the dog on his right side. As I passed the dog swung around to his left side and lunged at me biting my left forearm. I honestly was in shock😱 Long story short, an ObGyn Dr. was able to clean it and bandage it so I could keep walking until I could see a Dr.. She always carries First Aid stuff. Her husband even offered me a beer🍺

    I saw a wonderful Dr. who got it cleaned up, gave me a tetanus shot, antibiotics and Advil and Tylenol for pain. Things always happen on my left side.....so interesting really.

    I saw Karen and Terry from Edmonton again today . They are really nice people ....I also met a woman from Australia and walked with a lady from the Netherlands. I also walked with a couple from Malaysia!!

    Oh I nearly forgot, when I arrived in Pontevedra there was a procession for Palm Sunday. Masses of people, music, etc. I am sure this will continue during the Holy week celebration.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1My friend took this pic. Notice sponge under shoulder strap ( cool hack)
    Walking down the PlazaCool escalator option1Very chic clothing storeInteresting statueEaster display in windowFirst arrow seen over 6 km1View of VigoThe road today1Yup a selfieCute little bunnyView of Vigo1Less than 100 km to go!!!2Just like the Port Mann bridge don't you think?"The Way" todayBeautiful church in Ceira2Walkway under lilac blossoms in RedondelaCool duck.... No idea what it is🤔

    Day 9 Vigo to Redondela 19 km

    April 12 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    7 am start. No problem getting onto the Camino. I didn't see any other Pilgrims for over 2 hours walking.

    Beautiful cool day. Walked through urban and then forests.

    A very steep pavement decline at the end. I used my trick of walking backwards.... My Chinese friend copied me and was delighted 🤣Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Amazing homemade candied fruit and nuts
    Leaving Ramallosa walking by the riverBeautiful morning light1This beach reminds me of San Sebastian😉I had a wonderful cafe and toastada here1This little guy came right up to me and said "Hi"Very hot today1Love this!!!Eucalyptus forestOn my way to hostel. Walked along the river.... Signpost of waterfowlHuge boats in the port of Vigo.Breath taking alter inside cathedralCeiling1Typical town square

    Day 8 Ramollosa to Vigo 25km

    April 11 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Beautiful walk today with such a nice variety of beach to forest to ending with Urban ( not a fan).

    Anyway, Vigo is an enormous City.
    My hostel was over 2 km from the Camino trail.

    I discovered my Smart Wool sox were missing and I think someone swiped them from the drying rack😥 This has happened before. Sox are the most important part of ones gear😉

    I decided to hike to the Decathalon
    Sports Store (3km ) away. In the rain.!!! The good thing about that was that it helped me find the Camino trail the next morning😉🤣
    Score for the, "PENGUIN PILGRIM"
    I feel like I am waddling along at the best of times😂

    There were 2 ladies near to me in the Hostel....who talked and talked and talked....when I got back from the sports store.....one was massaging the others back in the middle between all the bunk beds...very weird....At least by 9:30 they were quiet.

    Full house tonight. I am noting an increase in Pilgrims for sure!
    We are officially 100 km from Santiago👏🎉🥳    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Picture perfect
    BeautyLighthouse in the backgroundI stopped here for a breakBeautiful greeneryThe trail today🥰View from the trailLove it 🥰CutieLooking back on the trailA Ramallosa shrine with kitty keeping cool2Enormous ensalada with bocadilla and basket of bread!!1Upsetting to seeRamallosaIn the garden1Where I stayed.... Only one🤔

    Day 7 O Serrallo- Ramallosa 21 km

    April 10 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Beautiful peaceful start to the day. Wonderful views. Walks through the forest.

    Very hot and humid though . The weather is changing tomorrow (getting cooler) which will be a welcome relief.

    Finally found a place to have lunch . I have included the pics of it. It was exceptional!!

    I am in what I think is a convent for tonight.
    Very dorm like rooms. I am the only one here!!! Kind of creepy 🥺
    The good news is that I was able to get my laundry done and the food store was close by......unfortunately no am coffee😥    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1Yup on the boat by myself!
    Leaving Caminha...very late startGoing across the river to SpainThe captainLooking back at CaminhaSpainFirst Galicia sign post1Beautiful forest walkingGentleman picking prayer flowersOcean viewsSt.JamesTrail2Woo!!!! Look at this cutie pie🥰Perfect day🌞Cathedral in OiaKorean runner1Front of my hostel

    Day 6 Caminha to O- Serrallo 24km

    April 9 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Had a very good sleep.
    Slept until 6 am which is late for me.

    The first boat over to Camposancos did not leave until 7:45am and I was the lone occupant.

    I totally forgot about the time change in Spain ( an hour ahead) so I didn't start walking until ,9 am which is super late for me.

    Today was absolutely beautiful. The Atlantic ocean has huge waves...

    It was also super hot and I took many breaks to give my feet time to breath.

    I met a couple who taught in Saudi Arabia for a year. They were from Southern California.....another mom and daughter walking the mom was from Louisiana.

    I have yet to meet any Canadians!

    There was a Korean runner that passed me saying " Let's Go!!" That is a common expression . You hear that a lot on Netflix ' Physical 100 series,!" 😂😂

    A lot of the young people talk on their phones while walking.

    I am beginning to feel old as a common question to me is " How old are you?" Not sure why that is happening and not just the younger group🤔🧐

    The hostel that I am at tonight is deluxe!!. It overlooks the ocean.
    Curtains on the beds etc...very cozy.

    No supermercado so had Iciban soup and cookies for supper🤔The nice lady at the gas station offered me a chocolate 🫶

    Tomorrow I will have to find my cafe con leche👍😂    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Cappuccino...
    1Jan ready to head off... He lost his glasses1Village Square clock towerCool church. First stone laid on 14481View from foot bathBeautiful gardenLovely garden1Communal dinner tableBeautiful kitchenOutside of HostelCaminaj streetAnother sunset. You are looking at Spain where I am going tomorrow

    Day 5 REST DAY in Caminha

    April 8 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Had a great sleep.

    Gave 2 Starbucks coffee sachets to Jan. He thought it so strong he had to add milk!!

    Had a lovely breakfast at a pastelaria. Walked around and saw the town church.

    Bought my boat ticket which will take me over to Espana tomorrow morning.

    Relaxed and caught up on my Penguin posts etc....

    I saw a woman wearing an Argo ca and asked if she was Canadian....she told me she wasn't sure just wanted people to think that.....what the heck???

    Chicken ensalada Portuguese style for supper tonight:

    2 pieces grilled chicken
    A pile of tomatoes
    A pile of lettuce
    All smothered in oil and vinegar!!
    Sorry no picture😉😂    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Sunset
    1All morning shots seem the same don't they, 😂Cool tile on buildingCool looking casa1CobblestonesScenery enrouteScenery... cobblestones1Cool display in yard. All figures hand craftedTostada 🥰The polish guy.....Caminha in the background1Walking long distance by water over 6 km total very hotYay!!!! My fav.... First Burro sightingInteresting elevation today

    Day 4 Viana de Castela to Caminha 30.9k

    April 7 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Great start as I didn't have breakfast... or coffee for that matter.

    Beautiful walking in the am as it is cool and refreshing Spring flowers are popping up... Like poppies( one of my favorites)

    Had a tostada for breakfast Jan ( the polish guy who is near deaf and blind) was there. We ended up walking together to Caminha.

    I don't know how he manages.... He never books accomodations and does not navigate at all on any GPS app. I basically steered him in the right direction although my sense of direction isn't great either even with All Trails app🤣😂🤣

    He took a bad fall at one point on slippery cobblestones🥴

    But managed to keep going. Very determined!!

    So.... I learned something important yesterday..... I am thinking they measure distances between points from the church in each town..... Because I couldn't figure out why my distance was so huge when I was expecting 26km.... The church was4 km from where I started. Yikes!!! I won't lie.... The last couple of kms felt like a marathon.

    Of course Jan had no reservation I did.... He wanted to go to the
    Municipal hostel and it was further than mine. He ended up staying at my hostel as there was 1 bed available.

    Delicious home cooked pasta, ( with zucchini, beans, greens) salad and bread for supper🤗🥳

    Oh yes and the hostel has a beautiful garden and Epsom salts foot bath!!!

    I decided to stay another night
    Rest Day tomorrow💕💕😉👍    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1Beautiful trail of flowers
    Hostel entrance The owner was amazing🧐1Purple carpet for lent through town 6:30 amEaster display in store windowWalking by the oceanSunrise 7:201The trail ....Sights going thru little towns1Very interesting mileage postComing close to Viana de casteloCovent on other side of tracksSt. Teresa of Avila print in Convent🥰 little lambMorning delicious omelette in a fresh baguette in an adorable cafe🥰1The road todayInside church where trail of flowers led to1

    Day 3 Esoconde to Viana de Castela 25.3

    April 6 in Portugal

    Had a decent sleep. Cooked eggs for breakfast. Beautiful morning. No rain👍

    I walked along the boardwalk for awhile. Then it changed to concrete and cobblestones which are very difficult to walk on for long periods. The trail then went through a muddy stream through a beautiful eucalyptus forest.

    Some steep hills up and down but I enjoyed the variety.

    I always find the last 4-5 km the most difficult as it gets hotter and hotter ... Which I do like.... Don't get me wrong 😂🤣 Not Complaining!

    Again very friendly people helping me to keep on course🤗♥️

    The last km was over a gnarly bridge. At the end were stairs and I fell at the top. Luckily it wasn't serious.... Only my elbow bled a lot and I bruised my pinky....

    I arrived at the hostel after trying to figure out how to cross the tracks🧐🤔🥴
    I finally figured it out and arrived at the Carmelite convent hostel.

    The nun attended to me right away which was wonderful. I met a woman from Washington State that had a loose board from the boardwalk slap her in the face!!! She is luckily OK but I suggested x-rays at some point especially with a dentist.

    The Convent was a maze....you needed GPS to find your bedroom and the kitchen was at least 800 metres from the rooms!!    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    1Early 630 am startPreparation for EasterWhite bread truck ready to be filledEarly morning woman washing her front gate12Yay the ocean!1We walked a lot on boardwalks todayDirt road finally1I was quite taken by the rainbow behind Christ1Beautiful walking1Crossing the bridge into Esconde2My room🤗Colour everywhere.. difficult choice for a blanket

    Day 2 Villa de Conde to Esoconde 25.5 km

    April 5 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Had a great start to the day.
    I passed a man chatting with 2 women and he offered a fresh hot bun to me. So many kind offerings here🥰

    I dropped my raincoat and a lady stopped to pick it up for me😥♥️

    I keep seeing this guy from Poland, in his seventies and nearly deaf. He was in our room tonight. He had boxes of prayers on cards in all sorts of languages....and he gave out chocolates♥️ He enjoyed some of my coffee this am. One of the lenses from his glasses went missing.....he curses a lot in Polish😂

    Walked beside the beach for a long way then switched to boardwalks. After awhile it grew a bit tiresome. I felt trapped as there was no way you could climb out and even if you did.... We were in brush.

    The rain turned into being hot and humid in the afternoon.
    Delightful Hostel!!

    So far I have met the most pilgrims from the USA. Michigan, Louisiana, Utah ( they had an 8 month old daughter, Washington State.... A lot of Germans and French. Also Lithuania and Russia.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Morning at the Bakery
    2How the streets looked starting out at 6am2Cool GrafittiI occasionally saw a markerLove the architecture hereCool bridgeChurches are tiled here for the most part2Cutest sighting for the day.Random sceneryAll the outside crosses are draped in purple for Easter

    Day 1 Porto to Villa de Conde 30 km

    April 4 in Portugal ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Woke up at 5. Very excited to get going.
    All set to have breakfast but found the kitchen locked until 7:30. I sat on the stairs and ate trail mix.

    Raining outside so was ready for it.

    Didn't see many pilgrims today. Very long and tedious in places.

    Cosy hostel.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Typical street... 4-5 merge in the centre1Hills and more HillsBeautiful tiles on buildingsParkCool handmade brush shop3Love the colorView of Cathedral from street

    Sticks and Tiles

    April 3 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Had a decent sleep.
    Had breakfast at hostel for 5 euros. Delicious. Met a woman from Texas, "running away from the chaos back home." She talked a lot!!!!

    Walked to Decathalon sports store to buy my walking sticks. Took pictures along the way.

    3 new roommates tonight. Friends since 1998..... All from Venezuela but living in Italy and Spain now.
    Was practicing my Espanol with them🤣

    I went to a cool shop that makes bristled items like brooms to shaving brushes..... Very cool👍

    Getting organized for tomorrow. Looks like rain.... 🤞🙏🍀    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Tiles on building
    Beautiful Portugal architectureTypical streetMore beautiful tiles2My shrimp, beet, lettuce and greens salad

    Lisbon-Porto Day 3

    April 3 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Landed in Lisbon at 0930. Uneventful entry through customs.

    Enjoyed a delicious falafel veggie on a multi grain bun.

    On the bus now to Porto where I will start my walk on Friday. I want to give myself a bit of a break due to the 7 hour time difference and travel.

    Had no problem taking the Metro to within walking distance of the hostel.

    It is very clean. I share the room with 3 other girls.
    Went exploring tonight .

    My hostel is very close to where Laura and I walked.... A couple of blocks from the Empanada place😉
    I found a new restaurant. It actually is a pizza place but I had a shrimp salad!!!! Wonderful🤗💕

    Going to bed now.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler
    Driving to Accent inn
    1All a blur..... Getting up at 3 amLeaving YVR1Inside lighting of Air TransatLisbonDelicious pastries "Pastel de Nata"

    Flight day!!!!

    April 2 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    Stayed at the Accent Inn overnight.
    Up at 3am to shower and have a Starbucks of course😉🥳

    Complementary shuttle to YVR
    Kurt nearly missed saying goodbye to me.... Mornings are tough on him🤔💤💤

    The flight to Toronto was very pleasant. 6 hour layover until next flight. The plane was packed with many children. I was sandwiched in between 2 people who actually slept almost the entire way. I was unable to get up and stretch so that was challenging.

    Landed in Lisbon. Taking the bus up to Porto.    Read more

  • NipawinPortugalTraveler

    My fav....BC ferries🙄

    March 31 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Leaving Nanaimo on my favorite ferry " Queen of Alberni!"

    Spending the night in Vancouver.
    Check- in is early tomorrow as flight leaves at 7 am and no online check-in with Porter airlines🧐

    Sunny today. 🌞    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    Walking to the bus stop in Bilbao
    MusiciansEiffel TowerIcelandIcelandDisney decorated plane1Oma and I

    Bilbao - Paris-Calgary-Vancouver

    May 6–9, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Had a fairly good sleep at the Hostel. Up bright and early to catch the bus to the airport.
    I just love early morning walks.

    I discovered I have over 20 packets of Starbucks instant coffee left so I ordered just hot water at the airport. So much cheaper😉

    Boarded my first of 3 flights.
    Arrived in Paris on time.
    It was quite a process of going through Customs and then trying to figure out the Terminal and Gate. I rode 2 different buses and amazingly arrived where I should be.

    Paris is certainly getting ready for the Olympics with every type of merchandise you could possibly imagine.

    I boarded my second flight .
    West Jet has been great. Comfortable seats and the flight attendants are very friendly and generous giving you a full glass of Diet Coke instead of a tablespoon .

    Our plane was delayed into Calgary. I managed to get to my next flight in time even though we were delayed because the Customs Police had to physically remove a passenger from the flight.🧐

    I was absolutely delighted to fly on a West Jet plane that was painted with a Disney design🥰👍😂💖

    Kurt greeted me at the Vancouver airport

    We will visit Oma and Laura tomorrow.    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    I just love the colours
    1Note 150 km per hourThis looks like SaskatchewanMy room in the middle with the coke bottleA view from the topPasterilla treatsAlter in Basilica of Santa TeresaBeautiful aqueduct bridgeThe four corners where I took the photo of the wall from afarSanta Teresa tapestry as an infantSanta Teresa paintingChurros!!Graffiti on our trainThe blue dot is me on the train going to BilbaoBeautiful little pueblo from the trainThe train

    Avila to Bilbao

    May 5, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌫 12 °C

    This is always the least favorite part of travel.....going home. It is not that I don't want to go home it is just the logistics🥺

    My train left Avila at 15:30 and arrived at Valladolid at 5 pm. My next train to Bilbao is at 18;50 arriving in Bilbao at 22:20. My flight tomorrow is at 10:30 am....so a lot of travel in a very short period of time.🤔 But all self inflicted....

    I really like train travel as it is very comfortable and punctual

    I am going to add some more pics from Avila as I took a lot.    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    2View behind of Avila and wall
    Scraggy trees PortugalInteresting cutblockBeautiful little puebloSpainFirst glimpse of wall1It is magnificentView from wallCool sundialLots of stairs up and downStained glass in Basilica of Santa TeresaAvila street1In the Museo de Santa TeresaCool treePerfect day 😍🤗♥️

    Fatima to Avila

    May 3, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    This bus ride was not quite as nice as the previous one.🥺
    The scenery was very interesting. I arrived in Salamanca after 9 hours. I then walked 2.5 km to the train station.

    The train was wonderful. Then I walked 2 km to my Hostel which was inside the walls.

    The next morning, I walked the ancient murallas ,,( Spanish for walls) first thing. I was so happy that I did because of the heat and the crowds!!

    I visited the Basilica of Santa Teresa. They had her ring finger preserved including the ring!! Also bones from Saint John of the Cross both were Christian mystics.

    I basically took in all the sights of Avila in 1 day🤗 18 km in total😅 Loved every moment. Very cool place.

    It was a perfect day ending with churros and seeing Storks😉😍🤗🥰💕💕💕💕💕    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    Beautiful roses on my walk
    I love this angelBeautiful stained glassMass at the chapel of apparitionsCandle for Les15 foot candlesStreet scene near my roomCrawling on knees to the BasilicaWonderful Salad🥰

    A few more Fatima thoughts

    May 2, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    All in all this was quite an experience. It was initially very overwhelming. The Basilica again looks like something from Disney. The interior Sanctuary is very peaceful amidst the throngs of people.

    It was interesting observing all of the different types of people. Some were actually crawling to the Basilica on their hands and knees. Others would lie flat on there tummies in front of the alter. Others would only take pictures. I saw the selfie stick a lot. Still others would just walk by....Young, old, in wheelchairs, walking with canes or with a guide dog.....

    There was also a candle section Some people had candles 5 feet in length!!!!

    Tomorrow is a very long day. Fatima to Salamanca 9 hours on the bus, and then an hour train to Avila    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    First glimpses of the interior
    The Basilica of Our Lady of the RosaryGigantic cross in the squarePiece of the Berlin WallStatues of 2 of the childrenOverhead on the entrance to the BasilicaStatue above the crypts of Jacinta and Lucia the shepherd girls who saw the Virgin MaryThe tombs of Jacinta and LuciaSculpture over Franciscas crypt. She was the third shepherd lived to be 97Francisco's tombBeautiful stained glassCloser view of SanctuaryHigh on the ceiling above the SanctuaryVery breathtaking. Mass is held in the centre when it is good weatherTaken from the church steps. Chapel of the Apparitions on the right sideChapel of the ApparitionsOur Lady in the Chapel of Apparitions

    Fatima

    May 2, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    I had a wonderful supper last night. Portugal has wonderful food.

    I spent a lot of time in the Basilica and walking around. They have beautiful parks close by..

    The actual grounds are massive and set up for enormous gatherings of people for Mass.

    I should summarize the story of Fatima. 3 shepherd girls saw the Virgin Mary a number of times in a field. The younger 2 died at a very young age. They were made Saints. The other one Francisca lived to be 97 and she is in the process of becoming a Saint.

    Chapel of the Apparitions.
    It was in the place of the Chapel that our Lady talked to the little shepherds. Out of the six apparitions of the Virgin Mary, five of them happened in this place – May, June, July, September and October – where, by the Lady's indication, a chapel in her honour was to be constructed

    The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima stands at the place where the three shepherds were playing by "building a small wall" on May 13, 1917, when they saw a sudden lightning and got frightened to the point of gathering the flock to return home for fear it would rain    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    San Nicolas Albergue
    PONFERRADA street3The Templers castleView from Rio SilBus route today1My 1-4 registering pilgrims buddyGilberto(Isobel's buddy) saying goodbye to Jolguin1Isobel taking a picture of the mountainsScenery from busFATIMA -Walking from bus stationFirst glimpse of the Sanctuary of our Fatima

    Bus to Fatima Portugal

    May 1, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    So last night at 7 pm the Italian couple arrived to be Hospitaleros. No sign of the other 2 and I don't know if they ever came as I went to bed early🥱

    I woke up at 3:15. Finished packing and had a small breakfast I left San Nicolas Hostel at 4:15 right on schedule!!! Yippee,!!😅👏🥳

    Surprisingly the bus was packed.
    Slept a bit on the bus. We were 15 minutes late into Srantiago, and I barely caught my connection 😱
    That bus was packed as welll

    I have included pictures of the scenery from the bus and the first glimpse of the Sanctuary from Our Lady Of Fatima🙏    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    Fresh snow on mountains!!
    Morning MoonSunriseField walkSinging birdA popular place Jolguin, my partner would sit when he was supposed to be working😅Where the couple with the old dog started their Camino in France!!The dog stroller is to the right. The dog is part wolf, very big!My sweet Japanese PilgrimWishing him a " Buen Camino" ♥️Beautiful park in PonferradaPark🥰In English this reads, " No Change No Butterfly". It is about gender violence.1Cool vine growing up building....it looks like a painting🥰1The boots.....1More cool wax stamps

    Last day at San Nicolas Albergue

    April 30, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Today is the last day of doing everything I have done daily for the past 16 days!!!

    My partner (who I called " OPA") announced he was leaving early at 11 am. It is his daughter's birthday.

    The new group of 4 Hospitalaros arrive sometime today. Two are a couple from Italy and the other two unknown🧐 All I know is that Isobel and I are on the early shift 1-4 pm and then I pack 😅

    My bus leaves at 5:15 am to Fatima Portugal tomorrow morning. I will walk 2.5 km at 4:15 to the bus station. I cannot wait!!!!!!!!

    I have included pictures of a couple who have walked with their old dog of 13 years from Treport France They have walked 2000 km this far. They began Jan 1!!!! Unfortunately it is not a great picture of the dog. They have tented the whole way. Simply Amazing😉

    I also have a picture of a delightful elderly Japanese man who knows no English. We helped him extensively with luggage transfer, finding a grocery store , and showing him which way to find the Camino in the morning.💖💖💖

    Other pictures are from my walks around Ponferrada. The park is so beautiful and many do the circuit walk around it ( 1 km,)

    The mountains are beautiful in the distance ....sort of like Calgary and the Rockies😉

    My poles that I bought here and cannot take home were given to a Pilgrim in need this morning🌞🤗 That's brings me so much Joy 💖

    We are averaging 55 pilgrims each day I am so thankful that the numbers have stayed manageable. I know it won't be long before it will be full (140) every single night!!!

    Good Luck to the next group!!
    💪💪💪💪🍀🍀🍀🍀🙏🙏🙏🙏    Read more

  • NipawinScotland to SpainTraveler
    Flowers growing on a wall
    View I found on my walk today1Wall muralFirst cheese store I have foundA feastAnother feast

    Hola - Adios

    April 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    This whole experience has been filled with greetings and partings.....

    I especially love when Pilgrims find each other after a day or two or even more of separation . The exclamation of pure JOY is so heartwarming....it gets to me every time♥️♥️

    I also feel pangs of brief sadness as I say "Goodbye" to my Pilgrims in the morning.

    I got up at 430 to open the door for a Father and daughter who are doing the Camino on bicycles.    Read more

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