Vancouver to London

I flew from Vancouver to Calgary and then on to London via a WestJet 787 Dreamliner.
Easily walked through customs no lineup at all. Found the Piccadilly Sub and went to Kings Crossing.
I caught theOkumaya devam et
Edinburgh to Dunblane

Took the train from Edinburgh to Dunblane. Joanna is going to pick me up which saves me a walk of 2 km after a bus trip😉
Very cloudy, dreary and cold.
Beautiful countryside and sooooo many sheep
Solitude to Sightseeing

I completed my 2 week Retreat in the midst of a forest. Owls were my night time companions lulling me to sleep with their to calls. Various birds sang to awaken me.
I then travelled down to EdinburghOkumaya devam et
Niederweimer Germany

Arrived in Marburg at 2045 pm. Very long day starting at 4am. from Edinburgh.
I had smooth flight connections but found the train system challenging in Germany. I accidentally missed getting off at aOkumaya devam et
Torte and Cafe

Raining and very gloomy. Decided to take a walk in the woods as Anja was not feeling very well.
Afterwards Anja drove me through beautiful little villages . She once worked with an architect andOkumaya devam et
Chickens on the Run

We left at 10 this morning to go to a quaint cafe and garden.
On the way, Anja pointed out a chicken camper in a field. The people that Lilli works for move there chickens (by flatbeds on trucks) toOkumaya devam et
Madrid to Leon

Flew from Frankfurt airport to Madrid. I then took a train to Leon .
I didn't take many pictures as it was raining and very cold.
Leon to Astorga

I took the bus from Leon to Astorga. I arrived early so was able to have time to walk around.
Saw the Gaudi Palace. It looks like a castle out of Disney.
Sunny day. Leaving tomorrow to walk toOkumaya devam et
Astorga to Rabanal 20.9 km

Had breakfast with 3 women from Toulouse France. Excited to start walking again.
Great day with beautiful scenery. I was very tired at the end of 20.9 km. I was greete enthusiastically by Fiona andOkumaya devam et
Rabanal to Molinesca 26.75 km

Had a great sleep and breakfast tostada with marmalade.
Gave Fiona and Andrew big hugs and headed out
So the up was very wet and muddy due to Spring runoff.
The down was extremely challengingOkumaya devam et
Molinesca to Cacabelos 20 km

Today was an eventful day as I saw 2 burros and my very first Stork!!!
The road today was mixed asphalt, cement and dirt roads.
I continue to soak up Spring in Spain. The greens, buds on trees andOkumaya devam et
Cacabelos to Trabadelo 19.27km

Clear and warm this morning.
Passed fields and fields of vineyards.
It was beautiful to see them so well maintained.
Didn't see very many Pilgrims until Villa Franca
It was very busy there. I had aOkumaya devam et
Trabadelo to O Cebreiro 21km

So started out raining lightly. I brought an old raincoat that I used previously on the West Coast Trail.....well....it wasn't as water proof as I thought🥴
Anyway, I felt good and things wereOkumaya devam et
O Cebreiro to Lusio 28.9 km

So it snowed more overnight. Christianne was nervous walking by herself and wanted to walk with me again. We headed out with our headlamps. It was a winter wonderland. I loved every step. ChristianneOkumaya devam et
Sarria 20.9 km

I woke up at 6 am. I was quiet so as not to disturb the Italian woman even though she woke me up at 10 pm chatting with someone....
Then all of a sudden she leapt out of bed and switched on the bigOkumaya devam et
Rest Day 160 km completed

Had scrambled eggs for breakfast and headed out to find a place in the sun to catch up on my journal.
Gorgeous day.
Had my lunch on a park bench listening to the birds.
Got my things ready forOkumaya devam et
Sarria - VillaFranca-Ponferrada

Got ready to leave for the bus. Spoke to Fernando who is a Pediatric Hematologist from the Southern Phillipines. His flight was 25 hours. He starts walking tomorrow.
Going to Lugo switching busesOkumaya devam et
Around Ponferrada

I spent today walking around Ponferrada and taking a few pics. It is such an interesting place with many photo opportunities.
I dropped by the Hostel that I will be volunteering at and introducedOkumaya devam et
San Nicolas Albergue Day 1

So, my first day working. We had about 36 pilgrims. This is the perfect job for someone who is interested in statistics for sure!!
The routine is to open the locked door and gate by 5:30 and beOkumaya devam et
Mucho dias - Mucho Peregrinos Day 2-7

It is fascinating watching all of the different peregrinos from all over the world mixing together.
They are bound by a common goal, a desire to follow, " The Path."
Each has their own purpose whichOkumaya devam et
No room at the Inn?

When we started working here, the number of pilgrims we registered started at 28 and then gradually increased over the days to 30- 40. We hit 50 and we were amazed. That number was short lived by ourOkumaya devam et
Hola - Adios

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 isOkumaya devam et
Last day at San Nicolas Albergue

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 newOkumaya devam et
Bus to Fatima Portugal

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 aOkumaya devam et
Fatima

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 andOkumaya devam et
GezginTwo pubs within a block of your hostel Nice.
GezginTerrific start! Hope the retreat stage went well - I look forward to updates.
Gezgin
Fascinating architecture & streets. So different from home & different again from where I was in Columbia. Little chance of such empty streets there - people, people, people & busy & noisy +++