• Lisa Bolton
  • Maria Johnston
  • Lisa Bolton
  • Maria Johnston

Camino De Santiago 2024

Starting in St Jean Pied du Port we walk towards Santiago de Compostela on another long journey. Baca lagi
  • Permulaan perjalanan
    22 September 2024

    St Jean Pied de Port

    22 September 2024, Perancis ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Our only day in France and loving it. Such a beautiful cute historic town. After a bus trip from Pamplona through the Pyrenees we arrived here meeting up with Michael and Maria. We have some things to do such as organising the shipping of our suitcases onwards. Mine going straight to Santiago from here. We need to go to the Pilgrims office to get our credentials too but there’s a bit of a crowd right now.Baca lagi

  • Mad Cow Attack

    23 September 2024, Perancis ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Today was 8k uphill on a glorious day for hiking through the Pyrenees. We started off slowly enjoying an espresso in SJPP before we left. I was feeling a little nervous about the long walk ahead. Todays lesson which cannot be underestimated was the need to focus on todays journey and not the enormous big task ahead. We need to get into a rhythm and everything’s a bit clunky at the start. I’ve fussed around with organising where to put things in the backpack and bumbag and keeping the important things accessible. The views all the way up today were just gorgeous, beautiful mountain scenery, very green and leafy with enormous expanding vistas in all directions. A few hawks flew overhead but mostly it was peaceful. We were delighted to hear cowbells and cows wandering on the track in front of us. They looked cute and gentle. But be warned! Cows are dangerous. To our surprise and shock one of them attacked Michael. Sounds dramatic but he was gored in the chest and knocked backwards off the track. Michael sustained a red graze on his chest, and was bleeding from the leg where he went into bushes on the side of the road trying to get away from it. He’s pretty lucky not to break a rib or puncture a lung. We had a bit if a laugh about it but it was not funny really. Day One and we’re all still here resting up at Refuge Orisson. Winning!Baca lagi

  • Over the Pyrenees

    24 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Day 2./40. It was a big day. 24k and 38,000 steps. Started just before sunrise and walked up up up in fabulous clear weather experiencing the glory of the Pyrenees. Kept a gentle pace where the heart rate was not too high and breathed it all in. Better weather and views compared to last time I did this crossing. There was a very steep rocky descent for 5 k leading into Roncesvalles across the border into Spain. Stopped for refreshments and then on for the last 5k. Probably 5k too far considering the walk was through the mountains. Alls well though. Recovering at Hostel Haizea.Baca lagi

  • Espinal to Akerreta

    25 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    An early start rewarded by golden light and a very quiet beginning to another day of walking in spectacular Basque Country. Beautiful forest walking for a lot of today and then a very step descent into Zubiri and then onto Akerreta for the night and a little lux at the Akerreta Hotel.Baca lagi

  • Espinal to Akerreta

    26 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Day 3/40. Was a hard day of walking. Took few photos as I was focussed on my feet a lot of the way. The treacherous downhill, through a stony dry creek bed, about 2k worth into Zubiri , required muchas concentration. Of note was the cute buildings in Basque Country with their flowerpots on the windowsills. We had four stops long the way and was very glad to see Hotel Akerreta by about 3.30pm. It’s a very cosy atmospheric small hotel. We were served a delicious fresh dinner and breakfast by the host and recovered well from our 3 big walking days so far.Baca lagi

  • Akerreta to Pamploma

    26 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    A rather leisurely start to the day as we had a shorter distance to travel. The weather was patchy, we were lucky we seemed to miss most of the rain. As we came into Zuriain we could hear music being played, it was lovely and the vibe was alive. A very pretty walk through forests once more. We took the path along the river into Pamplona, a very soothing way to enter the city. Grateful for a shorter day.Baca lagi

  • Pamplona

    26 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Day 4/40. Last night at Hotel Akerreta was so lovely. We arrived early enough in the day to have a nap and then a nice dinner. The views of the basque countryside from our windows were delightful. We really enjoyed staying there and felt refreshed as we headed off to Pamplona. There was a little drizzle on and off through the morning as we walked the 15k for the day. After messing around getting into our apartment we are getting washing done and I check my emails. Hotel Akerreta advised I have left my passport and credential there. I’m so shocked I did that. We will be heading back there in a cab in the morning to collect it. 😕😩🤯Baca lagi

  • What was I thinking?

    27 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Day 5/40 There’s a nice relaxing view of the countryside out of our windows at Albergue Puente para Peregrinos. Tonight we have a private room with shared bathroom on the third floor. No lifts. 😅. Feet are up and staying that way as much as possible for the rest of the evening. There was a lot of mucking around today taxiing out to Akerreta to collect my passport. Very humbling having to admit what a nong I am leaving that behind. 😞Then posting Jems suitcase to Burgos. Then struggling to sort out our daily extra bag getting sent onwards , Took half the day before we started walking. Mentally very tiring. Not to mention physically I’m feeling it. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️Not sure whose idea this Camino thing was. 🥵😅🤔🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️Baca lagi

  • Pamploma to Puente la Reina

    27 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    A bit of a shambles this morning with our bag that gets transported to our next location. Anyway, 2 and a quarter hours later than our expected departure, we started our day in Zariquegui. A steep walk up and a step descent from Alto del Perdón, the views back to Pamplona are wonderful. The monument to the Peregrino is a popular photo opportunity. The quiet country lanes that follow are a treat for the soul, wide open spaces where you feel yourself expanding into this beautiful environment.Baca lagi

  • Made it to Estella

    28 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Started early which we need to do as the pace slows down over the day and the days get too long. The best part was the early morning and long shadows. Stopped plenty of times for refreshments. There are plenty of hills around here southwest of Pamplona.Baca lagi

  • Puena la Reina to Estella

    28 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    A pretty walk along natural tracks today, some step climbs into the hill top villages. Leaving early always brings the joy of seeing the golden rays of light breaking through the sky. Glad to arrive in Estella, it was a long walk, we were feeling it.Baca lagi

  • Truck stop at Los Arcos

    29 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Day 7/40 Today was the day we got to Bodega Irache the winery where free red wine can be drunk. A tradition to help pilgrims on their way to Santiago. We tasted the wine from our shell cos that’s what you do. Then a long slow climb up for about 6k with lovely views all around to hills with monasteries sitting on top. Plenty of time to think as we walked through lovely forests. Just had to dodge the chattering Spanish group who walk real fast cos they’re getting driven in buses to scenic spots, go for a walk then get picked up later and driven on. An 11k afternoon slowly downhill into Los Arcos with not much shade. 🥵 We are staying out of the town in Hotel Villa de Los Arcos. Sounded good. It’s actually a truck stop with a service station. The room is large and comfy with views of the petrol bowsers. 🤪Baca lagi

  • Estella to Los Arcos

    29 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    A cold start to the day at 5 degrees, leaving Estella we see more of what this town has to offer and feel a little sorry that we are so tired and can’t take in the sights. That’s the way of the Camino for now. We pass by the famous wine fountain where pilgrims can fortify themselves at the generosity of the Bodega. Today’s walking is through natural paths and Forrest’s, our favorite way to walk, soft underfoot, a foragers delight with plenty of variety of mushrooms colours shapes and sizes. Tiny birds chirp and flitter through the canopy, there’s a natural fantastic feel to the environment, it feels good. The views are spectacular. The village market gardens are abundant especially with tomato’s. Along the way we see a shepherd moving his herd ably assisted by his dogs, it was quite an unexpected sight, and joy to behold along the way. We were very happy to arrive in Los Arcos.Baca lagi

  • Los Arcos to Viana

    30 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Another cool start for the day at 8 degrees, as we set off we were feeling the fatigue of walking the way for a week. Most of the paths today are natural and pass through farmland, shade is limited, as the day heats up you feel exposed. We did manage to find some shade along the way and rested and refueled, it felt today that I was somehow surrendering to the way. Rushing, and urgency to be somewhere other than now seemed to dissipate. We enjoyed a picnic lunch surrounded by vines and fruit trees full of pears, our shade was offered by an almond tree. We were in the land of plenty and it felt lovely.Baca lagi

  • Hotel Heaven in Viana

    30 September 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Our night at the service station was the best nights sleep I’ve had so far. Amazing! Dinner with John from Liverpool was nice and a lift back into town at 7 saw us off before first light and on our way . Cool walking 8k til Torres de Rio for breakfast. Highlight was picking fresh figs for a sweet snack. Then a hot walk to Viana by 12.45 arrival with only a couple stops under trees for 11k. Viana is a lovely historic town. And we have a great almost luxury hotel with a bath, yay! This leaves a relaxing afternoon with plenty of time for recovery. Jem has 5 blisters giving him grief. It was 27 degrees as we walked into town. Hottest day yet. 28000 steps. 18k day.Baca lagi

  • Into Logrono we go

    1 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Day 9 was our short day walking 9k into Logroño. It’s a biggish town and the edges of the big towns pretty industrial through we walk through some green areas as well it’s not our favorite part. Not much to photograph. All of us are getting quite weary . Jem battling the most as he now has 5 blisters. Feet covered in compeed and yes starting to get the pilgrims hobble. Had dinner with John from Liverpool again, the novelty wearing off as he didn’t shut up and we will be dodging him in future.Baca lagi

  • Viana to Lagrońo

    1 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Oh, this is nice, only 9 k’s today! Wide open spaces on mostly natural paths a very short pine forest and then we arrived. We are accustomed to looking for the cathedral as a reference point for the centre of the city. We had time today to visit the cathedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda, very beautiful with twin towers and ornate decorations. We are now in the La Rioja region of spain, most famous for its wines.Baca lagi

  • Navarette

    2 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    Day 10/40 Another short day. 12k to Navarette. Our booked accommodation has shut down we found out last night so we hastily booked another online. It is a 15 minute walk out of Navarette at a winery. We’re in the Rioja region now amongst the vines with a view of Navarette, a well kept small town on a hill. Very pleasant indeed. Breakfast is included so we will take advantage of that for sure. Jem got another blister today, that makes 6. Along with a hacking cough he’s a bit of a battler at the moment. 593 to go (according to Wise Pilgrim app I follow). That means over 200k walked already.Baca lagi

  • Logroño to Naverrete

    2 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Happy for another shorter day today, feeling low on energy all round. It’s raining when we set out, we wait it out with Lisa and Jem in a cafe. The rain stops and the walk out of town is through several parks and then onto some natural paths. We see our first red squirrels looking playful in parkland. Vineyards and Bodegas seem to be everywhere as we walk through la Rioja region. This evening we visited the Church of the Assumption, it was quiet and peaceful to begin with, the altar was very ornate with gold features. Later many locals arrived for what was a funeral or a memorial. All lights came on, the organ sounded and all the features of the church were on show, it was quite spectacular.Baca lagi

  • Naverette to Nájera

    3 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Very pleased to see the rain has passed, quite a cool start to the day, perfect for walking. A crisp beautiful walk out of Naverette into endless Rioja vineyards, the vines are full of dark plump grapes, some are being harvested. Such a lovely fecund, abundant environment. The sun was shining through the clouds creating shapes between the rays of light and the cloud formations. I see a heart shape, a flying pig, a face, imagination, it brings such joy. We stop in Ventosa along the way, there seems to be a church atop of the town wherever you go on the way. Ventosa is no exception, the trees marking the path to the church are full of golden light, so pretty. We see a stone ‘beehive’ wine observation hut, beautifully crafted. And, I spot my first storks nest by the church steeple in Nájera. 🥰Baca lagi

  • Amongst the Vines all day

    3 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Day 11/40 Our stay at the Winery was pure rest and relaxation. Much needed for Jem who is coughing up a lung non stop. No dinner was had so we were very pleased to have a fabulous breakfast overlooking the vineyards and looking out to a beautiful sunrise. Fresh warm bread, array of meats and cheeses, eggs and coffee was a chilled start to our day. About 18k walk to Nájera through vineyards. Photostop at the 12th century Roman gate just outside Navarette. Then walking through the Riojan vineyards mostly ripe with heavy fruit. Into Najera for the night in a gorgeous hostel where they greets us with a free beer for Jem. Our hostel just off the Camino down a narrow street with washing hanging out on verandahs. 577km to go.Baca lagi

  • Nájera to Santo Dominigo de la Calzada

    4 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Very slow to leave our accommodation this morning, we were enjoying the company of a french couple and Brendan from Galway Ireland. The conversation is interesting when you get to know why people set out to walk the way. Most Europeans do it in stages, perhaps for a week or more at a time, that would be lovely, for us it’s the full Camino. Lovely cool walking through more vineyards and olive groves and some orchards. We arrive in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a very beautiful medieval town. Where miracles do happen according to legends. There’s also a luxury Parador hotel on the sight of the original pilgrims hospital dating from XIV C, we didn’t stay there, it’s very nice.Baca lagi

  • Santo Domingo

    5 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Day 13/40. Things are starting to get blurred. We live in a world of walk sleep, eat, rest and repeat. Jem has been coughing for a week and getting no better. He’s exhausted. Today he did not walk and saw a doctor Telehealth appointment got antibiotics for a raging chest infection that’s been stopping him (and me) sleeping. If that’s not bad enough Jem is also in pain with blisters. 15 of them at last count. The Camino has not been easy thus far. Luckily for Jem he’s finishing in 3 days time in Burgos. He won’t be sorry it’s over.Baca lagi

  • Santo Dominigo de la Calzada to Belorado

    5 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    A real treat to start our way today to see 3 air balloons floating across the sky, we did not expect that, a little magic to start the day with. A bit more of a thrill to see two storks flying overhead making their nest on top of the highest manmade structure they can find. It’s always such a lovely light first thing in the morning here, certainly a lovely vibe to start our day with. The wind whipped up an hour or two later which made for a challenging walk into a head wind. We made it to Belerado, sore feet all round and delighted to have completed day 13.Baca lagi

  • Belorado murals

    6 Oktober 2024, Sepanyol ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Day 14/40 Jem has bronchitis and seen a doc. He only has a couple more days to walk then he’s done anyways. Probably his one and only Camino. It’s been rough with 15 blisters so far and bronchitis. 😔. Today saw fab murals leaving Belorado. The rest of us are blister free and not doing badly.Baca lagi