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6th time and laughing
  • Bruce Stanley
  • Bruce Stanley

6th time and laughing

Hi ALL
Sometimes the Camino gives you what you want and today was that day! 
After a scenically beautiful trek I made it to Sarria. Better still my son David and wife Steph were there to greet me. They are fit and happy couple keen to do this part of Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 10, 2026
  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    1
    11

    Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

    April 21 in France ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Bonjour and Hola, to you all.
    I'm now in SJPdP and smiling
    This is my 6th Camino, and my Jet leg is almost over. Almost.
    Lucky me I booked into Gite Beilari.
    Lucky because they agree to give me 2 nights. Gite Beilari is directly across the street from the Pilgrims office.
    People ask "why the 6th" my answer is to finally do Orisson,
    Meseta and Sarria. Sarria l will be joined with my daughter in law Steph and my son David.
    Here are some photos for you to enjoy.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    31111

    Saint Jean Pied de Port

    April 23 in France ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Saint Jean Pied de Port
    BTW Dear friends the heading that days MITRY+MORY was set by Find Penquins. It should read
    "Saint Jean Pied de Port"
    This is my last day before I climb up to ORISSON and I'm getting some necessary energy snack and info on my Bus (the day after Orisson) to Pamplona from SJPDP to Pamplona.
    The Weather matches my spirit and v happy experience I am having. An example is when I stopped at the Gite I stayed at for 3 days last year, I was happily surprised to hear "I know you!"
    It was the lady who operates/owns the 2025 SJPDP Gite.
    Another appreciation I had was the discovery of 2 locations each with Vending machines (2k apart). The significance of this is I don't need to load up with 250 ml of heavy water
    The 8k distance is v short, but add the continual steep climb is a good benefit.
    Orisson awaits
    Lucky Brucee    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    1
    2422

    Orisson now in SJPdP and soon tonight in

    April 24 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    25 April 202

    Bonjour all you wonderful friends 

    Lucky me is back in a French Café in Sr Jean Pied de Port enjoying noir Coffee and a croissant like the locals do. I confess being in local France enjoying their Hospitality raises my happy place spirits even higher

    Yesterday rubber Legs made the hike up Up and UPP to ORISSON. Beautiful weather and with plenty of stops and water (electrolyte),I made it.

    Now back down to SJPDP to travel today to BURGOS. I'll spend a few days there before start my next Camino Frances hike, the Meseta.

    PS on the taxi ride down to SJPDP there was a heavy fog and I thought of Narelle Campbell's comment that the view from Orisson can be totally covered in fog it was this morning but not on my day, yesterday.

    For you yet to do the CF, please try to make the first stop at Refuge Beilari. Flor's French cuisine and Joseph personal hospitality will be remembered forever. 

    Orisson in the other hand is a must stop because of its location. However their food is average, possibly due to the fact that they  have three times as many pilgrims.

    The breakfast was sans protein (no eggs) and inadequate for the hike up/down to Roncesvalles.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler

    Burgos 1st night No photos

    April 26 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    What a hoot. and what a happy First night..
    The operator of Hotel Norte y Longres did not charge me for last night (the nigh fBooking.com wanted to Because I cancelled to late).
    Then I took the local walk around parts of Burgos I rememberdenared. Finally I dropped in at a busy pub for a double Chardonnay.
    Boom the locals wanted to know if I was a Pilgrim. For me that all said Brucie you've made the right decision.
    Cheers it's time .......
    ............. for.... another Chardonnay
    What a hoot and what a great and w happy First night.
    The operator of Hotel Norte y Longres did not charge for last night. Booking.com wanted to because I cancelled too late.
    Then I took the local walk around parts of Burgos I remembered. Finally I dropped in at a busy pub for a double Chardonnay.
    Boom the locals wanted to know if I was a Pilgrim. For me that all said Brucie you've made the right decision. Tomorrow I'm buying a new sketchbook. Fingers crossed my enthusiastic arty side is inspires.
    You'll know but please don't comment if the Creative Spirit fails to inspire Brucie
    Show quoted text    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler

    Pamplona unexpectedly

    April 26 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    An unexpected day in Pamplona.
    Long story short, but yesterday me and my backpack decided to go different directions. Excited to get off the BUS from SJPDP and get to the train station, I only thought to collect my bag in the bus's holding bins
    After a short time I remembered my Day Backpack was in the overhead shelf.
    Bus left. Thanks to the senior back room lady she contacted the driver who eventually found my BP. and would be back in the Pamplona terminal 2+ hours later. 
    I missed the last Burgos train and spent the night in a quality Hotel.
    Pleasant weather in Pamplona today for me to visit their,  Cathedral etc
    I will be finally in Burgos later today for a 3 nights prior to starting the Meseta.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    1
    123

    Pamplona now BURGOS tonight

    April 26 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Hi All Amigos
    An unexpected day in Pamplona.
    Long story short, but yesterday me and my backpack decided to go different directions. Excited to get off the ALSA BUS from SJPDP and to transfer to the Train, I only thought to collect my bag in the bus's holding bins
    After a short time I remembered my Day Backpack was in the overhead shelf.
    Bus left. Thanks to the senior ALSA desk lady she contacted the driver who eventually found my BP. and would be back in the Pamplona terminal 2+ hours later. 
    I missed the last train and spent the night in a quality pamplona Hotel.
    Today we had pleasant weather in Pamplona for me to visit their,  Cathedral and the famous bronze Bulls charging the narrow street.
    But in the Spanish celebration style I was called to get that photo. However the street bands roared on and to my pleasure there was young and all doing a fun set dance. I loved it and the video captures the joy.
    I will finally in Burgos later today for 3 nights prior to starting the Meseta.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    4

    Burgos

    April 27 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    27 April 2026
    Slow day in Burgos but managed to buy a new Sketchbook*. Went and was overwhelmed at BURGOS CATHEDRAL.
    BUT BEST NEWS ORISSON FOIND MY SKETCHBOOK.
    I've asked them to send it to Leōn
    FINGERS CROSSED.
    * See photos today+2 photos Orisson sent 💞🤣❤️
    PS. I was sketching near the bronze sculpture of TORO de BURGOS when a couple (my vintage) and asked me if I was a Pilgrim. ... eventually they told me the street the Bronze sculpture is in IS WHERE BURGOS RUNS THE BULLS ... I believe them but just looked it and I didn't see Burgos mentioned in 2026.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    11

    28 April Burgos

    April 27 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    Museum of Human Evolution

    Dear Family+
    Friends+Magic (my BC)
    This Lucky Pilgrim just spent nearly 4 hours at Burgos' Museum of Human Evolution. If ever you are fortunate to be in Burgos this is a top of the list to do. It is everything I imagine, but my imagination wasn't big enough or educated enough to be ready it. Simply I loved it every step I took.
    You'll enjoy, as I did, their Videos, active exhibits and extensive descriptions (English) posted. 
    I almost giggled when I was told it was FREE to this old lucky Pilgrim.
    I hope you will enjoy today's photos 🤞
    PS The sequence of these photos is mostly Back to front. For interest the last photo is the one I wanted FIRST 🤣    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler

    Boadilla del Camino

    May 2 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Hi AL
    My lay day gave me the chance to enjoy the local area and do some sketches.
    The number of pilgrims this year is large ymuch larger than I expected. Accommodation has been quite challenging, however I've been lucky and I've got accommodation book to almost when I get to Leon.
    At dinner tonight, I was surprised to meet a Taiwanese lady that knew me from a previous Camino. That's her in the picture that I've posted where we're enjoying a nice glass of wine. Poor thing. has got blisters already that's due to poor hiking boots.
    The next hike is going to be 20Ks plus which was not my calendar. But again it's due to getting accommodation. I make things complicated for myself because I like to say two nights in a place that gives me time to enjoy the culture and do some sketchy.
    I've been advised to take it easy and have listened to that advice and so far no blisters only sore calf muscles.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    The lovely Danish lady " Charlotte"
    11When wñalkig through Castrojeriz you'l see high on the hill this ancienct CastleThe ancient castle on the hill31A day on your Meseta.6Mother and Daughter wanted who wanted a photograph with me. I always say YES1Good design. Very well executed but I hope I never see it on the ladies I know

    Boadilla - Frómista

    May 3 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Hi ALL
    My START was in Boadilla 10 Km before Fromista .

    My trek yesterday was from the beautiful Albergue En El Camino, Boadilla del Camino, Palencia, Spain to Monestario del San Zoilo
    It was 25 Km mostly flat terrain. Only one bar along the way was a welcome stop for Brucie. 
    Intermittent showers with poncho on poncho off scenario. Lucky Brucie met and talked for some time with a Danish lady called Charlotte (60Yo) and a 23-year-old Lass called Alyssa

    Attached is a photograph of the day (WELL NOT QUITE) is my Melbourne friend. (for only an hour or so) Bronwyn (67) who is a unhappy Pilgrim. Her major problem was the app that came from RAW TRAVEL. It would seem to be cutting out on her iPhone The stunning tattoo that she had on her leg attracted me. Not in the usual fashion, but a good design well execute.
    Privately. I wouldn't want to see it on any of the ladies that I know it's more a tattoo (with her mini skirt) for a Lady of the nights !
    Picture attached..

    Apologies for not posting for too many days but they have been filled and sometimes tiring like yesterday's 25 km. That 25 km felt like 37 km of walking on concrete. I needed a long hot bath to relax my calves and my right knee. All good now except for my accommodation. Pilgrims don't complain. But the Albergue that I had for 2 days before. THIS place I'm in now zis something like Old World First class Hotel. It's a monastery. 

    The last place I stayed is called En El Camino Boadilla. Stacked with pilgrims. Totally enjoying themselves. Good Pilgrim meals and a lovely atmosphere.
    This Camino I to spend two nights at each village. This gives me a chance to get the Sketchbook out. Also to enjoy the culture and relax my sore legs. Where is roughly 4-5 days (with breaks) before I reach Leon.
    NOTE:, The second last photograph is of two ladies and me hugging both of them. When I told the questioning and welcoming owner of the Bar that Yes I was a Pilgrim and to his second question I said yes I was 89. BOOM he told his wife, his daughter and the whole place. Lucky Brucie was. then surrounded by his wife and his daughter who wanted the the owner to take a photograph of the three of us. It was a happy situation.

    PPS. Oops I gave myself a ❤️ Like
    Blame my fumbling fingers

    Enjoy the photos🙏    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    11111

    Ledigos to Sahagun

    May 5 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    Reubber legs Brucee has made it to Sahagun.
    Be sure that this happy Pilgrim has now reaped the benefits of the Meseta.
    The Meseta has a reputation of being loved and a reputation of being hated. Lucky Bruce is on the positive side with only 3 days left before I hit Leon.*** Well not quite because after doing a lot of searching all The significant places between here and Leon are fully booked. Regrettably after a 2-day stay here in Sahagun I'm going to take the bus to Leon and spend three nights there. 
    Tonight I shared dinner with my favourite Irish friends Eileen and Peter. 

    Reports from the guru Ivar Rekve (Santiago de Compostela) the 2026 number of pilgrims has increased in numbers. Higher than they expected.
    I'm experiencing this because all suitable bookings from Sahagun to Leon are full.  This does not apply to those younger, stronger people who are winging it.
    For instance, in the last 2 days I've walked part of the day with two different 23-year-old ladies, neither pre-book and always are successful. Naturally they carry their bags and if it's full  on arrival they just walk on 5: or 10 mor. And get success there.. Next life I might do this.
    I Hope you enjoyed the photos 🥰    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    3
    2111312

    Leon

    May 5 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Hi ALL

    Well first of all the bad news and then the good news. 
    The bad news is in my my five previous caminos. I've never had problems booking ahead and always getting a place. However, that's not the case right now and if I'm not careful Booking.com will certainly find me a place but until you book it there isn't clarity about its location. Last year once I was 15 km off the Camino Francis track and this year I booked accommodation which would have taken me East not walking forwards West. Problem is that Booking.com instantly says they've got more accommodation but not quite at your site. This wouldn't be a problem if you're driving a car but you are a Pilgrim and advance forward in a Westerly direction. 
    Weather:
    Cold front. In Leon and everybody is wearing winter clothes and cuddling up cuz it's so cold.. Yesterday we had torrential rain, But it reduced a miserable drizzle in the evening evening..
    Accommodation: in the five pilgrimages that I have done. I have never experienced booking issues like this 2026 year.. The guru Ivar comments about the increase so far and it's very much in favor of the Americans and I think the Irish (Australia numbers are are down 14%,)  
    Please note those that are winging it  walk into villages and get accommodation every time. That's not the case if you are cautious and want to make sure you don't have to walk an extra 5 or 10 km then to find a bed.
    Back to some GOOD NEWS :
    Way back in St. Jean Pied de Port a fellow pilgrim recommended the product called BioFREEZE.
    This morning I applied this gel to the knee area and bingo. It works very well so much so I've done a fair bit of walking in Leon today and the problem hasn't recurred. 
    BTW despite trying every which way to get accommodation between Leon and Astorga I had zilch luck.
    The good news: Yes, I was able to coordinate Astorga accommodation and confirm its location plus catching the bus from Leon to Astorga.
    Lucky Brucee He's still laughing and looking forward to so much more of the Camino Francis and to Seville. 🤞    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    1
    2

    ASTORGA

    May 12 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    I wish I had some beautiful news about my Sketchbook and about the weather etc.

    Hola Amigos
    One might say I've got stalled on the Camino Frances. In many ways this is true. 
    I am recovering from a bad flu. But I'm recovering and the sun is just beginning to shine in Astorga.
    The locals have told me that this is their March weather... not their May weather.
    Regarding my Orisson sketchbook drama. Long story short Orisson gave it to a transfer company called. LHOST. This company have now offered to send it to my Sydney address for over US$100+. (it is  AU$20 item).
    Longer Story short: Orisson have suggested I use a Spanish address. 
    Beautiful Susi (Casa Susi) has offered their address in Trabedelo and asked for their phone number. Susi or Fermin will speak to them.
    It's all up in the air at the moment.
    The real loss for me is are the sketches.
    Ponferrada tomorrow as I make my way to Casa Susi's Albergue and eventually meet David&Steph in Sarria.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    1
    44224211Solo Caminos have many positive factors. Tonight was one of those because I choose to dine well ❤️

    Ponferrada

    May 14 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Hi ALL
    Today I visited the Knights Templar Castle . But the highlight for me was finding the library (Templum Libri).
    With extensive ancient displays. These are full of historic journals (facsimiles excellently reproduced from a world wide sources). Theses reproductions are covered with gold leaf and make you believe that you're looking at The originals.
    Photos: The first photo features two ladies and myself. We met whilst enjoying the castle. Important Point here. Is that the last on the right of the photograph? Lives in Sydney and it's very keen. Did join the Blue Mountain Camino group. Name is Stephanie and I will send her a copy of the latest newsletter.
    The other photos of The Knights Templar Castle.
    Tomorrow I head for Villafranca and staying at the San Nicolas El Real Monasterio.
    I hope enjoy the photos
    Lucky Brucee 🥰    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    5
    21

    Camponaraya to Villafranca

    May 16 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Villafranca del Bierzo
    Sunny weather. I walked 15 Km from Camponaraya arriving at my accommodation San Nicolas El Real Monasterio at 2pm. This part of the Camino Francis is said to be easy to medium grades. I founded medium as did other pilgrims along the way. Often we would joke that that's Villafranca down there. Not so but we continued on.
    Along The way there was a lot pavement concrete roads and dirt road to walk on. In the end, my knees were grateful that we finally arrived at Villafranca. This is a very pleasant place but like small villages, English is a bit of a joke. The Spaniards here very helpful. Big smiles but don't understand what you're saying and Google translate is really handy.
    Tomorrow is CASA SUSI !    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    4
    3121132

    Near O'Cebreiro

    May 19 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    19 May 26
    Yesterday my short walk from Villafranca to Casa Susi was the last straw for my Right knee. Codeine + Voltarin + a great chat with Susi and Fermin eventually stopped the knee pain. Soon Lucky Brucee was enjoying fabulous gourmet dinner at Casa Susi. I say "fabulous" because it was and you personally won't know until you stay there.  BTW other pilgrims have rated Casa Susi as a must-stay Albergue. Book early because they do get booked out.
    Susi and I first met at Glenella, in Blackhead, in November 2019, and again November 2022. That was just before son David and I commenced our 1st Camino in April 2023.
    Currently I'm at Albergue ESCUELA, a short stop before O'Cebreiro. Ponchos and gloves are the must up here 
    Today and tomorrow I'll be taking Taxis to hopefully get my knee back to normal.🤞    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler

    Albergue Reboleira 150K to SdC

    May 21 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    20 MAYO 26 Albergue Reboleira and...

    Hi ALL
    Lucky Brucee has just arrived in Albuquerque Reboleira approx 150Km go to SdC.
    Today I only walked 7.5 Kms from "Hospital Condesa" to Albergue Reboleira. The highlight was reaching the high point " Alto do Polo" Photo attached.
    It was gàareat to getting back testing that right knee and the Spirit and Fellowship of the Camino. All went well.
    Weather was 25⁰C at the start and rose to 27⁰  Sunny 🤗.
    Next stops are Triacastla, Samos then Sarria (where I'm joined with son David & Steph).
    For those lucky future Pilgrims doing the Camino Frances the Albergue Reboleira has many positives. Which I missed 12 months as ago. These include the Albergue section vs Private rooms. The price difference is obvious. But what the Albergue section does include is : portioned off sections (2 double bunk beds in mine); quality base sheet & pillow case + good quality top light Downer (not the paper ones and no need for your sleeping bag); excellent clothes washing and dryer machines. Bar and large dinning area and lounge with amazing library. And of course phone recharge with bed side personal light.
    Would I stay here again ... most likely.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    2
    1121

    Samos to SARRIA

    May 25 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Hi ALL
    Just a quick update
    I enjoyed the 9+K up hill walk yesterday from Triacastla to Samos
    I'm shortly heading for Sarria to join my son David and wife Steph.
    Weather here is favourable forecast. Here are some of yesterdays photos. EnjoyRead more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler

    SAMOS

    May 25 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Hi ALL
    Sometimes the Camino gives you what you want and today was that day! 
    After a scenically beautiful trek I made it to Sarria. Better still my son David and wife Steph were there to greet me. They a fit and happy couple keen to do this part of the Camino and more ASAP
    This morning soon after leaving SAMOS the path becomes beautiful, lumpy, down then up. By comparison to the Triacastla to Samos it is harder.
    Lucky me I soon was chatting to Pilgrims from many different country's. Of note for me was the Russian chap who lives in France followed by an group of 3 South Africa peregrinos. Ee all agreed the Camino is an experience and not just a walk.

    Dinner was enjoyed and quickly fowolled by an early night for jetlagged D&S.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    1

    SARRIA

    May 25 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Hi ALL
    Sometimes the Camino gives you what you want and today was that day! 
    After a scenically beautiful trek I made it to Sarria. Better still my son David and wife Steph were there to greet me. They a fit and happy couple keen to do this part of the Camino.
    This morning soon after leaving SAMOS the path becomes beautiful, lumpy, down then up. By comparison to the Triacastla to Samos it is harder.
    Lucky me soon was chatting to Pilgrims from many different country's. Of note for me was the Russian chap who lives in France followed by an group of 3 South Africa peregrinos.

    Dinner was enjoyed and quickly fowolled by an early night for jetlagged D&S.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler

    Sarria

    May 25 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Hi ALL

    Sometimes the Camino gives you what you want and today was that day! 
    After a scenically beautiful trek I made it to Sarria. Better still my son David and wife Steph were there to greet me. They are a fit and happy couple keen to do this part of the Camino and more in the coming years
    Enjoy the photos attached
    Soon after leaving SAMOS the path becomes beautiful, lumpy, down then up. By comparison to the Triacastla to Samos it is easier.
    Lucky me was soon chatting to Pilgrims from many different country's. Of note for me was the Russian chap who lives in France followed by an group of 3 South Africa peregrinos.
    Dinner tonight was enjoyed and quickly fowolled by an early night for jetlagged D&S.
    Tomorrow we begin our hike towards SdC.    Read more

  • Bruce Stanley6th time and laughingTraveler
    111

    Sarria

    May 25 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Hi ALL
    Sometimes the Camino gives you what you want and today was that day! 
    After a scenically beautiful trek I made it to Sarria. Better still my son David and wife Steph were there to greet me. They are both a fit and happy couple keen to do this part of the Camino and many more Camino's.
    Soon after leaving SAMOS the path becomes beautiful, lumpy, down then up. By comparison to the Triacastla to Samos this section is harder.
    Lucky me soon was chatting to Pilgrims from many different country's. Of note for me was the Russian chap who lives in France followed by an group of 3 South Africa peregrinos.

    Dinner tonight was enjoyed and quickly followed by an early night for jetlagged D&S.    Read more