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Camino de Santiago
  • Cari Krippner
  • Cari Krippner

Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago, or in English, the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 28, 2024
    Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler

    5 days before takeoff

    August 10, 2024 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    When did I become a Pilgrim? Was it 20 yrs ago when my parents returned from walking 1000 miles through Portugal and Spain? Was it 7 yrs ago when I told my Dad I was going to do the Camino "someday"? Did it start much earlier in my life when we moved every 4 years and, with my parents guidance, church always felt like home? Or did it start last Sunday when I received the Pilgrims Blessing?Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Found on a walk
    My Dad's slogan1Final pack

    Taking Flight

    August 11, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    Leaving to go to Calgary, Canada
    Last night and this morning I was trying to get my pack lighter and lighter. Final weight: 20lbs

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Destination: Paris
    1Lots of seats!A blanket and a pillow

    Leaving Calgary to Paris

    August 14, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    It has been a very long time since I have flown over the ocean. I like my seat...last seat in the corner. I land at 12:30 PM in Paris. One of the flight attendants has done the Camino and told me about it when she saw my shell. Only 4,587 miles to Paris. I'm grateful not to be walking!Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    View from above
    1Leaving airport: follow BOnly armed securityRue de MarriageSacre Coeur1Street food2My perfect accomodationsIncluding private bathroomI love my key!2

    First Day in Paris

    August 15, 2024 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    I landed in Paris, France. I walked around the city in a jetlagged daze down Rue de Marriage passed blocks of stores selling gowns and tuxes. You can buy one in bright yellow or looking like Travolta! I love all the music in the train and in the stations. There are many different kinds of security walking around due to the Olympics. I feel very safe!Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    One of 12 chapels
    Statue of the Virgin MaryAngel in the backgroundImmense ceilingsOne of the Stations of the CrossSt. Margaret-Mary who promoted the Sacred Heart of JesusOne of the largest mosaics in the worldBreathtakingSecond organ built in 1905Stairs insideTravertine limestone exudes calcite which makes it whiter after rainsLove the gargoylesFront steps are always covered with people Notice locksJoan of Arc and St. Louis on horses

    Sacre Coeur

    August 16, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    It is interesting to learn the history of this beautiful Basilica that only became a national historic monument in 2022. It is built on the location where the Jesuit priests originated. There has been continuous adoration since 1885!Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    This is how I feel time!
    I read about this boulevard in high school!The Identity of FranceMore beautiful in personI could walk along the Sienne all day.The closest I got to the OlympicsMy first excellent mealAnd dessertI can't believe I'm hereThere were 1 million people around! I asked the police to estimate for me.Everyone cheered when the lights went on1It looked like a candle!

    Day 2 Paris

    August 16, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F

    A cloudy but lovely day to walk! I saw Paris today: The Sienne, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower!

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    1Join me as I people-watch
    You have to eat great food while you're people-watching2Amazing creme bruleeFuture resting place of Andre Chabot, photographer of funeral art Yes, that's a big camera in there!A famous French painterTaking the city metro is easyI never missed my exit1Paris looks like Everett, WA on a cloudy dayJean Paul SartreNew and old next to each otherAnother artistAnother artistI have seen mysteries with this cemetery in themMy work is my stone.100's of black and whites for the pioneer of film preservationNight on the steps of Sacre Coeur

    Day 3 Paris

    August 17, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌧 68 °F

    A rainy day in Paris is a perfect day to people-watch. I also went to a cemetery that I could have spent ALL day in. It has Victor Hugo, the founder of Le Bon Marche and many more famous and infamous people. There's constant music.Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Paris train station was a bit overwhelming!
    Got off at the right placeSaw this on the way into LourdesAnother cloudy dayHouses look differentIt looks like a fort is on the hill.On the wall by La Roche doorFrom the backyard

    Day 5 Traveled to Lourdes

    August 18, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Took the fast train from Paris to Lourdes. Staying at a Pilgrims Hostel called La Ruche. I can hear singing from the cathedral a block away. They are singing Ave Maria as I fall asleep.

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Beautful Cathedral
    Ancient ArtworkMany chuches have graves in the floorsCathedral had 2 main altersSide áreas took my breathe awayPharmacy had Virgin MaryGovernment buildingPublic FontainEvery building has huge doorsTypical streetI love the Virgin MarySo artistic!My first Hotel...room to myself!!Toilet With a seatHuge bed...never Turned on tvEmptied my backpack and mailed 10 pounds ahead I learned less is moreIt cost 50 euros and was 4 flights up plus these awkward stairsBest food ever! Thank You Bearan, for helping me recover from getting over the Pyrennees!

    I'm not dead!

    August 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    I'm in beautiful Papalona, Spain! My phone was stolen while I was in Lourdes, France and I was given the oportunidad to truly trust in God. I didn't know the day of the week, time of the day, how far I have walked or where I would sleep. Yet, everything worked out! I kept putting one foot in front of the other. I talked to more people than I would have, walked in peace as I looked around and prayed a lot!

     I was going to fly home the day my phone was gone. I'm glad I kept going. They say the Camino provides...it has so far. I have learned I am stronger than I thought I was and I can do hard things!

    I challenge everyone reading this to limit, in some way, their Phone use. One less hora, not during meals, not after 7 pm... anything will make a huge diferentes.

    Please forgive any spanish Words. My new spanish phone puts random words in. I try to find as many as I can.    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Happen Chance
    With StatueThe heart of the party!Every one checking out where the bulls come outInteresting recycling containersRecycling part 2Recycling people brought home recycling to these centersTown plazaGelato yummySt. FrancisView from cheap university housingView from universityStudent housingMain street with Camino markingLoved colorful housesThe arch to finally leave Pamplona1I play dot to dos with these when I'm not lostAnother universityI'm at the 2nd dot on right. Tomorrow should be on the Last dot on left. Yes, there's a big Hill!2My bed tonight. Typical...8 bunks in the room. This place is small with only 4 rooms.

    I Found my Way Out of Pampalona

    August 27, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    Pampalona has over 200,000 people in it. It is known for the running of the bulls every year and are very proud Hemmingway lived there. After walking in the quite mountains where I was entertained by bells on cows, horses, and goats, I found it very loud and busy. I got turned around several times trying to get out of the city. I felt like a cat trapped in a paper bag! I did find the post office and mailed 6.6 pound to the end of trail. A lighter Pack makes a diferentes! That took an hour and another hour to find an ATM machine. The next thing you know, its already 90 degrees!

    Of course, I found interesting neighborhoods, the university, and where they start the running of the bulls! I also found amazing gelato. So I did not get far walking today.    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Typical hostel kitchen
    Donate a euro for the next pilgrimsBeen walking by many sunflower fields1It was a very Hot day up to the wind turbinesNot my favorite trail surfaceWhere the way of the wind crosses the way of the stars. Inscribed on medieval pilgrims550 km to go to SantiagoRecently created to honor those who lost their life in a revolt and put in a mass grave.Beautiful muralTeens dressed in town celebration outfits2Hikers rash100 beds connected to a semanarioCloudy morningBest way to make OJ2Only made it to the 2nd dot1Pouring down elephants and hippos (l was under an overpass until the lightening stopped)1My Camino Animal2Beautiful architecture

    Puente la Reina to Cirauqui

    August 28, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    Be careful what you pray for! Yesterday was hot as hades and my hikers rash, which was almost gone flared up painfully. Even with electrolytes, the wind blew so hot, water could make hot tea in munutes. Pilgrims were found huddling under underpasses for the shade.

    Today, it was thankfully cloudy. Then the thunder and lightening began. For more than 2 hours the ground shook. The red clay looked like blood leaking down the hill. Needless to say, it was a short day.

    I found a pharmacy and my hikers rash is improving. I need to keep my legs up and out of the sun. I thank everyone for the prayers ad they get me through days like these.

    I have found a wonderful hostel (paid a bit more) and have Real Sheets-not paper, shampoo in a clean shower and only 12 people in my room...none I can touch!!    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Great hospitality
    Except the bells rang all the time feet from my bedNot sure what this is? It looks interestingOldest Roman road on the CaminoOlive trees (not ripe yet)Picking Spanish raspberries (smaller & sweeter)The Salt River (salty from the rocks)Some friends I walked with from GermanyWindow decorationsIndependent 4 year oldDouble arch Roman bridgeTranslation: If you do not like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.Original wall left from the Jewish colony expelled in the 14th cAmazing ArtworkBeautiful organBreathtakingPilgrims Meal5 star mealElevation maps

    Ciraqui to Estella

    August 30, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    I love staying at Parish Albergues. They are run by volunteers and people who stay there work together to make meals and clean. The church often stocks little extras that make it feel like a day at the spa! Shampoo & conditioner in the shower, a hair dryer, even round rocks by the hand washing sink to help get the mud out...it is the little things.Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    212

    Plants along the Camino

    August 30, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    I love taking pictures of plants. I especilly love the symmetry and perfect math found in nature whether it is in the spiral of a fern unfolding or the number of petals you can count. I'm in awe how nature does nothing to aquire this sacred geometry. It has all been put in place for us to find.

    May you find splender in the nature that surrounds you.    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    1Strength of the Wine
    Famous Wine Fountain (only 26 gallons a day dispensed)Pilgrims usually use their shell but this is the easier wayI believe in the Strength of the Water!Inside the wine museumLots of old wineCool wine cellarMore old wineLots of wineSmokey walls from candles used for lighting many years agoI wished it was closerA beautiful flat natural trail (so I won't forget)Interesting to see they dumped cow poop to spread alreadyWhat I see when I lay down with my feet upEntrance to Los ArcosGates everywhere in many villages for running bullsBeautiful artworkMoreAnd still moreSt. Mary's church

    Estella to Los Arcos

    August 31, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Awoke in the middle of the night with a humongous thunder and lightening storm! It shook the building and did a lot of trail damage. 9 hours and 14 miles later I arrive in Los Arcos and, you are right, it is raining! I hung yesterdays clothes off my backpack to dry during the day. Today's clothes will need to dry hanging over my bed. I'm thankful it did not rain during the walk. It was a very warm day. The last 8 miles had no fresh water.Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    6

    Mile Markers

    Aug 31–Sep 4, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    The Camino de Santiago Frances is about 780 kilometers or 485 miles long. As of today, I have about 39 kilometers or 24 miles left. I might be able to finish tomorrow in one long day (depending on the weather and trail conditions) in time to meet Cindy when she arrives in the evening to Santiago.

    That would mean tonight is my last night at a hostel with 59 other pilgrims hearing strangers snore. My last night trying to remember where I put my glasses and which bathroom is the womans or, wait, maybe they are coed here. No, this one has a woman's bathroom but, since there are more guys, they will use it and keep the seat up. Aways check!

    Will this be my last night as a pilgrim? Most definately not. The Camino begins when the walk ends. I hope to return to be a hospitalaria so I may greet pilgrims with Benedictine hospitality.

    A glass of cold water, some chocolates and biscuits, and help taking off my pack (lightening my load) will always be symbolic of real hospitality. This simple act was followed by smiles and great conversations from couples who traveled great distances to volunteer a week.

    What did I learn on the Camino? I reaffirmed what I learned from Godspell in the 70s. To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, and Follow thee more nearly....day by day...and to give Grace, Grace, Grace...when in doubt, Be Kind.    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    1Medieval
    Double openingHidden HandleModern Center with security doorCenter low knobModern replicaAncientNew with low mailbox1Offset handle

    Doors

    August 31, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    I was facinated by collection of doors in this town of less than 4000 (and declining). It would make an interesting book.

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Breakfast of Pilgrim Meal leftovers eggs & mushrooms and shrimp on toast
    Mural outside hostelThunderstorms all night and walked through drizzle and the humidity behind the stormTurned the corner and saw ColorWalked passed many vineyardsDown many hard streetsI'm fasinated with the craftmanship of the walls without concreteMany locations where pilgrims and locals have created memorialsYou frequently huts in the field. Some are still in use if caught in bad weatherAlmond treeArtist in Vienna2This hostel looks like a castle! It was originally a monastery.Artist paint in the court yardMorning sun2The inside walkway was just like my brother's old house in Ballard2nd breakfast (around 10) 1st breakfast was an appleIt's been very easy following the trailPilgrim ArtMore vinyards

    Los Arcos to Vienna to Logrona

    September 1, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    I cut a long walking day into 2 short ones in hopes of saving my feet, but that was all in vain as I hobbled into the large city of Logrona on blistered and bloodied feet. I checked into the first hotel with a bathtub and gave them a good soaking (along with all my clothes!) I'll be here 2 days as they heal...giving them lots of TLC!Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler

    The Camino Always Provides

    September 2, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    That's a popular saying about the Camino. I am not sure about that. I always thought you had to do something to make anything happen, but maybe there is a bit of truth to it. Here are some examples in my first 150 miles:

    When my phone was stolen, complete strangers helped figure out a way for me to contact Cindy and Mom on top of the Pyrennes so they would not worry about me

    When I was finishing up my day and going to a Parish Hostel that has shared meals, I realized it was Sunday and no stores would be open. I turned the bend and laying on the ground was a beautiful cucumber! It was a fabulous addition to the salad.

    When I get especially tired, there just happens to be delicious blackberry bushes and soon I am refreshed and ready to go again.

    I spent a couple challenging hours listening to a young lady who is going to make it big in París as a writer and artist after her Camino (she's from Snohomish, of all places) and I happened to take the bike camino turn instead of the walkers arrow and received 5 hours of solitude.

    I was exhauted after going up, yet another hill, and sat down on the bench on top next to an older lady. I found out she was 77 and walking with her 2 young grandchildren before school begins. She has walked the Camino 17 times! She was also an educator for 45 yrs. She inspired me to keep walking to the next town.

    I fell asleep early at the hostel while everyone else went out to eat and drink. When I awoke, someone had put bread, nut mix, dark chocolate and tuna fish by my cot so I would have food for the road.

    To attain wisdom, remove something every day. Lao-tzu    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Spent 2 nights here
    Fresh from the tree figGreat door for a travel agencyFamous street for TapasSnacks & TapasSince 1960Until today1Mine was delish!Very common...menu of the dayFirst course...potatoes & broccoli2nd: salad and ribsDessert: frozen cake2Pilgrim statue...I'm walking faster!Convent to tobaco factory to public buildingI thought it was funny to keep the chimmnyFront of former convent/tobacco/library1I liked the thinking girl's boots1My amazing bathtub4My new look...no hikers rash!

    Rested and Refreshed & Mystery Solved

    September 4, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Mystery Solved...I stopped at a pharmacy and when I said I had blister trouble, he turned his sign over to say closed. This meant business. He looked at my feet, my socks, my shoes, and my orthotics. Finally, he said, aha! My orthotics were 1 cm too short for my shoes and kept slipping causing the blisters. Ugh!

    Solution: buy the best insoles they have, cut so they fit, soak, cover, and wrap my blisters for 3 days.

    Today I walked in no pain for the first time! The green tape is KT tape and I watched many videos to learn how to wrap my feet and knees correctly. I need to support my flat feet since I don't have my inserts in. So far, so good.

    I went 6 miles on the trail today in an overcast cool day. I think there should be special stickers just for getting out of the cities! It took me over 2 hours to find the trail. I concidered it a city tour that people pay money for. I saw all sorts of interesting neighborhoods.

    We are speeding up our lives and working harder, in a futile attempt to slow down and enjoy it.
    Paul Hawken. What can you do today to slow down?    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Such easy was to close doors
    Such easy way to open doorsAnd look...it even shows if its occupied!1Totally cool enclosed bike rakesDownload a free app and get a code...they are all over town2I'm in love with their community recycling1People are always drinking coffee and chatting outside1I loved looking at bookstores1Childrens books are fun in any languageSpain has very little water in their toilets1No, I could not lay down in there!2Love these elevators!Really, 4 people?! I barely fit with my backpack1Love the fresh veggies2Notice the location of the crosswalk. None of them are near the corners. This is so much safer.They are also much wider1Every store should have a dog tie out2Look at how little this pilgrim is carrying!!2This pilgrim is carrying a bit more4My morning picture when its drizzling

    Musings

    September 4, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    I have found many things in Spain quite clever. Like the toilet paper that comes out like tissue. Wouldn't that stop a mess at schools! The main door knobs on houses being in the middle so both left and right handed people are equal. Using thin wood and exterior closing devices that are simple with a knob that can also hold a purse. Clearly marked bike lanes (not after thoughts) and having separate stores for fish, meat, bread, wine, and produce in the neighborhood. No packaged food or fast food anywhere.

    Wonder if the US could learn from any of these?    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    Most of the day was on dirt path
    Next to the highway...not my favThere was a long fence pilgrim's put crosses onIt went on forever...My contributionObviously, someone knew about this ahead of timeThis was my favoriteBiggest nest I have ever seen!!Very low clouds all dayGoing uphill4Found a delightful surprise3Going downhill4Nothing in my pack got wet (thanks Steve) I have a pack cover!1Heading to the town you can not seeBeehive hut used as a lookout2Proof we had sun 😀2New breed of rose: Way of St JamesThese made me smileWater is needed to make these bloomMade the dreary day bright4Monastic caves in Azofra

    Navarrete to Azofra

    September 5, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    It is so hard to start walking when it is raining. Then I remember that every step I take is one less step l have to walk tomorrow and that math sounds good 🙂
    It also helps if you stop by a pastry shop and grab the best looking thing and save it for lunch. I am not above bribing myself.
    The sun did come out for a couple seconds and I still found beauty.

    Tonight I am staying in Azofra, discribed in my Camino book as: a tranquil village with a declining population of 250 owing much of its continuing existence to the camino. I am making a point to stay in these smaller villages. My hostel was actually made as a hostel and I have a room to myself! (It has 2 beds) And a heated floor! Thank you for all your prayers. I am positive they are the reason I am still perservering, even in the rain.

    And to all my teacher friends, I have not forgotten that this is the first week of school. My prayers are with you, your students, and their families as you begin another year. I'm their in Spirit.    Read more

  • Cari KrippnerCamino de SantiagoTraveler
    1Morning began with rain & mud
    I love these entrepreneursSt DomingoPatron saint of the pilgrimsI love doing dangerous thingsI thought the Christmas lights were a nice touchI had never been on a Cathedral roof!Amazing viewsExplanation of bridgeSaint Domingo bridgeEntering GrañonSunriseAnts go marching 2 by 2Pilgrim monumentDomingo with chickensHermit cavesComing back down the hill

    Azofra to Grañon to Tosantos

    September 7, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    There has been some very cloudy weather. Mornings are getting cooler and the sun does not warm us up until 11 am.

    I have been walking through villages preparing for their "fete" or fiesta. Their yearly celebration of their villages patron saint. Last night I finally hit one. I am not sure if it was a good thing or not! I loved the traditional celebration...though I was left confused. We did the rosary in spanish, the carried her up a hill behind the village to a cave that had a lovely chaple in it. We all sang Adiós Maria. Then locked her in. I wondered how long she will be in there. The whole town then partied loudly until 4:30 AM It was a cultural experience.Read more

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