• Madeleine Stoll
  • Madeleine Stoll

Mad’s Camino De Santiago

A 30-day adventure by Madeleine Read more
  • Trip start
    August 6, 2024

    Camino Prayer

    July 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    I will be saying this prayer I wrote everyday along the way. Please feel free to make it your own and join me on this adventure in spirit 🙏🏻 ❤️ 🚶🏻‍♀️ 🎒 🇪🇸

  • Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

    August 5, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Made it safe to the start of El Camino! 😍🇫🇷 The good Lord is taking care of me 🥰🙏🏻 I can even see His plan in the little hiccups #followthepeace. Made an Olympic friend waiting for my bag 🚴🏻‍♀️🇨🇦

  • 16mi SJPP🇫🇷 to Roncesvalles 🇪🇸

    August 6, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Beautiful long day walking up the Pyrenees Mountains! Made so many lovely new friends!

  • 17mi Roncesvalles to Larrasoaña

    August 7, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Said goodbye to friends at Zubiri! What a fun second day! 🐚 Carmen and Santiago prayed with me 🙏🏻❤️ have lovely bedmates from Italy, France, and New Zealand tonight

  • 15.8mi Larrasoaña through Pamplona to Ci

    August 8, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Spent most of the day wandering around Pamplona. Had a lovely morning with Simon, Francesco, and Marco 😂🇳🇿🇮🇹 Simon was just in Paris cheering on his cousin Michelle who competed in Equestrian 🏇🇳🇿 he is a fellow LOTR nerd and gave me suggestions and inspirations for my hobbit hole. Did you know you can walk from Hobbiton to Mt Doom?! 100km 🤓🧝‍♀️🧙🏻‍♂️ gave Scott some tips for his burned legs and he joined me at mass ☘️🇺🇸Read more

  • 21.4mi Cizur Menor to Lorca

    August 9, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Walked by myself today. Had a lot of quiet time, listened to The Deepest Well audio book, and some music. Little bouts of tiredness and loneliness, but I let them come 🤍 Made more Italian friends tonight 🇮🇹Read more

  • 19mi Lorca to Los Arcos

    August 10, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Started off the morning early. I branched off from Marco and Valentino 🇮🇹 at lunch and found Doug! This wonderful man is a Knight of Columbus, writing a novel about a Texas ranger, and is living his best retirement in Alaska. We stopped at a food truck and the owner gave us free water, bananas, and the best homemade humus ☀️ a Czech girl let me play her guitar and I walked the rest of the 3 miles alone singing in the fields and mountains. I felt very childlike and light the second half of the day ☀️ ran into Americans in town and swam at the local pool. Now off to night mass with Doug 🙏🏻Read more

  • 18mi Los Arcos to Logroño 🍷🍇

    August 11, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C

    Slept in this morning and it got pretty hot 103° ☀️ walked a few miles with Fabian 🇩🇪 who doesn’t drink water, but gets his fluid from fruit. Ran into Vivian 🇨🇿 and Nick 🇹🇼 on my coffee stop ☕️. Lots of vineyards and hay on this walk. Said goodbye to Kate 🇷🇺 and Georgia 🇦🇺 they were both so lovely and gave me big hugs! Hoping to see Georgia on the way later. Logroño is known for its wine 🍷 going to explore!Read more

  • 19mi Logroño to Nájera

    August 12, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Today I finished my first week on the Camino ☺️. I had a lot of alone time to process the changes over the last few years. It was tough, I cried a few times, but it was necessary. Slowing down enough to process was one of my biggest reasons for doing the Camino 💕🙏🏻
    I had a lovely conversation with Kieran 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 known on the trail as “Jesus” for his attire and spiritual vibe. He is a yogi and looking for truth just like the rest of us. He enjoyed hearing my story as well ☺️. This lovely Frenchman saved me with 2nd skin for my first baby blister. He cleansed my foot and bandaged it up. It felt so nice to be cared for 🥰
    The old town side of Nájera is gorgeous! I’m getting back into the mountains! Going to mass tonight and writing postcards 📝 “God Help the Outcasts”🎶
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  • 17.8mi Nàjera to Grañon

    August 13, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    I left Nàjera today and it was one of my favorite cities. The rock, river, and the streets of old town were beautiful. I had my best night sleep with the rain. I started off the day with Daka 🇿🇦. Then I stopped at a golf course to journal and felt a little ostracized. They wouldn’t give me the Wi-Fi password and all the club members looked at me funny. It was an interesting experience, but I’m grateful for it. It was a tough mental day and the thought definitely crossed my mind “Oh my gosh I have to do this for 20 more days!”. But that didn’t last long. I got to Grañon and ended up in the most beautiful hostel of yet. It was life-giving, a hostel of Pilgrims for pilgrims. We slept on mats on the floor and it was all donation based. Laurie, one of the volunteers, was from Illinois. We all went to mass together, made dinner together, played music and sang together, shared a delicious meal, did the dishes, and then had one of the most beautiful prayer services up in the choir loft of the old church. There were candles, and even though most people in the room weren’t religious, we shared why we were doing the Camino and prayed together. It was amazing. At the end, everyone gave each other hugs and there was maybe 30 people. Just what my heart needed to continue. I met so many beautiful people and I hope I continue to seeing them along the wayRead more

  • 17.9mi Grañon to Villafranca Montes de O

    August 14, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Sr Miriam told me that vocation is about belonging. Something I have been struggling with a lot lately, a sense of belonging. The way I am walking the Camino has led to a lot of walking alone. It’s been so hard at times, but it is helping me see that a sense of belonging will first come from within and then will involve those around me. God help me find a strong sense of self and belonging on this trail 🙏🏻. I had a low point half way through the walk and then a song my friend Emma said should be my theme song for the journey came on “Sweeter Than Wine” and it reminded me that I am well cared for and to turn to thoughts of gratitude! 💕 I am grateful for a strong body, the beautiful architecture of these little towns, cooler weather, the little critters, music, sunflowers, and the mother and daughter I passed today :). Met up with Sven🇩🇪 and my Italian boys Marco and Valentino and we are off to a free yoga class 🧘🏻‍♀️. Ashley Krus thank you for your sweet note in my journal!! It made my day today 🥰 Loved chatting with Mom, Eileen, Elyse, Katy, and Sarah the last two days 🥰Read more

  • 25mi Villafranca to Burgos

    August 15, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    I prayed yesterday that God would provide me with more community on this trail and He provided! 🙏🏻🥰 Had a blast today walking with some new Italian friends! My legs hurt, but my heart is happy. I had a nice catch up with Sven 🇩🇪 and Marco 🇮🇹, my Camino brothers!🥰 And found a new kindred spirit in Carolina 🇪🇸💕. The conversation today was intellectual and exceptional! I learned 30 new Italian words 👌🏻. Burgos has beautiful churches, and mass was lovely on this feast of our Blessed Mother 💙Read more

  • 20.5mi Hornillos to Itero

    August 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    Had a long day in the sun! ☀️ Sven, Marco, and I split from the group and continued on to a small sleepy town. We met a strong 79year old man named Terry from Michigan. He was lost and we walked with him for a few miles to help him get to his destination and gave him water 💦. Hoping for a cooler day tomorrow! I started to get plantar fasciitis today 😬 hoping exercises and rolling my foot will stop it from getting worse 🙏🏻. Grateful for kind and caring men, cute little mice, good wine, being able to talk to Ashley, and a bed to lay my head tonight 💕Read more

  • 23mi Itero to Carrión de los Condes

    August 18, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Heel is still hurting, but tolerable 👌🏻. Got an early start this morning and saw the Milky Way, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and many shooting stars 🌠🪐🌌. Lovely day! Met a new friend Dyna 🇬🇧. Saw live storks for the first time in my life 🪽🪹👼🏻 and had a lovely community dinner with friends ❤️Read more

  • 17.5mi Carrión de los Condes to Terradio

    August 19, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Had a shorter day with Marco and Dyna. It was nice to walk slow and take in the simple Meseta section of the Camino☀️. The red full moon and sunrise this morning were incredible.
    We had a nice conversation about childhood movies and it made me laugh when The Incredibles was mentioned🦸🏻‍♀️. It brought up a memory closely tied with my personal story and I told them about it. It felt so nice to laugh and casually talk about things that have been weighing heavily on my heart for years. Things don’t feel quite so heavy out here.
    We ran into Carolina and Valentina a few times and met some girls from Australia, South Africa, and Germany. Stopped in a sleepy little town and the Albergue is beautiful and has a lovely community feel. Having a nice evening shaded from the sun writing post cards 🌥️✍️
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  • 21.8mi Terradios to El Burgo Ranero

    August 20, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Today was magical! 🌕 Marco, Dyna and I started out early and met up with Carolina and Valentina in the afternoon ❤️. We met a Scottish man named Chris, who was walking 60km a day with one leg and arm. He is a motivational speaker and he inspired us all to keep walking our own Camino. On the trail and off.
    Dyna gave me some wisdom and helped guide me towards some life answers 💕
    A Celtic folk band played for our alburgue and it was a delight! ☘️ I had so much fun dancing with Valentina and our friends, and I learned how to dance the Pasodoble with a kind French man 💃🏻. We write notes to each other in our journals to end the night. Life is beautiful!🤍
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  • El Burgo Ranero to León

    August 21, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    Last day with Marco 🇮🇹 and Dyna 🇬🇧!! I will miss them both so so much! Marco has been such a rock on this journey and Dyna such a source of wisdom! We ran into a photographer who took portraits of us. It was a beautiful experience and we loved hearing about his project. 📸
    It was a long walk to León, but we made it and the city is beautfiul! I love the architecture ❤️
    We met up with Valentina, Fabio, and Alessio 🇮🇹 downtown for a drink. I shall miss them too!! Sleeping in tomorrow and exploring León before a small rest walk ☺️
    Starting on my own again. Here we go! 🙏🏻
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  • 15.5mi León to Villadangos del Páramo

    August 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    This morning I had a slow start and explored León. I went to mass at the cathedral and found adoration and confessions at St Isidore’s. I hung out at a little cafe and wrote some postcards in the park. I walked a short day in the afternoon by myself. It gave me time to process the last few days and refocus. The albergue tonight is very comfortable and I had a lovely conversation with Davide 🇮🇹 over dinner. He is the first person I have met who is also making this a pilgrimage 🙏🏻💛Read more

  • 19mi Villadangos to Astorga

    August 23, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Another incredible day! Made some new friends, ran into old friends, and there was a fabulous festival going on in Astorga. I walked in the morning with Davide 🇮🇹 we prayed the rosary together in English and Italian and sang Phantom of the Opera 🎭😂. We came across Leon 🇪🇸 who played his 3d printed tin whistle for us. Then we reached paradise at a little pellegrino oasis in the middle of the desert. The girl volunteering lives in old town and we stayed for a long time playing guitar and feasting ❤️. Dyna was there and we walked the rest of the way with a new climbing friend Giacomo 🇮🇹 and a new kindred spirit Lisa 🇩🇪. In Astorga we found Marco, Valentina, Fabio, and Luca 🇮🇹. It was quite a reunion 💕. I went to mass with Davide and met Brother Luca 🇩🇪. I have heard stories of this famous Camino monk and was so excited to meet him! We all cooked dinner together and had beautiful conversation. Goodnight friends (buona notte), my heart is full 🥰.Read more

  • 25mi Astorga to El Acebo de San Miguel

    August 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    My favorite day yet!! ❤️⛰️ Walked up and down the Aquilanos Mountains! Started off the day early and ran into Lisa, Dyna, Marco, Valentina, Fabio, and Luca at breakfast 💕. Picked up Marcelo 🇮🇹 on the way. This was one of the most magical days! We weaved in and out of historic/charming towns and met a man handing out wax seal stamps for our credentials. We tried to stop 25km in but the town was having a techno festival and didn’t have room at the inn, so we walked another 15km to the next town. It was the most beautiful 15km of my life! The rain was splendid, the mountains and fog were beautiful and we sang the whole way 🌧️⛰️🥰🎶. Marco and I had a Disney party towards the end 💛. El Acebo is the most charming mountain town, I think I can live here! 🗻Read more

  • 11mi El Acebo to Ponferrada

    August 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Only a week left on the Camino 🥹 I took a rest day today ☺️💕. I slept in and relaxed in the mountains until 11am. I walked alone and it was so beautiful. I felt so loved by God. As I wrote postcards this morning it reminded me of all the people in my life that love me, and I them. I realized I have friends ahead of me on the trail and friends behind me on the trail and it gave me so much comfort. I am so blessed and so grateful for all the people that have touched my life. This feeling of faith, hope, joy, and love will carry me forward! The mountains have always been my happy place, and these mountains are gorgeous! I gave the Camino rosary that Milan made me to Marco last night and swapped to the beautiful rosary Elyse gave me for the rest of the Camino. I swam in an ice bath of a river and feel renewed. Had adoration and mass with the Fransiscan Friars 💛. I love you all and I hope you can find faith, hope, and love in your life today. Buen Camino.

    https://open.spotify.com/track/1ltWRmCCXMEAfEAY…
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  • 16mi Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierz

    August 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Today was a tough day on the Camino. I walked with lovely Davide 🇮🇹, but I felt out of sync. I got a text in the morning from my mom saying that our family dog, Sissi, was not doing well. It hung over my head as I walked today. I wanted to walk farther today, but when I walked into Villafranca I felt called to stay. This town is gorgeous and the Alburgue I stumbled upon was charming. The minute I walked in, I fell in love with Alburgue Leo. I sat in the beautiful courtyard FaceTiming with Annie when my mom told me they were about to put Sissi down 🥺🐶. I got to call and say my farewells and cry with my siblings. As soon as I got off the phone, my friend Carolina walked into the Alburgue with her friend Pita 🇪🇸. I haven’t seen her in a few days and I needed that hug 💕. This is the way on the Camino. Sissi was one of my favorite beings on earth, and I will miss her so very much! I am so glad she is at peace. Buen Camino, Sissi! I love you!😇🐶💕Read more

  • 18.7mi Villafranca to O Cebreiro

    August 27, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    I had a peaceful day walking in the mountains behind Carolina and Pita. I found myself looking around at all the tattered homes and seeing so much beauty in them. I have such a different perspective of the world. I feel as if I could live anywhere ☺️. But, I’m very grateful to live in Austin, surrounded by so many beautiful souls. I kept reminding myself to walk in a relaxed manner today and appreciate everything around me. I am so excited to be in Galicia and back in the mountains 🤗⛰️.
    In the afternoon Pita and I had a beautiful conversation about our families, our hearts, and healing 💖. Pita and Carolina have such beautiful hearts! 💕 When I got to O Cebreiro, I made a decision that was a big turning point in loving myself more. 🥰
    This journey is coming to an end and I am ready to fully embrace the next few days! Tonight we will have mass in the church where a Eucharistic miracle occurred many years ago 🙏🏻. Buen Camino! ❤️
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