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Susan Alves

Susan Alves

Living in: California, United States of America Read more🇺🇸California
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    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Ages

      July 11, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

      Last night we had a final dinner together, as a foursome. Cyndee has decided to walk with two women who are walking at a slower pace and will take an additional 3-5 days to complete the Camino.Today, Marjory, Maria and I trekked 28k, about 7 hours, to Ages. This section took us through wheat fields, and over some steep inclines, into the forest. Along the way, we saw more cave dwellings and continue to see these snails that devour entire plants! Escargot?? Tomorrow, we hike to Burgos, Maria's final day on the Camino. She will be taking a bus to Madrid, then flying to Guadalajara to meet her family for vacation, and soak her feet in the Pacific Ocean. We'll miss our friend!Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Belorado

      July 10, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

      Along the path, I often reflect on the people and things for which I am so grateful: red poppies in an endless yellow wheat field; the rhythmic crunch of rocks under my boots; simplicity of the journey; yellow arrows leading the way; a body that is doing everything I'm asking of it; the moment I get to unlace my boots and place my feet on the cool tiles of the new Albergue; seeing the sunrise behind a building that was built a thousand years ago; losing my thinking mind in the walking and reflecting deeply on each beloved member of my family ❤️; smelling cereal as we trudge through miles of wheat fields; hearing 10 different languages during the course of the day, each changing to "Buen Camino!" with big smiles as we pass; Marjory's quick wit, passion for social justice and our deepening friendship; Maria's patience and the special "Amiga" relationship we share; Cindy's gentle spirit and bravery in paving a new path; the breeze that mixes with sweat to cool us down; Cafe sin leche; Mark, who helps me get my balance, even when he is 5,000? miles away; chocolate croissants; the beautiful people of Spain who are always willing to pause for questions, give directions, welcome total strangers to walk through their neighborhoods, yelling "Buen Camino!"; little surprises that seem to appear around each corner; my family who has supported me in this adventure, researched and gifted me with the perfect items for the journey, who leave encouraging messages on my blog posts and who's love I can feel all the way from home.❤️Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Santo Domingo del Calzada

      July 9, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

      Today was a comfortable day of walking, 21 k, with a cool morning breeze. We started on our way at 6am, and I was able to get this amazing photo of the sunrise, on the trail outside of Najera. We also saw nesting storks on the church steeple, and cave dwellings carved into the side of this mountain! Our albergue, pictured here, was one of the nicest we've experienced so far! We are walking through lots of grape vineyards. They are planted in very rocky soil, and irrigated through a deep well and flume system, that uses gravity to keep the system flowing. Amazing! The vines are so healthy and producing lots of grapes! I have included pictures of my dinner tonight. We ate with people from Germany, Scotland, and New York. It included the biggest prawns I ever eaten, a huge piece of cod, salad, and a piece of cheese cake. Delicious! Love and hugs!Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Najera

      July 8, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

      Our mantra, from the start of our adventure, was to have our own Camino- to do it in our way. Today, Maria and Cyndee decided to take a break and rest their weary feet. They took a bus to Najera. Marjory and I started out at 6am, and walked for 7 hours, covering 30 kilometers. It was even terrain, on a dirt road, and we had a cool breeze for the entire trip. We saw a shepherd, driving a herd of sheep on the trail we were hiking. His boarder collie kept them all in line! We have been seeing lots of beautiful wild flowers, including the red poppy in the photo below. We also saw this beehive structure- not sure what it was, but I'll let you know when I figure it out.🤔If you look closely at the photo of Marjory and me, you can see a huge black bull on the hill behind us. This week, in Spain, is the celebration of Saint Fermin and the running of the bulls. We got out of Pamplona before the madness began! Finally, I snapped a photo of this street art before we left Logrono. She just seemed to call out to me😁. Love to you all.Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Logrono

      July 7, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

      Our trek to Logrono was our longest stretch yet, 18.5 miles, officially passing the 100 mile mark! This morning we decided to get an early start, only to find the front courtyard gate of the albergue was locked and no one could leave. 😨 Finally, I was able to pull a bolt on a back gate and we were all able to get out. It was a long, tough trek, but saw some cool things along the way. It is amazing to realize that this part of the Spanish countryside reminds us so much of Zamora and the Dunnigan hills! When we finally arrived in Logrono, after showering, washing our clothes, and checking our feet for blisters, we bought food for breakfast and lunch for tomorrow, (this is our routine, now). On the way back to our albergue, we followed V's advise and had churros and thick dipping chocolate- delicious and rich! Next, we ate dinner and are ready for bed. Tomorrow is another long day, but my body seems to be adjusting to this distance walking and nothing hurts anymore. On with the adventure!Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Estrella to Los Arcos

      July 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

      We met in the plaza of San Miguel at 6:30am... The previous evening, we were picked by a man and taken to two separate pensions. We had no idea where we were going until we got there. The room was nice, but we had to navigate a medieval city, with high walls and no street signs, before the sun came up. After wandering and getting lost, a man who was trying open his shop put Cyndee and me in his car and drove us to the Plaza. Maria and Marjory were just as lost, and didn't arrive until a half hour later. This all happened before we even started on the Camino this morning! We got about an hour into our walk, when lightning filled the sky, the thunder roared, and rain poured down. We threw our ponchos on and continued to walk. It was a day that brought a sip of wine offered by a monastery, a warm cup of coffee held between wet hands, the fresh smell of a saturated t wheat field, sharing stories and laughing at our situation. Another great day on the Camino.😊Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Estrella

      July 5, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

      Today we arrived in Estrella. Walking is an adventure in itself- we, as a group, stick together most of the time. Falling back or pulling forward, away from the group, can provide time for quite reflection or even belting out songs that I was practicing on the guitar. It's amazing to realize that although hundreds of people are walking the Camino, you can still find moments of quite solitude. It has also been amazing to meet people from all over the world, some from our neck of the woods, and so many teachers! We had dinner with Elaine from Scotland, Martin from Germany, and Connie from Sacramento. Francesca from Italy and I shared stories on the trail, and Marshall from Willows, CA chased after our group to tell us we had taken a wrong turn! The towns people are so friendly, willing to offer directions, or just yell, Buen Camino! as we talk by. Tomorrow, we are trying to get an earlier start, (6 am), so we can arrive in Los Arcos before the forecasted thunderstorm that is supposed to begin at 2 pm. Either way, we are prepared for what ever the weather brings. Time for sleep!Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino
      2

      Puente de la Reina

      July 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

      Today we arrived in Puente de la Reina, after a great day of walking. We have begun to hit our stride: remembering to eat before hitting empty; taking more breaks to rest; and reflecting more fully on the amazing sites around us. The area outside of Pamplona was surrounded by fields of wheat, barley, and sunflowers. It was interesting to see modern ag equipment and 200 year old buildings in the same field, as well as sign prohibiting sexist aggressions in front of an ancient church- an impressive marriage of the old and the progressive. The people on the Camino continue to be helpful, wonderful, and are becoming familiar faces as we continue cross each others' paths, and share stories and experiences. Miss and love you all.🥰Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Pamplona

      July 3, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

      We had some time to check out the city before bed. A quick description in photo order: Hemingway's Corner, (we made a toast to him with a cold one); a parade in the streets,( Saint Fermin's Day and the running of the bulls is next week; standing in front of the draw bridge that leads to Pamplona's center; a beautiful cathedral;the signs and yellow arrows that have guided our way; an albergue dorm where we will be sleeping tonight. Buenos noches a todos.🥱Read more

    • Susan AlvesTravelerWalking the Camino

      Zubiri

      July 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

      Another great day of trekking! We passed through farmlands to the city today. It was interesting to discover that the outskirts of Pamplona is in Basque country that has its own language, and independent cultural identity. They do not claim to be part of Spain and have their own distinct language. We are staying at Jesus and Maria albergue de peregrinos, in Pamplona. There are about 100 beds, bunk beds, dormitory style. Our routine is to arrive, check in, shower, wash our clothes, make our beds, and then eat. It's time to get something to eat! Love to you all! 🥰Read more

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