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El Camino de Santiago
  • Trina Brown
  • Trina Brown

El Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago | A pilgrimage across Spain dating back to the 9th century. Also referred to as “The Way” or simply as “The Camino.”
Pilgrimage | A long journey, often for personal growth.
Pilgrim | A person that walks the Camino.
Buen Camino | Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 6, 2024
  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Close call!

    May 6, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Layover in Atlanta.. when we rolled up to the check in counter plane was getting ready to close the door when we rolled up! Wheee made it by 2 minutes literally!!

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    11

    We landed! Biarritz

    May 7, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Welp! We got super lucky 🍀 and got to the gate as they announced gate closure. We were eating lunch in Atlanta and didn’t realize boarding began and hour before departure not 30 minutes. EEK!!😱

    They poured us big wine cups 🍷 on the plane!

    We landed in Paris and quickly hopped the transfer to Biarritz. The ride to the quaint beach town that has big waves and awesome surfers was quick and easy. 25 euros for the cab ride.

    We walked around to see the ocean views, grab a bite, french wines and window shopped some artisan chocolates. Amy teaching me French! 🇫🇷

    Once our room was ready we took naps and enjoyed the view from our room.

    We went to the spa and went swimming in the heated pool. The hotel had an indoor and outdoor pool, hot steam sauna.

    Looking to use some of the gym and spa services for body treatments while we acclimate to time change and get her out jet lag.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1
    11

    PAVILLION DU PHARE

    May 8, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We made a 15 minute walk up to the Biarritz lighthouse Phare for panoramic views of the bay. Swam in pool to loosen up muscles and hot sauna. Ordered a lovely crepe and sunset walk. Walked along the bay to take in the scenery. The days are super long. Sunrise is at 6:48AM and sunset is at 9:20PM. My body is starting to get adjusted to time change and jet lag.Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1112

    Au revoir, Biarritz! 🇫🇷

    May 10, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Yesterday was our last full day. We had a lovely breakfast at the hotel. Fresh raw salmon, croissant, De Gateau Basque (it’s kinda like a custard and cake pie, very good) fresh juices cappuccino and fried eggs the French way. I mention the breakfast because it was very different than what I would get at hotel in the states.

    We took a walking tour with Allan, a local Basque man. He explained a little history and climate change.

    I left the tour before it ended to enjoy a massage at the hotel, saltwater pool swim and hot steam sauna.

    Afterwards, I walked up the coast to see the view and thought I could get a good snack. However, I didn’t realize that every restaurant & cafe is closed at 2pm and doesn’t re-open until 7:30pm. I walked around and found the cafes full with people slowly sipping a glass of wine or lemonade bubble water and no food served.

    As the clouds and fog lifted I saw the Pyrenees mountains in the background of the gorgeous views. I thought about what that will be like walking up those big beasts. I said don’t think about it just do it. Zoom in on the pictures and you can see the mountains.

    Some of the places I stopped on my walk were the church Sainte-Eugénie Church of Biarritz. It is big and beautiful.

    Plage du Port Vieux, an ocean pool where sunbathers come to relax with out having rough water if the open sea.

    Playa De Biarritz. A swiming and surfing beach.

    I was pretty hungry by the time 6:30pm and found a small custard dessert shop that sold these tiny custard balls, a tiny store that sold wine, chorizo, cheese, bread and canned pate’. I bought it and brought it to the hotel for a snack before dinner. Food is non-existent during the closed hours. I focused on the scenery and found the oasis of the dessert shop and small neighborhood store.

    Met up with Amy and walked back over to the warf and had a nice dinner for sunset with some local oysters and razor back clams and local white wine. The sun set around 9:45pm.

    We stumbled on a tiny nightclub about 1,000 sq ft. Had one drink and danced to Crystal Waters - gypsy! Fun!

    Earlier in the day Allan our tour guide spoke about desire. He said if you desire what you don’t have you will always suffer And if you do get what you desire, it is only temporary. Attachment is not the way to live life. Detachment with love, appreciation and gratitude is to live life. Be here in the now and desire what you have.

    On our last night in Biarritz I started feeling loss. Feeling how sad it was we were leaving this nice “ comfortable “ situation. I was attached to the comfort and certainty of this situation. Resisting what was ahead and unknown. Then I went and remembered the conversation with Allan and shifted my thinking to how great it was that I got to spend three days here and take care of my body with Sauna and pool. Sample French & Basque culture. Swim in the ocean on the other side of the world.

    No loss, no sadness of leaving this place. Only happiness I got to experience it.

    Today we pack up and head to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France 🇫🇷 to prepare of our walk on the El Camino De Santiago. I squeezed in an ocean cold plunge, hot sauna    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    11121

    St Jean Pied De Port

    May 10, 2024 in France ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    St Jean pied de port

    We made it!

    Amy booked shuttle service. It was a lovely ride. About an hour drive.

    Our guide Nancy greeted us and American from the West Coast.

    The first fours days we are walking with Nancy and a group of 8 people.

    We checked into our air bnb “plan b”

    I went shopping for trekking poles

    We booked luggage transport to ship out luggage forward.

    We did laundry in a parking lot

    Went shopping for groceries to eat on trail

    Amy and I checked into the Pilgrim office to pickup our Pilgrim Credential and our Pilgrim shell to hang on our bag..

    Amy and I walk around the little town and took pictures.

    We went to church! 👀

    Had sangria and cheese.

    Then dinner, sunset and night cap with one of our walking partners Cheryl

    We looked at the stars it was nice.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1

    Taking Care of Business

    May 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Last night of st Jean

    In the morning we met the group for trekking pole practice and took a nice walk along the river. We had an afternoon crepe, took a walk and found an old cemetery and headed back to our room, packed, unpacked, re- packed our bags, tested the backpack and swapped out contents walking through various scenarios.

    The whole group walked to a Pâtisserie to get croissant I thought I ordered a slice of apple tart. My google translate ordered a whole pie. It was yummy! 🤣.

    You can also order a fresh French baguette from a vending machine .

    We stumbled across an old cemetery and walked around.

    Weather is looking a bit unpredictable and it was the topic today. We are getting our rain gear and warm clothes together for tomorrow.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1

    UPDATE: My feet were made for walking!

    May 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    These feet were made for walking

    Today is the day we are up with the roosters, getting our food together and packing our back pack. “ Cause that’s our business. “

    All up in our feelings of excitement and what the wha … why’s ?!?!?🤣

    I popping ibuprofen, putting ointment on our feet and drinking water to pee as much before walking.

    Going to church service.

    Home for tonight is refuge Orrison
    Stay in this Alburge -

    Au revoir! 👋

    WE MADE IT TO REFUGE ORRISON!

    Lots of fog and mist. Beautiful scenery. Met lots of folks on the trail. Arrived at the Alburge. Checked in to our bunk rooms, I got the top bunk. They give you a coin for 5 minutes shower (time not water).

    We are then immediately drank us some cold beer.in the cafe.

    The fog was thick and as we got to the top of ORRISON. The owners are a married couple and their two sons run the place:

    They served a pilgrim meal.

    Puree vegetable soup. Two servings. So much flavor and depth.

    French baguette

    A bowl of white beans lots of flavor

    Three thinly sliced of meat.

    Glass of red wine.🍷

    At the end of the dinner the owners come out and we thank them for great hospitality and they explain a. Tradition which is that every one stand up and share why they do the Camino. Everyone spoke in there antithesis languages. French, Spain, Dutch, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Japanese, American, Canada and a few more.

    It was a beautiful sharing moment. Deep and heavy at times.

    Amy stayed up with the Irish ☘️ and had a few nips! 🤣. I went to bed 🛌    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1

    PYRENEES MOUNTAINS! We in Spain!

    May 13, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We woke around 6 AM. I looked out our window and OMG the view !!! We were above the clouds!!!

    Went to pilgrim Breakfast at 7:00 AM it last for 30 minutes and it is over!!

    Served was French bread, butter, jelly, coffee, small O.J, small baby corn flakes. That’s it.

    We all order a sandwich to go - French baguette, slice of cheese and meat. Very basic. Yet I would later devour it!

    Off we went and the view was magnificent!!💜💜

    It was hard. Up hill all the way. Lots of wind and cold 🥶 ish. we got to the top (there were 5 tops!) it was all down hill for a few hours.

    Legs felt like noodles on the last kilometer.

    WE DID IT!
    WE MADE IT OVER THE PYRENEES MOUNTAINS!!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 and walked into Spain! 🙌🙌

    Arrived in Roncesvalles and check into our HOTEL!! Private room! Dancing!💃🏽 and celebrating!🥳    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Zubiri , Spain

    May 14, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We left Roncesvalles and are still in the Pyrenees. However, we are going mostly down with a few surprising up hills.

    We are learning to read the topography of the maps to better be prepared for how to plan our day. The little jagged ups on the map are not little! 🤣😳

    We are having our body tested and mind.

    It was a relief to walk through tree cover and a woodsy vibe. I was grateful for the cool air.

    We ate dinner as a group at a Alburge, our guide Nancy booked it for us. I was so grateful for the food they provide. It’s the second night I ordered the fish.

    I need fuel and I need it to be light so I can get up and go.

    Tomorrow we have our longest kilometers to walk 25 k to Pamplona.

    We continue to care for our feet like the valuable delicate assets they are.

    I’m wearing my knee compression sleeve (Incrediwear) and rotating it on each knee.

    Trekking poles are an absolute must! Regardless of fitness.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    On to Pamplona….

    May 15, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    We Arrived to Pamplona from Zubiri.

    There were beautiful flowers, shaded tree canopy and a river flowing throughout the day. I think we were walking through wheat fields. There was a closed bar/cafe, its gate and base were hand carved with many ornamental symbols. Zoom in to see them all.

    The cafe we stopped in was a great place to rest and relax and it was at the river. I soaked my feet and knees in the chilly river water. I was careful to fully dry my feet before heading back out on the walk.

    I had an Emotional and humbling day.

    I cried a lot today on the trail, I cried in the cafe, I cried by the river and I pretty much cried all day and night. God spoke to me loud and clear about my homework.

    I arrived in Pamplona tired, a little homesick and a little broken.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1

    Bring on the bulls Pamplona!

    May 16, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Pamplona! I’m here! Why am I crying??
    Lawd I couldn’t stop crying!!

    Anyways……

    Upon arrival at our hotel I felt weary and grateful. My legs were like spaghetti noodles. The hotel was awesome!

    I took a long hot and then a cold shower to reset.
    I rubbed my legs out hoping they would stop throbbing …………..and cried!

    Amy brought me a tasty cold Estella beer from the bar and delivered it to my room.

    After I cleaned myself up, I met up with some of the group to head out for Pintxos (Pinchos) bar walk.

    I walked with one trek pole to help support my knee and weight while walking.

    Walking through the streets of Pamplona was a nice introduction to the Spanish bar culture. The food and beverage were great and very reasonably priced. The architecture was fabulous.

    The cadence in how you order and communicate vino tinto con lemon and point at various Pintxos to order was fabulous! The scene was reasonably priced.

    Btw, I never had this drink vino tinto con lemon. Amy ordered it. It’s red wine with lemon soda and ice. It’s super refreshing!

    I chatted with various folks that are walking the Camino and listening to them inspired me and lifted me up. I went and had dinner with Amy and you guessed it …….I cried! Amy listened and lifted me up! 💜
    After dinner I was hopeful that maybe I could recover the next day but I didn’t know.

    THE NEXT DAY……YA’LL!

     I woke up and felt physically wiped out and a little bit better physically and emotionally. Not 100%, but better. It was a full rest day in Pamplona. I slept in. Chores needed to be done like laundry, get some euros, a stop at the pharmacy for medicine for my legs and some compression socks and knee sleeves. We also needed to book more accommodations for our stage stops after we leave pamplona. We had no place to stay.

    Amy checked in on me 😊 and went to have cafe con leche and start planning our next stage. I soon followed her down to the bar for Tortilla Espanol.

    It’s kinda like an egg and potato frittata, it’s super yummy and satisfying. They have different flavors. They salt the eggs perfectly!

    I sat with Amy to discuss our next stage. Our guide Nancy came to meet us and check on us and our planning. We are headed to Obanos tomorrow. The walk will have an ascent and descent.

    I did laundry, chatted with others on the Camino and now off to meet Amy for Pintxos, beer and wine! 🍷 💃🏽….

    Feeling lighter and happier. 😊 still crying literally!! 😊    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1111

    We have a plan - Obanos

    May 17, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We moved on from Pamplona and headed to Obanos..

    The path was very populated at the beginning of the morning and day.

    We reached the top standing next to humongous wind turbines and the state of the Pilgrim. We celebrated with smiles enjoyed conversation with others from all around the world . It was also very emotional.

    We decided to stay in Obanos. It was a lovely Pension’ run by an elderly couple. They were sweet, firm and very hospitable. They made us dinner in their home and we sat at their dinning room table.

    The couple cooked I t he kitchen for us and pour us some wine. Maria & Pedro. We’re so lovely and humorous. 💜

    Amy made it fun with Spanish- English chit chat with the couple. I sat and listened picking up a few Spanish worlds here and there.

    Maria said she had done the Camino a couple times and it’s very heavy. Shared some stories.

    Maria and Pedro pool looked luscious - and it’s was cold 🥶. I plugged my whole body into it. My knees and hips were killing me. The cold pool provided relief! Yay!!

    Next morning….

    Off to Villatuerta - We had a plan the next morning to pack our day pack as light as possible and send the rest with luggage transport. We heard the trail was less intense and so we wanted to go light. Have an “easy” day!🤣🤣🤣

    However luggage transport arrived 30 minutes early and wasn’t going to wait for us. We packed in a chaotic state. Cramming anything and everything in our luggage nit wanting to carry it.

    We did the best we could under pressure AND when all was said and done we had way too much to carry that day. It was weird irony that we had gotten the lesson on packing light and was prepared to do so and then the Camino said one more day you can walk with your crap on your back ! 🤣

    We had a few stops on our way to Villatuerta. One town we arrived in had a small church where I went to go visit and pray and meditate. They had a pilgrim meditation. It moved me very much. And……. I cried! 🤣🙌💜. I met a woman from Scotland that started talking about letting go very interesting conversation and I/we met a guy named Fred from the Netherlands. He is kind and caring.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Villatuerta

    May 19, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Feeling refreshed from the cold plunge at Pedro’s and Maria’s, I walked briskly on my walk for the first hour.

    It was a beautiful day with gorgeous sights.

    We booked a room at Magical Alburge. In a small town call Villatuerta. The floor are made from stones.

    It was very rustic Albergue. Clothes being hand washed in sinks by Pilgrims and hanging to dry. A few hammocks hung for us to rest in. We stayed in a room with 3 other women. From various countries.

    We enjoyed the Pilgrim dinner, vegetarian Paella. It was a cold night. Showers and bathrooms were co-ed and so were some of the dorm rooms.
    I’m getting a bit of hay fever or something. Keeping an eye on that.

    Met a few more folks and chatted about there walks. Some are riding bikes to Santiago and it was fun taking to an Aussie about his chaffed inner thighs!🤣    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler
    1

    Los Arcos ! Our longest walk yet!

    May 19, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Yall these walks are stacking up and we feeling it!

    We left Villatuerta and headed to Estella for cafe con leche. Oops!!! It’s Sunday!! Most places closed. It’s interesting when business close on Sunday and mid day throughout the week. We see no one . Not a soul walking around . Ghost town.

    We did end up finding a coffee and then realized we might have a problem, no food to fuel us on our walk.

    As we left Estella we found a tiny food stall and I bought a tomato, tangerine, chocolate croissant and an Aquiriaus (Spanish Powerade).

    We walked with Kathy (Atlanta) and Fred (Netherlands). We helped each other navigate the arrows and stay on track.

    As we were walking I could myself getting weak. I could feel the tomato burn off and banana. I got concerned about my strength and then I saw in a town of closed businesses ONE that was open and they had a tortilla espanol. That did it! That food got me set for the day.

    We walked and walked and saw beautiful scenery. I haven’t tired of it.

    Pain and pleasure.

    My knees and hamstrings were screaming. I was barely taking a Six inch steps. I seriously considered taking a nap on a rock during the misty cool moring under the trees. I walked for about 5 hours and eventually caught up with Amy, Fred and Kathy at a cafe.

    We found a Roman aqueduct or pool or something that was gravity fed by the mountains. The water was cold. So I got in in it to chill my legs down and feet.

    After that Fred said let’s go and do this.

    We walked and walked through vineyards and mountains. I was delirious. Literally!🤣. I think I fell asleep twice walking. 😳

    I even at one point started running! My body just took off running for a few seconds a few times.

    It was a weird fun tiresome day.

    We arrived in Los Arcos totally spent and we realized we could not walk through town because they were doing running of the bulls (toros).

    Check Any Gaster Facebook page and find penguins posts for fun videos .

    We also released we booked our hotel at an out of town truck stop! Oops and yikes! It was another 45 minute walk!!

    It was funny for a lot of reasons and I was happy to have a warm bed and not share the room with 10 other people.

    For dinner I accidentally ordered the wrong meal. I meant to order the goat cheese salad and instead ordered cod and eels salad. Amy, Kathy and I had a good laugh at my blunder. I ate it! Sand gum hit sea worms on a salad!! 🤣. I also had pork ribs french fries and bell pepper. It was sketch for sure and I ate it anyways. I was fine! Yay!🙌. Yum!!!!!

    Oh and we found the wine fountain that pours out of the wall at the Monastery leaving Estella. Rose’    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Longrono - Rioja & Rest!

    May 20, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Longrono

    My resting place. My place to reset and reflect on what I have just experienced the last 7 days. A place to give thanks and celebrate. A place to breathe.

    I made it this far and I am very proud of how and where I (and Amy) are at today with our walk.

    Also Longrono is where meeting other Pilgrims and discussing self care & suffering, Some feel bad that they are taking a rest day. Interesting conversation with others on the obligations we put on ourselves. I am of no exception.

    Eating and drinking culture in Spain is conversational and social. A wine and beer pour here is small in size and yet big in satisfaction. Rioja wine is delightful . 🍷

    Off to Navarette

    Below are pictures of
    Cathedral - Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda
    Church of San Bartolomé’
    Church of Santa Maria de Palacio    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Navarrette, the in betweens

    May 22, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Met up with some Pilgrims and had a nice breakfast in Longrono at Ibiza.

    Amy, Fred, Cheryl, Glenys and I walked out of the city center and into the cities parks and greens spaces for the locales.

    The green space had a big pond/lake and I enjoyed seeing fisherman catch some fish.

    I have also been taking lots of pictures of dogs.

    We made the 12.6 km (7.82mi) walk in a few hours. We laughed how it feels like such a short walk.

    We are doing another “short” walk tomorrow to get ready for some longer walks. I’m ready to get rid of all my luggage and or clothes. Not sure how to do that yet. I may leave all of it here. 🤷‍♀️ working that out in my head.

    We rolled into Navarrete a small town with an awesome bar that had the best Tapas/Pintxos.

    We ate lunch and then I went to the church there.

    Iglesia Santa Maria de la Asunción - I will post pictures and video on a 2nd post.

    Then we checked into our Albergue - A La Sombra del Laurel.

    I’m enjoying the short day….    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Najera the walk was lovely! Pt 1

    May 23, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    It was a nice brisk and sunny morning. The start of our walk had a nice ascent to warm up the legs and lots of vineyards .

    I had to get off the path to use the facilities and when I positioned myself between a thorn bush and some vineyard, a big ole Jack rabbit came hopping out. It was big and excitedly ran off into the farm. It was a fun surprise to see.

    I walked with a Camino friend Kathy for a little while After about 2 hours walk we came around the corner and there was a musician sitting under a tree next to the vineyard.

    We talked in Spanish - I don’t know exactly how because I am not fluent . He asked me my name and I said Trina and he said oh Trinidad or Arune ? I said Si’!!

    He played a song for me with my name in it about the Camino and let me video him. He also had his own Sello (stamp). Watch the video below to hear the song.

    Then I walked some more. I was solo for a hour or so and had my head down. I looked up briefly and saw a man and a dog sitting with his dog about 25 yards ahead and pulled my phone out to take a picture of the dog and the man laughed and pointed out next to me. I looked to my right and there was a whole bunch of sheep next to me. I didn’t even notice!

    There are surprises like this that pop up on the Camino.

    You can start to see the grapes forming on the vines in the vineyard.    Read more

  • Trina BrownEl Camino de SantiagoTraveler

    Belorado

    May 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    All I know is I was walking for the pool!

    All I could think about on this walk was that Amy said she found and booked an Albergue with a pool!! What a pool ? No way?!?!?

    I love water. I love to be near it. I love to be in it!

    I marched on with a mission to get close to the water.

    I barley remember the day except for the last 5 km. I didn’t see a soul as I walked by the cereal fields. I watch the waves wind blow through the fields.

    So happy when I made it to belrado

    It was fun!
    I was tired when I finished !
    I swam and drank a San Miguel!

    I had the pilgrims diner in the Albergue

    And then……………….

    Top bunk assignments.

    I thought to myself , If I didn’t know Amy-and if Amy wasn’t in the bed next to me. I would be sharing a bed with a stranger. It could be a man or a woman and either way I’d be breathing on them. snoring around them, laying half naked around them cause it was so hot up laying next to the ceiling and vice versus . Video attached!

    I thought ya know you did this in the Navy and I also thought “YOU AIN’T IN THE NAVY NO MORE!!!

    Welp to top off this particular experience in Albergue Cuatro Contreras we had a curfew!!!
    When was the last time I was mandated to be home by a certain time and told to be in bed by a certain time . 10:00PM!! To be exact.

    Note: it doesn’t get dark here
    Until almost 11PM!    Read more

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