Camino23

Camino de Francis Read more

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Trip start
August 17, 2023
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Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 6:18 PM
☁️ 81 °F
Altitude: 27 m
United States Woodbridge 38.66162, -77.25099638°39’42” N 77°15’4” W
1
Camino 23 -7
August 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F
Traveler7 days before my journey begins. Buen Camino
8/10/23Reply
TravelerI am soooo excited for you. Our dream from 4 years ago has come to fruition!
8/11/23Reply
TravelerLaura says “Way to go, Pilgrim.”
8/15/23Reply
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Day 1
Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 1:25 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 67 m
United States Woodlea 38.594634, -77.34071138°35’41” N 77°20’27” W
On the way.
August 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
TravelerGood for you Vern! Get ER Done!
8/17/23Reply
TravelerThank you Laura, trying to become a pilgrim like you and Robyn.
8/17/23Reply
TravelerIt’s hard work but someone has to do it! 👍🏽
8/17/23Reply
TravelerYay!! I am so happy that the time has come. We’ve began planning on this in 2019 and now it is here.
8/17/23Reply
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Day 1
Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 3:55 PM
⛅ 90 °F
Altitude: 103 m
United States Washington Dulles International Airport 38.949152, -77.44829838°56’57” N 77°26’54” W
All aboard for Instanbul
August 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F
TravelerIstanbul first?
8/17/23Reply
TravelerYes, Turkish Air schedule. Not bad for 8 hour flight.
8/18/23Reply
TravelerHope you slept some!
8/19/23Reply
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Day 2
Friday, August 18, 2023 at 7:45 PM
⛅ 90 °F
Altitude: 704 m
Spain Lista 40.431887, -3.67333940°25’55” N 3°40’24” W
Instanbul to Madrid.
August 18, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F
Traveled from Instanbul to Madrid today. Both flights were pretty good. Dropped my bag for Italy off at the DHL at Madrid Airport. Will go directly to Santiago. Will see it again in aproximately 35 days.Read more
TravelerGet READY!
8/19/23Reply
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Day 2
Friday, August 18, 2023
☁️ 90 °F
Altitude: 704 m
Spain Lista 40.431847, -3.67340640°25’55” N 3°40’24” W
1
Si Madrid!!!
August 18, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 90 °F
Arrived safely. Flight from Dulles to Instanbul to Madrid was very easy. Dropped my travel bag for Italy off at DHL. Hopefully Will see it again in 35 days. Staying at Hotel Zenit in Madrid for the night. Will catch train to St. Jean de Port France in the morning. Get something to eat or go to sleep? To many options.Read more
Traveler Hey! No worse for the wear… You actually look rested! … Adrenaline works, huh? 👍🏽
8/18/23Reply
TravelerYip! Yip! You are here!!!!!
8/19/23Reply
TravelerYes, finally. Thank you for all your support.
8/19/23Reply
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Day 3
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 1:34 PM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 632 m
Spain Sabatini Gardens 40.420798, -3.71572640°25’15” N 3°42’57” W
1 1
Madrid City Center
August 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
Traveler Nice!
8/19/23Reply
Traveler Great way to spend a beautiful day.
8/19/23Reply
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Day 3
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 5:35 PM
☀️ 95 °F
Altitude: 699 m
Spain Lista 40.431805, -3.67348640°25’54” N 3°40’25” W
1
Today in Madrid
August 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 95 °F
Visite the City center of Madrid today. Very easy going and laid back. Had a great lunch. The waiter is a big time Raiders fan. Say the Lions Will have a big year. Leave for France and the Camino in the AM.Read more
TravelerDetroit Lions?
8/19/23Reply
TravelerYup, this guy is a real fan. Enljoyed chatting with him today.
8/19/23Reply
Traveler You look so relaxed and happy. Happy to finally be on the Camino.
8/19/23Reply
TravelerGlad you are having a great time! Sorry it was a Raiders fan and not a Cowboys one!
8/19/23Reply
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Day 3
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 5:57 PM
☀️ 95 °F
Altitude: 703 m
Spain Lista 40.431812, -3.67348540°25’55” N 3°40’25” W
Madrid metro center
August 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 95 °F
Visited the metro center of Madrid on a on and off bus tour today. Very easy going and laid back city. Very good lunch. The waiter is a big Raiders Fan. Leaving for France and the Camino in the morning.Read more
TravelerYikes! I see it’s 95 degrees there.
8/19/23Reply
TravelerAny Gatorade?
8/19/23Reply
TravelerNo Gatorade, muy aqua.
8/19/23Reply
TravelerCSM … not your 1st Rodeo! Stay healthy!
8/19/23Reply
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Day 3
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 6:03 PM
☀️ 97 °F
Altitude: 699 m
Spain Lista 40.431797, -3.67349240°25’54” N 3°40’25” W
Madrid photos
August 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 97 °F
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Day 3
Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 7:48 PM
☀️ 95 °F
Altitude: 703 m
Spain Lista 40.431812, -3.67349940°25’55” N 3°40’25” W
1 1
Madrid pics
August 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 95 °F
Additional pics
Traveler 👍🏽 looks appetizing ... yummy 😋
8/19/23Reply
Traveler Awesome Pic!
8/19/23Reply
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Day 5
Monday, August 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
☀️ 93 °F
Altitude: 536 m
Spain Zubiri 42.930722, -1.50434242°55’51” N 1°30’16” W
St Jean de. Port Fr.
August 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F
From Madrid to Pamplona on the bus. Buses shut down early on Sunday so me and 3 fellow pilgrim caught a cab to St. Jean. The ladies spoke Spanish so I was all alone. Registered for the Camino, recieved my credentials, and checked into the Albergue. I was 1 of 10 in my dorm. Think there were 5 dorms in total. Walked around the little French town for a while, the had a pilgrim dinner with my cabmates. Double checked on my equipment then to bed. Buen CaminoRead more
TravelerLove it and love your photos.
8/23/23Reply
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Day 5
Monday, August 21, 2023 at 8:56 PM
🌙 77 °F
Altitude: 1,039 m
France Bois d’Orisson 43.089136, -1.24729943°5’21” N 1°14’50” W
1 1 1 2 1
The Pyrennes Mountains
August 21, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌙 77 °F
Started up From St. Jean on Monday morning in route to Roncevalles Sp. Crossing the Pyrenees was one of the most deliriously scenic ventures I ever had. The mountains were beautiful, but the climb was treacherous. I wanted to stop and go back down the hill several times, but I chose to rub my patch and move on up that hill. Reached Roncevalles with little or no energy left. Well I was able to have dinner with fellow pilgrims before falling into my bunk at the Municipal Albergue. About 5 hundred beds separated by cubicles of 4. 30+ km up hill. Will begin my trek to Zubiri in. the morning.Read more
Traveler He’s looking GQQD!
8/23/23Reply
Traveler OMG! Remarkably Breathtaking!!! ❤️🙏🏽 you look at peace and very happy! ✝️
8/23/23Reply
Traveler The countryside is lovely!
8/23/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM
⛅ 91 °F
Altitude: 535 m
Spain Zubiri 42.930601, -1.50426542°55’50” N 1°30’15” W
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St Jean de Port Fr
August 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 91 °F
Bus from Madrid to Pamplona. Buses stopped running early, so I linked up with three fellow pilgrims and took a cab to St. Jean. Registered for the Camino, received my credentials, and then found Albergue at a municipal facility. Had lunch w/ my cabmates before shutting it down for the night. My bunk was 1 of 10 in my dorm. Five other dorms 10 bunks each. People from around the world coming together to share in this experience.Read more
Traveler Way to Go! Looks like you’re enjoying your adventure! I’ve been following you on the map. You all have been really on the move. Is the countryside as beautiful as it looks from the satellite images?
8/23/23Reply
TravelerThat’s wonderful! I bet this is extremely fulfilling as far as the people that you’re meeting the places that you’re visiting the whole journey in & of itself... how is body your feeling?
8/23/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
☀️ 100 °F
Altitude: 450 m
Spain Los Arcos 42.569078, -2.1943442°34’9” N 2°11’40” W
Zubiri to Pamplona
August 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F
Left for Pamplona at 7 AM. The map has it 21 Km a way. I have found the map distances off by 2 or 3 Kms according to my GPS. So lets say 23 Km's. First Major City on the Camino, as far as size and amentities. Pamplona is famous for The Fiesta de Fermin, The Running of the Bulls. Mostly up hill, think this will be a common theme. Chose to hike along the Alga River to stay out of direct Sunlight. A little longer and can't say for sure if it worked. Stayed at a municipal Albergue. Cubicles of 4 in a 400 bed facility.Read more
TravelerThe direction you chose “worked.” You completed it! However, I GET IT!!
8/26/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 7:10 AM
🌙 66 °F
Altitude: 352 m
Spain Puente La Reina – Gares 42.672485, -1.81305842°40’21” N 1°48’47” W
Puente La Reina to Estella.
August 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
Left for Estella this morning at 7 AM. Should have been approximately 22 Km. One wrong turn cost me about 10 additional km's up hill. Estella is a small quaint town. Turns out it wasn't a wrong turn, an alternative route. Story told at the bar that I just left is that a Spanish General and his soldiers climbed to the summit to have a 360° field of view of the entire area for miles and miles. No wonder this dude was undefeated. Now I know the full meaning of "Secure the High Ground. After getting cleaned up and head out for my Pilgrim meal, I got into a conversation with the Alberge manager. He is from Nicaragua, and loves American movies, especially Training day. He is very intrigued with our politics, the Biden, Trump phenomena is amazing to him. Good dude. 👍🏾 Didn't get my Pilgrim meal because right across the street from the albergue was a little cafe playing smooth jazz. So it was a burger, fries, and a Cerveza for me. I continue to cross paths with Pilgrims I met at the start as well as new people each day. So far my body is holding up fine. Thank you all for all your love and support.Read more
TravelerMmmm….I thought I already commented on this. Must be something wrong with communication between my devices. 10 KM mistake???? Yikes!
8/27/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 7:12 AM
🌙 68 °F
Altitude: 352 m
Spain Puente La Reina – Gares 42.672447, -1.81301542°40’21” N 1°48’47” W
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Arcos to Logrono
August 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 68 °F
Longest day so far, Over 30 Km. Passed through several vineyards today, ate a lot of grapes. Got rained on for the first time, saw some beautiful ground to ground rainbows. Linked up with my two road dogs, Dora and Gisella right as I was leaving Arcos. I think they sized me up and decided I was walking their speed, so they tagged along. Both are from Costa Rica. Very good people very enjoyable, to say the least. Stayed at the municipal alberge in Logronos, approx 12 beds per room. The only time the Abergue manager was a jerk. Although didn't understand much of what he said but could tell customer service was not his forte. Ran into some OGs in a small town about 7 Kms from Lagrono putting on a show. Got to give the people what they want. And they did. Gisella blew a tire, blister I think. So me and Dora the Explorer had to Represent bringing it into Logrono.Read more
Traveler Nice!
8/28/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, August 25, 2023 at 8:47 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 420 m
Spain Estella-Lizarra 42.669805, -2.02739442°40’11” N 2°1’39” W
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Puente La Reina to Estella
August 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Left for Estella at 7 AM. Approx 22 Km. Made a left when I should have gone right, added at least 10 km, mostly up hill. As taxing up and down as day 1. Very small quaint town. Saw a teenager w/pants sagging. After I got cleaned up talked for over and hour with the young man who was running the Alberge. Very nice, very helpful. Loves American movies, and is fasinated by the Biden, Trump phenomena. I was about to walk into the small city center to get something other than a pilgrim meal to eat. Just a cross from the Albergue was a small café playing smooth jazz. That was enough for me. Burger, fríes, and a beer. No pilgrim meal this night.Read more
TravelerNICE! Smooth Jazz, burger & fries! Your tummy said “this taste like home!” Yummy! That conversation covered a lot. Looking forward to hearing more about how that conversation went.
8/26/23Reply
TravelerSounds perfect. The pilgrim meal became very tiring/boring to me. It was funny how the waiter would accidentally put the regular menu before me and then snatch it away when they realized I had a prepaid pilgrim’s meal.
8/26/23Reply
Traveler Oh, Yes,! You definitely need those trekking poles!
8/26/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 8:45 AM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 564 m
Spain Ayegui 42.646908, -2.05914542°38’49” N 2°3’33” W
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Roncevalles to Zubiri
August 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Left for Zubiri at 7 AM. Almost 22 km. Still a little tired from the previous day but able to get going and take in the Spanish country side. Stayed at a small but very nice al Berge. 1 of 10 in the room.Read more
Traveler This picture speaks volumes to the purpose of your Pilgrimage. God’s grace and mercy are with you. Stay strong, you’ve got this...
8/26/23Reply
TravelerYou prepared for the level of Exertion this could have on you mentally & physically… 1 day, 1 step at a time … …. Take care.
8/26/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 5:24 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 431 m
Spain Puente de la Magdalena 42.820806, -1.63907542°49’15” N 1°38’21” W
Zubiri to Pamplona
August 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Started out for Pamplona this morning at 7 AM. My best day performance wise so far. I actually passed people today and was signed into the Albergue when there was plenty of beds. Pamplona is the first Major City on the Camino. Very modern, and famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Fiesta de San Fermin. The trek was mostly uphill. I chose to go along the river, a couple of Km. longer, however the tree line protected from the hot sun. The Albergue was one of the larger buildings, but very organized. Most of the pilgrim community was close together so there were a lot of pilgrim parties. Buen Camino.Read more
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Day 10
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 6:06 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 453 m
Spain Catedral de Pamplona Occidens 42.819048, -1.64174842°49’9” N 1°38’30” W
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Pamplona to Puente La Reina
August 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Left for Puente La Reina at 7 AM. Tough climb, 750 Km up, and dangerously hot, 111° The famous monument at Alto del Perdón was amazing. Glad I finally listened to Robyn Bess and picked up some trekking poles. Otherwise I would have been in trouble. Passed through several small beautiful towns along the route. Stayed at a small municipal Albergue, Padres Repardores.Read more
Traveler 🥵 Omg - 111° Wow! Glad you listened to Robyn Bess! I’m sure those trekking poles were a tremendous help! The buildings, streets, cafes in the towns are ornately beautiful. … all the country side views are really something special.
8/26/23Reply
Traveler That is VERY nice!
8/26/23Reply
Traveler I like this.
8/26/23Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 9:27 PM
⛅ 59 °F
Altitude: 514 m
Spain Navarrete 42.430937, -2.56548342°25’51” N 2°33’56” W
Estella to Arcos
August 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Left for Arcos at 7 AM. The hike is approx 22 km. Passed through several towns along the way that went out their way with drinking fountains. The one with wine was empty. Stayed at the municipal Alberge slept approx 100. Each had 4 bunks each. Had a very light Pilgrim dinner. Very tired so off to bed early.Read more
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Day 12
Monday, August 28, 2023 at 3:57 PM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 494 m
Spain Nájera 42.415127, -2.73409442°24’54” N 2°44’3” W
Be patient with me.
August 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
I have missed postíng footprints because of this thing called fatigue. I am getting into a better rhythm, so the double posts, and duplicate pics will shorten. I will algo try and post in the morning before heading out, trying to post after coming out of the mountains has not worked well for me. Thanks for following me and understanding.Read more
TravelerYou be Patient with yourself! We’re just happy that you are maintaining contact. Get as much rest as you can, when you can… we will wait! (Hug)
8/28/23Reply
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Day 12
Monday, August 28, 2023 at 9:37 PM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 492 m
Spain Nájera 42.415203, -2.73442°24’55” N 2°44’2” W
1 2 1
Logrono to Najera
August 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
Left for Najera this morning at 7 AM. Hike should be at 30 Km. There is steep climbing at two different hill locations. I stopped complaining about climb if it were perpetually flat wouldnt be as satisfying. A light rain starting out. Poncho on or off is the question of the day. Small Albergue in Najera setup like the wooden Army barracks of old. Saw several people from the past week, should I be surrprised that they remembered me? Going to bed early again. Buen Camino.Read more
Traveler Nice!
8/29/23Reply
TravelerSleep well 🙏🏽
8/29/23Reply
Traveler“I stopped complaining about climb if it were perpetually flat wouldnt be as satisfying. “ Of course, not!!!! And as we talked about before, you, with your personality, were certain to make friends and a memorable impression. I am happy for you. And are you using the John Brierly guidebook? The cover photo for today's blog looks like a map from his book.
8/29/23Reply
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Day 13
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
☁️ 70 °F
Altitude: 646 m
Spain Santo Domingo de la Calzada 42.441065, -2.95232542°26’28” N 2°57’8” W
1 1 1 1 3
Nejara to Santo Domingo
August 29, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
Left Najera at 7 AM. Arrived Santo Domingo before 1 PM. It was my best day so far. Really felt good today. The Alberge here in Santo Domingo is the nicest one so far. Very modern, very hotels like. Most of your shops and restaurants are very close. I will get settled in look around the city for a few, then to bed early. Poala, from Italy by way of Peru, and Myra from Madrid were my road dogs most of the way. Very good stage for me.Read more
Traveler Cute!
8/29/23Reply
Traveler 😉 That’s something!
8/29/23Reply
Traveler Picture perfect!
8/29/23Reply
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Day 14
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 785 m
Spain Belorado 42.419692, -3.18835642°25’11” N 3°11’18” W
Santo Domingo to Belorado
August 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Left Santo Domingo at 7 AM. Approx 22 km hike. Overcast all day, with a little rain, nothing substantial. Passed through two small towns in route. I took it easy today did not want to aggrevate the hot spot and small blister forming on right foot. Ran into several old heads today, to include Dora the explorer. Very old municipal Alberge, no problems, got a bed, a shower, hand wash some clothes, then find something to eat. A very good day.Read more
TravelerGreat! So you’re feeling refreshed! Sorry to hear about your foot. Maybe there is something you can get to adjust the inside the shoe. Any where you can get Dr. Scholl's?
8/30/23Reply
TravelerI went to the local pharmacy
8/30/23Reply
TravelerGave me an antiflammatory.
8/30/23Reply
TravelerWonderful! So glad to hear that!
8/30/23Reply
TravelerHope you get some relief soon. Don’t forget something that will aid in comfort… Sounds like you're enjoy yourself and the company! Happy to see! Take care!
8/30/23Reply
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