• Maruska
  • Maruska

Europe 2024

I'm returning to visit my family in Slovakia again, then heading to Portugal for another Camino with Lorelee and Helen, and finally heading to Chamonix to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc with Lynn. A trio of a trip this time! Read more
  • Baiona to Vigo

    June 1, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    I had a solo day walking today and left fairly early at 7 and was able to enjoy the sunrise. The morning walk was cool but it once again turned into a hot afternoon. At one point I took a narrow path in the brush and ended up in a bog and soaking my feet in water and mud! Entering Vigo was a test of endurance as it was not well marked making for a frustrating afternoon walk in the heat.Read more

  • Arcade to Combarro

    June 3, 2024 in Spain

    The morning walk was delightful to Pontevedra where we stopped for a menu del dia. Then I continued on to Combarro. There was very little shade in the afternoon and again I arrived exhausted at 5 o'clock. The albergue here was wonderful with a large garden area and crisp white cotton bedding and towels! The girls had a crazy adventure with the bus system today seeing a lot more than they bargained for.Read more

  • Combarro to Armenteira

    June 4, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    I had a great sleep here in our lovely, solid bunk beds with only one other lady in our 6 bed dorm. The path to Armenteira had a large hill that everyone was worried about but Helen and I were pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't as scary as everyone predicted. It was a 450 m. climb but it was gradual most of the way. We met a lovely Scotsman just before Armenteira who ended up buying our drinks! The nicest thing about today was that we were done by 12:30 and not 5!! The hostel here was typical of municipal Albergues with lots of bunks and shared washrooms but it had a nice Camino feel. At 7 pm we joined the nuns and one monk in Vespers and received a pilgrim blessing. A great ending to out day.Read more

  • Ruta de agua y piedras

    June 5, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Today we walked the infamous route of stones and water which the Espiritual variant is known for. The day started off foggy and mysterious and soon we were under the canopy of trees walking beside bubbling brooks along stone paths. It was magical. I haven't counted the number of photos I took on that path but you can imagine! We stopped at several cafes today as it was a 23 km day and we were taking our time to enjoy the beauty. We came back to the ocean once again and will be taking the boat tomorrow to Padron to save walking along ugly industrial areas. Most everyone does this. We ended the day swimming in their covered pool which was heavenly, other than the fact that there was a child's birthday party going on with squealing 5 or 6 year olds! One boy was spraying us with water but I got him back😂.Read more

  • Arrival to Santiago de Compostela

    June 7, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    This morning was stressful when we realized upon leaving that Helen's shoes were missing and a similar pair of Hokas left behind. It meant she had to wear her sandals for the last 18 km stretch into Santiago.Read more

  • Santiago de Compostela cont.

    June 7, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    Today we met up with Joyce and Kamla shortly after arriving in Santiago. They will be walking the Camino Finisterre with us to Muxia. We had dinner together and walked around the historic town.

  • Santiago to Negreira

    June 8, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Leaving Santiago we were now a group of five. We had a 22 km day through lovely forest paths and a few villages. There was a wonderful old Roman bridge and waterfall on the way where we took photos. We taxied the last 7km as we thought our accommodation was in the town of Negreira but it was a further 7 km. Since we had a late start this morning the taxi did the trick.Read more

  • Negreira cont.

    June 8, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    In Negreira we stayed at Albergue San Mamede da Pena and had a delicious communal dinner which we arrived just in time to book. The room was a bit chilly and damp but we all had our own bed and the lady turned the radiator on so it earned upRead more

  • Walking to Cee

    June 10, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    I started the day alone from our albergue and it was a magical morning walk with the birds singing and pretty wild flowers everywhere. When we met up again in Cee we went to a fantastic restaurant, As Balaes, where I had the best pasta ever!Read more

  • Cee, cont

    June 10, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Today the Camino splits into the direction of Finisterre or towards Muxia. We're walking first to Finisterre where Joyce, Kamla and I took photos.

  • Walking to the" end of the world"

    June 11, 2024 in France ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Today was a walk mostly in the forest coming out with a beautiful view of the ocean and beach just before Finisterre. We walked along the beach barefoot in the cool waters which felt so great! Then we had a long walk to the lighthouse and Km 0 and back to our hotel which had a tub but we didn't have enough time to use it.Read more

  • Lorelee's epic birthday in Lires🎂🍷

    June 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Today Lorelee got coffee in bed and the promise of a short, 14 km hike to Lires, hallway to Muxia. The path was mostly along the forest once again . We all walked at our own pace and when I zippidy doo dadded past Helen and Lorelee I got the look 😜🖐️. We were thrilled to arrive at our beautiful hotel room on the top floor in Lires, called Liresca, with a wonderful restaurant attached. Joyce and Kamla were at another wonderful place called Casa Raul. Dinner and the birthday girl were celebrated at the restaurant where the staff made animal balloons for Lorelee, making it very special.Read more

  • Lorelee's birthday cont.

    June 12, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Too many photos today for one entry.

  • Trip end
    July 7, 2024