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Camino Deb
  • First steps in a new life
  • First steps in a new life

Camino Deb

A 20-day adventure by First steps in a new life Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 21, 2025
    First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    1

    Travel day

    April 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    At Logan airport now with my brother-in-law, Richard at the gate departing at 6:10 pm to Porto, Portugal where we meet up with Richard’s wife and my sister-in-law, Arlene, another sister-in-law, Noelle traveling from Bend Oregon and arriving tomorrow as we are. Arlene and her friend, Jayme have been on The Camino since 4/3 and already have traveled 200 kilometers and planning the next 200 kilometers with us!! Impressive!!

    My husband, Kenny meets us a week from now.

    Photo is leaving home this afternoon with my 14.6 pound backpack!! So far Arlene, Jayme and Noelle have had travel delays so fingers crossed we do not!!!    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    View of street outside air bnb
    Office of air bnb1The 5 of us till Kenny comes next week. Left to right: Noelle, Arlene, Richard, me, Jayme

    Day 1 Porto

    April 22, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Finally made it to Porto which is a very old quant lovely town and met up with Arlene and Jayme so all 5 of us are. Noelle met Richard and me at airport and we took a lift about 40 minutes away to air bnb we will stay in tonight. Haven’t sleep yet which surprises me as I’m a good sleeper. Going to check out a cathedral and store to buy hiking poles to kill time till we can check into air bnb.Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    1Tower of Clerics
    1Cool street1Love the streets3Camino shell2My first stamp in PortoOur back patio2Back patio

    My first stamp

    April 22, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Spent day walking around Porto while waiting for air bnb to be available. Got my first stamp at Tower of Clerics, beautiful church. We picked up some pizzas and salad for at home dinner tonight and passed my first Camino shell marking. Jayme and Arlene are still fighting a cold. Air bnb is a great spot, right in the center and great back porch.Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    5
    176

    Last day in Porto

    April 23, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Porto is an old historic city and found another cathedral for my 2nd stamp today. Saw from a distance the Douro River that goes through Porto. Mostly a day of rest as our first day of walking is tomorrow. Beautiful sunny day and hoping I got my technical issues resolved with eSIM card, only 2 hours with tech support 😩

    We crossed over the Metro Bridge to a little roof top bar for dinner tonight so added a few more pictures    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Leaving historic Porto
    21Sister's Arlene and Noelle13Bottle Brush tree

    Porto to Perafita

    April 24, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    I knew this was a walking trip and experienced it today departing Porto along the Douro River via Coastal Route and then followed the Atlantic Ocean to town of Perafita where are spending the night. We took our time and enjoyed a lovely walk through historic park called Jardim do Passeio Alegre. I loved the scent of Jasmine from the trees, the groomed grounds and figurines in the fountain where we spotted a seagull fond of as well. Also bought Camino shell and tied to my backpack which is common for pilgrims to do. On way to Perafita, saw this cool bottle brush tree with the red flowers. We did 12 miles today and have another 12 mile trip planned for tomorrow to Povoa de Varzim.Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Best butter layered croissant
    2Miles of boardwalks1Atlantic Ocean2Ice plantLove these signs3Little rest time and Super Bock beer8Thankful for the many layers & hatSanta Clara aqueductScenic vistaNoelle, my walking partner today

    Vila do Conde

    April 25, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Chose to walk to Vila di Conde due to lodging availability and got here in 9 miles. Another coastal walk with Atlantic on our left with lots of boardwalks specifically designed to support this pilgrimage walk. We also saw many pilgrims today. Arlene and Rich headed out an hour earlier than Noelle and me and unfortunately Arlene is still dealing with a nasty cold. I had my first butter layered croissant which was amazing and a ham and cheese sandwich to go. We stopped at a little pirate themed bar and had a drink ocean side and gave our feet a break. These ice plants are plentiful along the boardwalk and just lovely. Once at our apartment, we walked into town and found a scenic vista with beautiful aqueduct. The 4 of us had a Pilgrim meal for 10 euros and it was delicious! Tomorrow we are heading to Apulia about 11 miles and staying in my first albergue. Bed time now 😴Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    1Can't pass pretty rose
    1Noelle, Arlene and RichUnbelievably windy today!1Vineyard trellis2Shared living roomShared kitchenStreet viewStreet view1Heading the right direction!

    Walk to Apulia

    April 26, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Saw several pretty flowers and sites along the 10.5 mile walk to Apulia. Winds were quite strong and constant and lots of boardwalks and I was thankful for layers of clothing, hat and hood. I am proud of Arlene who has been so sick and has not let that stop her one bit. She has trekked from Lisbon since 4/3 and I’m amazed at her determination and strength as she has walked over 200 miles thus far!! Once boardwalk ended, cute little rest stop for a drink and protein bar with grapevine trellis. Heard from albergue owner that this one is not typical as usually 10-20 beds line up in large space so feel fortunate to have shared room with Noelle. Tomorrow taking car about 30 minutes to Camino central route to Balugaes and then walking to Ponte de Lima about 11 miles.Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Felt like 45 degree hill incline
    Liked walking through the countryside1Another pilgrim we ran into 😁2Extreme from ocean view yesterday to stunning countrysideClosest were 2 recently born sheep with umbilical cords still attached. So cute1snacks on route for pilgrims with donation boxMost delicious orange for our snackSuper Bock mini - just what I wantedA welcomed mile marker, very hot day!Lima River in Ponte de Lima where we spend tonight1We scored for tonight and I have my own room!

    Central route now in Ponte de Lima

    Apr 27–28, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    First night in albergue and got to use my silk bed liner, blanket and microfiber towel finally and all worked great! We rented a Bolt vehicle driver to take us about 40 miles inland to catch the Camino Central Route and he dropped us off in town of Vitorino where we had a light breakfast before we began walking.

    Terrain very different here from ocean breeze and boardwalks to cobblestones, hills, rural countryside and sunshine and heat. Nice to know I can fit my extra layers in the backpack!!

    Saw lots of sheep, chickens, roosters, few horses, flowers, vineyards, vegetable gardens and farms along with many pilgrims and bicyclists in route.

    We had a lighter walking day of about 8 miles and in early as we have an 11 mile day planned North to Rubiaes in the morning getting us closer to where we will meet Kenny on Tuesday and can’t wait to see him again ❤️    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Leaving Ponte de Lima
    We continued on trail by mistake and had to backtrack1I so wanted to be in that water!Thought this resembled The Camino shellLittle rest stop along the wayCool how house built around stone1Sweet donkey just wanting some love1I enjoyed several handfuls of water to cool me offLooking back at mountain we climbed, impressed!!

    Back on the grid!

    Apr 28–29, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Noelle and I hiked 13 miles from Ponte de Lima to Rubiaes, Portugal over cobblestones, rocks, streams and steep mountain! Went through rural towns and then the BIG mountain. It was unexpected and seemed never ending. Every opportunity for water fall or fresh water we welcomed and was necessary. We thanked Mother Nature plenty.

    We didn’t realize power was out most of the day until we got to our Albergue, 4 twin beds in one room with private bathroom. Cells are charging again now. Kenny arrived safely and we meet him tomorrow and I can hardly wait 🥰    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    View from cafe
    We crossed a highwayVineyardsGrounds of lunch stopGreat lunch stop, could have stayed for hours!Stunning Rose treeStaying in The Fortress in ValencaNoelle and Kenny1Rich and Kenny2Kenny joins us in Valenca

    Rubiaes to Valenca

    Apr 29–30, 2025 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Got on our way at 8 am and walked 11 miles from Rubiães to Valença and finally met Kenny!! Another hot day with cobblestones and beautiful trails. Noelle is now either with cold or allergies.

    Once in our apartment, Noelle, Kenny and I walked back into town to do laundry and a little shopping. After that and finding a restaurant for dinner, ended up walking another 5 miles, my longest mileage day yet.

    We are less than 2 miles from Tui, Spain. A lighter day tomorrow as with so many pilgrims here, hard to find a place to stay.

    Amazing trip so far!    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    One side of bridge leaving Portugal
    Bridge to Spain1Spain on left Portugal on rightI'm in two countries at same time !!Countryside with sheepUp toward cafe we found1Leaving cafe, I'm ready for rainSweet little lending library in town center2Kenny and Arlene consulting directions1Horse that needed some loveWelcome Bienvenido to Spain!

    Short day and in Spain now

    Apr 30–May 1, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    We left Valença this morning over to Tui, Spain via bridge crossing the Guadiana River and lost an hour due to time zone. We walked off The Camino path in search of a cafe which we found in the downtown center. Love the outside cafes. Only walked 3.5 miles intentionally today giving us a well needed rest day, time for Rich and Noelle to feel better from colds and allow Kenny time to acclimate from traveling.

    We have separate rooms in a hotel tonight with restaurant downstairs. We had dinner meal here around 3 pm then took a nap and may go down for light snack and drink later.

    My first day of walking in the rain and thankful it wasn’t when we were on the mountain!

    We head to O Porrino in the morning about 10 mile walk.    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    3Sunrise leaving Tui this morning
    4Kenny ❤️City prepping for Mayday holiday today1Noelle and KennyLovely cafe2Rich waiting for us to catch upKenny waiting for us to catch upAlmost to O Perrino our stop tonight1Outside our apartment for tonight

    Mayday or Labour day

    May 1–2, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We walked little over 10 miles today through highways, paths and streets. Saw many pilgrims today and at both stops and well populated. I took a Night Quill gelcap last night as sore throat and earaches and did well walking today. Hoping I avoid getting sick and hope this may be allergies.

    Today is a Spain holiday and saw lots of decorations and amusement rides being set up on way out of Tui. Arlene found us a very nice apartment with 3 separate rooms and washing machine. I’m feeling spoiled.

    We have planned another 10 mile day tomorrow to Redondela. Having a great adventure!    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Departing O Perrino this morning
    1Mural under bridgeWalked to Redondela and yes, very steep inclines!Rain was predicted today - only had a littleNice rest area next to cafe5So happy to have Kenny here now1Simply beautifulLove these park like paths, so gentle under foot2Felt steeper going down the hill2I was hoping for Super Bock drink at bottom of hill!3Doesn't get much prettier than this roseView from our apartment tonightView from our apartment right on El Camino tonightTaking a well deserved rest break1Inviting bench to rest for Arlene4Street child took our picture. First one, he missed our heads 😂

    Redondela

    May 2–3, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We timed our departure perfectly and missed the rain this morning. Saw more pilgrims today in big clusters as well as many bicyclists. Different terrains and liked best the soft earth within the Forest. Stopped at cafe in Mos and power went out before Noelle could get a cup of tea. Power returned shortly thereafter but we were ready to head out.

    With Labor Day holiday yesterday, we couldn’t get dinner reservation until 10:30 pm but had a great meal and some local street kids were playing with soccer ball and we were able to have him take a group photo of us.

    My cold is still present and not stopping me and a day behind Noelle’s we think so should be getter better soon.

    We walked 10 miles today and finally found a restaurant around 3 pm for lunch and drinks. When we were ready to leave, the rain came down heavily. Luckily 10 minute walk to our 3 bedroom apartment for the night right on El Camino route. Planning a 13 mile walk to Pontevedra tomorrow.

    Another good day.    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    1We chose to the left
    This is the hill on the left, another killer!2Beautiful scenery6Love the Eucalyptus trees and fragrance31One lane bridge1We saw the rain clouds at 1 pmGrain storage on left above KennyMore steep hills todayOne of many stops221Farm land1So soft under foot to walk onRealized my rain coat is NOT waterproof 🙁Finally caught up to Kenny2Almost to our apartmentHope these dry out before tomorrow!

    Pontevedra in the rain!

    May 3–4, 2025 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

    What a day! We walked over 13 miles over more steep hills, rocks, mud and got caught in the rain with thunderstorms and lightning which was very scary. Overall it was a beautiful day with terrific sights. Very proud of all of us walking through these conditions and several of us sick.

    We are now in downtown Pontevedra just off the Camino route in a fabulous 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, washer and dryer with kitchen and living room. It is beautifully decorated with paintings done by owners mom, what a talent she is!!

    Tomorrow we head to Armenteria which begins the spiritual variant of the Camino.    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Leaving Pontevedra this morning
    Real feel of EuropeWe were watching those storm clouds!We are now on the Spiritual Variant and following different signsYep, more hills2Rich and ArleneCame down this hill and these horses right there. So sweetMonastery of PoioArlene and Kenny1Playful Noelle😁Low tide as we made our way into Combarro1We caught a taxi from this spot in Combarro to our stone villa in MeanoBack porch of our placeView from our front doorSharing a laugh 😂

    Day 1 on spiritual variant route

    May 4–5, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Loved Pontevedra and enjoyed seeing more architecture on way out of town. Stopped at nice cafe and had the largest and very delicious chocolate filled croissant. My new daily treat. While finding directions and walking, Richard took a spill and chipped front tooth, split his lip and brush burns on his knee. We were quick to get some ice and the guy is a trooper as it didn’t slow him down.

    We began the spiritual variant route today and appreciated the local villages, scenery and terrain. Weather predicted rain this afternoon and am thankful to have missed it. We walked 8 miles into Combarro, tried to get a table with drinks and food but were turned away. 🙁. Didn’t know it is Mother’s Day today and Sunday so many restaurants closed along with supermarkets.

    Took two taxi’s to our albergue in Meano where we met owner and her sister of a beautiful stone home with 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms in the rooms. Very rural and nearest restaurant was less than 20 minutes walk away and very good!

    We need to get back on our Camino route tomorrow and plan to be in Santiago this week, very exciting!    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    2So impressed with the vineyards
    3Cabbage fields2Celebrating Arlene on her 30 days of Camino!!3Our view from cafe this morning5Cute cafe on river and was served heart shaped coffee spoon ❤️1Typical sceneConsulting directionsOn route to our stay tonight244Cheers 🍻8I'm killing it!!

    In Vilanova de Arousa now

    May 5–6, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Noelle hooked us up with a larger taxi for all 5 of us to get back on The Camino from our rural albergue. Beautiful and fairly easy walk today just under 9 miles.

    Stopped for the best breakfast along the water with the most varied choices and we stayed well over an hour, kept ordering more food and coffees and I needed up with a little heart shaped spoon…..the cutest thing ever!

    Fairly quiet day and didn’t see many pilgrims or locals. Made it to Villanova area and Kenny and I found a local outdoor public family friendly playground pub where we enjoyed a few beers and waited for all of us to convene. Noelle met a pilgrim from Amsterdam on a bike trip who joined us which was great.

    We have an early start tomorrow as we are taking a 1.5 hour boat trip along the spiritual variant route getting us closer to Santiago.    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    Where we took boat this morning
    1Thankful for windbreakers and multiple layers beneath - very cold on boat1The gangIn PadronOld cemeteryMore countrysideAlmost to Santiago!!!Little hidden vending spots2Walked though a town like a maze. Super quaintKenny up ahead

    In O Milladoiro now

    May 6–8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Short walk from port of Vilanova this morning to 2 hour boat ride transfer to Padron, another old town with historic sites. It was quite chilly and I wondered why my backpack was lighter today and realized I was wearing 6 layered tops and still cold!!

    Kenny, Arlene and I walked 9 miles today along countryside, beautiful maze like town, highways and hills and weather did warm up and was able to shed several layers. We were looking for a taxi towards the end and Kenny found one which saved us last 2 mile. I’m still fighting this cold and Arlene and Kenny now are sick so we were thankful to get here and take a nap.

    Had a small mishap where Arlene left her cell phone in taxi and by sheer luck and perseverance we were able to reunite her with it. We say The Camino provides and it did for us today.

    Noelle found this lovely 3 bedroom apartment in town and were able to pick up pizza, calzones and salad for dinner and treat of ice cream for dessert.

    Easy day tomorrow as we are less than 5 miles to Santiago where we will enjoy the day leisurely and hope for extra rest. What a journey!!    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    1Noelle and my shadows this am. So cool
    2Another decision point and so closeBeautiful artwork on route to Santiago114Enjoying a moment of relaxation at the finish line4I made it from Porto to Santiago today!4Celebrating Arlene who started in Lisbon on 4/4 and joyous seeing her arrive in Santiago today5We made it!!!!

    Made it to Santiago!

    May 7–10, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Easy trek into Santiago today less than 5 miles from our apartment. I was surprised with so many pilgrims in route with us and how populated the center was. A very warm day and as excited to get to the finish line. The cathedral was incredible and massive!! The grounds were clean and well populated and saw few tour groups and kids school trips. Such a feeling of celebration and I was asked often to take group photos.

    We were able to reunite with Jayme for dinner tonight who started this pilgrimage with Arlene back in Lisbon.

    It has been a great experience and one I’m very proud of. I feel blessed to spend these weeks with my family and honestly impressed with my physical and mental strength. Still dealing with this cold and hoping for some slower days to recoup.

    Arlene, Rich, Kenny and I are staying an extra night in Santiago tomorrow night. Noelle leaves in the morning to Fisterra and Arlene and Rich leave Friday to Paris and Kenny and I leave Friday to Barcelona for a few days. It has been wonderful to all be together for this journey. ❤️    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    4Certificate of completion in Latin
    1Certificate showing total kilometers I walked1Beautiful Poem on back of certificateCredential where I needed to collect stamps along the journeyBack side of credentialsConvent of San FranciscoBanner inside2Only issued every 25 years and we got one today.23We lit top 4 candles in memory of my dad, Ken's parents and Ken's sister, Sharon. 🙏🙏🙏🙏3Celebrating with Jayme who also began in Lisbon with Arlene!!!Tomb of Saint James' remains2Shell inset in door of cathedral11

    Leisure day in Santiago and Milladoiro

    May 8, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Met for dinner with Arlene’s original walking friend Jayme last night near our apartment. It was nice to see her again and as she went her own way once we arrived in Porto.

    Today, Kenny, Arlene and I spent about an hour trying to find a taxi to drive us back the the Cathedral in Santiago trying to avoid the 4.5 mile walk there and finally successful. We were able to get inside the cathedral and appreciate the beauty and be amazed by the artistry and age.

    We lit 4 candles in honor of my dad, my in-laws and my sister-in-law, Sharon with prayers for each of them. We toured the cathedral and saw Tomb of Saint James’ remains.

    Had a wonderful afternoon with Jayme after she and Rich attended Mass. we celebrated with a bottle of bubbly and yummy snacks.

    Tomorrow Kenny and I head to Barcelona. It will not be the same without all my travel companions. I so appreciate the time we’ve been together and all that we have shared. An unforgettable adventure. Thank you ❤️    Read more

  • First steps in a new lifeCamino DebTraveler
    1
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    End of my walk

    May 10, 2025 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Kenny and I are in Barcelona now and walked 5 miles from our hotel to Barcelona basilica where we found it under restoration and felt more like Disney. Beautiful day today temps high 60’s. We enjoyed another chocolate croissant and plain croissant which Kenny thinks is best he’s ever had!

    Have massages scheduled for the morning and day of rest. I’m finally feeling much better and only lingering cough and Kenny is now dealing with what we had. Wish we all didn’t get sick but it never stopped any of us.

    I’m not a social media person so this was a stretch for me and I enjoyed the sharing. It was a great way to stay connected and your comments, likes and messages were truly motivating.

    Thanks for following me and look forward to being back home on Monday night. I was amazed at how comfortable all the beds were along our way but nothing better than my own bed 😴    Read more

    Trip end
    May 10, 2025
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