Juni – Juli 2023

David and Sean’s Camino

David and Sean will fly to Paris, France on June 2, 2023 to begin their Camino de Santiago adventure--a walking trek of approximately 500 miles. Weiterlesen

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Sonntag, 11. Juni 2023 um 07:28
☁️ 63 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.184 ft
Spanien Puente La Reina – Gares 42.672287, -1.81372542°40’20” N 1°48’49” W
Friends
11. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
One of the most important parts of a Camino is the people that you meet and interact with. We have met many people along the way, and many of those whom we have interacted with repeatedly, but often just a “Buen Camino” in passing, in part due to the language differences. (And in part because I was once again catching my breath up or down a hill and they were passing by.)

Carlo and Luigi are the exceptional exception! I first met Carlo while waiting in line to check in at Roncesvalles. We chatted for a long time. Carlo is from northern Italy and speaks very good English.

At one point in our conversation an anxious Frenchman cut in between Sean and I. Rather than make a confrontation, I stepped back to join Sean—and Carlo did the same so that we could continue talking…

(continued in part 2)Weiterlesen
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Sonntag, 11. Juni 2023 um 15:06
☁️ 77 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.385 ft
Spanien Estella-Lizarra 42.667387, -2.03173142°40’3” N 2°1’54” W
Sean’s Kindness…
11. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
Sean has been patient, encouraging, wise (often reminding me of my father and of Nancy—two of my favorite people!).

Add kind to that list. There have been far too many examples to list, but I will focus on one: today Sean bought me lunch for Father’s Day. Unexpected and quite a treat. (Note: We later learned that we were a week early, so I’ll celebrate Father’s Day twice this year!)

The photo shows what was left of my grilled squid. (I know, I will never make it as a food blogger if I don’t remember to take a picture BEFORE I eat everything!

I tried to order a coffee flan for dessert but got a molten lava cake. (For those familiar with the movie “Chef” it was NOT undercooked!)

God bless Sean! I am so thankful and blessed that he is on this journey with me.Weiterlesen
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Sonntag, 11. Juni 2023 um 17:33
☁️ 73 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.404 ft
Spanien Estella-Lizarra 42.665633, -2.03184142°39’56” N 2°1’55” W
Friends part 2
11. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
When we crossed the bridge into Zubiri, Sean spotted Carlo down by the water. We visited again and met his friend Luigi.

And we keep running into them—by happenstance?

Even while writing this entry we took a break to get lunch, and walking down the hall Carlo stepped out to set his shoes outside their door.

Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

I have been thinking a lot about that since what I thought was a miracle with dialysis in Pamplona didn’t work out as I intended.

Thank you God that everything IS a miracle even when I don’t perceive your intention.

(The picture that I attached to the first part of this post shows Carlo and Luigi down the street.)Weiterlesen
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Sonntag, 11. Juni 2023 um 19:18
☁️ 72 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.407 ft
Spanien Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rua 42.669558, -2.02881742°40’10” N 2°1’44” W
I Remembered!
11. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
Another great pilgrim dinner! And this time I remembered to take a picture before I scarfed it all down.

The menu said fried rice with vegetables, but I think it was couscous. I recognized zucchini, some orange squash, and slivered almonds. I’d already eaten a wonderful salad as my first course and the portions were so generous that I couldn’t finish the second course! (I still had room for the yogurt with fruit that was served for dessert.)

All for 14 euros each. Amazing bargain.

We sat next to another father-son couple that we had met on the trail the other day. They ordered two different main courses than Sean and I had. I told our waitress that I wanted to live here so that I could eat here every day! Yum!

Some pictures from our walk back to the albergue, including a mosaic done in leaves and flower petals.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderFood looks good and some great pictures
11.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Tag 11
Montag, 12. Juni 2023 um 08:39
☁️ 61 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.680 ft
Spanien Ayegui 42.650903, -2.0436742°39’3” N 2°2’37” W
Logrono
12. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Had some difficulty breathing during the night, lack of dialysis catching up with me. We decided to skip ahead to Logrono with a quick stop at the wine fountain.

A day of missteps! In short, stopped to ask directions MANY times. Once a agricultural equipment worker gave us a ride and would not take money for his kindness.

Upon arrival in Logrono information kiosk did not know where hotel OR street were! More direction-asking. Thanked God repeatedly once we got here. Over 5 miles on our rest day—but only a block or two from dialysis for Wednesday and Friday.

Amazing pilgrim lunch! Appetizer of mussels with red and green peppers and onion salsa. Scrambled eggs with wild mushrooms and asparagus as first course. Chicken sausage and then baked apple for dessert.

Then a nap!Weiterlesen
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Montag, 12. Juni 2023 um 16:59
☁️ 77 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.352 ft
Spanien Gaunas Park 42.452738, -2.44810342°27’10” N 2°26’53” W
Bells
12. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
We have heard a lot of bells on our Camino.

First it was mostly on animals: cows, sheep, and even some horses.

Then it seemed like we always passed through a small village at the top of the hour and it was church bells.

And lastly, Sean wears his two metal water bottles tied to a scarf so they hang down from his neck, and when they clang together they sound like the cow bells! (I’m certain there’s a great joke there, but I’m too tired to see it.)

Looking forward to a few days in one place, dialysis a couple of times, and enjoying a hotel room with a great shower, a phone, and even a TV.

p.s. Nancy, remember how surprised we were to discover that the first floor is “zero” and that the next floor up is “one”?!Weiterlesen
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ReisenderYeah don't know why they do that on my trip to Great Britain most of the hotels were ground floor, Mezzanine, then the 1st floor really weird.
12.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderWe also noticed the 0 was used in Ireland. Had many stops on the First floor….scenic vacation.
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Montag, 12. Juni 2023 um 17:10
☁️ 77 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.348 ft
Spanien Gaunas Park 42.452781, -2.4482142°27’10” N 2°26’54” W
Respect
12. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
I have sometimes felt embarrassed and disappointed in myself on this Camino.

Taking a cab to finish the climb over the Pyrenees on our first day. Taking a cab to get from one side of Pamplona to the hospital on the other side. Taking both a taxi and a bus today.

However, while walking today (deliberately in the wrong direction) we passed our good friends Carlo and Luigi! We explained our situation and in very halting and careful English, Luigi explained how much respect he had for us doing what we are doing.

Very kind.

And Luigi has military background (something that he and Sean have discussed at some length), so his salute to me was especially meaningful.

Very gracious.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderYou are AMAZING!
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Montag, 12. Juni 2023 um 18:00
☁️ 77 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.332 ft
Spanien Gaunas Park 42.452927, -2.44802142°27’11” N 2°26’53” W
Thunder or Door?
12. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
Some of the doors here at Hotel Logrono close with such difficulty that they are hard to distinguish from the thunder outside. Hint: the doors make a louder, shorter sound, while the thunder makes a softer, longer rumbling sound.

We have seen and heard many thunderstorms, but not been caught unprotected in any. A few raindrops here and there but usually gone by the time I can get my raincoat on and my rain cover over my backpack.

Last night I was having difficulty getting to sleep. Very hot and humid. Then God sent a thunderstorm and it got considerably cooler and less humid. Thank you God!Weiterlesen
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Dienstag, 13. Juni 2023 um 14:55
☁️ 70 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.352 ft
Spanien Gaunas Park 42.45276, -2.44811742°27’10” N 2°26’53” W
Somewhere in between…
13. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
According to the stages that we have completed on the Camino, solely walking, we have walked 46.4 miles so far, plus a bit more for partial stages.

According to my FitBit we have walked 81.93 miles so far.

The truth lies somewhere in between.

I have realized that the FitBit doesn’t really count distance—it counts steps and converts every 2,000 steps into 1 mile. The “miscalculation” becomes the much smaller steps that I am often taking: uphill, downhill on unsure footing, and even flat terrain when I am tired.

It will be interesting to see what difference these upcoming dialysis sessions will make and how much further we will be able to go.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderGood morning. Praying for good dialysis people and that to go well, strengthen you. Hope Sean finds good food to eat (I’m on the picky side. Can’t make fun of him ).
13.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderSpent time with the director today. She was awesome! I’m in good hands. Thank you for your prayers.
13.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Mittwoch, 14. Juni 2023 um 11:59
⛅ 68 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.325 ft
Spanien Gaunas Park 42.455445, -2.44874542°27’20” N 2°26’55” W
Dizzy as a Loon
14. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Dialysis went well yesterday, particularly considering the language barrier. Everyone was very kind—doctor, nurses, technicians, and even patients. The other patients were very interested in where I was from and I was somewhat of a celebrity.

Needless to say, I didn’t “fit right in” as you can see from the picture! Back home they put a stool out in front of my chair so that my feet can rest on it, rather than hanging for four hours. But here there is a foot stop, so my knees were bent for that time. I don’t think they get many patients this tall!

Some medication they gave me caused me to be as dizzy as I’ve ever been, and for over 12 hours after. We won’t do that again on Friday!

My weight gain was NOT bad considering that I hadn’t had dialysis in over a week—in fact, I’ve sometimes had more weight gain during my 3-day weekends at home.

All is good. Sean and I are spoiled, but it will be good to be back on the Camino at the end of the week.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderThink I’ve gained weight reading your culinary reviews. After reading your reviews, I’m finding myself really hungry.
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Donnerstag, 15. Juni 2023 um 10:58
⛅ 68 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.375 ft
Spanien Gaunas Park 42.452572, -2.44811842°27’9” N 2°26’53” W
Food
15. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F
Cousin Russ wrote that he thought he was gaining weight reading about our food experiences. Well, it’s a good thing we’re walking so much!

What I’d read: meager breakfast, big meal at noon, pilgrim dinner (lower quality, lesser choices).

Our experience: fresh-squeezed orange juice along with a fresh-baked, French-quality croissant, often with Spanish ham and cheese. Meager? Yeah, right! We’ll often grab a sandwich for lunch since we’re still walking and don’t want to fill up, but even then it’s Spanish ham and cheese on a French baguette. Ooh la la! And dinners! Three courses and the first course (often a salad for me) is usually as much as I would eat for an entire dinner at home. I feel bad leaving half of a course, but I simply can’t eat all of it!

Again, it’s a good thing we’re walking!Weiterlesen
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ReisenderI am glad the food is better than expected. That is really great 🍜🥐 Buen Camino 🌻
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderNot just better, so much good stuff that I can’t finish it all! I was more concerned for Sean because he is pickier about food (less so than when he was younger) but there is more food that he likes AND he is adjusting very admirably. We may lose weight on this adventure, but it won’t be due to lack of good food.
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
Reisender💜🥳🥾🥾👣👣
15.06.23Antworten
ReisenderLooks to me like you’re getting your steps in today! Lol!
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderLol 😆 well on break, lunch & after work yes ✅
15.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Donnerstag, 15. Juni 2023 um 19:25
☀️ 81 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.309 ft
Spanien Plaza del Mercado 42.466553, -2.44738742°27’60” N 2°26’51” W
On the road again…
15. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Nancy and I will frequently sing that phrase (we don’t know the rest of the words) whenever we start out on a trip—whether a road trip, a short journey to visit one of the boys, or one of our grand adventures.

Tomorrow morning I will have my final dialysis session here in Logrono and then Sean and I will be “on the road again.” The next part of the Camino is a bit of a climb to Najera, so we’ll tackle the first part in the afternoon, hoping to reach Navarette by nightfall and have that much less of a climb on Saturday.

Got to venture into “pinchos territory” this evening. Tapas are called pinchos in this region. Had a bit of success, after first wandering on the wrong street for a bit. LOTS of pinchos places in the old town. Have posted a couple of pics. We also enjoyed gelato, but too fast to take a picture!

The last picture was prob our favorite: a quail egg on some meat mixture on a fluffy bun with a slice of roasted red pepper. Yum!Weiterlesen
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ReisenderI have pigeons on my roof. I could probably scrounge some eggs if I time it right. (Similar to quail eggs. No? 😆)
16.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderI think similar yes, at least in size. Tasted the quail egg last night, haven’t tasted pigeon eggs that I know of
16.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderThere is a temperature posted with your photos. I’m thing 68- nice walking weather. 81 - maybe hot to walk in!! 🥵
16.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderIt was a hot day. Very little breeze or clouds. Thankfully only 10.58 miles—and that will reduce tomorrow’s walk ( or get us further)
16.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Freitag, 16. Juni 2023 um 17:55
☁️ 86 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.686 ft
Spanien Iglesia Parroquial de la Asuncion de Maria 42.429283, -2.56143342°25’45” N 2°33’41” W
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Navarrete
16. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F
Just a quickie. Walked after dialysis to get part of tomorrow’s climb out of the way. Stopped in Navarrete—a lovely little village. I’ve attached pictures of the church here as well as the BEST dinner we’ve enjoyed on the Camino, which is saying quite a bit! We enjoyed paella along with a number of finger foods (I went slightly crazy picking out a bunch of things from the display case with no.idea of what many were!).

Taking a breakfast break as I write this then on to Najera, after an early start to the day.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderLittle village?! That church or cathedral looks huge. Beautiful. I tried to comment on the picture with the view of the countryside.... absolutely gorgeous 💜 Thank you for posting these updates 🌻🙂 Buen Camino
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderI think they have a population of 3,000. But you’re right—the church is magnificent for such a small village. I need to read “Pillars of the Earth” to better understand the significance of churches and cathedrals in these villages.
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
Reisender Gorgeous! I’m glad you are stopping at the churches. What a beautiful treasure inside.
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderInterestingly, it was very dark when we went inside. Someone behind us noticed a little machine, put in a euro and the lights come on. Wow! What a difference! It was a great place to meditate and pray and then suddenly it was a great place to also take poured!
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderBeautiful
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Samstag, 17. Juni 2023 um 07:44
🌩️ 64 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.834 ft
Spanien Sotés 42.417042, -2.5985542°25’1” N 2°35’55” W
1
Najera
17. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ 🌩️ 64 °F
We got an early start today and thought we would be in Najera by lunch, the maybe go further and take some distance off tomorrow’s trek. However, we took a wrong turn somewhere (or missed a turn) and got off course. Settled into a delightful old albergue on the outskirts of Najera just in time to shelter from a tremendous thunderstorm! Lights have gone out once or twice.

Spotted a bar/cafe that offers a delightful selection of paellas so we’re headed there for dinner in a bit. And I’m hoping to pick up a walking stick before dinner. Left my trekking poles at home, never used them enough to understand their value, but will benefit from at least one for balance sake.

Here’s a few pictures from today.Weiterlesen
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Reisender Sean was NOT using the “facilities” in this photo! We had just finished a significant climb, had some folks coming up behind us, and he was pointing out to them the much better view partway up than at the top—which he had also kindly done for me!
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderGreat photos I am so enjoying seeing these with you
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderMe too. Next best thing to being there!! (Without any blisters !).
17.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderAnd praise God, no blisters for either of us so far!
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Samstag, 17. Juni 2023 um 13:22
🌩️ 82 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.749 ft
Spanien Roc la Campane 42.415497, -2.70315542°24’56” N 2°42’11” W
Purple
17. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ 🌩️ 82 °F
Silly thing. I became obsessed with the color purple during my preparations for the Camino. Purple iPhone, can opener, towel, collapsible cup, and so forth. Don’t know why. It’s just become my favorite color—although I am still very partial to green.

Anyway, we are seeing a LOT of purple along the way, mostly in the way of wild flowers by the side of the trail. I’ve attached a pic here, but there seems to be an endless and delightfully never ending variety!

Thank you God for purple. (And those other colors too.)Weiterlesen
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Sonntag, 18. Juni 2023 um 06:59
☁️ 61 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.778 ft
Spanien Nájera 42.414986, -2.74747242°24’54” N 2°44’51” W
Random thoughts…
18. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Scattered thoughts, no particular theme.

Thank God for Sean. I can’t imagine making it this far without him, or having hope of continuing.

There’s nothing quite like reaching the top of a difficult climb or rounding a corner and catching sight of a goal—whether it’s the destination for second breakfast (yes, that’s become a thing!), a lunch site, or the day’s final destination!

Thank you for your prayers for strength, endurance, and wisdom. Those are being answered daily—and only enough for each day! Then we begin again.

We are still on schedule. A schedule made with ignorance of terrain, unsure footing, heat, never ending hills, and more. Praise God!Weiterlesen
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ReisenderAs so many people do this. I’m surprised it isn’t marked out more. 🧐 meaning some kind of post with arrows here and there. Just wondering.
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderFor the most part it is extremely well marked. Sean is especially good at spotting the scallop shells, yellow arrows and such. He says it’s a skill acquired playing video games! I’ll collect some pics specific to that and make a post about it.
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Sonntag, 18. Juni 2023 um 15:56
☁️ 79 °F
Höhe über NN: 2.119 ft
Spanien Santo Domingo de la Calzada 42.440976, -2.95233342°26’28” N 2°57’8” W
Random thoughts, part 2
18. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F
Made it safely to Santo Domingo. The last picture is from our room at the albergue. “3rd” floor, which is European for 4th floor! Quite a climb—especially at the end of a Camino day.

We’re right near a church but haven’t visited yet. We’ll post pictures when we do.

Nancy and Harrison are off on an adventure of their own = Las Vegas! Wishing them a great time!

Very quiet towards the end of the day. Sean was listening to music on his earphones, most traffic had passed us (I’m slow!). It was a great time of prayer and meditation!

Sean took a picture the other day of writing on the path—“Be the turtle.” I think I’m the turtle: the slowest one, but still finishing.

I feel strong, even after 15 miles yesterday and 16 miles today (Fitbit miles). God is truly blessing!Weiterlesen
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ReisenderAwesome! Thank you for the photos and journal. It’s fun to ‘join with you’. ☺️
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderAnd thank you for your prayers and interaction. It helps me feel connected.
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderNo pics of the cathedral. They are running it more as a tourist trap than a church. I’m not going to pay 5 euros to go in and pray.
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Sonntag, 18. Juni 2023
☁️ 77 °F
Höhe über NN: 1.834 ft
Spanien Pantano de Valbornedo 42.417595, -2.58567842°25’3” N 2°35’8” W
Clay day
18. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
Yesterday was rock day. Today was clay day. I’ve attached a photo from both days to show the difference.

Today was difficult in a different way. Yesterday’s thunderstorm had really stirred up the clay, making many parts of our Camino slippery and mucky. I very nearly went down in the mud several times, and even Sean stumbled once or twice. Graciously, he went ahead, often showing the safest way through and several times offering me a hand over the most treacherous parts. We got through safely without making any “mud angels.”Weiterlesen
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ReisenderUgh! Clay is the worst! Way to go, Sean!! David, how did your knee like that?
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderMy left knee has been in pain a few times including during the clay but after lunch it was much improved and NO pain!
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
It looks like every day is bringing new experiences and new challenges! Just remember as the challenges start repeating that you have done it before and you can do it again! Love the scenery and the fields of agriculture! Looks like a bunch of grape fields? [Harrison]
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderVineyards, yup
18.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
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Montag, 19. Juni 2023 um 07:03
☁️ 59 °F
Höhe über NN: 2.100 ft
Spanien Santo Domingo de la Calzada 42.442445, -2.96228342°26’33” N 2°57’44” W
Proud Father
19. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Yesterday was Father’s Day and it was quite possibly my best one yet! I had three goals on this Camino: draw closer to God, draw closer to my son, and have a grand adventure. And I am getting to know Sean in ways and depth that I could not have anticipated and hoped for!

This is one example. While walking we were joined by a fellow pilgrim. It came up that Sean was a weather specialist for the Air Force and she asked him his opinion about global warming. They then proceeded to talk about that topic and other potential world-ending cataclysmic events for the next 40 minutes or more!

I stayed quiet and learned SO much! Not only about the topics but about how much Sean knows AND what a great teacher he is.

I am proud of all of my sons. But I became even prouder of this one as I got to know him even better! Very cool.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderVery cool.
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Montag, 19. Juni 2023 um 17:24
🌧 73 °F
Höhe über NN: 2.585 ft
Spanien Belorado 42.418739, -3.19132842°25’7” N 3°11’29” W
A Couple 360’s
19. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ 🌧 73 °F
Just a couple of 360 degree videos I shot while walking the Camino. The first is from yesterday and you can see “the storm clouds are gathering” (line stolen from the TV show Sports Night). The second is from today.

I could shoot these all day long, with endless variety, and everyone of them showing spectacular scenery. But then we wouldn’t get much walking done!

Enjoy.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderLove the 360 shots! Thank you for sharing 🌻
19.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderThe photos are lovely. I’m a bit struck by how deserted the area is. I mean - you can’t exactly put a thumb out and hitchhike. Where do you get water ? It’s quite sobering. You are both doing AMAZING!! Loved the ‘dinner and a show’. 😆🤣😆
20.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderWe carry our water. Occasionally there will be a fountain where we can refill, or when we pass through a village.
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Montag, 19. Juni 2023 um 17:28
🌧 73 °F
Höhe über NN: 2.566 ft
Spanien Belorado 42.41878, -3.19133842°25’8” N 3°11’29” W
Belorado
19. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ 🌧 73 °F
Safely holed up in Belorado—which puts us “on schedule.” Tomorrow may prove to be grueling: uphill all the way with over 16 miles to cover (according to the Camino planner we’ve done just under 14 each of the past two days, with less climbing).

We’re in a hotel for a change. I needed to bath (a luxury!) and I’m hoping Sean can get some good quality sleep.

A few more pics of Camino markers we saw along the way today. It’s like playing Where’s Waldo! The last pic is of the cathedral here in Belorado. If you look closely you can see a giant stork’s nest on the far side of the highest tower and a stork proudly standing there.

We passed a good looking pilgrim dinner menu on the way over here, plus some very photo-worthy sights in one of the public squares so we’ll try and capture those for a later post.Weiterlesen
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Tag 18
Montag, 19. Juni 2023
🌧 82 °F
Höhe über NN: 607 ft
Frankreich Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 43.163564, -1.2368843°9’49” N 1°14’13” W
Marking the Way…
19. Juni 2023 in Frankreich ⋅ 🌧 82 °F
Linda asked if there weren’t sign posts to mark the way. Oh boy are there!

There’s every kind of marker, but sometimes you have to really be on the lookout—and fortunately I’m with Sean who is fantastic at spotting them.

Often times it is simply a yellow arrow spray painted onto a curb, the side of a building, an electrical pole, etc. Sometimes it is a brass marker embedded into the sidewalk or street. And sometimes it is an “official” blue and yellow sign placed in a highly visible area (if you know where to look!).

Sean says he is so good at spotting them because it is similar to video games he has played. I thank God he is so good at it.

I’ve posted a variety of these signs for your viewing pleasure.Weiterlesen
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ReisenderGreat photos David I am so enjoying seeing this journey that you and Sean are on
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Tag 18
Montag, 19. Juni 2023
🌧 73 °F
Höhe über NN: 2.116 ft
Spanien Santo Domingo de la Calzada 42.440678, -2.95270542°26’26” N 2°57’10” W
Rained IN
19. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ 🌧 73 °F
Last night we got “rained in”. And hailed! And lightning’d!

We were enjoying our dinner meal (the pilgrim menu for me with sweet rice with langostinos as first course, red peppers stuffed with cheese and cod as second course, and cheesecake for dessert; and a Spanish take on “hot dog” for Sean!) when the thunderstorm hit.

We had been eating under the shade of a garden umbrella but the wind was starting to take them down. I rushed back to the albergue to get another layer of clothing and that’s when the hail started! By the time I got back they were moving everyone under shelter and then eventually indoors where we finished our meals—all slightly wetter.

The picture shows where our table WAS, after they collapsed the umbrellas to prevent further knock overs.

A delightful weather event to partake with my Air National Guard weather specialist. As Sean said, “dinner and a show!”Weiterlesen
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ReisenderHere in Vegas that phrase means something else! Yours sounds wonderful!
19.06.23AntwortenÜbersetzen
ReisenderIt was amazing, especially since we were safe and relatively sheltered. Would have been an entirely different experience out on the Camino!
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Tag 19
Dienstag, 20. Juni 2023 um 08:53
⛅ 59 °F
Höhe über NN: 2.867 ft
Spanien Villambístia 42.404572, -3.26907242°24’16” N 3°16’9” W
Event-full Day!
20. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F
Sean and I rose early, knowing we had a long day to get to San Juan de Ortega—including a significant climb. Little did we know.

We had over 7 miles in by 9:30. Stopped to grab breakfast and a rain storm hit. We waited out most of the storm, chatted with the Colemans who we’d met several times before, then headed out again.

The video shows rain runoff and one of the pics shows a pile of hail by the side of the trail!

The Colemans caught up with us later and interviewed us for their YouTube channel (Cruisin with the Colemans), video should appear in about two weeks!

Climbed a never-ending hill to find that no beds were available in San Juan de Ortega, so we grabbed a pizza and made for Ages, where we ended our day. 21.33 miles worth (according to Fitbit)!Weiterlesen
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ReisenderThat is a lot of steps!! Awesome 😎
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ReisenderWow!!
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Dienstag, 20. Juni 2023 um 18:09
☁️ 70 °F
Höhe über NN: 3.209 ft
Spanien Agés 42.369529, -3.47906342°22’10” N 3°28’45” W
Kindness
20. Juni 2023 in Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F
I wish I had a picture to post with this—but a picture probably wouldn’t do it justice.

Yesterday I had struggled up a hill (a frequent occurrence!) and had stopped to catch my breath at the top. A gentleman with no lower jaw (cancer perhaps?) and no words, graciously offered me his walking stick.

God, please abundantly bless that gentleman and his kindness!Weiterlesen
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