Camino de Santiago (Frances)

We're setting out on an adventure of a lifetime. Just two crazy kids walking 500 miles across northern Spain. I hope you enjoy following along. Read more

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Day 24
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 5:31 PM
🌬 73 °F
Altitude: 3,133 ft
Spain Atapuerca 42.377433, -3.50711242°22’39” N 3°30’26” W
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Day 16-Atapuerca
September 20, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 73 °F
We must have our Camino legs now because today's 12 miles went by really fast. After our breakfast buffet this morning, we headed out just before sunrise. We started with about a two mile ascent which then leveled off for most of the day. The ladscape was beautiful.

There are about eight of us walking the same distances so it's been nice passing each other and then meeting in town again.

We stopped for coffee in San Juan de Ortega before heading to Agés. We were hoping to have lunch in Agés but the burger place we'd heard about wasn't open yet so we kept going to our final destination of Atapuerca.

Our host told us about a fine dining restaurant (Comosapiens) that is only open until 3:30pm during the week so we went there and had a very nice three-course lunch.

The exciting news of the day is that our place has a washing machine! We washed every stitch of clothing we have (both sets, haha) and luckily it's sunny and windy so everything has dried quickly.

Tomorrow we walk to Burgos and then we'll have a rest day.Read more
Traveler I love this photo! What's all that pinkish/purple stuff? Really interesting shot!
9/21/23Reply
Traveler Another great photo! Those clouds!!!
9/21/23Reply
Traveler Tempranillo......mmmmmm......🍷
9/21/23Reply
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Day 25
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM
🌧 57 °F
Altitude: 2,904 ft
Spain Fuente de Santa María 42.340694, -3.70583742°20’26” N 3°42’21” W
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Day 17-Burgos
September 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 57 °F
The walk to Burgos was...miserable. Yes, we took the beautiful river route but it was the weather that did us in. It was cold, rainy and very windy. The forecast predicted a tiny bit of drizzle but it rained for five hours.

We compounded the misery by not stopping to rest. We only stopped at the first town to drink hot chocolate while standing because the place was packed with drenched pilgrims. We had to climb over backpacks to get in. It's too bad we weren't hungry because the food looked great. I think alot of the pilgrims took taxis at that point but we trudged on.

The view of the cathedral as we walked into the plaza was spectacular! And then it stopped raining and we were rewarded with a blue sky.

Tomorrow is a rest day and I'm looking forward to it.Read more
I think the both of you should try out for the Amazing Race. Going town to town with challenges! 💪🏼 👏🏼 [Phyllis]
9/22/23Reply
TravelerYou make a miserable day look like so much FUN! Love it!
9/22/23Reply
TravelerNeither rain nor snow nor sleet nor hail shall keep these pilgrims from their appointed walks.... You did it!!!! Hope it's a warm, dry and restful day off!!!!
9/22/23Reply
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Day 25
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 7:08 PM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 2,923 ft
Spain Fuente de Santa María 42.340698, -3.70583942°20’27” N 3°42’21” W
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Day 17 - Burgos
September 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Well we made it, we swam half the way. We walked 14 miles in mostly steady rain and 20 mph winds from 7:45am until about 2pm. At least we get a day off in Burgos. My update was late yesterday as we had no internet service last night. Enjoy the images and video.Read more
Traveler Think of it like being on the back nine. Finish strong!
9/21/23Reply
Traveler Great video!!! You can hear the wind, brrrrr. Way to push through the inclement weather! This town looks cool so far. Seems possibly more urban than the others???
9/21/23Reply
Traveler Incredible!!!! Wish I was there!!!!
9/21/23Reply
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Day 26
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 6:02 PM
⛅ 64 °F
Altitude: 2,904 ft
Spain Fuente de Santa María 42.340684, -3.70582642°20’26” N 3°42’21” W
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Burgos Day Off
September 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F
We spent the day touring the Burgos Cathedral and the Human Evolution Museum. Today's update will be the Tour of the Cathedral. We are back on the pilgrimage tomorrow (Saturday) with a 14 mile hike to start the Meseta, plains.Read more
Traveler Gorgeous picture with the sun rising behind.
9/22/23Reply
Traveler 🤗🤗💜💜
9/22/23Reply
TravelerBeautiful photos. It looks like you're having a great time.
9/22/23Reply
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Day 26
Friday, September 22, 2023 at 7:06 PM
⛅ 63 °F
Altitude: 2,904 ft
Spain Fuente de Santa María 42.340685, -3.70582942°20’26” N 3°42’21” W
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Rest day in Burgos
September 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
What a difference a day makes! We woke up to a cool but clear morning. After breakfast, we toured the cathedral. We spent at least two hours exploring the many areas available to the public. With the help of the audio guide, I can now identify Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art and structures.

We had a wonderful lunch celebrating our 22nd anniversary. I had the suckling lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven. It was super tender and delicious!

In the afternoon, we went to the Museum of Human Evolution. It was interesting but we were overloaded with info and some of the visual presentations made us dizzy.

It was a well-deserved and fun rest day. Tomorrow we hit the trail again. No rain in the forecast.Read more
TravelerHappy Anniversary!
9/22/23Reply
TravelerHappy anniversary!!! Did you see any 🐻🐻🐻🐻? 😉
9/22/23Reply
Traveler I've always considered you two a masterpiece couple. 😉😉😉😉🤣
9/22/23Reply
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Day 27
Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM
☀️ 64 °F
Altitude: 2,707 ft
Spain Hornillos del Camino 42.338161, -3.92495742°20’17” N 3°55’30” W
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Day 18 - Hornillos del Camino
September 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
Back on the trail again after a good day off. We are now less than 500 kilometers from the completion (just under 300 miles). First day on the Meseta (you know, it only rains in Spain, mainly on the plains - meseta). No rain today but we did walk about 14.5 miles. It seems to be getting easier to do longer distance, provided the weather cooperates.Read more
Traveler Great pic! Look at that sky. Wow!
9/24/23Reply
Traveler Need a pic of you in his sandals. 😂
9/24/23Reply
Traveler Yahoo!!!
9/24/23Reply
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Day 27
Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:52 PM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 2,707 ft
Spain Hornillos del Camino 42.338159, -3.92496942°20’17” N 3°55’30” W
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Day 18-Hornillos del Camino
September 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
What a lovely day! It was cold this morning so we didn't start walking until after 9am. It was sunny and there was little shade, but a constant cool breeze made it enjoyable.

We stopped for coffee in Tardajos and I ended up sparking a lively conversation about tortilla de patatas among four local women. It wasn't the usual "with or without onions" debate. It got into "not everyone makes good tortilla", to the right type of potato to use, to how to beat the eggs properly. We found Tardajos to be an extremely friendly town. Several older gentlemen stopped us to talk as we walked through town.

As we were walking down the hill into Hornillos, we heard explosions and saw smoke in the air. We were hoping it wasn't another Civil War. When we checked in, we found out that there was a wedding in the plaza (we could hear the music) and they were responsible for the fireworks. We tried to crash the wedding but we were woefully underdressed. But not as underdressed as the German guy wandering the street in his boxers!

We chatted and dined with a Hungarian lady who started her Camino today in Burgos. 13 years ago she walked St. Jean to Burgos. We also dined with a couple we've been with since Quintanilla. We seem to stay at the same places. They recently moved from California to Georgia.

We ended up walking 14.5 miles today. Tomorrow might be slightly shorter.Read more
Traveler That's a neat statue.
9/23/23Reply
Smile….Smile……Smile…….. [Dan]
9/23/23Reply
Did you get a chance visit to Ramon? [Phyllis]
9/23/23Reply
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Day 28
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 4:36 PM
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 2,598 ft
Spain Castrogeriz 42.291523, -4.12997742°17’29” N 4°7’48” W
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Day 19-Castrojeriz
September 24, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
When we arrived in Hornillos at 3pm yesterday, that wedding was in full swing. It kept going until 3am. How do I know? Some of the wedding guests stayed in the same casa rural (country home) we were in. Two men kept going in and out of the house and slamming the front door so we didn't get much sleep. The fireworks at midnight were pretty cool, though. I must still need to learn some lessons from the Camino because I took great pleasure in slamming the bathroom door at 6am.

We walked about 13 miles today and had a rest stop about halfway through in Hontanas to have a cool drink and sweet watermelon. I expected to meseta to be all brown at this time of year but there were many trees and some green crops. The meseta is not completely flat either. It's more like flat hilltops with valleys.

We walked through the ruins of the San Anton Monastery where our friend Kerrie volunteers. They have a rustic (no electricity) albergue there. Pat got excited when he saw that they have a telescope there, but we moved on because we like electricity.

We're staying at Albergue Orion in Castrojeriz. They have a great courtyard for chatting and hanging laundry. A unique aspect of this albergue is that they make Korean food, so we had ramen for lunch and they're serving bibimbap for dinner.

It's going to be warm tomorrow so we'll be leaving before sunrise.Read more
You should have a great sunrise view at the top of the climb out of town…Enjoy the rest of the Meseta. [Cisco]
9/24/23Reply
Traveler 🤣
9/24/23Reply
Traveler Interesting contrast!
9/24/23Reply
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Day 28
Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 5:58 PM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 2,598 ft
Spain Castrogeriz 42.291568, -4.13006242°17’30” N 4°7’48” W
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Day 19 - Castrojeriz
September 24, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
We walked 13 miles today, 2nd day on the Meseta. It is flater, and we are getting our Camino legs underneath us. So much so that 12 miles is almost easy (if it is flat, no wind, and no rain). Walked with another pilgram we met yesterday from Budapest Hungary for a few kilometers.

We got to Castrojeriz and are staying at an albergue (semi hostel/ semi hotel), but our host serves Korean dishes. We had kimchi ramen noodles, mmm good, and are having Bibimbap (rice and a bunch of sides).Read more
TravelerBibimbap!!! Yum!!!! And ramen too!!!
9/24/23Reply
Traveler Just a fixer-upper. Easy job, ha ha.
9/24/23Reply
Traveler Nice video. Thanks. Love the impending sunrise and the monastery ruins. Silly Gina. 😉
9/24/23Reply
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Day 29
Monday, September 25, 2023 at 8:03 AM
🌙 46 °F
Altitude: 2,585 ft
Spain Boadilla del Camino 42.258154, -4.34687342°15’29” N 4°20’49” W
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Day 20-Boadilla del Camino
September 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 46 °F
Walked about 14 miles today. There was one hill we went up and over but then it was pretty flat. We started just before sunrise in 40 degrees and made it across the valley and halfway up the hill as the sun rose.

We stopped and had a sandwich in a little town with a smart, little dog. He just sat in front of us patiently waiting for a handout. When all we had left were the crusty parts of the bread, he moved on.

It got warm during our last five miles so we put the unbrellas up for shade. We would have melted otherwise.

Our hotel is quite nice for 50€. Alot of pilgrims had to walk another 8km because there are no more beds available here.Read more
TravelerOne of my favorite stops on the Maseta.
9/25/23Reply
TravelerIncredible terrain.! Beautiful sunrise 🌅!
9/25/23Reply
Traveler ...and I say, it's alright... All right for you on this incredible adventure. Walk on. Sing along. 🌞🌞🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️🎵🎵
9/25/23Reply
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Day 29
Monday, September 25, 2023 at 3:50 PM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 2,598 ft
Spain Boadilla del Camino 42.258198, -4.34662642°15’30” N 4°20’48” W
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Day 20 - Boadilla del Camino
September 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
Today's update is only pictures, the temperature got up a little today, we had to put our umbrellas up. Walked 14 miles today, again our apps are way off on real travel time and distance. Tomorrow is long trek, over 15 miles, we will see how we hold up after that....Read more
Traveler Looks different from Spain.
9/25/23Reply
Nice! [Cisco]
9/25/23Reply
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Day 30
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 2:01 PM
☀️ 75 °F
Altitude: 2,740 ft
Spain Iglesia de Santiago 42.338047, -4.60424142°20’17” N 4°36’15” W
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Day 21-Carrion de los Condes
September 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F
This was one of our longest walks...16 miles. We started out before dawn to beat the heat. The first two hours we walked next to a canal and kept gazing up at the stars. The sunrise was gorgeous.

We stopped a couple times for snacks and got into Carrion de lis Condes at 2pm. After laundry and snack, we went to the Albergue where the nuns sing with pilgrims. It was a really nice experience and we got to know more pilgrims from all over the world.

After the pilgrims blessing at church, we had a lovely dinner with a couple from Michigan. Then straight to bed.Read more
Traveler Wow!!!
9/28/23Reply
Traveler Super wow!!!!!!
9/28/23Reply
TravelerWhat a spiritual day from the pre-morning canal walk into sunrise to a special pilgrim blessing and making new pilgrim friends.......
9/28/23Reply
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Day 30
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 8:11 PM
🌙 73 °F
Altitude: 2,746 ft
Spain Carrión de los Condes 42.33711, -4.60157742°20’14” N 4°36’6” W
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Day 21 - Carrión de los Condes
September 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 73 °F
Today was our longest hiking day of our trip, and it seemed easier than the last long hike we had earlier. We have two more long hike days, but they are in the last ten days. The hike was over 16 miles, and we started at a 6:45am. The sunrise here is at 8:05am.Read more
Traveler I love this shot!!!!
9/26/23Reply
TravelerWay to push through this long long hike 💪!!!!
9/26/23Reply
Traveler Cool pic!
9/26/23Reply
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Day 31
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 2:00 PM
☁️ 75 °F
Altitude: 2,818 ft
Spain Arroyo Cueza de Cabañas 42.328584, -4.80445742°19’43” N 4°48’16” W
Day 22 - Calzadilla de la Cueza
September 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F
Well, we have made it to the halfway mark in in terms of walking days and milage. We are walking a total of 44 days and walking about 490 miles. Today we completed day 22 with an 11 mile hike and have traveled 243 miles from St Jean Pied de Port, France, we have 246 miles to Santiago Compostella.Read more
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Day 31
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 2:23 PM
☁️ 77 °F
Altitude: 2,818 ft
Spain Arroyo Cueza de Cabañas 42.328585, -4.80443542°19’43” N 4°48’16” W
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Day 22-Calzadilla de la Cueza
September 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F
Relatively short day, 11 miles, and flat but no towns or services in between so it was a bit monotonous. Sunflowers, corn fields and dirt. There was a food truck halfway through so we took a little break.

We arrived in Calzadilla about noon and found the friendliest innkeeper who checked us in quickly so we could get to our chores (laundry) and then lunch.

Today marks the halfway point of the walking portion of our trip. I can't believe we've made it this far!Read more
TravelerCongratulations
9/27/23Reply
TravelerCongratulations!!!
9/27/23Reply
TravelerWay to go! Are you going to get a half way compestella?
9/27/23Reply
TravelerYes!
9/27/23Reply
TravelerYou earned that reward!
9/27/23Reply
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Day 32
Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:02 PM
☀️ 77 °F
Altitude: 2,799 ft
Spain Moratinos 42.360455, -4.92483242°21’38” N 4°55’29” W
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Day 23 - Moratinos
September 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F
Very different day, today we made our first big mistake. It was going to be about a 10 mile walk. We stopped in a small town to get our Camino passport stamped and to have a refreshment, our final stop was just under 2 miles away. Well, when we got to the next town we realized we made a big mistake.

Make sure to watch both videos to catch what happened. Overall we walked around 12 miles.Read more
Traveler Doh!
9/28/23Reply
TravelerDitto that!!!
9/28/23Reply
Traveler Hey Pat wish I had that swing in my backyard! 🤣 Didn't even think about your being able to listen to podcasts. Gina are you even doing compulsive Pride and Prejudice over there???
9/28/23Reply
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Day 32
Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 4:15 PM
☀️ 79 °F
Altitude: 2,792 ft
Spain Moratinos 42.360467, -4.92490542°21’38” N 4°55’30” W
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Day 23-Moratinos
September 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F
Well, today was supposed to be a short day, about 9 miles, but it turned into 12 miles due to a minor screw up of mine.

We had a delightful time walking from town to town today, stopping for coffee or a beverage each time. As we arrived in Moratinos for a break, we were surprised by a guy who was doing wax stamps rather than ink ones. We got our stamp and stopped for a snack and a beverage. Then we wandered another mile and a half to the next town, San Nicolás, to spend the night. When we arrived, I checked my phone for the name of our place...Hostal Moratinos...sinking feeling sets in. Why would Hostal Moratinos be in a town a mile and a half away from Moratinos? Uh-oh. A google search later had us walking back to Moratinos to the exact place we stopped for our break. The stamp guy and the hostal owners had a good laugh. Oh well, we added three miles to our Camino. We needed to burn our breakfast calories anyway.Read more
TravelerOopps!!!
9/28/23ReplyTranslate
TravelerFalse advertising!!!! But you did it!!! Good attitude about the breakfast calories.
9/28/23Reply
Traveler Wax stamps are sooooo cool. How nice someone is doing that. It's beautiful!
9/28/23Reply
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Day 33
Friday, September 29, 2023 at 4:25 PM
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 2,776 ft
Spain Bercianos del Real Camino 42.388119, -5.14244942°23’17” N 5°8’33” W
Day 24 - Bercianos del Real Camino
September 29, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
I know we have walked the first 1.5 miles before, hmm when was it? Oh, I remember, it was yesterday ;)

We got an early start and it was like it didn't even happen. We walked 14 miles today and have a 13 mile tomorrow and then two easy days before a day off in Leon. The easy days will be under 10 miles each.Read more
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Day 33
Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5:08 PM
☀️ 82 °F
Altitude: 2,776 ft
Spain Bercianos del Real Camino 42.388149, -5.14246342°23’17” N 5°8’33” W
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Day 24-Bercianos del Real Camino
September 29, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
A little bit of a long day since we had to do a repeat of the first mile and a half but we were rewarded with a delicious tortilla de patatas in San Nicolás served with homegrown tomatoes. We started before sunrise and walked by the light of the moon. It was a nice walk from town to town and we were able to pickup a halfway certificate in Sahagún. We also saw a tough motorcycle gang which you'll see in the video.

We have a couple of short days next followed by a rest day (after 10 straight days of walking). We're looking forward to taking it easy for a bit.Read more
Traveler WOW!!! I stand with Dan in I can't believe you guys are doing this!!!! Walk it. Own it. 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
9/29/23Reply
Traveler This plus the first one with the moon are my fave pics of this day so far!!!
9/29/23Reply
Right [Josefina]
9/29/23Reply
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Day 34
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 4:49 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 2,713 ft
Spain Reliegos 42.471704, -5.35054642°28’18” N 5°21’2” W
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Day 25 - Reliegos
September 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Ok, 13 miles today, we have two easier days, 8 miles each and then a day off in León. We both are having minor issues, as would be expected, but the day off cures a lot off it.

Walked : 276 miles
To go: 224 milesRead more
Traveler That kitty is a loud purr-er. Good call on sending stuff ahead....why not? Did Gina approve that transaction? 😂 Hope your bodies are feeling refreshed as you head towards Camino fellowship in Leon. So happy you guys are having this incredible experience!!! Onward Pilgrims. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Did the Camino kitty join you? 😻
9/30/23Reply
Traveler You look marvelous!
9/30/23Reply
Traveler Hey Pat: Is that a supermoon? 😉
9/30/23Reply
TravelerOMG, you are purposely trying to make lose my sh#t, aren't you? I am not biting, I have found inner peace on my journey so now most things roll off my back like water on a duck's back.
9/30/23Reply
TravelerI was completely testing you. 😂 Absolutely serious now though....I've been reading about all these positive impacts that the Camino offers for the inner spirit. How it changes life perspectives and stays with Pilgrims for the rest of their lives. So anyway, you passed. 😉 A+++. Next exam in 224 miles 🌻🐑⛰️☮️✌️🕊️😃
9/30/23Reply
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Day 34
Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 4:51 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 2,713 ft
Spain Reliegos 42.471701, -5.35055242°28’18” N 5°21’2” W
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Day 25-Reliegos
September 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Well, here I go again...our short days are the next two days, not today. Today was a 13 mile day and a bit hot. We decided to transport some of our stuff to our next location to give my neck and Pat's knee a break. Pat, ever the gentleman, carried just what we needed for the walk in his backpack and I went packless. Our stuff was already in our room when we arrived.

We've noticed that the mountains are getting closer. I guess we are the ones that are getting closer to the mountains. We also saw a herd of sheep today. It's been awhile.

What we've mostly seen along the meseta are sunflowers and corn. And flies. I'm not sure why there are so many flies. Maybe it's all the stinky pilgrims. Not us, though.

We ran into a lady today that we were with on Day 1 at Auberge Borda. She said she's meeting up with another lady in León that we've known since St. Jean and haven't seen since Pamplona. It looks like there's going to be a reunion for alot of us in Leon.Read more
Classic!!! [Kerri]
9/30/23Reply
TravelerReunions were always so much fun!!!
9/30/23Reply
Traveler Salivating....😜
9/30/23Reply
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Day 35
Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 4:54 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 2,644 ft
Spain Río Moro 42.544393, -5.45430842°32’40” N 5°27’16” W
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Day-26 Puente Villarente
October 1, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
After dinner last night, we walked down the street to check out the famous Bar Elvis. It definitely stood out in this sleepy little town. We had a drink and then back to our place, La Cantina de Teddy, which we loved. This town had several bodegas (wine, ham and cheese storage) built into a hill.

We had an easy 10 miles of walking today before the heat set in. We stopped for a coffee in Mansilla de las Mulas at an albergue with a really pretty garden.

While we waited for our room to be ready in Punte Villarente, we had a beverage. I love that they give you free tapas here with your drink. After we checked in and did laundry, we walked around looking for a place for lunch. Well, it's Sunday so our place was the only restaurant open for lunch. Then we found out that they were completely full for lunch (to be seated and order off the menu) but we could order a sandwich, which we didn't feel like. So we told them we'd just have a couple drinks and tapas. They then brought us two plates full of tapas. They were so nice to us. We ended up chatting to a local for a while and had a great time.Read more
Traveler Looks very cool!!!! And nice picture Miss Gina!!!
10/1/23Reply
Traveler Gives me fond memories of "the cave" for some reason.....hmmm.....
10/1/23Reply
Traveler Really beautiful photography. This and the last one. Must be serene on these early mornings. Love that 🌙. Glad you guys had a nice time there and scored a lot of much needed tapas!
10/1/23Reply
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Camino de Santiago (Frances)Traveler
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Day 35
Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 5:09 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 2,644 ft
Spain Río Moro 42.544401, -5.45440242°32’40” N 5°27’16” W
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Day 26 - Puente Villarente
October 1, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Nice and easy day today, we walk about 10 miles. We have the same tomorrow going into León, and we then have a day off.

It has been absolutely wonderful with Gina so fluent in Spanish. Everyone complements her on how well she speaks their language. Only came close to having beat up two old men for hitting on her 😃Read more
Traveler They're getting closer.....
10/1/23Reply
Traveler 🤣
10/1/23Reply
Traveler Hope it helps!!!
10/1/23Reply
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Camino de Santiago (Frances)Traveler
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Day 36
Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10:31 PM
🌙 66 °F
Altitude: 2,772 ft
Spain Convento de San Marcos 42.601734, -5.58229142°36’6” N 5°34’56” W
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Day 27 - León
October 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 66 °F
Short walk into León, about 10 miles today. We are staying at the Paradores in León, really nice when compared to some of the places we have stayed on our journey. We get to enjoy a day off on Tuesday so we are going to tour the Cathedral and enjoy the local cuisine.

We are now less than 200 miles from our goal, and we are over 60 percent complete on the Camino.Read more
Traveler Looks really nice!
10/2/23Reply
Traveler Excellent photo!!! I really love this one!!!
10/3/23Reply
Traveler Chacos!!!
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Camino de Santiago (Frances)Traveler
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Day 36
Monday, October 2, 2023 at 11:14 PM
🌙 64 °F
Altitude: 2,772 ft
Spain Convento de San Marcos 42.601734, -5.58229242°36’6” N 5°34’56” W
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Day 27-León
October 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 64 °F
On our 10 mile walk today, Pat happened to mention that we have three weeks of walking until we reach Santiago. I just couldn't believe it. The time is going by so quickly.

The walk was easy until we reached León's city limits and had to maneuver through traffic and crowds.

Our room wasn't ready when we arrived so we left our backpacks at the hotel and had lunch at a yummy Italian place. When we back to the hotel, the receptionist brought out our backpacks and said, "it's really hard carrying a backpack". Yeah, I know.

A German tourist got a kick out of our pilgrim passports and took pictures of the stamps we'd collected. He couldn't believe we'd walked over 400 kilometers so far.

We're staying at the Parador in León which was originally a 16th century monastery and hospital. It was also a prison at some point but it's now a five star hotel brimming with antiques and artwork in the hallways and cloister. It also has high-end lighting and fixtures in the room (which is the size of apartments I lived in when I was in my 20s) . I don't even want to leave the room to check out León.

But we did venture out to the Barrio Romántico for drinks and tapas. This area is known for cecina, which is thinly sliced cured beef. Basically, it's prosciutto made from a cow. It's delicious!

Tomorrow is a rest day so we'll tour the cathedral and soak up the local ambiance.Read more
Traveler The entrance to Leon looks so industrial.
10/2/23Reply
TravelerLeon is beautiful…. Did you see the Route 66 sign???
10/2/23Reply
TravelerNo, where is it?
10/2/23Reply
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