El Camino de Santiago

St. Jean Pied de Port France to Fisterre spain. Planning for 830 kilometers. On foot. Read more

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El Camino de Santiago
1
Day 2 Orrison to Roncesvalles
May 2, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 45 °F
Our day started with a breath taking sunrise, a shared breakfast and the excitement of another day.
We all started off walking together and then we each walked separately for a time and then met up at a food truck for coffee and a banana. We still had a bit of climbing, we all agreed it was easier today even as we doubled our mileage. We had great weather even with it being quite windy.
We’re staying in a nice hotel tonight, had our laundry done and enjoyed a wonderful meal. Enjoy, KatRead more
Traveler Some amazing vistas 👣
5/2/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Mostly uphill days are done.
May 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F
Arrived Roncesvalles/Ronceveaux.
Today we got up and had a pilgrims breakfast under the most magnificent sunrise. We were above the low lying fog on the villages below. The horses with their big cowbell-esqe bells running up the trails to start their own days.
The first 7 or so miles of our walking day was up hill. At least today we had flats and dips to recover in (unlike yesterday). It was clear, windy and spectacular on the peaks, green with new spring grass. It was nice to walk among all of the people that we celebrated with last night at our pilgrims dinner. We have indeed started to accumulate our camino family. We crossed the French/Spanish border which was basically unmarked and headed on.

The last part of our day was the descent into Roncevalles. Somehow we 4 managed to walk three different trails to get there. I slipped and fell, my trekking pole sacrificing itself to save me. I had to continue with only one. Hopefully in Pamplona I'll find another set. We finshed our 10 mile day, easing into increasing our daily distance as the terrain flattens out.

We checked into our hotel in Roncesvalles, had dinner and congratulated ourselves for a good day.

Finding lodging in some cities seems to be an issue these days with the overwhelming influx of pilgrims, so we booked the next two days and will start booking a couple days in advance.

Posted by JimRead more
TravelerDid you get to see the grand prix Jim LOL 😆
5/2/23Reply
OurtravelsNo, we caught some of the first handful of laps over the shoulders of people on the train (lots were watching). But havent seen it yet.
5/2/23Reply
TravelerI’m trying to map and got that it was 17 km. And it looked like there was still uphill Hope today is flat. I love your descriptions
5/3/23Reply
OurtravelsThere was! We weren't expecting so much uphill today but it was definitely the downhill that killed us.
5/3/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Orrison to Roncesvalles
May 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F
Holy expletive!!!!!!! We just WALKED across the Pyrenees ❣️
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El Camino de Santiago
The road to Zubiri was tough
May 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
The morning started off beautiful, what we thought was a mostly downhill trail wasn’t…we had 1288 ft of elevation gain along with warmer temperatures made it a challenging day. We know it’s going to take at least a week to get our trail leg’s so it’s to be expected.
We stopped at a little market and bought fruit, salami, cheese and a fresh baguette. We stopped about 7-8 miles in and enjoyed every morsel.
Once we left after eating is when the climbing and steep ascents made it tough. We made a second stop at a food truck and enjoyed a cold soda for the moment all was right with the world until we got back on the trail. Javier’s hip was really bothering him so we took it nice and slow because the trails were rocky, steep and slick.
When we made the final ascent into town 🙏🏼our Pension was at the foot of the trail. We really have a cute room, wonderful host and the restaurant/bar he recommended was wonderful.
Jav and I will be transporting our bags to Pamplona tomorrow I want to make sure his hip gets some rest from the pack. Our day ended perfectly with a good meal and a cold beer 🍻 with our fantastic friends. Buenas noches and tomorrow will be another beautiful day in the Camino. Enjoy the photos look for our grumpy face picture in the mix.Read more
TravelerWhat a fantastic trip, and wonderful pictures. Following your journey has been very inspiring!
5/4/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Roncesvalles to Zubiri
May 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F
The first part of our walk today was idyllic. The rest, not so much. The thing that looks like a rock wall is the trail. Steep, slippery and relentless. We're all exhausted. I'm sure we'll sleep well tonight.
M.Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
Roncesvalles to Zubiri - day # 3
May 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
Roncesvalles to Zubiri was a grind and I struggled with a painful right hip but thanks to Kathy I pushed through the pain and made it to Zubiri,No one said the Camino would be easy but it’s amazing what we can do when we put our minds into something.
On the bright side I ran into a bear!!
The Bimbo Bear that is ! in Spain of all places😎Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
Zuberi
May 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F
Too tired to post today. Lots of up and down, lots of rocks. 13.5 mi. Beer, Nice shower and bed at end. Will post more later.
4:00 am update:
After a solid 8 hours of sleep I'm able to reflect on yesterdays travel. We say "the camino provides" and it does. I have been given so many unexpected gifts in our first two days. Yesterday I felt like I experienced the forgotten side of the equation "the camino will test you". I was tested. All day. I dont think I passed all of them, but as we made our way down out of the rolling foothills into Zubiri, at the end of the day, The camino provided me with a ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette, 2 Estrella Galicias and a chance to laugh and love.

We thought our hard up and downs were done, I had foolishly forgotten to look at the map and realize that we were still in the foothills. There were many uphills, all unexpected, surprising and maddeningly soul sucking. We were of course rewarded by pastures and quaint, tidy little villages.
I tried to stay on pace, stay on my hydration and snacking plan, but damn, it was tough. And if the first 6 hours werent tough enough, the final hour downhill into Zubiri was an indescribably tricky outerworld torture path of slippery, dusty ledge, rock and ugh!
After we all made it back and made our way to little Bar Valentin I sat shell shocked, not clear on my emotions, knowing that I had certainly been tested. I wasnt given a score, but i know one thing... We are *doing* the camino!

That first beer was the best beer ever.

The ham sandwich was the best ham sandwich ever.

Kathy, Javier and Melanie...best trail buddies ever.

Posted by jim; pilgrim.Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
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Pamplona a beautiful walk via the river
May 4, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
Our longest day so far mileage wise, we really enjoyed the ease of today compared to the previous three days. We decided to take the River Route which added mileage but it kept on flat shady paths.
Once we settled into our Apartment in Pamplona we went to a Decathlon store and then enjoyed a nice meal and cerveza. We ran into our friend Jose that we taxied to St. Jean with, such a wonderful kind soul. I believe we all really had a fantastic day even though we’re all pretty exhausted.Read more
Traveler Nice shady walk here.
5/4/23Reply
TravelerGreat photos
5/4/23Reply
Traveler What’s in your mouths?
5/4/23Reply
Traveler Wheat 🌾 or some type of grain, it was sweet.
5/5/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Zubiri to Pamplona
May 4, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Beautiful day but so so tired😴
Kathy and I took an extra hike up to the church of San Esteban to ring a bell dating back to the 1300s. The beautiful little church and lovely grounds were worth the walk.
M.Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
4
Zubiri to Pamplona day#4
May 4, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
Today was a long 15 miles/ 24K but the scenery was awesome,I paid 6 Euros to have my backpack shipped from Zubiri to Pamplona and it’s the best 6 Euros I have ever spent,it gave my hip and knee a much needed break,we are all pushing through this wonderful and amazing grind but we made it to the famous city of Pamplona were Earnest Hemingway wrote his first great novel “The Sun Also Rises” that brought a lot of attention and fame to the Fiestas de San Fermin and the running of the bulls through the streets of Pamplona
Buenas noches for now 🥱Read more
Traveler The sights are so fun!
5/4/23Reply
Traveler Wouldn't want to be those people on the ground!
5/4/23Reply
Traveler The pictures of the waterfalls were beautiful 😍
5/4/23Reply
Traveler Glad you shipped that 🎒!
5/4/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
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Pamplona Spain
May 4, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
Made it to Pamplona, 15 mile day, gradually increasing our daily mileage. It was a great day. I'll post more after a couple beers, some tapas and sleep.
4 am update:
So our walk from Zubiri to Pamplona was a beautiful one. The terrain was wonderfully varied without any of the strenuous uphill climbs and knee straining downhills of the last couple days. It was mostly forested and we had the chance to take scenic paths along a few rivers. We all seemed to feel very good, our bodies adapting to the task at hand.

One thing we've noticed about our encounters along the way with people here--locals, not pilgrims--is that nobody really seems interested in giving you any response or reaction when you say "hello". Perhaps our home is the exception rather than the rule?

Pamplona, from what we've seen is like any major city. Our experiences are limited but it was extremely difficult to catch a cab here.

Our next walk is to Obanos and we have one big climb up to Alto Perdon, which is the windy mountaintop home to the famous metal silhouette pilgrim sculptures. More to come tomorrow!

Posted by JimRead more
Traveler Nice 👍
5/4/23Reply
Traveler Did Jim find new walking sticks? How is Javier’s hip today?
5/4/23Reply
OurtravelsYes, at Decathlon. Javs hip is recovering. We're all trying to listen very closely to our bodies, its going to be a long 6 weeks!
5/4/23Reply
TravelerIt is a big undertaking you have chosen. Please take time to rest if you need to.
5/4/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Pamplona to Obanos
May 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F
Had a wonderful nights sleep but I woke up feeling nauseous and had a headache. I skipped breakfast while Jav, Jim and Melanie went and I buried my head under a pillow and took a quick nap. Jav brought me a croissant and I ate that and told everyone I’d just power through. Once we got out of the city of Pamplona it was quiet and beautiful once again. Thankfully the walk wasn’t too difficult even though we did climb over 1400 feet.
I continued to drink electrolytes and eat bread and just push through.
The highlight of the day was when we reached the wind mills and metal sculptures of the pilgrims and running into so many trail friends throughout the day.
We’re staying at Casa Rural Villazon and we enjoyed some snacks and cold beers at the bar next door. We went to the market and bought soup and made sandwiches. We’re going to have to do a better job of having a nice meal at lunch and have a light snack for dinner because we’re not wanting to eat at 8-9pm 😴
Until tomorrow KatRead more
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El Camino de Santiago
Pamplona to Obanos
May 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F
Today was a spectacularly beautiful day! We walked through fields of poppies and wheat, climbed the hill of forgiveness, enjoyed breathtaking views, and meandered through olive groves and quaint Spanish towns before arriving in Obanos. The city you can see in the distance is Pamplona, where we started this morning. Most towns have fountains, like the one pictured, for pilgrims to refill their water. The metal pilgrim sculptures were the first of the famous sights we will see along the Camino.
MelanieRead more
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El Camino de Santiago
Obanos Spain
May 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 79 °F
11 miles today. We were all glad to leave Pamplona this morning. It was a big city which gave me the impression that I would have had to spend much more time there to understand it's gestalt enough to feel welcome.
The walk out of the city and up into the hills was beautiful, like a living Windows 95 desktop.
Climbing to the top of Alto de Perdon the pilgrim is said to ask for forgiveness for himself and others with every step. At the summit is a beautiful metal sculpture of Perigrinos. While planning our camino, we saw this sculpture in so many youtube videos that it was slightly odd to actually be there. We sat and snacked and expressed our amazement at where we were. And, oh yeah, the view was breathtaking.
The long walk down into Obano was sometimes rocky/treacherous and sometimes pastoral. We eventually even walked through a very old olive grove.

After reaching Obanos at 3pm and checking in, the cold beer at the little tavern next to our pension was a welcome reward for a great day.

Posted by JimRead more
TravelerYou look great
5/5/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Pamplona to Obanos day # 5
May 5, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F
Today’s walk was a pretty good 11.5 mile walk,I took the opportunity to have my backpack shipped to Obanos and my hip and knee felt much better,It was great leaving a big city like Pamplona and in a couple of miles we were in rolling hills of wheat fields that were very serene and the only noise you could hear was the sound of your footsteps.We do a great job of taking turns at leading the pack we make a good team!!
Buenas noches for today
JavierRead more
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El Camino de Santiago
Obanos to Estella a beautiful day
May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F
We left at 7:50am and stopped in Puente La Reina for a delicious breakfast and then continued on through the beautiful country side.
We stopped several times to enjoy a cold beverage and a quick snack. We stopped into a simple church and it was so peaceful. We crossed several old bridges and an ancient Roman road. We strolled through Lorca and they had a festival going on and we stopped for Javier’s favorite an ice cold Coke and I enjoyed a scrumptious Spanish Tortilla the proprietor of the bar was so kind. We spent time walking with our Hermano Jose that we met in our taxi on the ride to St. Jean.
With the leisurely stops to take time to eat and enjoy I never felt depleted today, in fact my energy was sustained throughout the full 15 miles.
We’re sharing an Airbnb tonight with a couple I first met at the train station in Pamplona, Deano and Becky they are a real nice couple from Ohio. We were able to do laundry so far I haven’t had to wash anything by hand.
Javier, Melanie and I went to Richard’s Bar and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Today was a “Good day for a Good day”Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
Los Arcos to Logroño day # 8
May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
Today’s walk was our longest walk so far 17.5 miles, Overall we all did great considering the distance, We are now walking through rolling vineyards of Spain’s famous wine country.
Our much awaited day off is at long last here in Logroño 🙏😎👍
Tomorrow we will give our feet a much needed rest and be fresh for the next stage. I’m ready for some Tapas to along with my cold Estrella Galicia beer🍺
Buenas noches for now!!
JavierRead more
TravelerThat is a long day! Love the pictures and watching you and Kats journey. Enjoy your day off!
5/9/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Obanos to Estella
May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F
More beautiful countryside, medieval architecture and a walled city! We walked 15 miles today, some of it on the original Roman road. Finally had an amazing salad for dinner. I've been craving veggies.
Oh! I almost forgot. There were storks nesting in a bell tower😁
M.Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
Estella, Spain
May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
🤯
TravelerHow are you finding the temperature when you are walking ? I imagine you are fairly comfortable after walking in Cinco.
5/6/23Reply
OurtravelsTemperature is high 70s, low humidity, mostly with a nice breeze. Extremely comfortable.
5/7/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Obanos to Estella day #6
May 6, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Today’s walk was a long beautiful walk through the Spanish countryside
Temperatures are starting to heat but our conditioning in PV certainly helps
Looking forward to our first 0 day in Logroño on Tuesday.
Buenas noches to all,laying down to sleep never felt so good 😴👍
JavierRead more
TravelerI love ❤️ you babe and I’m enjoying every step having you by my side.
5/6/23Reply
TravelerDoes that mean a full day to rest up?
5/6/23Reply
4 likes
El Camino de Santiago
Estella to Los Arcos
May 7, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F
Today was a Goldilocks day😍 Not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny, not too steep... all in all, a perfect day for walking a little over 13 miles. We enjoyed two more famous Camino experiences. The blacksmith who makes Camino memorabilia and the free wine fountain! Unfortunately, we were a little too early for the wine so I only had a taste. We stopped for breakfast in Azketako and arrived in Los Arcos in time for a big lunch at a café in the square. Everything tastes like the "best we've ever had" after a long day of walking. 😍 We're having an amazing adventure and we love you all❤️
M.Read more
Travelerhi, just catching up with your journey 😊. it looks so magical and exciting.
5/9/23Reply
OurtravelsI think all 4 of us would agree that it has been a magical journey of discovery; on so many levels. And I think successful beyond our hopes.
5/9/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
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A stroll to Los Arcos a “Lovely Day”
May 7, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F
We had a great nights sleep and left after everyone else around 7:30am the weather was gorgeous all day and we walked just over 14 miles from our AirBnB to the square in Los Arcos where we met up with Jim and Melanie and Dino and Becky. The miles just clicked off and Javier and I walked into town listening to Bill Wither’s sing “Lovely Day”. We’re staying at Pension Los Arcos, I was able to soak 🛁 in the tub, a little piece of heaven.
We then walked to a cute little bakery and bought breakfast for tomorrow. We ended up back at the square and ran into our friend Jeff from Florida and I gave him a Caminó amulet. Jav and I shared a pitcher of Sangria and we’ll grab dinner later once Siesta time is over. Tomorrow will be our farthest day yet, praying for strength and perseverance for us and our fellow pilgrims.Read more
Traveler Yum. My kind of lunch 😋
5/7/23Reply
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El Camino de Santiago
Estella to Los Arcos day # 7
May 7, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F
14 mile hike today long but not as strenuous as past days. Carried my backpack and my body held up well
Tomorrow will be a 17 mile grind going to Logroño and I will take the opportunity to ship my backpack by courier. Had a lovely day walking with the love of my life❤️❤️
It’s time to rest up for tomorrow
Buenas noches for now
JavierRead more
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El Camino de Santiago
Los Arcos, Spain
May 7, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
13 mile day, beautiful weather, wonderful walk through the Spanish countryside.
A word about mileage: we all wear watches that use GPS to track our movement, however we are consistently only within 1/2-3/4 of a mile of each others readings, so you may notice a difference in our posts.
Melanie and I decided to get an earlier than usual start this morning and rose with the sun. It was a beautiful day and the walk started with a slow gradual climb then continued through rolling vinyards and wheatfields. We arrived at 1pm in los arcos, in time for lunch. We have been experiencing difficulties arriving after 2 because everything shuts down for siesta between 2 and 4. Beer and salad and spaghetti.
Tomorrow is a long 17 mile day, hopefully we'll have another day of spectacular weather.

Posred by Jim.Read more
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El Camino de Santiago
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The Long and winding Road to Logroño
May 8, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 46 °F
We left this morning around 6:40 since we had a 17+ mile day ahead. The weather was perfect and the full moon was ahead of us as the sun ☀️ rose behind us. We only took a couple short breaks my favorite being the second one at a little stand where we had croissants. Pepé was such a kind man, he gave both Melanie and I a little package of Oreos to make sure “Our Camino walk is sweet”. Javier and I got in a good groove and the miles went by quickly. The last two miles were tough so we put on some Neil Young to get our minds off the walking, the road seemed to go on forever.
We checked into our AirBnB and then walked and got a six pack of beer to put in the fridge to share with Jim and Melanie once they arrived.
After cleaning up and getting laundry done we went and enjoyed some tapas and vino 🍷. Tomorrow is a much needed rest day.Read more
Traveler If you look closely in the middle you can see the full moon
5/8/23Reply
Traveler Pepé
5/8/23Reply
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