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Camino de Santiago
  • Kathie Lassos the Moon

Camino de Santiago

A 40-day adventure by Kathie Lassos the Moon Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 27, 2022
    Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Fifty Days and Counting!

    July 8, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 82 °F

    Happy Friday! I decided to begin my journal — Pre Camino de Santiago today.

    I have walked 6+ miles every day since I returned from our European vacation. Next week, I will increase my mileage to 10 miles a day—with my backpack of course. I am easing back into my walking since vacation, I don’t want to chance an injury that might cause my training to be stalled.

    In Dallas, we have a heat “warning” today. The temps will once again be in triple digits and the heat index even more dangerously high. I will work out in the gym today and work on uphill climbing—preparing for the Pyrenees portion of the Camino.

    I find myself praying constantly for my Camino. I wake up in the morning or the middle of the night thinking about it. I go to sleep thinking about it. I am not sure if this is fear, or the strong desire to complete the entire 500-mile walk. I don’t know that it matters right now. I am doing all I can now to be prepared—well, as prepared as one can be for the unknown. I equate this feeling to when I was expecting our first child, Sara. It was all I thought about, prayed, and prepared for—but no one can really tell you what your experience will be like—what it is like to have a baby dependent on you. It takes going through it to know. So I am opening my heart and mind to an adventure, praying for joy, fellowship with other pilgrims, good health, and safety.

    There are times I wish I wasn’t going alone—but this isn’t Joe’s cup of tea. He would be miserable. And I don’t want that for him or my Santiago experience. My friend, Diane had planned to do a portion of the Camino a few years ago, but COVID got in the way. Then Diane had to drop out of going due to a walking/hiking accident she had that compromised her ankle for such a long walk.

    So, I will go alone. I will continue to fully rely on God today and every day — especially as I prepare and walk my Camino.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    James the Apostle

    July 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 100 °F

    Today is the Feast Day of St. James!

    The reason last year and this year are considered Holy Years—when St. James’ Feast Day falls on a Sunday, Pope Francis declared it a Holy Year for the Camino. Because many pilgrims could not travel due to COVID, the Pope extended the Holy Year one more year. Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is also described as the Way of St. James.

    Saint Jacob, or Saint James, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He was born in Bethsaida, a village on Lake Tiberias, in present-day Israel. He was the son of the fisherman Zebedee and the brother of the apostle John.

    What is clear from their writings is that Saint James was a faithful follower of Jesus. Together with Peter and his brother John, he is considered one of the three most important disciples. He is the patron saint of Spain, where the end of the pilgrimage route named after him can also be found.

    Saint James traveled to Spain to spread the word of Christ there. He is said to have spent about seven years here before returning to Jerusalem. Around Easter of AD 44, Saint James was the first of the apostles to die a martyr when he was beheaded under the command of Herod Agrippa, king of the Herodians.

    Saint James’s head is said to be buried in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, where a cathedral is dedicated to Saint James the Greater. The building is said to mark the spot where he was beheaded.

    According to the accounts, the body of Saint James made a long journey west After the death of the apostle, his body is said to have been taken to the Iberian Peninsula in a boat led by an angel. After that, the saint was buried in the place where Santiago de Compostela is now located. This place is even named after him: the Spanish name of Saint Jacob, Santo Iago, or San Yago, was shortened to Santiago.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Two Weeks to Go!

    August 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 97 °F

    • Packing
    • Walking
    • Stationary bike
    • Repacking
    • Redistributing weight in my backpack
    • Praying
    • Weighing my backpack
    • Going over routes
    • Check things off my packing list
    • Praying
    • Checking the 14 day forecast for Spain

    But today, I am relishing the amazing time Joe and I had this week with the three little boys who crawl into my heart whether we are together or not. We love these boys!

    Since our grandsons left today, I made list as to how I will be filling my days leading up to the 27th!

    I am anxious, terrified, and very excited about walking the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela!

    Photos from our week with our grandsons!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    God-incident?

    August 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    My grandmother encouraged us to pray the rosary. She told us every Hail Mary you say you are giving the Blessed Mother a rose, when you say the rosary you give her a bouquet of roses. She said, “When you get to heaven it will be wonderful to see all of the roses you gave the Blessed Mother throughout your life!” This started my true affection for our Mother Mary!

    My grandmother said the rosary all throughout her day--8 times throughout the day. When she died, she died on the Feast of the Holy Rosary Oct. 7th! This will be the day I finish my Camino!

    Blessings this day of Mary’s Assumption into heaven, body and soul!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Six More Sleeps!

    August 21, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    Excited. Anxious. Terrified. Joyful.
    I leave on Saturday for Madrid.

    People walk the Camino for a variety of reasons; some walk for the physical challenge, some walk for the solitude, or to walk the journey with a good friend, spouse, or sibling, and others walk for a spiritual reason—some walk for all three. I believe my pilgrimage is for all three reasons, and some reasons I won’t know until I’m on the trail.

    Just had to compare and contrast my packing from our Cruise to my Camino.
    Joe and I shared the larger luggage bag, but my “stuff” alone occupied the carry-on and red backpack!

    I have repacked it multiple times. I am missing a few small items here, but for the most part, this is it.

    Prayers appreciated for myself and other pilgrims on their Camino!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    My Camino Prayer

    August 23, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Seashells Pointing the Way!

    August 24, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    Earlier this summer when we were on vacation, I had moments of doubt about walking solo.

    As we were touring Antwerp, and Bruges Belgium — one of our tour guides pointed out a brass seashell in the pavement. He asked if anyone knew what it meant. I exclaimed, “Camino de Santiago!” Our tour guide explained the Camino to our group and shared that last year he cycled the Camino — starting in Antwerp!

    Throughout the remainder of our trip, other passengers on our cruise showed the Camino seashells to me pointing the way.

    It may seem silly, but the seashells on the pavement or the bright blue background with yellow seashells (especially the one on “Pelgrim Stratte” in Antwerp) really encouraged me.

    I’m not a big believer in “signs”— anyone who knows the story of our wedding can attest to the number of signs I ignored —but we are still together after 37 years…a story I will save for another time!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Sweetness!

    August 25, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    I received a package in the mail this afternoon and was touched beyond measure! My sweet friend made a wool pair of socks for me! As she was making them, she prayed for me and my pilgrimage. The icing on the cake —
    St. James is on the cuff of one of the socks! Blessings!
    Thank you, Sue!
    ❤️✝️    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    The Adventure Begins!

    August 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 93 °F

    I didn’t think I would be so emotional as I said goodbye to Joe at the airport! I will miss him on this adventure.

    I’m excited to be going. I reached a point earlier this week where I just wanted to begin. So here I am.

    Joe slipped a large envelope into my backpack and told me I had strict orders to follow the instructions. When I got to the gate, I pulled out the envelope — tried not to cry in the lounge of American Airlines! I love my family! 📝♥️

    Once in Madrid, I will be either taking a taxi to the train station and a train to Pamplona or taking a bus to Pamplona. I’m a little type A and knew I would feel better having a plan B in the event 2.5 hours is cutting it close to make the train. The train station will be 25-30 minutes. I hope that Sunday mornings are slow in Spain!

    Here I go!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    My First Blessing While Boarding!

    August 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 93 °F

    I saw a woman at the gate with seashells on her backpack. I started to ask if she…and she immediately said to me with a huge smile, Camino?!
    We chatted while we were waiting to board. Susan has walked portions of the Camino, she was very excited for me! She gave me a little charm (so to speak) that has Buen Camino (have a good Camino/walk). This is a common greeting/goodbye. #blessedRead more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    St Jean Pied de Port

    August 29, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    After a dinner with pilgrims I met yesterday, and a great night’s sleep, I am ready to explore St. Jean.

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    New Friends

    August 29, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    I connected with a woman on the Camino Camigas FB page, while I was planning my Camino. We would arrive in St Jean at the same time. We connected via WhatsApp once in France. We would try to meet up the next day -- which is now today.
    TSA would not allow my trekking poles in my backpack, so I left them behind. That is the first item on my agenda today. While purchasing them, three women came in to do the same. As I left the store, I received a message from Monette that she was with several women from the Albergue to going to buy trekking poles. I stopped, went back, and called her name, and she yelled back, Kathie? The four of us spent the day together exploring this quaint town! We went to the farmers' market to buy fruit for tomorrow. Stuck our feet in La Nive River. Climbed the Citadelle. Had lunch and then parted.
    Tonight the Albergue I am staying in (Beilari) has a communal dinner, I plan to attend!

    I know I am running on adrenaline right now, I feel like if I laid down, I would crash and burn.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Here We Go!!

    August 30, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    Buen Camino!

    See translation
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    Half-Way Up!

    August 30, 2022 in France ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Challenging! Kept going.
    Thank you Lord! Thank you St. James! Thank you Blessed Mother!

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    The Second Day Was Tough!

    August 31, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    It was a tough climb, the descent was tougher. The steepness of the descent propelled you forward, and the weight of your pack pulled on your balance. Going down sideways, as well as traversing back and forth were very helpful tips from one of my newest Camino friends, Ali!

    The other challenge that complicated the descent was how wet the leaves and rocks were. Concentrating on not falling took a great deal of energy! I am so happy we all made it safely to Roncesvalles, Spain! 🇪🇸

    After dinner, I attended the Pilgrim Mass! I have attended all the Pilgrim Masses thus far. It is so beautiful after mass, the priest calls all pilgrims up for a special blessing!

    I thanked God for a safe descent!    Read more

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    Zubiri Very Rocky Descent Lived Up to It

    September 1, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    I left Roncesvalles, Spain as the sun came up — it was quite beautiful! Today was a long walking day with climbing that was manageable, mixed with straight and downhill. The last 5 km were so rocky and rugged, it made concentration (once again) a priority.
    I walked with a terrific married couple from NC. They helped make the 7 hours of walking enjoyable!

    When I reached the Albergue, Suseia, my sweet friend, Margaret, from Brisbane, Australia showed up! We walked together the day before. She belongs to an Outback Bush Hiking Club! She is quite amazing!

    I am definitely getting into a routine:
    Walk-shower-wash clothes (in a sink or wash tub, and line dry)-eat-sleep. This is pretty much life on the Camino for the next month or so! I do take some time to go into the small towns.

    Tomorrow I will walk 20 km to Pamplona, Spain!

    I am missing Joe!❤️

    Buenas Noches!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Pamplona-Where the Bulls Run!

    September 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Over and over again, I see the kindness of strangers. A woman I met from Brisbane, Australia was having a very difficult time with the travel and the backpack. A sweet couple from California first offered to divide up some of her backpack, only to discover she couldn’t carry it. So, Craig carried it about
    5-7 km for her. It was hot, sunny, and an overall exhausting hike.
    We arrived in Pamplona—-I showered, repacked and went to find food.
    The toughest is that bars, restaurants close at 2pm for siesta and don’t serve food until 8pm, all I want to do is eat and go to bed.
    Another big day ahead tomorrow. I slept in this cubicle. I actually liked that it helped with not hearing the snorers and for privacy.
    Puenta la Reina tomorrow.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    1

    Where the Path of Wind Reaches the Stars

    September 3, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    As I was heading out early in the morning to Puenta la Reina, two couples I met in Zubiri called my name. I asked if they would mind a 5th wheel for a while walking? “Join us!” 😊 They were great! It turns out the two gentlemen are retired Navy and Marine Pilots and their wives were delightful!
    Like most days this was once again a day of climbing and descents. Before noon, we reached an iconic piece of art on the Camino.

    Since 1996, one of the great symbols of the Camino de Santiago has been the sculpture by Vincent Galbete, immortalized pilgrims in steel on their way to Compostela. In one of the figures that make up the work of art you can read: “Donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas.” (Where the path of wind crosses with the stars.) I was almost giddy reaching this point. Thank heavens for Google translate!

    We had at least two+ hours of walking. The sun, the sun and the sun made the hiking harder. But we made it!
    Until tomorrow.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Estella

    September 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    As I was crossing the stone bridge from Puente la Reina, I met a woman, who was also staying at the same Albergue. Mimi from Massachusetts—walked by and we started talking, the next thing you know we are walking the entire hike!

    I enjoyed walking with Mimi. A good bit of the time was silent—which I loved.

    I realized a few days ago, when I admire a little town on a hill, that means we will be climbing the hill to reach it and pass through it. When we climb up, that means we have to also climb down. Sounds simple, very elementary—until you are exhausted and just hoping the next town is within sight—hopefully not
    on a hill.

    Showered, laundry washed, and is hanging out to dry, with everyone else’s laundry! I was so excited that for once I didn’t get the top bunk!!

    Several of us are headed out to eat soon. I think I could fall asleep standing up, except I am really hungry right now!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    I Have Walked 132.6 km in My First Week

    September 5, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    This afternoon, arriving in Los Arcos, I realized it is Monday. I have completed one week and 132.6 km on the Camino. “Only” 657.4 km to go!
    I will celebrate the little victories.

    I realize I have met some great people so far and get surprised when others call my name “Kathie the Steelers fan”or “Kathie from Dallas.” As we make it from one “stage” to the next, pilgrims “leapfrog” over one another. I may pass someone walking, who later passes me. And we all get excited the first time we see each other because it could have been days since we saw each other on the trail—we do this even though we know so little about each other.

    I think it is because we have respect for each other. We understand the hard work to get where we are physical, emotional, and spiritual—we are always cheering each other on. This Camino… is a challenge we chose to undertake for so many different reasons.

    I marvel at the Camino stories— “the why” we all have decided to put ourselves through this difficult walk. But another aspect of the “Camino connection” I am discovering is the life individuals share with their brand new Camino friends! I have heard stories of loss, disappointment, excitement, and fear. People just sharing life. I feel so honored to walk with different people every day and hear their hearts as they share their “whys”.

    I am exhausted, hot, and sunburned, but overall it was a very good day! I will go to the Pilgrim’s Mass at 7:15 pm, grab something to eat, and then bedtime.

    Off to Logrono in the morning. I will leave early because it is a longer day than I have had thus far—27.8 km.

    Did I mention how very blessed I feel by our loving God? I do! ✝️❤️
    Good night!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Meet The Unexpected!

    September 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 82 °F

    Today was a long day! The heat was beating down on us while we went from Los Arcos to Logroño. The final 6 km were especially rough because there were no bars or water fountains. I had 3 km left and a little old woman had her house door opened. She was selling water among other luxury items, like iced tea, and bread! She took one look at my overheated face and want to make sure they had me sit and drink water (for 1€ which I gladly paid!)
    After watching the sun come up as we walked, I saw this smoke—I thought it was smoke…it was dust! We were abruptly greeted by about a 100 sheep crossing the road to the pasture. Border Collies working the flock! It really made my morning! I walked 28 km today.    Read more

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    Yes, My Legs and Feet are So Sore!

    September 7, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F

    Missing my sweet husband today on his birthday. I have never missed his birthday.

    I walked from Logroño to Najera, which is 28.9 km. We were so blessed with an overcast day and a BREEZE! It made the long hike as enjoyable as it could be.

    I feel blessed to have the eyes of faith! It amazes me the many reminders of our loving God. The sunrises greet me in the morning. The Camino family I have here in Spain--support each other in this quest to Santiago. The huge bull (art) stood proudly for this Texas girl. Beautiful nature surrounds me when I walk. The crosses individuals have placed in the fences along the path. All reminders we are not alone. All prompting me to be grateful and give thanks for this day on the Camino de Santiago!
    Santo Domingo tomorrow!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Feeling Puny on Camino is No Fun!

    September 8, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    Walking 21 km is not too bad, except if you are sick to your stomach. I felt awful yesterday, but I made it! I even went to the Spanish Pilgrim’s Mass— but all I really wanted to do was to be back in my bedroom in Coppell, TX with Joe and my Aussie girls Ellie and Piper.
    Tomorrow is another day!    Read more

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    Be Sure to Turn Around!

    September 8, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    Starting early in the morning in the silence of darkness. Torch on. It’s not long before I hear the clicking of trekking poles and the hum of quiet voices. This is a typical morning on the Camino.

    This morning was on the cold side. I am always cold, but even the pilgrims around me had long sleeves and jackets. After the hot sun, day after day, cool morning is a welcomed change!

    No food or coffee at the Albergue, so we hike for over an hour to the next town, hoping a bar is open for coffee and breakfast! We were in luck!

    At the bar stop, we see many of the pilgrims we have been traveling with from town to town. Some we have not seen in days, some we saw last night in the plaza.

    As we approach the towns, the church steeple is always visible...because it is high on a hill...a hill we will climb!

    Along the Frances Way, there is an opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Spain. Most have Mass in the evening for all pilgrims.

    The Camino heads southwest. I share this because you will miss God’s magnificent handiwork as the sunrises if you don't turn around!

    I have no idea where I'm headed tomorrow, but I can't wait!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Sandwiched Between the Moon and Sun

    September 10, 2022 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 52 °F

    Good morning! Woke up to a cool (almost cold) morning. As we left the town and there were no longer street lights, I turned on my headlamp. I didn’t walk far to realize I wouldn’t need the light this morning because the full moon was standing strong in front of us. Not to be outdone, the sun was rising behind us. Such an amazing sight, pictures cannot capture it, but I tried!Read more

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