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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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  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Long Day. Long Walk.

    September 10, 2022 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    For the past four days, I have not felt well. I soldier on thinking I would get over whatever “it” is. But I haven’t, and after 29 km today I went to the Hospital by way of the Pharmacy. I am fine. I was given a prescription and I know I will feel better tomorrow.

    Mimi from Massachusetts (part of my Camino family), came to the hospital with me. We were dead-dog-tired, but she didn’t want me to go solo! She speaks Spanish which was extremely helpful. It is Saturday, and many pharmacies in Spain have doctors. So we’re off in a taxi to the Pharmacy. Well, as luck would have it—on Saturday most pharmacies close after noon. We found one open, but no doc, and the pharmacy advised us to go to the hospital.

    We didn’t have a long wait, but we were deliriously tired. Once I saw the doc ( apparently during a shift change so I heard “pronto” quite a bit), she examined me — sort of and after one test she confirmed what I thought was the problem and wrote an RX. Once again we were off in the taxi to fill the prescription and then to Albergue, several towns away where we are staying the night

    I am turning it in now. Burgos is tomorrow and I will take a day and a half off the trail to rest! Only 21 km (versus too many today)!

    I hope to post more about the experience than just about my day!

    Prayers were greatly appreciated (Marie thank you for asking for more on my behalf! ❤️) Now prayers of thanksgiving!

    Sweet dreams!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Burgos and Rest Day Tomorrow!

    September 11, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    I was not going to walk this morning, but once I got up with all of the other 7 bunk-mates in the Albergue (they were just in my room—many more pilgrims throughout! I thought I would try to walk as far as I could and get a bus to Burgos if I needed to—but I managed ok.
    I am so happy to be in a hotel with a private bathroom! Another bonus, I know I won’t have any snorers in my room!

    I love being part of the Camino community, and much of this entails hostel and Albergue living. We are sharing bathrooms and bedrooms. 99.9% of pilgrims are quiet, considerate, and so much fun to get to know. We truly encourage each other and look out for each other. The toughest nights I have had thus far were the 16-bunk mixed dorm. Men and women mixed among the 16 twin bunk beds. We had one men’s bathroom, one women’s stall, and 2 showers.

    The race is on once you get your bed assignment because everyone is hot, sweaty, and dusty from walking all day. A shower is usually the #1 thing I do once I arrive. Then there is the necessity to wash your clothes! There are generally just a few sinks to wash out your clothes and find space on the clothesline — so they dry by morning! Some of the albergues will either do your laundry for a small amount or you can find a laundry mat—which is typically positioned by a bar! Makes washing and drying clothes go by a bit faster!

    The Camino is the trail and the people—and it is quite an international group. Not just Europeans. I have made friends with individuals from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and of course, all over Europe and the USA.

    P.S. I am so humbled by the prayers! I am so thankful for getting to see a doctor yesterday and really believe I will get to feeling like new soon! ✝️💜    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Sunflowers of Spain

    September 12, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    I love sunflowers! I was surprised when I entered Puente La Reina a few days into my Camino to find a field of sunflowers that had already shared most of their beauty with the world earlier in the season.
    From that day on, I have been stunned to see so many fields and fields of sunflowers. Many fields had dead blooms, but the stalks were still standing at attention for pilgrims who passed by their fields.

    Occasionally I can find a few blooms still offering their charm to us!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Burgos Cathedral with Mimi

    September 12, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    The magnificent Burgos Cathedral did not disappoint!

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Hornillos & Beginning of the Meseta

    September 13, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Leaving Burgos we traveled with a few new women who have been also traveling solo.

    We saw a gentleman from Ireland traveling alone, and quite confused—this was his first day on the Camino, as he is starting from Burgos. We helped Simon learn how to spot “ the way” out of Burgos. But I must say, Burgos is terribly marked—or should I say not marked much at all! Simon seemed happy to have a cadre of pilgrims to follow.

    After 5 hours, 15 miles, and one big hill later we are at our Albergue for the night.

    Tomorrow we begin the Meseta. Meseta is a part of Spain known among pilgrims for its wide skies, dry heat, and flat lands. It is
    180 km some say 220 km, some have no idea! There is very little to see. It is important to carry more water than usual. And it is important to be prepared for heat, sun, and rain.

    Speaking of rain, we are having an incredible storm now. Praying pilgrims are not walking in it! ⛈

    I’m off to have a beverage, and dinner after washing the sweat, dust, and dirt from my clothes and me!

    Feeling better today. How wonderful it was to have a rest day yesterday! Soaking in a hot bathtub two days in a row was a true luxury!

    Tomorrow I am off to Castrojeriz, 20.1 klicks.

    Can you find the shell or yellow arrows? Some signs are more obvious than others, but not most.

    Blessings to all who read this! ✝️💜    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Meseta

    September 14, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    It was a rather quiet day walking. We had 20 km and not a huge climb. We had rain in the forecast, but other than a sprinkle, we stayed dry!

    Along the Camino are “Bars”, I would equate the “Bars” to a snack bar that serves food, coffee, tea, and alcohol (mostly beer and wine). Some Bars you want to pass by, others you sit back from walking, visit with other pilgrims, air out your feet, and enjoy a café con leche! Today, several of us traveled together and found an Oasis (well that’s what they called it 😉). But it served good coffee, and food and had a clean bathroom! Yay, score!

    Tomorrow I head to Fromista. We have a 3 km climb and about 25 km total walk with very few Bars or water fountains to fill our water containers. So I will load up the water I need for the long day! We have a bed tomorrow (in an Albergue), and for the next several nights we are still looking for places to stay. Mimi, Jo, and I are meeting up every afternoon. We all walk at different paces. It is nice to walk with random pilgrims on the road, but meet up for the afternoon and night with great familiar faces! Yesterday and today I walked with two very nice gentlemen, one retired Marine from Virginia, and one nice guy from Ireland. Jo started with us, but wanted to go at her own pace!

    Random thought: I miss ordering from Amazon and getting it the next day! 😬    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    The Big Fall

    September 15, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    A 17.2-mile hike today. We knew we had a big climb in front of us — and the climb pretty much started our day.

    Once I begin climbing, I try to concentrate on what is in front of me. The steepness, rockiness, and altitude play a part in how much work it will be. These hikes tend to be made up of many curves. Just as I think I am close to the top, as I turn the bend, the Camino reveals so much more to go. But there is great satisfaction once at the top!

    While the climb and walk were long and rocky, the trail was flat. It reminds me I am on the Meseta!

    As we entered the last town before our final destination for today—Fromista, we were all looking for water or some type of beverage at a Bar up ahead, and a little break from walking. I was just putting my trekking poles together to put in one hand to carry—then it happened! Walking on the flat, concrete pavement there was a rock the size of my fist that I stepped on, tripped on, and fell on. It was not pretty. As I was falling I just said, “oh please don’t lose consciousness!” There was lots of blood, but the first thing I said is, “How embarrassing!” Then as I saw the blood — I leaned forward so I would not get blood on my clothes—because as my kids know, blood can be a tough stain to get out! 🤣 (Inside joke)

    My Camino friend, the retired Marine from VA, grabbed toilet paper from his pack and told me to hold it on my head where there was a lot of bleeding. Simon ran for ice. Several others helped me up. I was fine to walk, but my head got most of the collateral damage.

    El deFronso (Marine) was looking up medical centers and Simon asked for a taxi. El deFranco said he would come with me since I don’t speak Spanish. A gentleman among the pilgrims said, “I am Brian, I have a car and would be happy to take you to the medical center!” I was so overwhelmed by the concern and kindness! I can’t begin to fully express how wonderful this community is!

    Once we arrived at the medical center, they stitches me up with 5 stitches on my eyebrow. The doctor checked out my hip, where I had a significant bump.--all was okay! Then El deFronso walked me right around the corner to the place I was staying for the night.

    I went to dinner with a handful of women I have met on the Camino, all but one traveling solo.

    As pilgrims arrived for dinner, many were happy to see me up and around. Many said they heard, “Kathie fell and had to have stitches” so when they saw me (sporting Mimi’s sunglasses) they were really happy “to see your smile!” Mimi and Jo commented, “everyone knows Kathie—she’s always so friendly and has a smile for everyone.” Then at dinner, several of the women said I brought many of us together—something I just didn’t pay attention to, but happy they felt included.

    I decided not to walk tomorrow—mostly because one of my eyes is almost closed shut. My arm is sore, I hope I will feel better so I can resume walking on Saturday.

    God is so good to me. While I look uglier than who knows what—I am just sore, I didn’t have a concussion, I didn’t lose an eye, and I didn’t break my arm, leg, or hip! And God sent amazing angels to help me during a time of need.

    I feel Jesus' presence. I feel the Blessed Mother and St. James helping me walk “The Way”. This is not to say that in my prayers I have asked God if at all possible, may I continue this faith journey without many (any) more incidents. ✝️🙏🏻

    Praying for all of you on this faith journey! Your prayers for me are most welcomed and deeply appreciated!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Prayers of Encouragement

    September 17, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Hi everyone! I am back on the trail from my fall. It was cold all day!

    When we set out, I was (am) still sore from the fall. I badly bruised my right arm, so I can’t use my trekking poles. But the Meseta is so flat, it wasn’t an issue.

    Throughout the night as my body ached, I prayed for encouragement. Once we were up and out of the Albergue, I felt happy to be back walking, but still incredibly sore. My black eye has now moved to a good portion of my face and as I looked in the mirror, I can understand now why the Phantom from Phantom of the Opera had half a mask! Not a pretty sight.

    As we rounded the bend heading out of town, many of us stopped in our tracks! Up ahead we met this amazing group of individuals helping two wheelchair-bound men walk the Camino. My prayer was answered! I hope they encourage or inspire you as they did me!
    Buen Camino!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Sunday and Monday Long Walking Days

    September 18, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    In the last few days, we have walked about 30 km each day. That is a lot of walking! But the flat terrain of the Meseta makes this doable.

    Finding a place to sleep at the end of a long day has been more of a challenge. We have been successful in booking an Albergue two days ahead. But we have noticed since we left Burgos there are many more pilgrims on the trail. Since COVID, quite a few Hostels and Albergues have closed. So the supply of beds isn’t what it used to be. In our planning, we try to decide if we will shoot for our “planned destination” or stop and stay in a town before or after our planned stop.

    We get up before the sun and take in beautiful sunrises. Morning on the Camino is my favorite time of the day.

    As I have mentioned before, once we reach the town we are staying in, and receive our bed assignment, we shower and wash our clothes. Then it is cocktail time, dinner and bed. I thought you might like to see the luxurious washing facilities we have on the Camino! Trust me, we are happy to have the wash basin and clothesline! It is a plus if they provide clothes pins otherwise I use the large diaper pins I brought! These are essential if it is windy!

    Thank you for the prayers! I am still sore from the fall — but improving every day. I am praying for all of you! ✝️💜    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    León!

    September 19, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    When we all arrived in León, we showered and immediately went to see the Cathedral and eat! I had the best pizza I have had in a long time in the plaza across from the Cathedral!

    León Cathedral (officially Santa María de León Cathedral) is considered one of the Top 10 Cathedrals in Spain. It's a French-inspired Gothic Cathedral built (between 1205 and 1301) over ancient Roman baths.

    The Cathedral is stunning! We weren’t in León long, the next morning we were up and out!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Astorga

    September 21, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    The walk today let me know I was l leaving the Meseta. I had hills to climb up, slopes to walk down, and very rocky terrain! Along the way, I saw a few interesting items that greet the pilgrims in this passage!

    Mimi and I made it to this nice town of Astorga in great time. Not necessarily because we were fast, but rather because it was a short day, 20 km.

    We arrived early and had to wait in our room, so we ate lunch and then went into the plaza to shop. I needed new socks! I was so excited to purchase the brand I really like (Wright Socks). I am looking forward to throwing two grungy pairs of socks away!

    We visited the beautiful Santa Maria Cathedral of Astorga!

    The Cathedral was built on top of a Romanesque church. The construction of the Cathedral began in 1471 and was not finished until the 18th century, when its two towers were completed.
    I will post more pics of Santa Marie Cathedral next! 🕍✝️💜
    Breathtaking!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    More of Santa Maria Cathedral in Astorga

    September 21, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
    I just notices the pilgrim who took my picture cut off the km marker! 😣

    Milestones!

    September 22, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    When I started my Camino on August 30th, I had 779 km to Santiago. Today I have less than 250 km left to go!

    This has been a journey of faith, a time of prayer, and a time to really challenge me on many levels. While I am here solo, the adage is true, you are never alone on the Camino! I do not just have fellow Pilgrims walking with me, but I also have the Blessed Mother, St. James, my Guardian Angel (often working overtime! 😄), and Jesus with me every single step of ”The Way!”

    Be blessed!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Rabanal to Cruz de Ferro

    September 23, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Friday was a long day. I started in a nice little town, Rabanal. While the sun is getting up later and later, the moon made a beautiful appearance early in the morning as many of us traveled out of Rabanal.
    We climbed to the highest point on the Camino, Cruz de Ferro, or “Friends of the Way”. Here pilgrims have carried a rock the entire Camino representing their burdens. Once you make it to Cruz de Ferro, there is a tall pole with a cross on top of it, “The Cross of Iron” this is where you lay down your burden (rock). It is so interesting to me that for many pilgrims, this is not a faith journey. They may be searching for something, but few are here for a time of contemplative prayer. But as pilgrim after pilgrim reached the cross, I saw the tears, the moments of silence, many kissing their rock before laying it down, patting the pole, and looking up at the cross. There was joy. This is a place that gave many pilgrims on the Camino a meaningful moment.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    The DESCENTS — Are You Kidding Me?

    September 23, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    After visiting Cruz de Ferro, we knew we would have two major descents. Most people going on the Camino are very aware of the Pyrenees' descent from Orrison to Roncesvalles. It is a very steep descent. But few talk about the descent from Foncebadón to Molinaseca. It is a little over 8Km to climb up to Cruz de Ferro. This is also the highest elevation on the Camino! From there we had 22 km downhill. But each descent took between 2.5 - 3 hours each. After the first descent which was crazy, dangerous, and exhausting, we stopped, rested, and had lunch. Then the second half of the downhill was treacherous. Boulders to climb over, shale rock to navigate, harsh passages with very little pathway. I heard the day we descended several people fell. While I have thought about it many times on my Camino, it is the first time I screamed as loud as I could, “I can’t do this!!”
    But I did do it!
    I was too concerned about my safety to snap a few pictures of the wicked terrain. By the end of the day, we hiked over 30 km, I was physically and mentally exhausted.
    But I made it!
    ✝️💜    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Molinaseca to Villafanca

    September 24, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    While today was another 30 km walk, the terrain was relatively flat, which makes the distance a little more manageable.

    As I walk through these ancient towns, I can’t help but wonder what it was like when it was a thriving town. Many buildings are abandoned and have very small populations because there is little opportunity. The ancient ruins are so interesting—was this a farm, a neighborhood, a school?
    But the Camino Pilgrims breathed life back into and help sustain these towns. Many of the towns that pilgrims go through on the Camino are very poor areas of Spain. But the townspeople take care of the Pilgrims! ❤️

    When I pass a deserted church, with huge stork nests in the bell tower, I imagine the hymns that were sung, the preaching and teaching that took place, and the prayers that were spoken. Where we hear the sounds of praise we hear the faith of the people that once were. I pray for the communities I traverse through to have faith, have hope.    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    My Luxurious Accommodations Tonight!

    September 26, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    My Albergue for the night, Eco el Beso, a A Balas, Tricastella!
    Scored a bottom bunk!

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Camino Countryside Beauty!

    September 27, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Today I went from Tricastela to Sarria. The countryside is just stunning. We passed by cattle, goats, horses and more cows! We were stopped because of cow crossing of sorts!

    This is an exciting day because reaching Sarria means that I only have 100 km to go!Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Peaceful

    September 28, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    I had 22 km to walk today. It was rainy and cold, then later sunny and warm. The breathtaking landscape along the trail was very peaceful! Every day, multiple times of the day we hear the rooster crow…and crow…and crow…
    The end of the hike was a very steep, long descent! It has irritated my knee. I am elevating it as I write.
    Livestock was abundant everywhere you turned!
    We are in Portomarin, tomorrow Palas de Rei!
    P.S. downside of the countryside is the animal 💩 droppings! 😣    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Please Pray for Safe Travels!

    September 28, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    I would like to request safe and healthy travels for the remainder of my trip. God willing, I will make it to Santiago on Sunday! All good wishes and prayers are deeply appreciated! ✝️💜🙏🏻

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Only 21 km to Go to Santiago de Compos

    October 1, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Tomorrow I will walk to my Camino destination—Santiago de Compostela! I will have walked 779 km over the past 34 days!

    I know when I get home I will spend time reflecting on all that I learned, all that I went through, and all of the amazing pilgrims I met!

    One advantage of traveling solo is the opportunity to extend yourself to others. I had some great conversations, debates, and laughs with strangers who became friends. While I have HATED having a black and blue face from my fall, it was annoying at times explaining to everyone, several times a day, every day what happened—it also was a great ice breaker while sharing a meal, doing hand washed laundry or sleeping in the dormitory Albergues. While curiosity was always in their question, it turned to genuine concern as I progressed on the Camino. By that I mean I would see someone weeks later after sharing my “fall-stitches-bruises” and they would make a point to ask how I’m doing! This is the Camino I will always remember.

    There have been many individuals I have gotten to know better throughout my weeks on the Camino who have touched my heart. Several shared their heart so openly—it was obvious to me they are a prisoner of their past. The Camino is their hope for figuring out a way to move forward and have a new beginning from their escape from the hurts of the past.

    I met other people who are trying to let go of what their perfect marriage should have been, or the mother who didn’t live up to the name, or spouse loss, or abandonment. While I traversed through the old towns on the Camino, I met so many pilgrims with hope for this quest they are on.

    Spending hours walking a challenging terrain for 20-30 km every day was perfect for me to pray for others, pray for America, Spain, and the conflicts all over the world. I loved praying for people important to me, I loved lifting all who prayed for me, and I prayed for the Catholic Church, priests and seminarians. I spent time praying for people who have no one to pray for them.

    I will close here by saying, for all of the beauty that surrounded me while walking, all of the blessings and safe travels I had, and anyone who was even the least inspired by my trip, I give all of my praise and glory to God!

    Until tomorrow, be blessed!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Thanks Mike B! Love this image!!

    October 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    Getting ready to walk to Santiago and a good friend made this image for Kathie Lassos the Moon I just had to share! Thank you, Mike!

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Santiago de Compostela!

    October 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Mimi and I entered the Cathedral courtyard together! I am so happy!
    It was such a great day, not just reaching the Cathedral, but seeing other pilgrims I met along the way enter the courtyard with the bagpipes welcoming pilgrims to Santiago Compostela!
    Thank you for the many prayers!
    God is good all the time!    Read more

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon
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    Pilgrim’s Mass!

    October 3, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    A beautiful choir, lovely Mass, and this…

  • Kathie Lassos the MoonCamino de SantiagoKathie Lassos the Moon

    Home!

    October 5, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    The magical thing about going home is that it feels good to leave, and feels even better to return home!

    When you are a pilgrim on the Camino, one of the ways the Cathedral Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Office verifies your pilgrimage is by issuing and reviewing your “Credential Del Peregrino”. (Pictured) A pilgrim on foot, on a bicycle, or on horseback always carries her passport and credentials. The credentials identify pilgrims to enable them to stay in hostels and albergues. But the credential is also used in places along the Camino, as well as churches, shops, bars, and restaurants that give stamps when you visit or purchase.

    I am so happy to be back in Dallas! I feel blessed to have had this adventure!
    Blessings!    Read more

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