Camino de Santiago

August - October 2022

A 40-day adventure by Kathie Lassos the Moon Read more

List of countries

Spain
France
United States

Categories

Backpacking, Culture, Nature, Self discovery, Sightseeing, Solo travel, Spirituality

10.4kmiles traveled

Means of transport

Flight9,800kilometers
Walking-kilometers
Hiking-kilometers
Bicycle-kilometers
Motorbike-kilometers
Tuk Tuk-kilometers
Car-kilometers
Train-kilometers
Bus-kilometers
Camper-kilometers
Caravan-kilometers
4x4-kilometers
Swimming-kilometers
Paddling/Rowing-kilometers
Motorboat-kilometers
Sailing-kilometers
Houseboat-kilometers
Ferry-kilometers
Cruise ship-kilometers
Horse-kilometers
Skiing-kilometers
Hitchhiking-kilometers
Cable car-kilometers
Helicopter-kilometers
Barefoot-kilometers

Newest first

Footprints
Photos

Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Monday, August 29, 2022 at 8:59 AM
- ⛅ 72 °F
- Altitude: 659 ft
- France Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 43.163589, -1.23449843°9’49” N 1°14’4” W
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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.
Traveler Hey Kathie - glad to see you got a good nights rest and already met some other pilgrims. Beautiful photos!
8/29/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThank you!!
8/29/22Reply
I just LOVE seeing your pictures AND hearing your voice on video! I will definitely be following you, and I am feeling very homesick from seeing your pictures! :-) [DMari]
8/29/22Reply
TravelerI loved Belairi! Lucky you, post COVID with beds spaced apart! I was packed into a room with 10 or more in double bunk beds!
8/29/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Monday, August 29, 2022 at 12:20 PM
- ⛅ 86 °F
- Altitude: 732 ft
- France Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 43.162914, -1.23511343°9’46” N 1°14’6” W
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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
TravelerGod is smiling down on you!🙏
8/29/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThank you!!
8/29/22Reply
Travelerblessed!
8/29/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 7:43 AM
- ⛅ 61 °F
- Altitude: 636 ft
- France Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 43.163338, -1.23582543°9’48” N 1°14’9” W
Here We Go!!
August 30, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F
Buen Camino!
See translation
TravelerI’m not at all surprised, but I’m glad you’re making friends with other pilgrims to walk with. Buen Camino 🚶‍♀️
8/30/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the Moon❤️
8/30/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonWish you were here!!
8/30/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 10:45 AM
- ☀️ 72 °F
- Altitude: 2,628 ft
- France Bois d’Orisson 43.108815, -1.23902743°6’32” N 1°14’20” W
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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!
TravelerYou're doing it!
8/30/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonYay God!! 🥳❤️
8/30/22Reply
Travelerthe poles must help a lot with those hills. your pictures are beautiful. 💜
8/30/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThanks Leen!💜
8/30/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at 2:30 AM
- ☁️ 61 °F
- Altitude: 3,104 ft
- Spain Roncesvalles 43.008511, -1.31974443°0’31” N 1°19’11” W
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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
Kathie Lassos the Moon Lunch break! We look after one another! Love it!
9/1/22Reply
TravelerPraying daily for God to keep you safe, Kathie!🙏
9/1/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThank you! I need them! ❤️ I am praying for Kristin!
9/1/22Reply
Traveler❤️❤️❤️
9/2/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 4:00 AM
- ⛅ 61 °F
- Altitude: 1,765 ft
- Spain Zubiri 42.930309, -1.50390742°55’49” N 1°30’14” W
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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 Moon Break for lunch with Regina and Bill!
9/1/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the Moon Little food/drink stop! I needed Powerade today!
9/1/22Reply
TravelerYour strength is amazing. Your will inspiring. Shine bright my sister, you are doing so amazing. By now you probably have a a friend in every country. 💜
9/1/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Friday, September 2, 2022
- ⛅ 79 °F
- Altitude: 1,526 ft
- Spain Church of San Saturnino 42.818275, -1.643942°49’6” N 1°38’38” W
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
TravelerKindness and smiles abound!
9/3/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonI agree! I have only met one mean person and she was a Pharmacist! 🙄
9/4/22Reply
TravelerZubiri? If so we met her!
9/4/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 5:00 PM
- ⛅ 82 °F
- Altitude: 1,411 ft
- Spain Artazu 42.69109, -1.81685642°41’28” N 1°49’1” W
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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
Traveler 👍💯💪
9/4/22Reply
Traveler I see a cyclist behind you. Cool
9/4/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThe cyclists are quite impressive!! They share some of our paths!
9/4/22Reply
TravelerThe steel pilgrims looks awesome!
9/4/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 4:09 PM
- ☀️ 86 °F
- Altitude: 1,371 ft
- Spain Estella-Lizarra 42.668709, -2.02351142°40’7” N 2°1’25” W
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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
TravelerCristina fell asleep walking from Estella to Torres del Rio! Cuídate! 😂
9/4/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonYikes! I will be extra cautious. Is she okay? Got really sunburned today. Even after reapplying sunscreen. While sun was hot, the pretty constant breeze was lovely!
9/5/22Reply
TravelerHi Kathie, I am a bit late in following your Camino, but so enjoyed reading all your daily posts and seeing your beautiful pictures! I am all caught up now, and hope to continue following your spiritual journey the rest of the way. Hugs and prayers. Tina B
9/4/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThank you for the prayers! This is hard, hot, but peaceful! We all encourage one another. We seem to play leapfrog on a daily basis with other pilgrims! I will see some in the morning passing them, later in the day they are passing me! We really support each other! Thanks for following! I will have to share the “God-incident” that happened yesterday and today with our Blessed Mother. I will share in my post today!
9/5/22Reply
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Kathie Lassos the Moon Camino de Santiago
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- Monday, September 5, 2022
- ⛅ 77 °F
- Altitude: 1,598 ft
- Spain Lazagurría 42.518654, -2.21192642°31’7” N 2°12’43” W
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
TravelerPraying for a cool, breezy hike for you and the other pilgrims as you make the longer journey today. 🙏
9/5/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThank you Marie ✝️💜
9/5/22Reply
TravelerKeep your eyes on the horizon…God is so good. Continued prayers for you my good friend!🙏❤️
9/5/22Reply
Kathie Lassos the MoonThank you Bill! Means so much!
9/5/22Reply
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