Camino de Santiago

agosto - ottobre 2022
  • Kathie Lassos the Moon
Un’avventura di 40 giorni di Kathie Lassos the Moon Leggi altro
  • Kathie Lassos the Moon

Elenco dei paesi

  • Spagna Spagna
  • Francia Francia
  • Stati Uniti Stati Uniti
Categorie
Backpacking, Cultura, Natura, Scoperta di se stessi, Giro turistico, Viaggio da solo, Spiritualità
  • 10,4kmiglia percorse
Mezzi di trasporto
  • Volo9.800chilometri
  • Camminare-chilometri
  • Hiking-chilometri
  • Bicicletta-chilometri
  • Motocicletta-chilometri
  • Tuk Tuk-chilometri
  • Auto-chilometri
  • Treno-chilometri
  • Autobus-chilometri
  • Camper-chilometri
  • Caravan-chilometri
  • 4x4-chilometri
  • Nuoto-chilometri
  • Pagaiare/Remare-chilometri
  • Motoscafo-chilometri
  • Barca a vela-chilometri
  • Casa galleggiante-chilometri
  • Traghetto-chilometri
  • Nave da crociera-chilometri
  • Cavallo-chilometri
  • Sci-chilometri
  • Autostop-chilometri
  • Cable car-chilometri
  • Elicottero-chilometri
  • A piedi nudi-chilometri
  • 51impronte
  • -giorni
  • 348fotografie
  • 555Mi piace
  • Meseta

    14 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 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! 😬
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  • The Big Fall

    15 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 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!
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  • Prayers of Encouragement

    17 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 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!
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  • Sunday and Monday Long Walking Days

    18 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☁️ 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! ✝️💜
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  • León!

    19 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 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!
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  • Astorga

    21 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 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!
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  • More of Santa Maria Cathedral in Astorga

    21 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F
  • I just notices the pilgrim who took my picture cut off the km marker! 😣

    Milestones!

    22 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 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!
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  • Rabanal to Cruz de Ferro

    23 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ☀️ 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.
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  • The DESCENTS — Are You Kidding Me?

    23 settembre 2022, Spagna ⋅ ⛅ 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!
    ✝️💜
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