Camino de Santiago

It has been an amazing year this far. We rounded out 2014 returning from a 791 km walk across northern Spain, the Camino de Santiago, often referred to as The Way of St James. As we lined up in the pouring rain outside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the completion of our pilgrimage, to receive our certificate of completion, a volunteer reminded us that this is really the beginning of our Camino journey. So home on October 18, 2014 and re entering the lives we left b

From the moment I stepped off the plane in Vancouver I knew things would be different. Getting home and reconnecting with all things familiar, easing into the “easy” life we live. Because, that is the truth for me and it is magnified by the life on the Camino. My feet were my transportation, if I wanted to go somewhere, it would be by foot. And now, at home the ease of life is like a 1000 w bulb. Starting as I get out of bed: Daily flow of the Camino: It is morning, ’cause ot

Not even rain can dampen my excitement to be back in Santiago. This city is a labyrinth o secret streets and allys, hiding something special around every corner. Even the chance of getting wet is worth jumping into a Santiago puddle. Not today you can follow those streams of puddles down the windy twisty streets as far as you can imagine and then gaze upward and breath in the air, surrounding an ancient cathedral. The rain came in torrents, with our umbrellas we all danced al

Muxia a small fishing village known to be the place St James came for a retreat while trying to save the Christians from the pagans and their rituals. While here he was visited by Mary in an attempt to support his wavering belief in his own success. This protected port, supports fishing and pilgrims as it’s main industry, solid old stone building give a certain charms to this quiet resting place. One night offered us am opportunity to dine on fresh seafood, wander the brea

5 on the way by bus and 1 pilgrim by foot. Our brave Eric left this am to travel by foot to Finesterra, we will hope a bus and spend some time resting our feet and exploring with short walks the historic area of Finesterra. We arrived after a 2.5 hr. bus journey, and found d a lovely simple place to stay, we feel like royalty with sheets and towels. Being on the Atlantic is such a different feeling, the beaches and vast ocean expanding to the horizon. The first day ended q

Today is the pilgrims mass at the cathedral. Most of those amazing pilgrims which walked those 33 days, from early september like us will be there to share in the celebration. To hear of all the different countries represented, to hear the prayers and songs the pilgrims have heard for millenia. To finally experience the dramatic ceremonial frankensence. Such an amazing feeling to share with all these pilgrims, seeing and recognizing familiar friends we have met on the way

Today is the pilgrims mass at the cathedral. Most of those amazing pilgrims which walked those 33 days, from early september like us will be there to share in the celebration. To hear of all the different countries represented, to hear the prayers and songs the pilgrims have heard for millenia. To finally experience the dramatic ceremonial frankensence. Such an amazing feeling to share with all these pilgrims, seeing and recognizing familiar friends we have met on the way

After a less than ordinary late start, we stepped out into the pre dawn darkness, for one last time before the 4.5 km. walk into Santiago. We walked as we began together, out of the compound of one of the largest albergues that I have heard, holding over 2000 pilgrims at peek season. Complete with a shopping mall, grocery, laundry facilities and cafeterias. Row after row of buildings, further and further towards the bottom of the hill. Total pilgrims last night maybe 30. LOL.

Our morning greeter today, still in the darkness of the morning, we set out to cover the .5 km. To get back on the Camino and this little fellow was there along with a few of his buddies. I am assuming they are nocturnal and are out and about in the safety of the night to fest on bugs and such. With the rain comes plenty of assorted wild mushrooms, they look so spending amongst the dewy greener of the morning. Tunels and passageways are the theme for today. Such portals are

Our first bridge in the early morning light. Each bridge is so unique, the width and length based on the flow of water below. Years they stay the same if nature is allowed to stay uninterrupted. This one with its peak as it crests in the middle, low sides, it’s not wide enough for a vehicle or tractor. Not surprising! Bridges are mystical, something so stationary and sturdy over something so flowing and wild. Built stone by stone and within each stone a story, energy and h

Leaving Gonzar early, coffee before we pulled out, something warm is a good way to start out. Darkness surrounds us. Eucalyptus trees being cultivated beside the road. A nice day to walk together, sunny smiles and a considerable tempo. Friends bask in the sun together. Church on a Sunday at Palas de Rei, in search of a stamp for our Camino compostella. Another secret tunnel, sunlight casts the mystical shadows thru the heavy trees. Some grateful Camino angel designs the Ca

Another stunning morning sunrise, blesses us as we leave Barbadelo There always is a cool mist hanging in the air. Angie crosses over an unusual sideways bridge, it seems old as the Camino. Three wise men, standing and watching storing the memories of thousands of years in the rings of their souls. 100 km. To Santiago marker. Stone fences line our way, these ancient stones have stood as witness to each pilgrims journey. Fall is here, brings thoughts of gardens and

A old farm implement tucked away, such an interesting find in someone’s garage as we wandered around Triacastela in the evening after a great evening meal. Early morning mist as we begin our day. Angie and I had an early start out this dark and velvety morning. As we began our walk, looking for the familiar yellow arrows. As we found our way, first along the road then later off onto a track we began feeling the morning sunrise at our backs. Mornings are always special and I

We stayed in a delightful old hotel, full of artifacts and history. The morning sunrise just as we left to head out on the trail. The small town was a buzz with pilgrims and tourist all waiting for coffee and breakfast. So, off we went a 3.5 km. further on to find our coffee and breakfast. Sleepy eye cows blink in the morning light, we are walking the day through farm land and are often met by herds being moved from place to place, helpful German Shepards bring the herd thr

199.5 km. To Santiago Wood fired bread oven, goodies waiting to go in. We bought our bread for lunch and continued on. Wall murals are everwhere, stunningly beautiful, dramatic and meaningful. A beautiful walk through the wine district right at picking time. The pickers were friendly and cheerful working amoungst this amazing colour, sweetness and warmth. Camino friends Angie sore feet means extra special treatment. A wee bit of fun in the inner city’s narrow streets, out fo

Yours on the Camino Elizabeth Mueller

Moving out of the city in the darkness Sweet surprises happen all the time, a special place for breakfast or a special Camino angel. Once in a life time moments of pleasure and true joy. These happen on the Camino all the time. Someone enters into your Camino and then pops away, sometimes to return sometimes not. A french chef ready to make you the best juice or an amazing breakfast. Just watch out for those Camino angels. Moments of solitude on the way, the contrast of Colo

Morning was so quiet. It seems like the towns and villages are under a blanket of silence as we walk through and then out into the blackness. Our intention is to be out and on the road by 7 am. but often the comfort of the bed, the alarm clock, the heavyness of the the eyelids all things that slow our departure. Sometimes it is vast spaces of emptiness Our typical breakfast, fresh pressed orange juice and some of the best coffee and croissants I have had. I am always in sear

today I will board yet another bus and meet my “herd” as our little friend Mali, a 7 year old travelling the camino with his mom calls us. I saw my lovely physiotherapist roberto for the second time yesterday and at that time I had chosen to end my camino in leon and return home. I Chose to take care of my feet and the best way to rest and heal would be to return home, in my opinion. Well, the universe or the camino or God or my higher self had other plans. When I called to

well, the last of my tribe left this morning from leon. Although it was a challenging experience I chose to see the beauty of a few days as a solitary Camino pilgrim. I checked out of the hostel we shared last night and made my way to the albuergue… I was met with a very long lineup at the entrance to this beautiful albergue run by nuns. Fortunately they have many many beds and I am blessed to be in one. After unpacking, showering, laundry I did a little wandering and then ha