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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

ola from Spain. So Liz has been doing such an excellent job of doing a daily log of her journey on the Camino, thank you dear Liz. I am not really physically on the same journey as she is right now because of foot injuries which have grounded me for over a week. This, for awhile, made me think that I had nothing to contribute to the blog. But Frank reminded me that I am still on my own journey of the Camino. So here is my perspective. frank and I have been spending a lot of

A big day for us today, and we even bused out of the city to remove some of the industrial area. The beginning was a lovely serengeti like landscape, just imagining elephants and giraffes. Angie treated us to stories about her experiences there and it took us to a place which felt so real. This afternoon challenged us in a different way. The long straight, mostly road walking just pushed my tolerance. Looking straight down an endless road, gives you little abilities to judg

The day started in the morning sunlight as always, to our backs. After a lovely coffee we began our quick 6 km. March to Carrion de Los Contes to meet up with our travellingmates and continue onto Leon. This jump puts us 4 days ahead, this keeps us on track with our completion date and makes up for the long stay over in Burgos. It was good to be all back together again. We arrived in Leon mid afternoon, in time to find a Albergue and food, resting us a bit and a small bit of

The morning is always at ìour backs, as is the sun hangs on our left shoulder. So one must remember to stop look back and see where we have come from. Fromista being our first stop gave is time to stock up on provisions for our day. We have learnt to have things like chocolate and fruit, nuts and yogurt with us for snacks. There we said goodbye to our Aussie family Jane and Marley as they skip forward to meet up with family and continue on the last 100 km with them to Santia

From Castrojeriz we immediately dropped down into a shallow valley, signs of reforestation is all around, erosion will slowly swallow the land if they don’t. A sharp climb followed up to Alto Mostelares at 900 mt. where a monument stands for the Pilgrims and the most stunning view of the area expands in all directions. Fields of crops like grains and sunflowers lay left and right of our path, I was struck today by the contrast of the withered crop waiting for harvest and the

Leaving the city of Burgos, lost in the darkness of the early morning, Brenda and I must have over looked a guiding arrow (which we all rely on), landing us on the river not knowing which way to continue. With a bit of quick thinking we finally got the right directions from a night watchman at some out of the way factory. Which lead us back to the way and the trail of backpacks. As we moved away from the city, on a trail which guided us out and up, thru and around the city by

Late start, sun is already up and our first perc. coffee. Up up up to the Meseta and to a beautiful monument at 900+ mtr. And then down into a small and narrow valley enough for the San Bol, a sacred spot known to pilgrims for millenium for its healing waters. Travel thru and down into the village of Hontanas, set low in a valley. Again we saw ancient ruins and medieval buildings. San Anton a medieval convent now a simple resting spot for weary Pilgrims offered stunning archi