Pilgrims on the Way

While this is clearly not a Roman aqueduct, it’s definitely in territory that they once developed. During our Caminos in Spain, we’ve seen a great many complex modern irrigation systems, but I think this was the only one that wasn’t on the Meseta. And it’s certainly the tallest. It’s enough of a landmark that it’s even on the map below. […]

This represents the coming together of two threads in Camino life: ubiquitous graffiti and the ongoing discussion of what constitutes a “true pilgrim” The “true pilgrim” is generally understood as not being, for example, a hiker or a tourist. Some of these discussions get pretty crazy, along the lines of the “no true Scotsman” fallacy. This graffiti, found in an […]

The Roman road from Cirauqui has clearly seen better days. While I’m sure this was a useful and lovely bridge when it was built, and perhaps for centuries thereafter, it’s now rather a chore to cross. Apparently the warrantee ran out after the first thousand years or so. Having said that, it’s definitely better than no bridge at all. Date: […]

My apologies for the fuzziness. As we walked the Roman road from Cirauqui, we could see this lovely bit of landscape art. I tried to zoom in on the image, with the results you see here. I don’t know if this still exists, as I don’t remember seeing it on our 2016 Camino. Date: 05 April 2013Place: between Cirauqui and […]

The Camino follows a variety of trackways, roads, and highways. This part of the Way may not look like much, but it is the remains of a two thousand year old Roman road. In the valley after Cirauqui, the Camino follows it for several kilometers. In the background you can see a more modern highway bridge. It was along this […]

So. Cirauqui is a town of sunny whitewashed homes and new construction. What’s the first photo I take when we arrive? Something old, dark, and shadowy. I’m incorrigible. What this monument is meant to designate, I don’t know. When I took the photo, I thought it might be something Benedictine, but now I don’t think so. Date: 05 April 2013Place: […]

We walked on through garden and vineyard and wide open fields and even past a walled cemetery before catching a sudden flash – a shining city on a hill. This proved to be the village of Cirauqui, a place confined to a single hill and crowned with its fortress-like Iglesia de San Román. It’s about 10:30 in the morning, and […]

Just a quick look back at the small town/large village of Mañeru. There’s nothing particularly unique about this place – it’s like a dozen other Navarran villages we’ve passed through. I am curious, though, why it was built right on the farmland rather than on the defensive hill behind it. Perhaps this indicates a later settlement? Date: 05 April 2013Place: […]

I just love old, rusting agricultural equipment like this. I once photographed a series of truly bizarre rusting 19th century tractors in Eastern Washington, and I certainly got the same vibe from this. Since it was set out next to a bodega cooperative, I presume it’s for crushing grapes for wine. Date: 05 April 2013 Place: Mañeru (Navarra, Spain) Map! […]