Walking the Camino de Santiago
Not for the first time, the Camino became a little damp. The path we walked up the hills towards Foncebadón became more of a stream than a path. Here we see Francine swimming upstream. And yet, she seems to be smiling. This is very similar to the conditions I encountered in 2013 on my way up the Alto de Perdón […]
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There are a number of fountains in the hills above Rabanal, but this one was by far the largest. Although they are on the Camino, my assumption is that they are meant for the cattle and sheep which roam the hills. What do you think? Date: 22 April 2016 Place: Between Rabanal del Camino and Foncebadón (Castilla y León, Spain) […]
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On the way up from Rabanal, we pass a number of markers memorializing those whose pilgrimage is at an end. On a bench are two small brass plaques for Irish pilgrims who died in 1997 and 2009. Just a few steps beyond, we come to this marker for Luis Torres Hinojosa who died in 2013. I’ve posted many of these […]
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The Camino after Rabanal continues its climb. Here you see Francine and Stijn in the early morning mist. Our first goal of the day lies beyond, a makeshift monument on a Camino’s second highest point in Spain which has somehow become one of the great touchstones of the Way. Onward! Date: 22 April 2016 Place: Between Rabanal del Camino and […]
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On a cool, drizzly morning, we bid a fond farewell to Rabanal del Camino. This is definitely one of my favourite stops on the whole of the Camino, with its monks and shops and relaxing atmosphere, and Refugio Gaucelmo is one of my favourite albergues. Until we meet again! Date: 22 April 2016 Place: Rabanal del Camino (Castilla y León, […]
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This is our friend, Stijn from Holland. His name sounds just like the word “stein”, which is handy, he explained, because they’re both things you put beer into. He began his Camino in Astorga, and we met shortly after we checked in. Even though he’s a fast walker, we kept up with Stijn on and off until just before Santiago. […]
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This is the little Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción – church of our Lady of the Assumption – in Rabanal del Camino. It is the home of the Benedictine Monasterio de San Salvador del Monte Irago of happy memory. This little church is directly across the street (more of a footpath, really) from Refugio Gaucelmo. There’s so much […]
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I rarely take self-portraits. But this was me relaxing after a long day’s walk in the backyard of the homey and comfortable Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino. It was a beautiful, perfect afternoon and the first day in many where I was able to smoke my pipe. Although it’s cloudy behind me, I’m squinting into the sun. Date: 21 […]
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Refugio Gaucelmo in Rabanal del Camino is one of my favourite albergues on the whole Camino. It’s operated by the UK Confraternity of Saint James, and it is an abosolute oasis of tranquillity. This is the view of the backyard, with all the pilgrim washing hung out to dry, ours included. As you can see, it turned out to be […]
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It seems appropriate that on today’s Solemnity of Saint Joseph, we see the interior of the Ermita de San José: the hermitage of Saint Joseph in Rabanal. Stijn impulsively went in, and we followed. Praise God for that, because this little place is a wonder; a place of peace and refreshment. May you have all the joy of the feast! […]
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