Walking the Camino de Santiago
(from my journal) Burgos 12 April We were continually lost during the deathmarch to Burgos, as we trudged through slums, industrial zones, and streets of shuttered businesses. All in all, not the best introduction to a city. The people we passed all seemed surly, and virtually no one returned any greeting. The city centre, by contrast, is quite beautiful, and […]
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(from my journal) Iglesia San Juan de Ortega 11 April 4:20PM Felt much better after a good sleep and three boxes of orange juice. We left Belorado in good form and breakfasted in Tosantos. It was a sunny, if breezy, walk through the countryside we’ve come to expect – brilliant green farm fields in bowl-shaped valleys. We lunched in a […]
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(from my journal) Belorado 10 April After the severe physical trial of yesterday, we were determined to take it easy, starting late and perhaps only going as far as Grañón or (at the most) Redicilla del Camino, some 11km distant. Before setting out, we explored the Cathedral. Santo Domingo himself is buried in the crypt, and I knelt there a […]
» Read more(from my journal) Nájera 09 April We left Ventosa at 7:30, despite our best efforts to be out by 7. Nevertheless, here we are drinking café con leche, 10km on, at 9:30 in the morning. Santo Domingo de la Calzada 6PM In Nájera, we visited the Monasterio de Santa María la Real, where some of the Kings of Navarre are […]
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(from my journal) Ventosa Annunciation of the Lord Short, difficult day today. The roads were actually fairly easy, but all of us are still feeling yesterday. Cliff left first, and he was soon out of sight. Charlie is taking a rest day or two. Ali, Eamon, Patrick, Petra, Viola, & I set off together. Breakfast in Logroño and then a […]
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(from my journal) Logroño Divine Mercy Sunday / 6PM Today I walked 28 km. From Los Arcos it was a delightfully easy 7 km to Sansol. Onward, we walked over easy roads through olive trees and vineyards, culminating in a steep, undulating descent. Mostly walked with Patrick from Florida. His wife died two years ago, and she made him promise […]
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(from my journal) Estella Easter Saturday / 5:20AM I woke up early and surprisingly refreshed. I wrote some post cards and will attempt to pack my bag before everyone else it up for breakfast. It’s snowing. Los Arcos 4:30PM Arrived in Los Arcos about 3PM. This morning, Charlie, Eamon, Petra, and I set off from Estella in high spirits and […]
» Read more(from my journal) Mañeru Easter Friday / Noon Seven AM wake-up call and on the Road. Ali and Cliff remained in Puente la Reina. Ali is getting some help for an allergic reaction to her socks. Cliff’s blisters are getting worse, so he’s planning on resting a few days and taking a bus to Logroño. This morning, it’s Eamon, Petra, […]
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(from my journal) Puente La Reina Easter Thursday / 7pm Arrived exhausted, physically, mentally, emotionally. 9pm Showered. Clothes washed. In a bar looking forward to food and wine. I’m utterly wiped out. My feet are numb and my shoulders ache. This is the day my pilgrimage actually began. We started the day in magnificent Pamplona. We joined up with a […]
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(from my journal – the day by day account continues!) Irotz Easter Wednesday / 11AM This morning about 8AM we left Kristof behind and set out for Pamplona! No coffee or breakfast until now. Walking mostly with Eamon or by myself. Ali has lagged behind out of sight, and Cliff has pushed ahead, not wanting to stay still for long. […]
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