On July 13, 2022, my daughter (Lindy) and I walked the Camino Portoques. The walk was about 120 kilometers or about 80 miles. We had a great time. The walk took us from Tui, Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Below are pictures os the walk. Thanks for all the prayers, comments, and likes to the few pictures we posted!

Arrived at the Cathedral late afternoon after walking over 16 miles! The cathedral was finished in the 1100s. The remains of St. James are buried in the cathedral. Its a magnificent facility and very historic.

There were beautiful flowers along the Camino!

The Camino is well marked in most places. It lets you know the direction and the kilometers until you reach Santiago. However, sometimes the hotels are away from the Camino and you have to walk longer to get to your destination!

The countryside in Spain is just outstanding! The small villages, the bars (snack bars) and the people you meet makes it wonderful!

We met several friends on the way. Lindy met a school teacher and they were comparing notes on education system. Second photo of professor Lindy met. Third is Leigh Brennan with Lindy and I.

The churches were magnificent!. The first photo is a small chapel outside of Tui, Spain. The second is the cathederal in Porto built in 1200. The third is the Santuario de la Virgen de Barca. Built in the 1200 century. It was made famous by the movie “The Way”.

The food was delicious at most places. When you’re walking 35,000 plus steps a day you can eat alot of food. The first photo are the famous “Pimientos de Padron”. They are not spicy hot, but very good. The second and third pics are breakfast at our favorite location near Padron!

Lindy and splurged and stayed at the Parador in Santiago. (first two photos). The facility was completed in 1511, after the pilgrimage was completed by Queen Isabella 1 and King Ferdinand 11. It is a five star hotel now with much history. If only the walls could talk! The third photo is a Roman bridge built in the 9th century.

BELOW ARE PICS AND COMMENTARY FROM MY FIRST CAMINO IN 2021.

Certificate that I have completed the Camino. The certificate is in Latin.
Certificate that I completed 779 Kilometers or 484 miles!
Certificate of half completion. Thanks to good friend Aileen for getting this for me.
Lighthouse at Muxia.
Lighthouse at Finisterra or End of the Earth.
Hiking up mountain at Muxia.
Roman aqueduct
Very old hostel for pilgrims. Mostly just the walls now stand.
Small bridge on the Camino.

Some of the many churches of the Camino. All different and all built centuries ago! I prayed at them and went to mass at many!

Pilgrim statues of the Camino!

Beautiful Spanish Landscapes!

Good friend Hunter uses lady hose to prevent blisters underneath socks. Pretty smart idea!
Over 1,000 miles training and the Camino. Hardly any soles left!
I looked for these bars or snack shops to have a cafe con leche and a snack!
Another small castle
Typical small room of the Camino.
Markers of the Camino noting how many kilometers to Santiago.

Although I may have carried my pack from beginning to end,….and waited for every pilgrim in need of encouragement,…or given my bed to one that arrived later than I, …given my bottle of water in exchange for nothing,….if upon returning to my home and work,….I am not able to create brotherhood,…or make happiness,…peace and unity, I have arrived nowhere.   From the Pilgrims Prayer

This is in Muxia. Made popular by the movie. The story is that the Virgen Mary appeared in a boat made of rock to St James. Regardless of what you believe, this is a sacred place where you pray and reflect on your journey,
This is the church directly behind the first picture.
This is Finisterra or the "End of Earth". The early pilgrims would come here and Muxia to pray and see the sunset. They tought the world was square.
Beautiful landscape!
You can do the Camino by walking, biking, or by horse. Those with horses don't clean their poop, so we have to sidestep alot!
The communities I was staying at could be seen sometimes miles ahead of times. Sometimes we hoped they were closer!
Pulpo or Octopus is very popular on the Camino. In the town of Melide several places are just packed with people wanting to eat this. Had for lunch one day! Not to bad but rather have other food!
Another popular food is Caldo Gallego or Galician Soup. It is very good especially on cool evenings. Contains potatoes, white beans, cabbage, fatty pork, and other greens.
A friend of mine found this place that was and ice crean shop and resturant. This pancakes, ice cream and syrup!
It was a bittersweet moment to get to Santiago and a few tears. Offically 484 miles, but I know its over 500!
Amazing Cathedral!
Night view of Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela (St James under the Stars). Building started in 1075 and completed in 1211≥
Splendid views from one of favorite small village of O'Cebreiro (200 people)
Romanesque bridge in Villafranca. This view from my hotel room.
Beautifull purple flowers.
We meet many along the way. We may see them one day and not see them for a while. Meet Denis and his Mom Maria from Argentina. They were walking the segment from Sarria to Santiago. They were joined by her two other sons for a few days also. What a wonderful journey to walk with your Mom.
On the Camino you develop close friendships. This is part of our group. This picture was taked from the Parador hotel in Muxia. Terrific view!
david-birmingham, bill st louis
Other good friends..David from Birmingham and Bill from St Louis. Both of them fast walkers!

One of the lessons of the Camino was to slow down and really see and experience things around you. One of the them for me was to look at the flowers. Some were wild flowers that grew in the middle of nowhere and others were grown by homeowners. I have no idea the names od any of these. Maybe someone can ID.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.
Edward Abbey

Thanks again for following me on my pilgrimage. I have walked about 387 miles and less than 100 miles from Santiago. The weather has been pretty cool lately. A local told me that they had not had a summer. Today I started at 42 degrees and heavy fog! I have entered the Galicia region of Spain. Only 7 more days of walking. I want to walk these last days without posting until I get to Santiago. Wish I could post more pics, but internet very slow here. Again thanks for all your comments and prayers. They inspire me. Love and Blessings!

Walking in the Vineyards they were picking the grapes.
Meet good friend Hunter from Las Vegas. Hunter is pushing a cart with 65lbs of camera equipment and backpack. Its amazing he can push this through these steep inclines and declines! We both lost our wives about two years ago.
These markers along the Camino help us know we are on the right trail and let us know kilometers to Santiago.
Church Door.
Home Doors.
Another Home Door.
Three small Chapels that seat about 50 people in small villages.
last camino stop during spanish flu, near arzua
Smallest of all the Chapels!
These small Chapels are my favorite. A volunteer lady told me that this Chapel was restored by Pilgrim donations.
Twelve century Templar Castle in Ponferrada! Its in amazing great shape. Very impressive!
A view from inside the Castle.
Another view from inside Castle!
Pilgrim drinking water. Entitled "Tengo Sed" or I'm Thirsty.
One of my favorite. Master teacher instructing them on playing violin. Entitled "Maestro".
Again, these Spaniards like their nudes!
This caught my eye! Kilometers to various places!
Thought for a moment I was in Texas again!
One lesson of the Camino is how wasteful we are. The soap at hotels is the size og two have dollars. The question is how can we change?

Today is September 26th and I have walked 367 miles! About 118 miles left and 10 walking days. I have entered the last phase which is spiritual. The 23rd was the worst day of the walk day. It was both emotional and physical.  It was about 16 miles mostly in the rain. That day I climbed 1,600 ft. But what goes up must come down. The decline was very difficult. My lower back is hurting a little, probably due to all the junk in my small pack. However, I made it, got a good rest, and had a short mileage day of only 5 miles today! Beautiful landscape, great friends, and the food gets better! I have two more difficult days left. Thanks again for all your prayers and comments! Blessings to all!

Tomb of King Alfonso VI. Beside him are remains of four of six wives! His father King Alfonso V decided to divide the land between his five children. Then they started fighting among each other. If we dont learn history we are deeemed to repeat it!
This is longest bridge on the Camino/ It was used for jousting. If you jousted 300 times, you were given special recognition. This person did it mainly to impress a young lady!
Small Ermita or chapel on the way. Will post more church pics later!
Here is picture of some of the terraine going downhill. Very difficult to navigate!
Itvrains in Spain mostly in the plains, and in the mountains!
Beautiful Landscapes going into these small communities!
A famous location on the Camino is the Cruz de Ferro, or steel cross. You bring a stone or more and pray for blessing and to leave some intentions behind. The day was terrible, but it as very emotional.
I asked my son, daughter-in-law and daughter to find a rock. My grandduaghter painted one and you can see my daughters. The other is mine and Marys. My backpack feels lighter now!
Some have asked if I have lost weight? I dont know, but I'm probably eating to much. It is typical to walk 25,000 to 50,000 steps in most days.
Two friend and I listening to the Camino song! Somewhere along the way, I hope you find what you're looking for, somewhere along the way...
You must have your Camino Credenial stamped to show in Santiago that you have walked. You only need the last 100 kilometers to get certificate, but its fun to collect as many as you can. Your hotel, bars, churches, etc all have them.
Some of these churches are falling apart. They need to do a good capital campaign to restore them.
The odds of meeting someone from your hometown of Coppell, Texas are probably one in a million. However, I did. Meet Kylie from Coppell!
Meet Lea from France. She has been walking since July 27th with about 30lbs on her back! She is only 24 and walks very fast!
Two of my best Camino friends are (L to R) Aileen from Argentina and Libby from Seattle!

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.
Edward Abbey

Hello all! Today is September 20 and I have walked 312 miles! I have completed day 25 and have 173 miles to go and 16 more walking days. I was in Leon last night and had dinner with my good friend Noe and Marcia Hinojosa from Dallas! One of the best experiences is talking to friends on the Camino about your life and theirs and share common experiences. Thanks for following me and I appreciate all your comments. I shared in a facebook post about a podcast I did recently with a good scout friend Bill Goebel at commonground.show.

The Catheral in Leon is a Gaudi inspired church which is just gorgeous! This an afternoon picture. The light during will make even more gorgeous!
Leon Cathedral from main entrance.
Wish I had bought a good camera. This is the Rose you see in the front of the Cathedral.
Walking the Spanish Meseta.
We visit churches that were built nearly 1,000 years ago but you cannot light a real candel, only a electronic one. They say they are afraid of them causing a fire!???
Spanish Sunsets!
500 year old wine cellar!
These dirty Spaniards and their nude female statues!
The Spanish are not much breakfast people, but when you are walking 15 miles you need to eat! Most breakfasts do not include eggs, but cheese, chorizo, ham, bread, and more bread, coffee, and fruit. They also usally include fresh orange juice and pastaries.
The meseta is mostly flat with hay fields, etc.
Rainbow on September 15th!
Walking into small village. Can't wait for coffee!
Many statues and billboards honoring those that walk the Camino. This one across from a major cathedral is honoring a local mayor who helped the pilgrim.
Pilgrim statue entering Carrion de los Condes.
This nice billboard is for an a hostal and indicates the km to Santiago. The full journey is for the French Way is 800km.

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
Marcus Aurelius

Meet Krissy and Gail from Florida. They are two of my best friends of the Camino. Both are very courageous ladies!
We meet many friends and have dinner often. In this picture there are 3 Americans, 3 Irish, 1 German and 1 Argentinean. Sometimes we walk together and discuss our personal journeys.
On a rainy day, I walked with Helmut from Germany. He has visited 123 countries. He did tour groups for 20 years and very knowledgeable on history of Spain and other countries.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today a gift. That is why it is called the present.-Anon

Ermita or Chapel. It seats about 50 people. On a lonely long day I was about to pass this Ermita, but something told me to stop. There was a lady dressed in white and asked me if she could stamp my Camino Credential. I told her Yes and she proceeded to tell me that the Virgen Mary was traveling with me on the Camino. She gave me a little medallion and thanked me for stopping.
Inside the Ermita de Monasterio. Notice very nice artwork on the walls.
Rose Garden leaving Burgos.

Hello all! Today is September 10, and I just completed day 15. It was ten longest walk so far, 16.3 miles. The book says I have walked 163 miles, but I have walked about 179 according to my calculations. I feel good and body is adjusting well! I am in Burgos, but will not post Burgos pics today. A big variety of all. I will be interviewed by a blog a friend a mine is doing next Wednesday the 15th at 10:00 eastern time. I will post more info later on that. As most of you know, this is a spiritual journey for me. I have cried, prayed, laughed, and said an occasional cuss word while on my pilgrimage. The camino has tested me physically and the second phase is about to begin. This will test me mentally. There is so many stories on the Camino which at times makes mine trival. But that’s LIFE. Your comments inspire me. The contact form on this page is private and others don’t see. Comments on FaceBook are public. Blessings to all!

Update: Just walked into Hornillos del Camino! It was a 14.6 mile walk. I gained a mile when I forgot phone at rest stop. I started the second phase called the Meseta. It is mostly level with little shade and endless wheat fields. The temputure has been in the 50s and climbs to the high 80s.

Rain clouds! Notice Camino marker. Sometimes these are hard to find or your mind is on something else. Have got lost a few times!
Going into city! Can't wait to take a shower!
Beautiful Landscape walking into these small villages!
Facinated by the beautiful doors in Spain.
Church side door.
Home door!
Church in Belorado was built on cliff. See closely on left side.
Tomb of Santo Domingo. More on his story later, but he wanted to be buried on nthe Camino. So this church was built right on the Camino together with chickens. More later on this magnificent cathedral.
The small village churches are also stunning!
Typical dinner for about 11 euros starts with soup or salad, etc. This is garlic soup with a bottle of wine!
Main course lemon chicken with potatoes and chile.
I thought I would be healthy and ordered fruit. It was watermelon with chocolate and carmel and rasins!

Day 10 on the Camino, or about 116 miles, in Navarrete. I have had two short days of 6 and 7.5 miles. It was good to get some rest. I developed small blister and have some swollen feet. Figured out, I need to loosen shoe laces and use a different lacing technique. I ache some after each day, but goes away when I start walking. They say it goes away with time as my body is still adjusting. Dinner is never early in Spain, which is hard for me. Places don’t open until 8 for dinner at the earliest! I’m in the northern province of Rioja, known for their wines.  I hope you’re enjoying photos and commentary! Thanks for all your kind remarks!

Walled city of Pamplona, founded in 75bc by Caesar's rival Pompey.
Entrance to Pamplona where they used to close gate to the city.
Lots of romanesqe architecture. These bridges have been here for centuries!
Inside church in Navarrete. Amazing!
Outside church from first photo. They still have wooden floors!
Church in Lograno, ongoing renovations.
Stopping to see the flowers!
And to smell the roses!
A little white flower on the Camino!

I had no rest days only short days! Today was the easiest so far, only six miles to Lograno. This is day nine for me. Tomorrow will also be short 7.5 miles. However , it seems nothing is flat, only hills. Each day I walk for a few miles or in a few cases all day with someone new. Today for example I walked with Joe and his wife Tracy. They are Americans from Organ, but have lived in Hong Kong for 28 years. They just bought a place in Lisbon. As I said before everybody has a rather interesting story!

This is like the shiney city on a hill! Before the city there are vineyards and olive trees.
At major intersections is common to see the Virgen Mary. Its a symbol to protect the pligrims on their journey.
High above as clouds start to roll in!
Birch and Pine trees before Viana.
This is wine country. Lots of vineyards.
So there is this place on the Camino thats a wine fountain. You can drink all the wine you want, for free!
Dr Hal and Cindy. Terrific couple form San Diego. We used same company to book trip, so have seen them quite a bit.
Jenny from St Martin. Jenny outwalked me everyday. She is at least one day ahead. Stopped at little cafe in small village to have cafe con leche!
Alex and Francisco, who I met on first day. They live in Greenville, SC. Alex is Australian and Francisco is Columbian. They have two Eagle Scout sons!

The Scallop Shell is used as a symbol of direction along the Camino, pointing pilgrims towards Santiago. Pilgrims also wear this symbol themselves which further enhances the camaraderie along this great walking trail. It’s also quite useful to assure yourself that you’re on the right track.

Typical marker on the camino. Sometimes they are hard to find. I have got lost twice
As you walk thourgh small villages the scallop shell are on sidewalks to point in right direction.
Another sidewalk marker

I think the moment my legs begin to move, my thoughts begin to flow.
Henry David Thoreau

Please excuse the rambiling and misspellings! There has been no wifi for several days.
I hope you enjoy the photos. Started in the small town of St Jean Pied de Port. Pied de Port is translated to the foot of the Pyrenees, the mountain range where most begin their pilgrimage. There is a pilgrim office where you go with your credenial to have it stamped and get current information of the camino.  Some of these places are just small villages. Its been a tough three days for a total of about 30.3 miles. Lots of climbing, 900 ft first day, 3,200 second day, and 2,600 today. The downward parts are the hardest and most dangerous. Have met and made many new friends from US, France, England and many others. Its been the hardest physical challenge so far, but the most rewarding!

great views
Amazing views!
Alto de Perdon, a popular site for pilgrims.
Walking in rain on the Puente La Reina
Clouds moving in
Long lonely roads to do lots of thinking
Basque Country!
Edwith from France had been walking from her homefor three weeks. No reservations, just taking a day at a time.
Statue to Roland son of King Charlemagne
Beautiful horses
Church at St Jean Pied de Port
Walking with Mark from England
Difficult downward paths!
St James
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A Short History of the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James

The Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James has its roots in the 9th Century. A shepherd named Pelayo, led there by the stars of the Milky Way, found the remains of a body. The local bishop declared the remains were those of the body of Apostle St. James. The remains of St James are buried at the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela or St. James under the stars. Many have done one of the many pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela.

Why Am I walking

The Camino is a Spiritual Pilgrimage. As most of you know my beloved Mary died in December of 2019. I hope the walk will help me somewhat heal and show me the Way. For Mary's obit and scholarship fund click on the link.

 

 

 

The famous movie about the Camino, “The Way” with Martin Sheen. View the trailer and then the movie.