“We do our best and most constructive thinking when alone for it's only in silence that God speaks to us.” Waite Phillips
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
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
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today a gift. That is why it is called the present.-Anon
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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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.