06 July , Welcome home!

A beautiful sunrise this morning, as our personal Camino continues.  God is great!

01 July, part two

Finisterre. The end (Our Camino, to be continued!)

01 July - day #34

Muxia, on Galician shore, the traditional end of the Camino de Santiago, and Finisterre, which is the site of the zero-km signpost. Thanks to all who have followed our walk, especially those who sent prayers with us. We also brought prayers with us for many. It has been fulfilling, beyond words. ¡Felicidades!

30 June - day #33

¡Santiago de Compostela! We made it in around 11 am, caught the noon "Pilgrim's Mass" and got to see the massive botafumeiro swing along the transcept of the cathedral. We'll take a bus to Finisterre tomorrow then return for our last night before heading to Madrid and our flight back home to ATL. Glorious.

29 June - day #32

Ribadiso to Arca, near San Anton. The subject of the photo might appear random and seemingly insignificant, but it represents a milestone (or kilometre-stone) of 700 km walked since we began in Pamplona on May 29. Today's hike was "only" about 23 km past houses, farms and fields and down pathways lined with eucalyptus trees. The scent of all those crushed leaves reminded me of an adage I once read, can't recall its author; "forgiveness is the scent a flower sheds on the heel that crushed it." Since these pathways are in the rural farming areas, there are many aromas, bouquets and sights, relative to the movement of cows, horses, sheep and goats, for which these eucalyptus leaves cast a welcome cover! Just as God's forgiveness covers us as well.

28 June - day #31

Palas de Reis to Ribadiso. We walked about 26 km today under clear skies with a bright blazing sun, but since we were under the shade of trees for most of the way it was a very pleasant walk. We have only about 42 km to walk (about 24 miles). Roses are now the predominant flower alongside the Camino.

27 June - day #30

Portomarin to Palas de Rei. About 25 km today in cool, clear, sunny skies. It was 51°F when we began, almost 80°F when we registered at our Albergue, "Buen Camino". Though the Camino environment , has changed a bit in recent days, the spirit feels the same. We Continue to lift up in prayer those loved-ones, family and friends back at home, as well as the sick and their care givers, doctors and families. We hope to be in Santiago on Thursday.

26 June - day #29

Sarria to Portomarin, about 25 km. After walking the segment, we had to climb these stairs at the end of the bridge across the lake. At the top of the stairs, only a short walk to the albergue, Albergue O'Mirador. Much has changed since Sarria, since it is the minimum distance to walk for an official Compostela (certificate). More pilgrims, more noise, more cell phones, more litter - all making more of a challenge to focus on the spiritual. Reminds me of the parable about vineyard workers - the ones who arrive late still receive the full reward. PEACE!

25 June - day #28

Triacastela to Sarria, via Samos. Our life is punctuated with milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, feast days, festivals of all kinds. They help us count the years and mark our progress. Some we welcome, some we dread, some we simply ignore, some are acknowledged but not much else. Today was a very pleasant walk through the beautiful town of Samos, which boasts the oldest and largest still-active monastery in all of Spain. Beautiful! The Spirit continues to stir the faithful here. About 115 km to walk.

24 June - day #27

Hospital de Codensas to Triacastela. Began the day in dense fog at about 55°F. Though the 100% humidity soaked us, it made for very pleasant walking, and admiring the scenery. Before we knew it, we had logged a little less than 20km. At our beginning in Pamplona, we had 724 km to walk. Today, we have less than 135km to go. It's becoming more difficult to say which aspect of the Camino has spoken more to us.

23 June - day #26

Ambasmestas to Hospital. No, we're not in a hospital, it's actually the name of the village. We crossed over O'Cebreiro today, marking pretty much the end of climbing, and hopefully the swarms of black flies. We saw lots of cattle and sheep, perhaps explaining the flies, to some extent. The land, the music and the people have changed as we move into Galicia. Much more Gaelic. Even the language is different, but the people are kind and warm. We expected rain to start the day, but it went north of us, clinging to the north shore. As, once again, God smiles on our Camino.

22 June - day #25

Cacabelos to Ambas Mestas (staying tonight in the Hostal Camynos) via Villafranca along the Rio Valcarce. Mostly highway but since it meanders alongside the river, we got to see the bounty of this region. Vineyards, garden plots, private homes, small towns and one large one (Villafranca). This whole region is like God is winking at the world, saying "See what I can do!"

21 June - day #24

Molinaseca to  Cacabelos via Ponferrada. Small town to small town with the lovely city of Ponferrada almost in the middle. This nicely restored medieval city has a beautiful castle at its center which was formerly the property of the Knights Templar. Weather is warming as most of today's hike was in bright sun with temps above 80°F after noon. Good to stop walking around 2 pm, find a room, do laundry, take a shower then give thanks for another amazing day on the Camino.

20 June - day #23

Cruz de Ferro. Walked from Foncebadon to Molinaseca today. An easy and short uphill followed by about 10km downhill, much of which on rock at a very steep slope. The emotional impact at the cross was much greater than I anticipated. The cross, the mound around it, the solemnity at the site and the thousands of pilgrims who've laid their burdens here all contribute to this much talked-about aspect of the Camino. 

19 June - day #22

Murias de Rechivalda to Foncebadon. About 13 miles logged today, but more significant: we climbed more than 2,000 feet, most of which in the last 5km. Tomorrow, we'll climb to El Cruz de Ferro which is the highest point on the Camino. Most all remaining will be downhill from there to Santiago. It's inspiring to realize that some things first perceived as a curse, are in some ways a real blessing if we only choose to see them in that light. PEACE!

18 June - day #21

Santibanez de Valdeiglesias to Murias de Rechivalda.  About 17km (still taking it kind of easy) in cool temps. Celebrating three weeks of walking and the blessings just keep coming. Staying in a charming albergue tonight after hiking through Astorga. Next couple of days will involve a lot of uphill climbing.

17 June - day #20

Villavante to Santibanez de Valdeiglesias. We got up today before the cows. A very short day walk as we take an early stop for a rest day. No matter which option route we choose, we believe we're where we are for a reason. Sometimes we know the reason. God is always with us.

16 June - day #19

Virgen del Camino to Villavante. About 16 miles, began at 7:30 with temperature of 40°F and wind steady at about 20 mph, gusting to over 30 mph. Thankfully we're both equipped with proper gear for all conditions. Images of Santiago abound but this mosaic in the town of Mazarrife struck me as being particularly photo-worthy.  A very peaceful walk along an "opcion" pathway. Enjoyed soaking in the spirit.

15 June - day #18

Mansilla de las Mulas thru Leon to Virgen del Camino. We opted out on Leon because it's such a big & busy city but I took this photo of the Leon Cathedral just before departing. It was not until we got our room in Virgen that I saw the clouds in the shape of a smiling face. Not shopped nor retouched in any way. Another great pilgrimage day!

14 June - day #17.

Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla de las Mulas. I'm not certain of the distance but from the count on my step counter it must've been about 26km. Not much to see along this mostly featureless segment but this hand-painted sign in the small town of El Burgo Ranero made me smile. They love Elvis (please, someone tell Jeff Mewborn!). I'm sure that God has quite a sense of humor.

13 June - day #16

Terradillos de Los Templarios to Bercianos del Real Camino. Approximately 23km (13 miles, give or take). Windy day with pleasant temps. About 224 miles you go, so we're at the halfway point. We are in a community off about 150 pilgrims whom we continue to meet and reconnect with each day. It's going tiki be hard, though simultaneously joyous, to leave when we're done walking. Feels like church.

12 June - day #15

Carrion de Los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios. A good hike of almost 18 miles which began at 5:50 a.m., mainly because we were awake and it was noisy. As we walked, the fields are turning more brown than the lush green of father east. The early Spring wheat is ready for harvest and the combines are busy gathering. Cool morning start at around 55°F, warming up to almost 80°F in the afternoon. Another phenomenal day on the Camino. God is so good!

11 June - day #14

Fromista to Carrion de los Condes. A perfect day for walking, and the awesome sights and sites seem to never cease. We Continue to both meet new pilgrims and re-connect with ones whom we previously met. We spent last night in a Hostal, and felt a little spoiled and guilty (but not too much!). I'm getting the message that my life needs done significant simplification when we return to the USA in about 3 weeks.

10 June - day#13

Castrojeriz to Fromista; amazing the thoughts that go through your mind when you're in the walking "zone". What's important / what's not. About 16 miles logged today. The people we meet and their stories are just as much a part of the Camino as the Camino itself.

09 June - day #12

Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz. We started the day at 6:40 a.m., reaching our albergue Rosalia by 1:30 p.m. Though we've lost the hills, we're enjoying a totally new aspect of the Camino - Just as life delivers to us an occasional total surprise. Carpe diem!

08 June - day #11

Burgos to Hornillos. Descended to the Meseta, on this cloudless, warm day. A fellow pilgrim shared this thought: Regarding life's "pain & suffering" - pain is inevitable, we choose (or not) suffering. 

07 June - day #10

San Juan de Ortega to Burgos. We're staying tonight in an albergue run by the Jesuits. It was a long and somewhat hot day. Grateful for this amazing Camino! The cool of the morning, when shadows are long, is the best time to walk.

06 June, day #9

Belorado to San Juan de Ortega. Climbed to about 3500 feet above sea level, just before the meseta (the great plain in Spain upon which the rain falls, mainly). God gives us no challenge too great!

05 June, day #8

Santo Domingo de la Calzado to Belorado. A very hot day of walking so the parochial albergue at the end was a most welcome sight. The support of friends and family is keenly felt.

04 June, day #7

Another gorgeous day across the Rioja region of Spain. Today, from Najera to the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Overcast and cool as we walked, a perfect day for prayerful contemplation of how good God is and how often we miss his voice. We're now about 560km from our destination.

03 June, day #6

Navarrete to Najera.
Another "half-day". Thinking of how the Camino reflects our lives. Through the ups and downs, we just keep walking.

02 June, day #5

Navarrette. We're stopping here today, cutting in half the guide book plan. This is a beautiful small town in the Rioja wine region. God's voice is all around us. Sometimes in the wind, others in the encouragement of "buen Camino!" of other pilgrims (and even non-pilgrims).

01 June, day #4

Los Arcos to Logrono. About 18 miles. Our longest day so far. We both take great comfort in all the prayers and fellow pilgrims on the way. Stories abound, just as does the beauty of this region.

31 May, On the road to Los Arcos

We are very grateful for these little signs, to confirm that we're on the right path. Interesting how some of them get decorated!

30 May, image

The beauty of this part of Spain is incredible! Between the architecture and the agriculture, it's difficult to decide what photos to take!

May 30, day#2

Estella! About 34 miles for the two days (and our dogs are barking!)

May 28. Hotel Maisonnave, Pamplona

May 29 - Milestone on day #1

Pamplona to Puente la Reina

May 28

Arrived in Pamplona, stormy weather and No vacancies!

ATL-MAD, May 27

The Camino begins

May 28

Aeropuerto
de Madrid!

May 23

Last day at work. Our Camino begins on Saturday (Or has it already begun?!)

Saint James

Pray for us, Santiago