Glen’s Camino Journey 2022

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Glen’s Camino Journey 2022

On beginning my next chapter in life as an orphan, I needed to reflect and stay in the moment

21/01/2023

Oh my, how we enjoyed the beauty of this town!

25/10/2022

Words to live by…

25/10/2022

Nearly 400,000 pilgrims have walked into the square.
2,281 the day i walked in.
Buen camino 🔆❤️🔆🐚🔆

16/10/2022

Day 36
Santiago-> Fisterra
The Camino has been traveled for centuries. When the world was flat, the Druids and pagans climbed to the ends of the earth to worship the stages of life in one form, by watching the sunset at the farthest points. They sacrificed and burned their pilgrims clothes and boots for a new beginning. We made out to Zero 0.00km marker and the accomplishment was ever more complete. The power and smell of the ocean will never leave my consciousness. This journey has lifted and lives in my soul. I am forever grateful for all of the amazing people that the world has allowed to help me along my way...
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

16/10/2022

Day 35
I made it! After countless steps, sweats, blisters, sleepless nights, laughs, cries… We marched into the plaza and joined the brotherhood of pilgrims and received my Compostela, a Latin written document for the completion of the journey.
My Camino Clan who has been with me, walked with, held my hand, cried with, and most of all, loved with, embraced in jubilant emotions amongst throngs of other pilgrims. I tried to compare to my Nola family, it is like Mardi Gras without the floats, beads, or bands. The power and electricity were indescribable.
There I sat on the ground in front of this magnificent structure and let it wash over me. I had been in Santiago years before, knowing little about El Camino, but couldn’t then appreciate the magnitude of the experience. Now I know… the Camino and me are one, never to separate.
Thank you worlds for letting my eyes open….
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🐚🔆

13/10/2022

Countdown to Compostela status….

12/10/2022

Melide-> Arzúa-> A Salceda-> Santa Irene

The excitement and emotional buildup to the final day into Santiago is really getting intense. I walked out of charming Melide into the 11th century Iglesia de Santa Maria de Melide to discover the beauty and preservation of holy artifacts to amaze! The altar was from 842 and paintings above were from 1310! The walk continued through lush green fields with smooth paths and just yet another tiny Roman hamlet. Eucalyptus trees and dense conifer forests with glimpses of rolling hills peaked out occasionally. I joined some of my “Camino Family”, Sue Belanger Dunn, who has held my hand and soul since my first steps out of France. Colleen Powell, who has managed to help me laugh through blisters and low-thread-count albergue sheets! Laura Tocher, who has given me so much inspiration and shown a sense of strength that I’m in awe! And Kathy who has powered ahead on those uphills! We are in a farmhouse 21km outside of Santiago and are biting nails to make it to the plaza tomorrow. Exhausting and scratching our heads to think we made it. So saddened that the struggle will end. The never-ending sessions of group therapy, hugs, hand holding, laughing and crying.
The Camino is a living thing that is indescribable. Loving it is both hard and hard to imagine without. It has reached into my soul and shown me how kindness and love can not only transform one, but all.
Until tomorrow….
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

11/10/2022

Sarria-> Portomarin-> Ventas de Nerón

Apples everywhere! I saved plenty to give the cows treats along the way. Medieval Sarria was a charming walk, but the enormous flight of stairs that greeted me at the entrance to the old city was a bit brutal.
Lovely weather made for pleasant walking, great scenery when crossing the once-flooded Portomarin.
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

11/10/2022

Fonfria-> Pasantes-> Triacestela-> Samos-> A Peña

More fields. More cattle. More. More… weather has been lovely. Spent the night in a lux hotel that was so reasonable. Wonderful dinner with €4 vino de la casa! Walked amongst ancient wild chestnut trees into tiny A Peña. Stayed in a huge stone farmhouse that was amazing! Listened to cows and chickens all afternoon then ate at the only restaurant, which was some of the best food on the Camino.

07/10/2022

Las Herririas-> O Cebreiro-> Fonfria

Galicia, finally! I’m nearly at a loss for words! I spent the night in a very nice inn with a delightful mom & daughter team to greet and make the stay special. One of my Camino Clan gal pals, Susie from Maine, recommended a horse guy. Turns out to be sitting next to me in the tiny bodega. We arranged for the next morning. The horse ride up the very steep hill gave the most spectacular buena vistas! Victor & Monica were such a delight to make my entry into the final province of Galicia so amazing! Then for a 9km to the next few villages. And a mishap that led to a small world, being at the right time experience!

Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

07/10/2022

It’s been said there are hearts of stone…. I know must they can crack too.

03/10/2022

Astorga-> Santa Catalina de Somoza-> Rabanal del Camino

The walk out of beautiful Astorga was lovely and flat, which led to several villages and long, very hot monotonous stretches. I introduced myself to an elderly Irish woman who then asked if The Old Spaghetti Factory on St Charles Ave was still open? Turns out she worked there in the 70’s!
The Camino makes us all one and shows how love, empathy, and compassion can make the world a smaller place.
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

02/10/2022

Hospital de Óbrigo-> Astorga
My walk through five villages was crisp and relaxed. The day before was long (44km) to be rewarded today. I booked a 4Star spa to pamper the wearying. 41° led to 70° which passed through farmlands and sheep herding. At times we walked amongst hundreds. Along the path, I met this amazing fellow, who greets pilgrims with an array of satisfying delights; breads, fruits, cheese, cafe con leche, you name it! All for a donation. Plenty gathered to share such loving hospitality. The Camino provides they say. So does DaVid!
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

02/10/2022

Beautiful and moving… La Catedral de Santa Maria León. The gothic style of this 13th century is described as minimalist, to heighten the eye and soul. The stained glass is like none other. Built when the population was just 5k! Another emotional morning as I continue my walk. As i passed through this massive interior, I knew this to be another resting place for Mom, in the several chapels of the Blessed Mother. Each day my love grows even deeper. Each spot I know she would love to see and experience. Each step on the Way brings me ever closer.
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

02/10/2022

So this was a surprise for my morning walk!

01/10/2022

Ouch is followed with ahhhh!

30/09/2022

W oW z A! What an amazing approach through fragrant lavender fields into León!
I hoped to ditch the bike and bus in, but the weather cooperated and the 49km ride was amazing AND a giant downhill glide into this city of 125k. I left my wheels and took off for sightseeing amongst the bustle of pedestrian malls filled with the well-dressed and beautiful folks. The air is crisp fall and a serendipitous crossing into a Celtic festival that began at 10:30 on a Thursday evening erupted into traditional dance. So excited for my Canadian gal pal Colleen who showed me some moves.
Great evening of delicious food and fun.
Tomorrow…. Onward ->
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

30/09/2022

Carrión de los Condes-> Ledigo-> Sahagún

Wow! The move to Sahagún is halfway and symbolic AND monumental! I pushed on to a clean albergue in Bercianos del Real Camino. The bike was a great idea, but the weather didn’t think so. Though the strong headwinds made for toughening the legs, the charming Roman-built towns are plentiful and the shh the ops along the Way are meeting posts for familiar pilgrim faces. Crossing many language barriers and exchanging stories.
This is a unique journey. I remind myself that I am on holiday and to enjoy the scenes along the Way, and appreciate the details.…
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

28/09/2022

Burgos-> Castrojeriz-> Carrión de los Condes
And we’re off. On bikes.
The scenery is more breathtaking to begin the ‘meseta’, the traditionally hot, flat stretch that typically takes 7-8days. I had planned to make some distance with a bike and gain some down time… well, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. While the feet are happy, the butt seems to be next on the pain list. However, the real struggle is the strong headwind and chilly temps. It’s been low 40°’s to start then warming once sun is out.
The path is lined with ancient Roman built cities filled with ruins, charming farmhouses turned to albergues or hostals or upscale posadas or paradores. The folks are amazingly friendly and the food is simple but satisfyingly delicious! Onward….
Buen Camino 🔆❤️🔆🦪🔆

28/09/2022

Las puertas de Burgos.
Traditional gothic, art nouveau, or mod funky. These are the passages around town. Burgos, so beautiful!

26/09/2022

A very emotional morning spent at this most awe-inspiring cathedral of St Mary. The ornate facade is tenfold the opulence of the interior.
It is my belief Mom would be so touched to be placed here.
Life’s necessary losses can be a source of strength and wisdom. It’s been said that tears are love with no place to go…. my heart is full today
🔆❤️🔆 Buen Camino 🐚

25/09/2022

Beautiful Burgos for a couple of stopover/recovery days. The walk is tough, but the gorgeous rewards are plenty. Nice digs with fellow pilgrims landed us in a swank neighborhood with lots to do and see.

23/09/2022

The €13 pilgrim’s meal in this town was pretty amazing. I’ve learned of a new veg, Cardo. Yummy, sort of a cross between celery and leeks.

23/09/2022

Day 14
Santo Domingo>Belorado
The road may be long and dusty, but the treasures along the way will lighten the soul!
Buen Camino 🔆🦪🔆❤️🔆

23/09/2022

Days 12-14
Navarette, Ventosa, Nájera
The yum the Camino provides comes in many ways. Plentiful green figs to pick from wild trees, tons of wild blackberries, and the treasures to be found in tiny supermercados. The community to share it with has been extraordinary. A fellow pilgrim’s father passed away. Her strength to push through is more than inspirational and has given much respect and push for me. My feet are beginning to see blisters. My eyes are showing my exhaustion, I’m darker everyday from the strong sun… but the motivation to carry the losses of mom, dad, sister through the trek of this, along with my health issues, to find the strength to be whole marches on….
Buen Camino 🔆🦪🔆❤️‍🩹🔆

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