It was an exhausting day but simply sublime!
Sending Camino blessings!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Day 33: Herrerias
Another amazing day! We decided, Aussie Cate, Peter and I the we were going to approach O'Cebreiro, one of the highest points on the Camino by taking the path less trodden, away fro the business of the road! Although challenging, it was exhilarating and rewarding. There were no cafes or stores along the way, only water fountains. We brought a picnic lunch that we shared in a glorious meadow! The sky was azure blue and the new spring growth beautiful! A highlight was finding an abandoned church where we were able to ring the church bells pulling on a cord left it seems just for us.
It was an exhausting day but simply sublime!
Sending Camino blessings!
It was an exhausting day but simply sublime!
Sending Camino blessings!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Day 32: Villafranca del Bierza
What an absolute delight it was to 'bump into' Sue Kenney and the wonderful women travelling with her. Such synchronicity!
I was walking along when I heard my name called - what a surprise to see Linda from Toronto greeting me.
It's their first day on the Camino and their excitement was infectious. Sue and one other woman are walking the Camino barefoot - what a challenge that would be for me. I know their Camino will be very special.
I continued walking through beautiful Bierzo vineyards into a precious village, Villafranca.
Tomorrow O'Cebreiro, the steepest section of the Camino.
Sending Camino blessings!
I was walking along when I heard my name called - what a surprise to see Linda from Toronto greeting me.
It's their first day on the Camino and their excitement was infectious. Sue and one other woman are walking the Camino barefoot - what a challenge that would be for me. I know their Camino will be very special.
I continued walking through beautiful Bierzo vineyards into a precious village, Villafranca.
Tomorrow O'Cebreiro, the steepest section of the Camino.
Sending Camino blessings!
Day 31: Ponferrada
Slow day today, landing on Ponferrada, relieved to have sunny warm weather after walking through snow squalls yesterday. There's a magnificent 12th century Templar castle which unfortunately was not open to explore.
The landscape continues to awesome, mountains wherever you look.
Sending Camino blessings'
The landscape continues to awesome, mountains wherever you look.
Sending Camino blessings'
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Day 30: Riego de Ambros
Snow! Blowing, blustery snow squalls!! In spite of the weather off we went! What a different walking experience! Saw another deer bounding off beside the trail, the only distraction to the howling winds.
Stopped at a wonderful alburgue in Foncebadon - would have loved to stay by the fire and take advantage of the Kundalini yoga and reiki treatments however we had only walked 6K.
La Cruce de Ferro where pilgrims leave stones and momentos was barely visible! Nonetheless, it was a moving experience
Stopped regularly where we could get tea and warm our hands and were thrilled to finally walk down to Acebo as the clouds parted to show the breathtaking mountainous vistas!! Met an albergue owner in a bar that provides vegetarian meals just before O'Cebreiro!
So glad to have landed on a warm place tonight!
Sending Camino blessings
Stopped at a wonderful alburgue in Foncebadon - would have loved to stay by the fire and take advantage of the Kundalini yoga and reiki treatments however we had only walked 6K.
La Cruce de Ferro where pilgrims leave stones and momentos was barely visible! Nonetheless, it was a moving experience
Stopped regularly where we could get tea and warm our hands and were thrilled to finally walk down to Acebo as the clouds parted to show the breathtaking mountainous vistas!! Met an albergue owner in a bar that provides vegetarian meals just before O'Cebreiro!
So glad to have landed on a warm place tonight!
Sending Camino blessings
Friday, May 17, 2013
Day 29: Rabinal!!
Did you know it's Norway's national day today and how lucky was I to hear a Norwegian couple soulfully and playfully sing their national anthem!
It's turned cold and rainy today! There was even a hint of snow in the air. The warmhearted Rocky from Hamburg was a delight to talk to, as we listened to his yearning for a life fully lived.
How could we pass by the Bar Cowboy Meson, where the 75 year old Caroline was drinking beer, talking about this her 8th Camino !
Rabinal is indescribably beautiful! Would have loved to explore but it's sooo cold and rainy! The Gregorian chants at vespers in an old Templar church touched deeply.
We climb into the mountains again tomorrow and word is that there's lots of snow there...
Sending Camino blessings
It's turned cold and rainy today! There was even a hint of snow in the air. The warmhearted Rocky from Hamburg was a delight to talk to, as we listened to his yearning for a life fully lived.
How could we pass by the Bar Cowboy Meson, where the 75 year old Caroline was drinking beer, talking about this her 8th Camino !
Rabinal is indescribably beautiful! Would have loved to explore but it's sooo cold and rainy! The Gregorian chants at vespers in an old Templar church touched deeply.
We climb into the mountains again tomorrow and word is that there's lots of snow there...
Sending Camino blessings
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Day 28: Astorga
But before Astorga, just before setting out, I sit before a gentle fire listening to soulful classical music in this magical Casa Rural built over a roaring stream, drinking in its beauty, feeling the immense gratitude for my life!
But, the Camino called, and off I went, leaving this little piece of heaven behind. The landscape changed, back to rolling hills, and varied vegetation. I was so grateful to have completed the Meseta. The Meseta that takes you deeply into your own psyche and soul! More gratitude arises to Liam, who started the red poppy encouragements and to Peter whose constant inspiration got me through!
Around the corner and up the hill, about 100 metres away stood an organic juice stand. The handsome David left Barcelona to where the Milky Way shines the brightest along the path. A film crew from Chicago was asking pelegrinos for the
reason they are walking.
Reconnected with Aussie Cate with whom I walked into Astorga. What a beautiful town, the highlight of which is a bishop's palace designed by Gaudi, and most importantly, Astorga is known for its chocolate.
I really wanted to stay and explore, but Granon called.
Sending Camino blessings
But, the Camino called, and off I went, leaving this little piece of heaven behind. The landscape changed, back to rolling hills, and varied vegetation. I was so grateful to have completed the Meseta. The Meseta that takes you deeply into your own psyche and soul! More gratitude arises to Liam, who started the red poppy encouragements and to Peter whose constant inspiration got me through!
Around the corner and up the hill, about 100 metres away stood an organic juice stand. The handsome David left Barcelona to where the Milky Way shines the brightest along the path. A film crew from Chicago was asking pelegrinos for the
reason they are walking.
Reconnected with Aussie Cate with whom I walked into Astorga. What a beautiful town, the highlight of which is a bishop's palace designed by Gaudi, and most importantly, Astorga is known for its chocolate.
I really wanted to stay and explore, but Granon called.
Sending Camino blessings
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Day 27: Villavante
'The Camino provides' is a what is said along the way, and yes, how it has for me! I'm so grateful for the many angels and synchronisities!
I left Leon at 2, a late start, aiming for Vilar de Mazarife, even phoned ahead to the albergue to make sure I had a place since I was arriving late. Best laid plans fell flat - they did't honour my reservation; there was no room anywhere and so off I went, walking another 10K to Villavante!
The Casa Rural here is in a renoed mill, set back from the road on a grove of trees. As I walked in, Mercedes welcomed me warmly with hugs and kisses. There was a roaring fire in the fireplace and dinner was in half an hour. The company of pilgrims was fun - England, South Africa, France, US and Canada represented at the table, sharing stories and experiences.
What luck that there was no room in Vilar - and I coulda saved myself a kilometre or two of muttering!
Sending Camino blessings!
I left Leon at 2, a late start, aiming for Vilar de Mazarife, even phoned ahead to the albergue to make sure I had a place since I was arriving late. Best laid plans fell flat - they did't honour my reservation; there was no room anywhere and so off I went, walking another 10K to Villavante!
The Casa Rural here is in a renoed mill, set back from the road on a grove of trees. As I walked in, Mercedes welcomed me warmly with hugs and kisses. There was a roaring fire in the fireplace and dinner was in half an hour. The company of pilgrims was fun - England, South Africa, France, US and Canada represented at the table, sharing stories and experiences.
What luck that there was no room in Vilar - and I coulda saved myself a kilometre or two of muttering!
Sending Camino blessings!
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