Dana celebrating at the end of the worldNear Finisterre in the last 2k.Our friend, Kathy McLeskey from Florida who followed me last year and went for her own Camino this year. We met for the first time in Santiago. She’s a great pilgrim.Andrew Suzuki producer of Beyond the Way and Don’t Stop Walking. I’ve always been a fan, and we bumped into one another for coffee in Santiago, then had dinner that night. A real creative talent and super nice guy. Such a pleasure to meet him.We made it!You’ll find “monument art” like this all along the Way. This is my very favorite as you enter the final kilometers to Santiago. It really speaks to me as in, “We have arrived!”Entering Arca.Dana on the famous (sometimes infamous) rock bridge on the stage near Arzua.Not sure where this is.Jesus said: I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.Very typical November morning.Sometimes you shoot a photo simply because the light is perfect, regardless of the content or composition. I got 2 or 3 shots this trip where there was perfect light. This is one.Leaving Portomarin and the beginning of one of the final ascents on the Way. I love this photo. It says so many things to me, and reminds me of a prayer by Thomas Merton.After a really long 16-mile day, this awaits in Portomarin. Ugh.I believe this is my #1 favorite photo from our trip. Dana walking with Darla from Minnesota as we descend from O Cebreiro and enter Triacastela. It was a long hard walk and we were really tired and hungry about this time.Also near Triacastela. Somehow on this trip I got into the habit of shooting photos where it appeared we were talking through a tunnel. This is one.Us with Steve and Darla, friends from Minnesota.Another favorite in the church at O Cebreiro, the oldest church on the Way.A beauty of a day in Galicia. The snow wasn’t far behind.A toast to ourselves at a little bar in Ponferrada at the Castle of the Knights Templar.More beer. Ha. You’d think we drink all the time. Not true, but a cold beer sure does taste good after a long day of walking. Actually this is a cerveza de limón, half beer, half lemon juice.Dana at daybreak at Cruz de Ferro. It was amazing to watch the sun bring the morning light and I was lucky to get this shot. The light at this elevation is amazing. If I were in charge of Foncebadon I’d rename it Fuego del Cielo (fire from heaven). The iron cross has been in this location since 1530.The tokens we left behind at Cruz.Leaving Foncebadon for Cruz de Ferro. Early and cold, but it was worth it.The final Ks of the stage entering Foncebadon. Another long day.Enjoying time in the square at Astorga. We got a hotel that night. So nice to have clean sheets and towels. Plus, I’m sporting gentleman’s cap I couldn’t resist in Burgos. My one big splurge for 60 euros.Another top five favorite photo entering Astorga. This one framed up nicely.I trail named her, “Rookie.” It stuck.Stamping the pilgrim’s credencial, proof of the journey for your compostela upon arrival in Santiago.Another tunnel.Ahhh … Burgos. The 200-mile mark for those walking the full Camino Frances.More beer. More perfect light. HA! But seriously, look at that frosty mug.Fuente de Irache, where the wine flows from the tap.November really is a lovely time on the Camino.We did have some bad weather days, but for 30 days of walking the conditions were extraordinarily good.Tapas in Pamplona. Buen provecho!A pilgrim walking through a tunnel not far outside Uterga. Another photo that makes me think about a lot of things.
Thank you for these Photos and Memories.
I followed you on your 1st Camino, and now your 2nd with Dana.
David and I have plans to return for our
– 3rd Camino Frances; April 9, 2017.
Meeting Pilgrim’s and then bumping into them again and again, and then in Santiago, ROCKS!! My fav!! 😉👍🙆
Kathy McLeskey and I connected on APOC or Camigas. I also followed her Posts. It turns out she worked many years with David’s Uncle from Louisiana. I looooove Small World Camino experiences and connections.
Yes, #PilgrimStrong
Cathy & David, Santa Cruz, CA
PS: I love the Gentlemen Hat. GREAT Buy!!
Lovely pics. But now you’ve got Eric thinking we should hold out for a fall Camino, to see different seasons. I’m antsy and ready to jump in this spring as soon as the weather thaws. Ah well, these are the not-so-tough decisions in life. 🙂
Wonderful memories we made together!!!
Signed,
the rookie
Thank you for these Photos and Memories.
I followed you on your 1st Camino, and now your 2nd with Dana.
David and I have plans to return for our
– 3rd Camino Frances; April 9, 2017.
Meeting Pilgrim’s and then bumping into them again and again, and then in Santiago, ROCKS!! My fav!! 😉👍🙆
Kathy McLeskey and I connected on APOC or Camigas. I also followed her Posts. It turns out she worked many years with David’s Uncle from Louisiana. I looooove Small World Camino experiences and connections.
Yes, #PilgrimStrong
Cathy & David, Santa Cruz, CA
PS: I love the Gentlemen Hat. GREAT Buy!!
Thank you. Buen camino. I love the hat, too!
Beautiful pics, beautiful people – glad you got to walk together. Journey on!
Well done, Steve. Well done indeed.
Thanks, Brien.
Lovely pics. But now you’ve got Eric thinking we should hold out for a fall Camino, to see different seasons. I’m antsy and ready to jump in this spring as soon as the weather thaws. Ah well, these are the not-so-tough decisions in life. 🙂
Funny, I’ve just been thinking how I need to experience the Spring! I do love the November weather though.
Or here’s a thought: Walk spring, right through summer and into the fall.