Camino de Santiago
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Camino de Santiago
I am not sure when or indeed how the idea to walk this iconic pilgrimage to the Shrine of St James at Santiago de Compostella in Spain happened. It seems to be a big part of my thinking over the past year. It was very early on my renewed life of pilgrimage and over the…
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Camino Prologue
Bordeaux Wednesday 19th April When does a journey begin? In the initial thought? The planning? The preparation – or the setting out? Perhaps all of them. I had certainly done too much thinking and planning, too many YouTube videos and blog posts, too much agonising about packing lists, boots or shoes, to book or not…
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Camino Day 0 – The End of the Beginning
I seem to be unable to relax when travelling. I suppose I was excited and a little bit anxious too as I was beginning my final day before starting to actually walk. I had loads of time after waking up early in Bordeaux and ended up having a long wait at the train station. I…
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Camino Day 1 – Across the Pyrenees
Thursday 20th April 2023 Distance 25.1 km (15.6 ml). Total Ascent 1390m (4560 ft) Saint Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles After an OK but disturbed night I was up as soon as possible ready for breakfast at 6.00am. I had paid for the breakfast when I booked so made the most of it. I…
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Camino Day 2 – It’s not all downhill
Friday 21st April 2023 Distance 21.9km (13.6 ml). Total Ascent 250m (820 ft) Roncesvalles – Zubiri The guidebook gives the impression that in contrast to yesterday today was downhill all the way. I didn’t feel quite like that though, but that’s getting ahead of myself. As would be the case most days on my pilgrimage…
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Camino Day 3 – A haven of peace and love
Saturday 22nd April 2023 Distance 12.7km (7.9 ml). Total Elevation 360m (1181 ft) Zubiri – Zabaldika People in the dormitory began moving around by 5.30. I quickly got dressed and found a quiet spot in the lounge downstairs to say Morning Prayer. The day dawned with rain, cloud and mist such a contrast with yesterday.…
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Wisdom from Zabaldika
The Sisters of the Sacred Heart who care for the pilgrims who visit the church of San Esteban at Zabaldika share their love and wisdom so freely. Their stamp in my pilgrim’s passport sums it up, the open heart of God surrounding the world. They have written down words of encouragement and challenge for pilgrims…
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Camino Day 4 – Down to Earth
Zabaldika – Pamplona Today started on a high physically, mentally and spiritually. I woke up, well rested at the Albergue at Zabaldika perched high on the side of the river valley. The weather was fine and I only had a short walk planned into the city of Pamplona. I too was still enjoying the spiritual…
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Camino Day 5 – Over the hill.
Monday 24th April 2023 Distance 23.8km (14.8 ml). Total Elevation 470m (1542 ft) Pamplona – Puente La Reina I finally got up at 6am. It seemed a thing that people start getting up anytime after 5am, some of whom start walking in the dark. Apparently the man in the bunk underneath me got up at…
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Camino Day 6 – Villages on hilltops
Tuesday 25th April 2023 Distance 21.9km (13.6 ml). Total Ascent 300m (984 ft) Puente La Reina – Estella I had a good sleep and woke up refreshed. I got up about 6am and was by no means the first. I was out of the Albergue as dawn was breaking and found a nice quiet spot…