Walking the Camino de Santiago
Unlike the three signs when we entered Palencia Province, there is only one lone marker telling you that you are leaving. It sits, forlorn, at the base of a snazzy modern bridge over the now much wider N-120 Highway – a bridge that we must cross. It’s a harrowing journey for anybody with a problem with heights. Bonus photo! Closeup […]
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After lunch, we continued our Camino parallel to the N-120 highway, towards our planned evening stop in the city of Sahagún. It remained perfect walking weather: cool and clear. We made pretty decent time today, despite Francine’s continuing issues with her foot. However, a fateful decision looms. Date: 18 April 2016 Place: Between San Nicolás del Real Camino and Sahagún […]
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Liminal spaces. Passages from one place and time to another. They fascinate me. What lies behind this door? What transformation occurs as I pass through this gate? Who lives beyond? I took a lot of door and gate photos on both Caminos – enough for a book, really – and there is no reason to suppose I will ever stop. […]
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The artwork in the bar where we had lunch in San Nicolás del Real Camino was… disturbing. Here is Peregrino Brian from Evergreen being… disturbed. I’m somewhat shocked that I only took a photo of this particular painting, as I’m sure I remember many others just as odd. Date: 18 April 2016 Place: San Nicolás del Real Camino (Castilla y […]
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For much of the day, the Camino paralleled the ubiquitous N-120 highway. It was a quick hike over gentle terrain in beautiful weather, and by lunchtime we were walking into the tiny village of San Nicolás del Real Camino. We again met up with the crew from Evergreen, and we quickly found the only place in town that was serving […]
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The tiny hamlet of Moratinos (population 22; 78 on weekends) is home to the 18th century Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apóstol. During our walk on the Camino, we’d seen some interesting church entrances, but never before or since a gate like this. Date: 18 April 2016 Place: Moratinos (Castilla y León, Spain) Today’s map:
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Francine stands at the entrance of an abandoned bodega in Moratinos, looking for all the world like she’s visiting some Hobbit friends. We’re looking and feeling a lot better, as you can see. The weather has cleared up and the terrain is perfect for a long walk. Date: 18 April 2016 Place: Moratinos (Castilla y León, Spain) Today’s map:
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A smail is, of course, a Hobbit hole (and that means comfort!) These, however, are not really those. They are bodegas, as we have seen before in this region. I’m including a bonus photo below of the sign that explains it all! Date: 18 April 2016 Place: Entering Moratinos (Castilla y León, Spain) Bonus photo! Today’s map:
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We are entering the village of Moratinos on the Meseta. If you look carefully to the right, you will see what appear to be Hobbit holes. If you’ve been following the “Camino Photo of the Day” series here, you will already know what these are… but more on that tomorrow! Date: 18 April 2016 Place: Entering Moratinos (Castilla y León, […]
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There are many memorials on the Camino to fallen pilgrims. This one is on the wide open Meseta, just before Moratinos. This particular pilgrim died here only a few weeks after I passed this very spot on our first Camino. Date: 18 April 2016 Place: Between Terradillos de los Templarios and Moratinos (Castilla y León, Spain) Today’s map:
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