This photo essay is my humble attempt to convey that privileged experience in all of its wondrous dimensions–fun, delicious, tragic, joyous, arduous, timeless, and sublime. I offer it with the most profound gratitude and as a celebration of a uniquely sacred gathering place, of my fellow pilgrims, and of all those things that make life worth living.
Buen Camino!
Why Walk El Camino de Santiago?
I walked the Camino for at least five reasons:
(1) to prove I was still vital at the age of fifty-two
(2) to enjoy an epic walking meditation
(3) to reflect deeply on the meaning and direction of my life
(4) to enjoy the camaraderie of my fellow pilgrims, and
(5) to welcome anything else that might come my way.
Saint Jean Pied du Port
En route to Saint Jean Pied du Port, meeting my first fellow pilgrim So Young and getting well wishes from friendly French lady Beatrice and her daughter.
The quaint hamlet of Saint Jean Pied du Port in Southwestern France is the traditional starting point for the Camino Francés.
The first order of business is to check in at the pilgrim’s office, which is staffed by a small crew of delightful and enthusiastic lady volunteers who will get your Camino off on the right foot. It’s also quite an exciting time as you start to meet other pilgrims from all over the world.
There you can get your pilgrim’s passport (credencial), the traditional scallop shell, and a weather report for the next day.
Each pilgrim is expected to carry a passport (credencial) which is stamped and dated each time they check into an Albergue. Since I received my blank credencial in Saint Jean Pied-du-Port, it is written in French.
Day one on the Camino Francés requires a traverse of the Pyrenees… and the mountain weather is not to be taken lightly.
Because a big snowfall was forecast for the next day, the ladies were adamant that we take the low road. The seriousness of their tone and body language left us no doubt that the high road was off limits. You can see the big red Xs emphatically drawn by them on the map below. Incidentally, we later heard that someone had died on the high road, apparently because they ignored the advice.
After packing my credencial and scallop shell, I made a donation, then joined some new friends for a quick dinner at the only open (but cozy) restaurant in town that took great pride in feeding peregrinos.
Day 1. Saint Jean Pied du Port to Roncevalles
And Crossing the Pyrenees
My very first steps on the Camino in Saint Jean Pied du Port
The snow got deeper and air got colder as we ascended. It was no small miracle that we all survived!
Roncevalles Albergue
Every city and most towns have at least one Albergue. Some are privately-owned, some are run by the local municipality, some secular, and some religious.
The religious Albergues have strict lights out policies. The secular Albergues are a bit more laid back.
Day 2. Roncevalles to Zubiri
At the famous 790k milestoneA very special moment as two cyclists wish us our first “Buen Camino!”
Most albergues have a community kitchen where you can cook your own supper.
Here is Tae-Lim Kim, one of my new Korean friends, showing us how it’s done.
An international fellowship of pasta and vino!
Day 3. Zubiri to ???
A multilingual celebration of women!
Pamplona
Pamplona skylineCelebration at the famous gate in PamplonaThe mixed salads (ensalada mixta) are uniformly fresh and delicious.
Animals Along The Way
Donating my gloves to the universe after surviving the frigid PyreneesSouvenir stamps can also be gotten from colorful people and at many historic sites along the way. Souvenir stamps can also be gotten from colorful people and at many historic sites along the way.
Alto de Perdon
Approaching Alto de PerdonThere are quite a few lovingly-created and well-tended memorials to pilgrims who have died along the Camino.
Camino de Santiago Food & Drink
Tapas can be found in lots of places along the Camino.
Basque Country
Basque Pelota
Puenta Reina
The summit of Alto de PerdonMost Albergues require some payment, ranging from 5 to 11 Euros, but some operate on a donation-only basis. Be generous!An albergue (pronounced al-BER-gay) is a hostel that is reserved only for pilgrims who are walking the Camino de Santiago. Upon arrival, each exhausted, dirty, and hungry pilgrim can find a simple bunk bed, usually a hot (but sometimes cold) shower, possibly a clothes washer and dryer, and a simple kitchen. There is no need to book in advance. Most do not accept reservations anyway (beds are available on a first-come, first-served basis). A pilgrim’s passport is required to stay in an Albergue. Upon arrival, the hospitalero will check and stamp your credencial (and sometimes also check your international passport!). Pilgrims are normally allowed to stay for one night only.
Burgos
Some albergues have communal dinners: “The dinner of today is thanks to the donation of yesterday.“The Irache Monastery wine fountain! (The free wine is free for a reason!)What a privilege to meet this very proud father (and wearing the very same shirt as in the picture no less!)A sweet and joyful lady from MexicoThere is not virtue in the absence of temptation.If you are not a fan of Rioja wine before your Camino, you WILL be during and after!Albondigas! (meatballs)
Ciruena
I got first place in the Giuseppe lookalike contest!Chicken (Pollo) is often served with eggs (huevos), french fries (fritos), and green chile peppers (pimientos).It is routine to enjoy practically limitless fresh bread and delicious wine (vino) at both lunch (almuerzo) and dinner (la cena).The only pilgrim-unfriendly sight on the entire Camino.Blistered feet! (Everyone gets their turn!)A ham and cheese (jamon y queso) sandwich (bocadillo) is a staple for lunch or late breakfast.A generous old man who made sure I got a cookie and warmed my feet with the heater hidden under the table!
Atapuerca
Atapuerca ancient stone circleAngel, a super cool adn wise human being who taught me: “No hay respuestas, sólo elecciones.”For lunch or dinner, restaurants all along the Camino have a “Menu del Dia” or “Pilgrim’s Menu”. And the food all along the Camino is generally fantastic… and the price is right (price-gouging of pilgrims is unheard of). Expect to pay 9 to 12 Euros for a salad, main course, dessert, and all the bread and wine you can eat and drink.Bidding farewell to my Camino family in Burgos (because my leg needed to rest)
Astorga
Some slow cooked pork (cerdo) in delicious gravy with fritos.
Cruz de Ferro
Cruz de Ferro, where the Camino got serious and enduring friendships wer madeThis monument, near Cruz de Ferro, marks a mass grave, in remembrance of thousands murdered by Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Unknown numbers of such graves still exist in Spain. Many remain undiscovered or unmarked as they remain quite controversial even today.A fellowship of mussels with Lidia
Molinaseca
The special heart stone that Fiach fished out of the river At a bar in Molinaseca, the owner built a shrine to his grandfather (abuelo) Pepe…His grandson proudly stamped my passport with an image of his beloved grandfather.Donating the special heart stone to the universe.More like a casual stroll than a disciplined marchAlways remove your boots when you come through the front door… Your feet and your fellow pilgrims will be glad that you did. A trick for drying wet boots: Stuff them with newspaper!A sweet moment between father and daughterA special moment at the 100k markerA nice older man I walked with a while, some very special words shared.
Camino de Santiago Animals
Camino de Santiago Memorials
Pilgrim’s Passport Stamps (Sellos)
Each stamp (sello) is specially designed, capturing the uniqueness of each particular place.Exquisite stoneworkHundreds, perhaps thousands, of remembrancesToasting the Camino with a liter of refreshing Spanish beer (cerveza) at the end of a long hot day… Salud!Grain storageOctopus (pulpo), prepared with paprika and olive oil, is popular in Galicia.Local fruits and vegetables and fresh water paid on the honor systemBlood pudding (morcilla) with hard cider (sidra) just like you might get in the UK.Adult beverages flow freely on the Camino. Some Albergues have their own special traditions, like this fiery and potent concoction.Ham and eggs (jamon y huevos) are not typically eaten for breakfast in Spain. Enjoy them for lunch or dinner with the house red wine (vino tinto).Pure joy at having discovered that she had not really lost her credencial after all!There is no skimping on quantity. Soup (Sopa) often comes by the gallon. Ladle away until you are full!Enjoying the cool water and warm sun!Donating my poles to the universe just outside Santiago
Santiago de Compostela
It is quite surreal to stand before the Cathedral in person, after seeing it in so many photographs and travel shows over the years. Naturally, there is a predictable feeling of accomplishment (and relief) upon arrival in Santiago, having survived hundreds of miles of physical and psychological pain that only a fractional percent of human beings have experienced and can possibly understand.
Upon arrival in Santiago, take your passport to the Pilgrim’s Office in order to receive your final stamp…
And to receive your “Compostela” at the Pilgrim’s office in Santiago de Compostela, certifying that you have met the requirements for a proper pilgrimage…
Donating my shoes to the universe (If they could only talk!)Thanks to some actionable intelligence we received on the Camino grapevine, we were able to accelerate our pace over the final five days of our trek in order to arrive in time to attend mass and witness the swinging of the giant incense burner.But my arrival in Santiago also felt anti-climactic and bittersweet. As the saying goes, it is the journey, not the destination that counts… and that wondrous journey (and my intimate connection with so many wonderful people) was coming to a close. And so, it was decided. We cannot yet say goodbye. We must go to Finisterre (by bus) to celebrate!
Finisterre
Finisterre (literally “End of the World”) was the perfect place to end my Camino.
The colorful harbor, light house, crashing waves, sea gulls, and sea breeze were the perfect backdrop for celebrating life with some of my beautiful Camino family: Kent, Brianna, Lucas, Elizabeth, Lidia, Fiach, MaryJo, and Birgit.
Looking out into the limitless horizon of the Atlantic, one cannot help but reflect deeply on the meaning and direction of one’s life. And to come to the realization that the end of this Camino was not an end, but a new beginning.
Enjoyed your pictures! So many familiar vignettes, remembered from my walk August-October 2015. Now back to the pages on blues vamps and other chord progressions!
Thanks so much for checking out one of my “other” projects, Teresa. It’s so nice to meet someone who knows the Camino so intimately.
All the best to you in travels, music, and life! Buen camino!
Enjoyed your pictures! So many familiar vignettes, remembered from my walk August-October 2015. Now back to the pages on blues vamps and other chord progressions!
Thanks so much for checking out one of my “other” projects, Teresa. It’s so nice to meet someone who knows the Camino so intimately.
All the best to you in travels, music, and life! Buen camino!