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Easter and the Traditional Bolantes of Luzaide-Valcarlos, Spain
I first hiked the Camino de Santiago Camino Frances route in Spain in spring of 2018. Due to a large amount of snow on the upper Pyrenees route I was forced to take a lower alternate route which runs thru Luzaide-Valcarlos, in the Navarre region of Spain. As I came around a corner down into the small town I was initially looking for cafe for a quick breakfast before continuing on my journey as I was having coffee I heard music and the jingling of little bells. I quickly finished up and rushed outside only to see colorful ribbons and bells on local dancers passing in a parade. I had…
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Waterfalls(in Spain): why I love them
There is something so beautiful and peaceful about a waterfall. I love the sound of rushing water so commanding and so much power it drowns out all other noise near by. The water is usually cold, crisp, refreshing and fast moving. When I see a waterfall I am instantly in awe and find myself mesmerized and at peace. I could sit here all day. The waterfalls in this post are located near Santiago De Compostela, Spain and Muxia within a 30 min drive.
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Santiago De Compostela, Spain: Official end of Camino del Norte 2019
I’m sitting here in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral main square staring at the cathedral and the pilgrims and I feel nothing … even with the scaffolds down from last year.. I feel no emotion no focus on the cathedral, no tears, no sadness. My thinking is pretty clear but I am perplexed.So many people yet I feel nothing, in fact I have a headache, and the crowds make me uneasy. The sun is shining and the cold breezes blowing and I still feel nothing. This time in Santiago I booked an apartment outside the main area just above the cathedral but I believed the hype. No more albergues and hostels…
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Spain Camino Del Norte: Ribadesella, Viveiro, Muxia and more
After making the agonizing decision to pick up a rental car in Gijon I decided to take the bus from San Vincente De la Barquera. My walking the Camino Del Norte was officially done. I am a tourigrino now, a day hiker, but out of a desire not fully realized I then drove 2.5 hrs backwards to the town of Ribadesella back on the camino and checked into a lovely casa rural . Bajo Los Tilos is a sweet little place with chickens, fresh eggs set below a rock face mountain and forest but not far from the ocean. The owner and staff, amazing! Since it is still early season…
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Spain Camino Del Norte: San Vincente De la Barquera and Llanes, and Camino interruptus the Unofficial camino begins
I have to admit I’m a bit disappointed but I kinda knew this was going to happen. Not accepting it was being foolish however I did do well over 650 km of the toughest part of the Norte. Something to be proud of but to be honest I don’t feel so proud. Before leaving home even with 1 cortisone injection months on crutches and two plasma injections I was only thinking of losing the money I paid for my airline tickets, which is truly a valid concern, But now I am getting to see Spain’s northern coast. I admit it’s not the same. I feel I’ve lost my spirit on…