San Juan Ortega to Burgos, October 15, 2016

Burgos is the end of the beginning and I now go onto the beginning of the end. It was May 19, 2014 when I last was here and it seems like only yesterday. 

The walk in the morning took us through Atapuerca. 

The Archaeological Site of Atapuerca is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site. The earliest human fossils and tools known in Europe were found in the nearby caves. The site was inscribed by UNESCO in 2000.

Here is a video on the findings. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g5gMuMJYe60

Their are memorials built outside the town to signify the importance of the findings and honoring our ancestors. 

It wasn’t that much farther that I got my first glance at (almost ) final destination. 
The city of Burgos is magnificent with the cathedral at its center.

 The Albuergue was  conveniently located nearby as always. It was one of the most modern one we stayed in. The cost was only 5 euro but the view of history outside our window was priceless. 

The evening turned out to be one of my most favorite moments. All the women that I had been hiking with off and on for the last two weeks magically appeared and we gathered for one last time. We were from Germany, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland and the United States. Strong, beautiful and inspiring.  I could not have asked for a more perfect way to celebrate my little moment of history making in my life. 

Beldorado to San Juan Ortega, October 14, 2016

Today was a long 15 miler but the terrain changed so much it made it enjoyable. 

The trail went through a few small towns, and I mean small. Some of them with inhabitants of 100 people. At one point I came over a hill and heard Elvis music. I can upon this area with stumps of wood to sit and rest. 

On a women selling fruit water and of course wine. 

The nights albergue was in a monastery built by Saint John of Ortega himself, with the help of his friend and fellow saint, Domingo de la Calzada, around 1142 as a help point to the pilgrims. 

It had two rooms with 50 beds, a little cafe and a church. Mass was at 6 and the priest invited pilgrims to come up a read the readings and prayer of the faithful. When you walked in you could get a copy of the mass in your own language to follow along as the priest said the mass in  Spanish. So, when the pilgrims  came up to read it was said in their own language. It was truly wonderful. 

A simple meal was then served and off to bed before the lights go out at 10am sharp. 

Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado, October 13, 2016

Happy Anniversay Mom and Dad!

Today was a 14 mile hike through a lot of wheat farms. A lot of them.  

This was one of many stacks we saw. 

The weather turned to rain for the first time. So, guess what we couldn’t make?  A euro if you got that one. 

One of



Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, October 12, 2016. 

Today’s 13 mile hike was through beautiful farmlands and vineyards. We are now in the La Rioja region, renowned for its superlative wines. And I will attest to that!  In fact, Kings and noblemen were proving the Camino through this region as early as the 11th century as a means of exporting its famous wine and wares through Europe-and a way to attract artists and stonemasons to build all of the amazing cathedrals and monuments I have been seeing along the route. It was in this region where the defeat of the Moors happened which gave a great boost to Christianity and by extension, the Camino de Santiago.  

Okay, I know you want to here about the chickens.   Well, The story goes that in the 14th century, a German 18-year-old named Hugonell, from Xanten, goes on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela with his parents. A Spanish girl at the hostel where they were staying makes sexual advances toward Hugonell; Hugonell rejects her advances. Angry at this, the girl hides a silver cup in the German’s bag and then informs the authorities that the youth had taken it. Hugonell is sentenced to the gallows, in accordance with the laws of Alfonso X of Castile.

The parents sadly decide to examine their son’s body, still hanging on the gallows, but suddenly hear his voice –he tells them that Saint Dominic has saved his life. His parents quickly make their way to Santiago de Compostela to see the magistrate. The magistrate, who is at the time eating dinner, remarks: “Your son is as alive as this rooster and chicken that I was feasting on before you interrupted me.” And in that moment, the two birds jump from the plate and begin to sing and crow happily. 

And as early as 1350, it has been documented that there is  a cock and a hen in the cathedral. 

I could not get a good picture of them because of the light so I found one to show you up close. 

I have a great punch line for my headline, but since my Mom reads this blog I leave it just between us chickens. 



Naverette to Najera, October 11, 2016

I had a wonderful conversation on a park bench tonight with Tamiara. It was after meandering through the town of Najera and we decided to sit awhile on a bench near the river. We talked about how the Camino represents life-your own life. 

You are always moving forward.  The miles have past and you don’t know what is ahead. The only thing you know is the road underneath your feet and in that moment there’s so much to look around and be thankful for – if you let it. 

If I only thought of the next town, the next albergue I would miss the moment the sunrise touched the hillside, the taste of fresh grapes growing on the vine just before harvest, the unexpected bench that appears to offer rest, and the opportunity to bless and wish everyone that passes me a good journey. 

There is a special moment that only comes with solitude when it’s just you your thoughts and with the Lord. For me it is the morning. It is quiet and the only sound you hear is your own footsteps. 

I’ve had some wonderful conversations with her and have experienced that moment where you knew you are exactly where you’re supposed to be. 

Yes, there are the struggles of hills, the pain of blisters and sleepless nights because of snoring and the wrestling of sleeping bags. My pack of burdens and regret gets very heavy at times. These too are the moments that give meaning to your life. 

‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise. 

Laura Song, Blessing

And, don’t forget to look for those funny times and laugh and smile as much as you can. 

Here’s the only picture of the day that I know you won’t forget. Even for a moment. 

Beun Camino

Viana to Navarette, October 10

A  quaint, beautiful and lovely little Camino town that captured my heart. There was something so warm and welcoming about the town as soon as you started to walk down the cobbled streets looking for your albergue. 

The alburgue  for the night is the building on the right below.

Directly across from one of the most magnificent churches I have seen

But just as important, of course, the most wonderful cafe. I sat with a fellow pilgrim enjoying tapas, a glass of wine and each other’s company. 

We then toured the 16thcentury Church of the Assumption which we later went back for for 8 pm mass and a blessing from the parish priest. 

And here is the view outside my window for the night:

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.   

Psalm 121:8

Los Arcos to Viana, October 9, 2016

Yes, it was one of those Camino Days, starting one way, ending another.  It is early Sunday morning around 730 as we headed out on our 12 mile walk. And this is how it started. From behind me:

And ahead of me. The rising sun kissed the hills a beautiful red hue. 

I put in my ear buds, hit shuffle, and the song that started to play was the song  Good Morning, from Mandisa:

It’s a good morning!

Wake up to a brand new day

This morning,

I’m stepping, I’m stepping, stepping on my way

Good morning,

You give me strength,

You give me just what I need

And I can feel the hope that’s rising in me.

It’s a good morning

The path took us mostly on natural paths and dirt tracks through open farmland with little reminders along the way of how much this country cares for pilgrims. 

Our alburgue tonight was in one of the most historical places so far. It was originally a monistery right next to the ruins of the Church of St. Peter (damaged in a war in the 15th century). 

Ended up sitting in the shadows of the ruins laughing and sharing stories with other pilgrims from different parts of the world and finding a wonderful connection  with three wonderful ladies- Anne, Dawn and Jade. We were all going to go to dinner but the restaurants were closed until 8 and it was only 5pm. 

And as The Camino provides we saw this sign 

Ok,  I will be honest, the carrot cake, cushy chairs and candels were a big draw. We sat and meditated while our hosts read passages from the Bible about trusting in our path and place in the world. Afterwards, we sat, drank tea and continued to share, not as pilgrims, but as new friends. 

Estella to Los Arcos, October 8, 2016

Yup, coming out of STELLA! I saw a sign. Could it really be? A fountain just for pilgrims that gives you wine?

Ok, it is only 830 in the morning, and there is a line, so I had better get in it!

But my water bottles are filled with water!  What do to, what to do….oh, how nice of them to put a vending machine with glasses and bottles. So of course I bought one, it would be rude not to (ok the guy next to me demonstrated the water part)

Today’s hike was just beautiful and the wine fountain was just the first gift. Look at this scenery. 

Came across this cafe for breakfast. A cafe con leche and tortilla every day so far, but who is counting. 

And then I come around a bend and I hear music. The gifts keep on coming. 

Here was a gift of absolute beauty and tranquility. 

Hey! Hay!  Just wanted to show you the hay stack. 

Los Arcos is a beautiful town, with history dating back to the 900’s. In the main square is the Church of Santa Maria. 

After dinner I was able to sit out in the courtyard, listen to the belles chime and talk to my Mom and Dad. The greatest gift of all. 

Oh wait, there was one more. When I got back to my bunk I had a little gift of the furry kind. 

May your day be filled with gifts of beauty, family, wine and song…and a little one to snuggle with you in your sleeping bag. 

Puente La Reina to Estella, October 7, 2016

Our first few steps on our 14 mile hike took us over Puenta de Arga, Bridge of the Queen. In the 11th century there was only one way of crossing the River Arga, by hiring someone to take you across in their boat. Unfortunately, seeing an opportunity to make money, these people overcharged the pilgrims for the privilege of being ferried across the river.

Queen Doña Mayor the wife of Sancho III ordered a bridge to be built over the river and thus gave the town its name. I thought it was interesting to be standing on this midieval with a modern bridge in the distance. Which one do you think will last longer?

And if you think that is old. We walked on an original Roman road that is over 2,000 years old. Really?

Our path started taking us through beautiful vineyards and olive tree groves. Just add a wheat field and we have the makings of a party. 

We came across this man who was very happy to have us try this weird looking thing

It turned out to be a fig and quite tasty

Estella was a beautiful town founded in 1090! It has literally been a walk through and over history today. 

Cizur Menor-Puente La Reina, October 6

Where the path of the wind crosses that of the stars.

The first part of today’s hike was a climb up Alto del Perdon, the Hill of Forgiveness.  At the top is a sculpture depicting a number of Pilgrims either on foot or on horseback as they make their way along the Camino to Santiago. 

And if you look closely you may see one you recognize. 

The views were amazing giving us sense of just how far we have come. 

The sculpture shares the hill with wind tourbines. We were so amazed at the sheer size of them we followed them right off the path and in the wrong direction. 

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We made it to Utera for lunch. When was the last time you got a Coke in a Coke bottle in a Coke glass?

We passed through Obanos, a tiny village with, you guessed it, a church……..and an interesting legend.  I will add it to the bottom of blog if your interested. 

Puente la Reina like many others towns and villages along the Camino owes its existence solely to the Camino de Santiago

Iglesias de Santiago was absolutely beautiful. It was built in the 12th century, and there is an altarpiece dating from the 18th century, and statues of Saint James the Pilgrim.

The legend of San Guillén and Santa Felicia.

Felicia was the sister of Guillén of Aquitaine who, following the family tradition started by William the 10th Duke of Aquitaine, decided to embark on a pilgrimage to Santiago. Upon returning from her pilgrimage she could not settle back into her life of privilege and wanted to help those less fortunate than herself. Leaving the French court she headed back to Navarra to live as a recluse and servant in a village called Amocáin.

Her family was understandably furious and her brother, Guillén, was dispatched to try and bring her back. After much searching Guillén finally tracked her down to the village of Obanos, but despite much begging and pleading Felicia refused to return to France with her brother. He was so angry at this response that in a fit of fury he stabbed his sister with a dagger. 

Racked with guilt Guillén decided, as a penance, that he would follow in his sister’s footsteps and make a pilgrimage to Santiago. Once he reached Santiago he now understood why his sister had felt the way she did and he too decided to dedicate his life helping others. On returning home and still inconsolable over the death of his sister, he returned to Obanos and built the shrine Nuestra Señora de Arnotegui where he lived out his days helping other pilgrims and dedicating his life to prayer. Both brother and sister were made saints.