Sept.30 - Missing Backpacks

So, we attend mass Sun. morning and enjoy lunch with a couple we hadn't seen since early on the way. We left our backpacks in the courtyard of our pension, hidden from the street, but when we got back to retrieve them they were gone. Soooooo, we barely made to catch our train to Madrid and with much hassle as our train tickets were in the backpack. So far no news and we are at our hotel by the airport. Hopefully we will be home tomorrow. Please say a little or BIG prayer for us.

Sept.28

The most spectacular thing to relate today was the swinging of the botafumeiro at the end of mass last night. That is a giant incensor weighing 175 lbs. It took 7 men to manipulate the pulley system that allows it to be swung. It is said that it was initially installed to cover the stench of the unwashed pilgrims. Today we visited museums and got the beard trimmed. It rained most of the day. Tomorrow we catch the train to Madrid.

Sept.27 - Back in Santiago

We're back in Santiago today. Had a lovely sunset at Finisterre last evening. We continue to meet fellow pilgrims and what a joy it is to see them. We finally met Lee and Linda from Colorado. We kept hearing about them and at Finisterre this morning there they were. God is great! Going to mass at the cathedral  again tonight.

Sept.26 -Finisterre

We took the bus today to the end of the world (Finisterre). It literally means end of the earth which at one time it was believed to be. We will hike out to the end to the lighthouse tonight and hope for a nice sunset. We are right on the ocean and have a lovely view from our hotel room.

Sept.25 Here we are!!!

Here we are at Santiago! We did it. It was quite an emotional event finally arriving at our destination. The mass at the cathedral was awesome! We both cried. This evening and this morning we met many old friends from along the way. What an incredible experience. Tomorrow we will take the bus to Finisterre. Many people walk there, but we are done walking. It's another 3 day hike. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and good wishes. We fly home Oct. 1.

Sept.24 - Almost there!

Tomorrow we reach Santiago. We're only 10 km away. We stayed in our last albergue last night - going first class from here. This picture is a little food stand in the forest where you take what you want for a small donation. Pretty common along the way. Also a pic of eucalyptus trees.

Salceda Again

We are relaxing at our albergue by the fish pond. Washing is done and on the line to dry. Its about 3 pm. Our work is done for the day - 19.2 km. Rest time, dinner and then to bed. One more full day of walking, then 10 km to Santiago on Wed. God willing!

Sept. 23 - Salceda

28 km from Santiago. Today we met up again with our friend, Michelle Michaels,who is a blind, black lady. Today we learned that she is a well known singer and will be singing at a Catholic conference in Minneapolis in Oct. The conference will feature Matthew Kelly, Steve Cavins and Fr. Robert Barron.

She is a truly amazing woman and we feel so blessed to have shared this friendship. Her travelling companion, Anne Marie Klobe, is a lovely and caring young woman as well.

Sept. 22 addendum

We met this precious lady today on the trail. Her name is Teresa of Jesus. When we met her she was singing "You've got a friend" so we joined her in chorus.

Sept.22

We are getting closer and feeling better. We are carrying our packs again today. The picture is from last night as we left church.

Sept.20 - Gonzar

Didn't go very far today - Jim's foot was really hurting - a little over 10 km. Tomorrow we will have our bags transported. Hope to be in Santiago by Wednesday.

Sept.21

Today we had our mochilas (backpacks) transported. Wow! What a difference that made. Walking was a piece of cake at least for me. Jim is still having some foot pain but I think he would agree it was a nice change. Foggy most of the way but pleasant.

Sept.19 -Vilacha

Today we again passed through some lovely forested trails as well as some small smelly barnyards and hamlets. We also crossed the 100 km pt. Only 5 more days and we should be in Santiago God willing. We have walked with so many people from Ireland I'm beginning to think with an Irish brogue.

Sept.18

Along the trail to Sarria today. Yes, that's a coke machine along the trail.

Sept.17 - Triacastela

Left this morning in a fog and mist, but fortunately it didn't last. Made it to our destination by 2. Tomorrow we try for Sarria. Then it's just about 5 more days to Santiago!

Murph was asked to do the English translation at the pilgrim's mass tonight.

Sept.16- O'Cebreiro

Today we took a taxi up the hill to O'Cebriero to celebrate Murph' s birthday. We will stay in a real hotel tonight and back on the road tomorrow.

Sept.15

Leaving Cacabelos this morning.

Sept.13 - Riego de Ambros

The Cruz de Ferro was amazing! A very spiritual moment as we placed the pebbles one by one at the foot of the cross. Heard from Julie about the flooding in Denver. We pray for all those affected by the floods.

Sept.12 -Foncebadon

Walked only 5.4 km today as I woke up with diarrhea and it took a while for us to get going. Well, I guess that's part of life on the Camino. Not a pleasant part! We are in a very old town anticipating the Cruz de Ferro at the highest peak. It will be a very short walk as we are very close now. We've heard that the rest of the trip is most enjoyable. Only 230 km to go. That's about 140 mi.
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Sept.10 Almost to Astorga

A few pictures along the way today:

Sept.9- Villares de Orbigo

A very small town with a lovely albergue. Most pilgrims go on to Astorga which is another 14 km. so it is pretty lonely here. So far only two other couples. We are struggling with leg and foot problems so we are taking it slowly. We are ahead of schedule so we are okay. Washing is done so we will go check out the local church.

Sept.8 - Villar de Mazarife

Short walk today from outskirts of Leon to Villar de Mazarife - about 15 km. Went to a beautiful mass last night in Leon at the basilica of St. Isadore. Another special pilgrim mass with a Camino blessing. The church has 24hr adoration. When the mass began, the open tabernacle pivoted around to close off the monstrance. Quite impressive!

Sept.7- Enjoying Leon

Another beautiful Spanish city! Many weddings today as it is Saturday. Such gorgeous churches and cathedrals. Tomorrow we should be back on the Camino.

Sept. 6 - Another quaint albergue

Lovely little place in Villamentero. Very rural and old. We had a choice of sleeping in a teepee, in a hammock or on bunk beds. We chose the familiar bunk. This place reminded me of my grandmother's house on the farm in Del Rio. We made it in time to miss the thunderstorms. The food was simple peasant food and excelente. There were two burros. I liked this picture.

We needed to catch up the two days we were behind in our schedule, so after walking the 10 km into Carrion de los Condes we took the bus to Leon, which now puts us 2 days ahead of schedule. We'll probably lose some of that advantage when we hit the mountains in the next day or so and slow our pace.

Along the road today Sept.3

Moving along Sept 5

A couple of nice shots today on the way to Villarmentero.

Sept. 3 Albergue mas primitivo!

Tonight we sleep in an old monastery ruins. Very primitive--no electricity nor hot water. It's called San Anton. Only 12 beds but very hospitable hospitolarios(inn keepers).

La ciudad mas fina!

Burgos is the most beautiful city we have seen so far. We attended the pilgrim's mass tonight at the cathedral. No photos allowed in the church but the retablo of gold leaf was extraordinary. After mass coming back to our hotel, the streets were filled with people in fine attire strolling and socializing along the promenade beside the river which runs through the heart of the city.
Have not received any texts! # is +1 720 252 5952. You need the +1.

Sept. 2

This is the gate made famous in the movie "TheWay" where the gypsies say good-by to the pilgrims. Also featured today the town of Rabe de los Calzados.
We are staying at a very fine albergue tonight. Cleanest and nicest showers yet. All our friends ended up in the same room. It's neat that we all keep meeting up at the same place, yet we start at different times and places. The hostess is doing our laundry for us in a real washing machine and dryer! Can't beat that!

Sept 1

Taking a short bus ride to Burgos to avoid walking thru industrial area.