LP and VQT

 Posted by VQT Our first stamp in our Credencial del Peregrino.  LP and VQT with gelato cups.   Candy suckers decorated with a bull fighting image.  Incredible candy shop.  If we hadn’t been holding gelato cups we might have bought some candy.     Display of figures in a shop window.  We saw these displays in several windows.  No idea what the story is on these figures.  Some appear to be saints.   Cartoonish bullfighting mural on building.   LP at head of huge bullfighting sculpture.   Three years ago when we were here we went to Cafe Iruñ which Hemingway frequented.  This time we walked by but didn’t go in.  It appears to be as much a local establishment as a tourist must see place.   We did return to a pizza restaurant we ate at and the pizza was just as delicious as we remembered.   Seeing quite a few Camino people.  

 Posted by LP Photo - one of the beautiful buildings around Plaza del Castillo (and a peek at the blue sky) Photo - even the public toilets/bathrooms have a Coat of Arms  Photo - statue dedicated to the victims of political violence of 1978 We found our hotel, dropped off our backpacks and went strolling - ate delicious pizza (with a glass or two of wine) outside, on the restaurant terrace - more strolling and stopped for a treat at one of the many gelato shops - now it is 6pm local time, not sure we can do much more than have a shower and get some sleep - tomorrow we get down to the real business of walking :)

 Posted by VQT International flight to Madrid was oversold.  Delta was offering $1,200.00 dollars cash to take a flight the next day.  Flight departed and arrived on time.  We successfully maneuvered changing terminals and finding our gate for our Pamplona flight. We should arrive in Pamplona about 1:30.   Seeing a few other Camino pilgrims.   And we’ve had our first croissant.  

LP and VQT in front of portrait of Maynard Jackson.  Airport is named Hartsfield- Jackson.  Maynard Jackson was the first black mayor of a Southern City.  At TGI Fridays.  The first beers of many.  TSA took maybe 5 minutes.  We have plenty of time before our flight.   Cheers!  

Ceramic Camino tiles.  I dread the day my white refrigerator dies and I’m forced to buy a stainless steel refrigerator.   I’ll be carrying a new backpack this year   It’s 6 liters smaller in capacity than the pack I carried the past 3 years. And I’m hopeful it fits better!   I’ve been using my kitchen scales to weigh everything over and over and over again.  Without a full water bottle my backpack weighs in at 14 pounds.  That’s a pound or two heavier than I’d like.  But, I’m at the bare minimum of clothes.  I’ll wear the same pants everyday to walk and have a “nice or dress” pair of pants to wear at night (that can be worn to walk in if needed).  It’s heaven to put on clothes at night that are relatively clean.   The balance of my wardrobe for 42 days: 3 sports fabric t-shirts (1 will be used to sleep in) 1 long sleeve sun shirt 1 full zipper very light weight jacket Capri length yoga tights (to sleep in) A sun hat and a ball cap 1 scar...

Posted by LP Hello family, friends, supporters, etc., here we go again! Photo from 2022 - LP and VQT at road sign stating Santiago de Compostela is 790 km away  Photo from 2024 - ceramic tile of the Camino Clam Shell and Arrow…..we’ll be seeing quite a few of these!  I am full of anticipation (looking forward to something about to happen) and appreciation (feeling grateful for this thing that is about to happen) - this time I think I know a thing or two about walking the Camino (it will be the 4th) - however, the most important thing I know is that while I will be walking the steps (many thousand per day) it is a group effort to make it possible - so many thanks to everyone who has, is, or will be encouraging us along the way….you are best family, friends and supporters a Camino Pilgrim could ever wish for :) 💚 A couple of things about this blog (1) we are not very fluent in social media, we do our best, (2) we will be on the move, with possibly spotty internet access, (3) we...

 Posted by VQT I know.  I know.  Never say, “never”.  We thought this year we’d be doing a long walk anywhere but rural Spain.  But, here we are 2 days away from departure to walk most of The French Way (in rural Spain) for the 2nd time.   Three years ago when we walked this Camino route for the first time we met many people who were walking it for the 3rd or 4th or 5th time and we thought, “are they crazy? Why would anyone do this again?”   Well, we must be crazy too or else the Camino has us under its spell.   LP and VQT outside pilgrim’s office in St Jean Pied-de-Port in May 2022.  We were so excited to be here.  Due to Covid shut down we’d waited 2 years.   “There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.”  Charles Dudley Warner  Map of The French Way that shows the cities and towns we’ll be walking through.   This year we are flying to Madrid where we’ll change planes and fly to Pamplona...