Category: International

Crowded path to Santiago, Spain, includes health issue

I started thinking about how unique this path really is. One feels extraordinarily safe. Everyone is basically going in the same direction with the same destination in mind. Every town and village awaits in anticipation the approach of the perigrinos, with beds and food at the ready. In the mornings cafes facilitate the early risers by opening their doors before sunrise to bleary-eyed pilgrims seeking a cup of Joe before embarking on the day’s adventure. As each day progresses, smaller villages along the route offer refreshment and food for those who are hungry, or in need of a little respite.

Interesting pilgrims along the way spice to the trip in Spain

As we move near Santiago, the path becomes increasingly crowded with pilgrims. Today we were joined by a group of approximately 12 from Vashon Island in the Seattle area. They are all members of a walking club and they signed up for a guided hike on the Camino, led by the author of Pilgrim’s Stories, by one Nancy Frey. Jack had read her book prior to the trip. The stories were collected for her doctoral dissertation. Thereafter, she met a Spanish man, they were married, and settled here in Spain, and offer tours. I hesitate to guess what this group is paying for her services and the convenience of having their gear transported from town to town.

Nature in Spain: Spider web, one-inch frog, Shetland pony

Editor’s note: Rick McKay, Joe Masonick, and Jack Karolewski, have been travel companions for more than 50 years to a variety of sites with many goals. This week’s adventure is the 24th in the series, a 14-day hike in 2005 across northern Spain’s intriguing Camino de Santiago, known as the

Contemplation of 1977 trip; ready again

Editor’s note: Rick McKay, Joe Masonick, and Jack Karolewski, have been annual travel companions for more than 50 years to a variety of sites with many goals. This week’s adventure is the 11th in the series. The previous article is at thevoice.us/one-false-step-loomed-in-pyramid-climb By Rick McKay Our exhausting and fun-filled tour