Category Archives: Camino de Santiago 2017

Yesterday’s 36 km (21.5 mile) hike from Vilar de Mazarife was really tough on my feet. I actually didn’t realize how tough until I had to use every blister dressing and band aid that I had to get ready for today’s 23 km (13 mile) walk to Rabanal. The elevation rises gradually from 900 metersContinueContinue reading “Episode 9 – Astorga to Rabanal del Camino”

I’m now in Astorga. This is a two day catch up blog post because I got behind. I’m gonna try and not be too wordy (yeah right) cause it’s after 11:00 and I’m dead tired. I checked out of the Parador San Marcos in Leon yesterday morning but not before their awesome breakfast buffet. IContinueContinue reading “Episode 8 – Leon to Villar de Mazarife and Villar to Astorga”

The 18 km walk from Mansillas to Leon didn’t offer much time for reflection. It’s mostly through built up areas on busy thorough fares. I knew that but I opted to walk anyway though I could have and considered taking a bus which Brierly sort of recommends. (p. ). May have been a good ideaContinueContinue reading “Episode 7 – Mansillas de las Mulas to Leon”

The Camino from El Borgo Ranero to Mansillas is really beautiful but monotonous in a way, its 22 km of soft dirt path, distant from any major highway, very little up or down with beautiful shade trees spaced evenly apart every 10 or so meters all along the way. I was out walking by 8ContinueContinue reading “Episode 6 – El Burgo Ranero to Mansillas de Las Mulas”

Well OK, right off the bat I’m just gonna say this (for anyone who was already thinking it) a big plate of marinated mushrooms followed by an even bigger plate of Cordero Asado with fried potatoes and a bottomless carafe of wine is not a prescription for a restful night sleep. I sort of knewContinueContinue reading “Episode 5 – Sahagun to El Burgo Rainero”

Ok honestly the day didn’t start out so great. I had to pack my ginormous suitcase, must be 45 pounds, just as I reviewed the detailed information about my itinerary. Unlike the average pilgrim, I used a tour company to book all my stops in advance because when we were here in 2014, the peopleContinueContinue reading “Episode 4 – Madrid to Sahagun”

All in all I had another very good day but for two relatively small disappointments. I slept straight through till 8 AM, woke pretty rested and planned the day with an eye toward logging 15 miles. I figured if I started the morning heading west to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), the Parque del OesteContinueContinue reading “Episode 3 – Day 2 – Madrid”

This is the post excerpt.

Well I’m doing it. I have to admit that I’m a little nervous about it and it’s a little intimidating but I figure YOLO. So with due caution, I’m posting this my first blog post. All is well, I’m through security and anticipating an on time departure arriving Madrid Barajas at 9:50 am. I’m stayingContinueContinue reading “Episode 1 – First Ever Blog Post”