Down home in Michigan

In Michigan the Pilgrim Pouch admires the old red barn at the Schaffer family farm near New Troy in Berrien County.

New Troy's historical Old Mill was where farmers, including Grandpa Schaffer, brought grain many years ago.

The Pouch lies on a bench by the New Troy Center, an old elementary school turned into a community building that includes a library run by the "Friends of New Troy." The town is known as the "Center of the World," the name of a general store once located there. The store's original owner, Hosea Tirrell, had remarked "Wherever I am is the center of the world"!

Fresh Michigan peaches were for sale at Sawyer's Home & Garden Center. 

Corn country

The Pilgrim Pouch continues the drive across the heartland. The roadway through Iowa and Illinois was lined with fields of corn "as high as an elephant's eye. And it looks like it's climbing clear up to the sky"! 

Across CO and NE

The Pouch refreshes by a Colorado stream near a bicycle path. Cyclists and Pilgrim Pouches make a perfect combination.

In Gothenburg, Nebraska the Pouch stops at a station used in 1860-61 for the Pony Express, which lasted for 18 months before the telegraph ended the need for mail transport by hoof. Every year there's a commemorative pony ride following the original route from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento, CA.

Guess what would have been a handy Pony Express bag?

Midwest bound

The Pilgrim Pouch is on a drive headed for Michigan & Chicago. We stopped to see the view at Spotted Wolf Canyon in Utah. 

At Salt Flats the Pouch checks out the landscape.

More in Madrid

Dad posed with associate Laura at Decathlon, Spain's version of Big 5 found in the U.S. The Pilgrim Pouch would be a perfect product there!

On a busy tourist day there's nothing better than a lightweight bag that doesn't weigh you down. It's easy to enjoy attractions, including the Botanical Gardens.

Summer fun in Madrid with sunflowers + a Pouch

This sculpture at Museo Arqueologico Nacional doesn't want to let go of her Pilgrim Pouch.

At Retiro Park the Pouch ends its time in Spain. Next up...visiting the Midwest.

Stay tuned as the Pilgrim Pouch keeps on traveling...

Buen Camino!

Madrid adventures

A Camino shell is discovered in Madrid where the Pouch continues to be an invaluable travel bag. It's just the right size to carry essentials while exploring.

Dad & I show the Pilgrim Pouch to Miguel at El Corte Ingles in Madrid. 

The Pouch lies in the shade on a hot day by the Royal Palace -- even in soaring temperatures, the Pouch's shoulder strap feels comfortable around the neck.

In Santiago

Gear spread out at Santiago's Seminario Menor, the big albergue on the hill

Camino essentials -- walking stick, shell, gourd, & a Pilgrim Pouch

The Pouch gets a splash from the fountain in Praza das Praterias, 

where the horses spouted their approval.

Three weeks walking on the Road and over 40 sellos in our credencials -- the Pilgrim Pouch completes Camino Tres in perfect shape.

** Look for more adventures as the Pouch travels to Madrid, where we'll spend a few days before returning to the U.S.

The Way to Santiago

The Pilgrim Pouch stops by a marker, which shows 53.5k (or around 33 miles) to go until Santiago.

A yellow arrow points The Way as the Pouch nears Santiago.