Sunday, July 31, 2016

Adios Santiago



On the final day in Santiago the Pilgrim Pouch explored Alameda Park where decorative benches line walkways. The park contains more than 90 species of flora and over 1,500 trees & shrubs that shade visitors.


The Pouch watched a swan glide around a small pond at the park.


Santiago's Cathedral is currently undergoing cleaning & restoration work. Despite the scaffolding, the Pouch admired the Baroque facade that still captivates walkers as they finish their journeys.


At Santiago's train station the Pilgrim Pouch awaited our ride 
down to Madrid and then the flight home to the U.S.

Ultreia & Adios Spain!



Saturday, July 30, 2016

Santiago Days

In Santiago the Pilgrim Pouch & I stayed at Hospederia San Martin Pinario, part of a former Benedictine monastery established in the 9th c. This historic hotel offers "pilgrim room rates" on the top floor.




Although basic, the pilgrim room is a welcome change from weeks of albergues with bunk beds & shared bathrooms. The view out the window was top rate too.



San Martin Pinario's common room includes a bar, TV, and internet access. Walkers & guests come here to use cell phones and tablets. Traveling high tech is no problem for the Pouch, which easily holds cell phones & small tablets.

By the cathedral in Praza das Praterias, the Pilgrim Pouch looked out to the 18th c. fountain with spouting horse sculptures. The horses support an angel who holds the star of St. James. Beyond the fountain is the cathedral's oldest extant facade & doorway from the original 12th c. Romanesque structure.


The Galician specialty Tarta de Santiago cake is displayed in a bakery window (lower right on the left). The cakes are sprinkled with confectioners sugar and feature a stencil of St. James' cross on top.



Friday, July 29, 2016

In Santiago

After almost 3 weeks on the Road, the Pilgrim Pouch arrived to Santiago de Compostela ready to explore this lovely city.


At the Convento de Belvis the Pouch rang the buzzer to purchase "biscuits," or cookies, made by Dominican sisters whose community originated in the 14th c.


The Pilgrim Pouch & I visited Ivar Rekve, the creator & manager of the Camino de Santiago forumCasa Ivar, an online store of Camino products where the Pouch can be ordered.

Since 2004 Ivar's forum has provided information & answers to walkers' questions. In addition, Casa Ivar offers luggage storage service -- walkers can send extra gear or luggage ahead to pick up after the journey.


Periwinkle flowers sprout from stone walls at Santiago's oldest parish church, 12th c. Colegiata de Sar.



Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Final kilometers



The Pilgrim Pouch & I stop by a fountain with a St. James sculpture on the way to As Seixas. This town is the last one before the Primitivo joins the Frances route.


A bicycle & the Pilgrim Pouch made a perfect pair near Melide.



Thursday, July 21, 2016

Lugo


Farm doorway on the way to Lugo 

Lugo's Roman wall encircles the city's old town. The Pilgrim Pouch was perfect to carry essentials while exploring this World Heritage site. In the background the Cathedral of Santa Maria rises above other buildings.

What can a Pilgrim Pouch hold while sightseeing? A camera, cell phone, maps, guidebook, sunglasses, comb, notebook, sketchbook, pens, snack money, and "Credencial del Peregrino."



Tuesday, July 19, 2016

To Castroverde



The Pilgrim Pouch took a break on the porch of 15th c. Iglesia Santa Maria near Castroverde. Too bad the doors were closed -- often churches along the Camino remain locked except for Mass.  


In Castroverde the Pouch sought shade under the umbrella fountain by the town's parish church, Igrexa parroquial de Santiago de Vilabade.


Ruins of a 14th c. castle lie on the outskirts of Castroverde. A fuente in town references the castle.



Monday, July 18, 2016

From Castro to Fonsagrada


The 9.25"x 10"x 1.5" Pilgrim Pouch is just the right size to fit anywhere, even on the flower potted stairway at the albergue in Castro. 


 The Pouch stops at the border marker of Asturias & Galicia.


Point The Way!



Saturday, July 16, 2016

Grand in Grandas de Salime


Along the mountain path to Grandas de Salime the Pilgrim Pouch stopped for a panoramic view of mist filled valleys.



By the Embalse de Salime dam near Grandas the Pouch refreshed at a hotel bar that overlooked the reservoir. Climbing up to this stop is breezy with a lightweight Pouch!


Comfort + style + eco-friendly fabrics = the Pilgrim Pouch



Thursday, July 14, 2016

Up and Away



While in Pola de Allande the Pilgrim Pouch stopped by 16th c. Iglesia de San Andres to peek through the front gate.


One stage of the Primitivo ascends 3,800 ft. on the Puerto del Palo mountain pass from Pola de Allande to Berducedo. Don't forget to bring plenty of water & sunscreen on this lovely stretch.



Wednesday, July 13, 2016

A Monastery and More



Photo ops? The Pilgrim Pouch is handy to hold cell phones or cameras ready to capture picturesque views.


Shady woods with stones are plentiful on the Primitivo -- perfect for breaks.


The Pilgrim Pouch contemplated Monasterio de Obona, a monastery that may have been founded as early as the 8th c. It was royally decreed as a mandatory stop for pilgrims during the 13th & 14th centuries. The site is a detour on the route to Campiello and well worth visiting.



Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Pilgrim Pouch Features

The Pilgrim Pouch admired Asturias' lush green fields. This region receives regular rainfall that keeps everything verde. In case of rain while on the trail, the Pouch (although not waterproof) resists moisture and dries quickly.


A sweet cow near Tineo mooed hello to the Pouch.


Camino accessories were for sale at the Tineo albergue. The lightweight Pouch would be a good addition!



Monday, July 11, 2016

Along The Way


The Pilgrim Pouch leans on a post of an horreo, a small granary structure common to northwest Spain. Mushroom shaped posts keep rodents out.



Hydrangea bushes surround the doorway of 15th c. Capilla del Cristo de los Afligidos located outside Tineo. The chapel was associated with a pilgrim hospital run by Benedictine monks.


 

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Hitting the Trail


Trekking the Camino becomes easy with walking sticks and the Pilgrim Pouch. No heavy bags or missteps on the path with these gear choices!



Near the town of Salas a curious horse gave th Pouch a hoof's up review.


In Salas the Pilgrim Pouch checked out the town's historic tower from the 12th c. This defensive structure includes dungeons and a narrow spiral staircase connecting the different levels. Arrows were shot from the narrow window slits during battles.



Camino Primitivo



In July 2016 the Pilgrim Pouch was on Camino Primitivo ready to carry essentials! The familiar yellow arrows & stone markers helped guide The Way.

The marker design above is typically found in Asturias, the region where the Primitivo begins. In Asturias, the shell points towards Santiago; in Galicia (the other region of the Primitivo), it's the opposite with shell's 'ribs' aimed towards Santiago.