El Camino de Santiago kicked my ass. Well, technically, it kicked my feet. It turns out my minimal preparation for the Camino de Santiago was terrible. After a miserable effort of only four days, the doctor in Legrono told me that I wasn’t allowed to go on until my feet healed. I had walked just over 100 km’s, and my feet were bloodied and blistered.
To be honest, I was relieved.
The thought of putting back on my shoes made me shudder. For the last 9 km, I had stumbled along in jandals and socks. One of the traveling fashion sins I vowed I would never break.
Jandals on the Camino de Santiago
So while I have unfinished business with the Way of St James (an upcoming post), I want to share some of my favorite photos from the Camino de Santiago with you. Because I had yet to reach some of the more “unsavory” parts of the Camino that Sherry Ott had discovered, every step of my pilgrimage had been beautiful.
Puenta La Reina Bridge – Camino de Santiago Arrows
There is no way you can get lost on the Camino de Santiago. Arrows, scallop shells, and signs point you in the right direction at every bridge, road crossing, and intersection.
Camino de Santiago Scallop Shell
Reaching the top of Alto Pedron gave views back the way I had come from Pamplona, as well as views to where I was going. The rocky path on the way down proved to be my ultimate downfall, as my too-small shoes caused my toes to smash into the front.
Alto del Pedron Camino de Santiago
Metal Pilgrims on Alto del Pedron
There were so many beautiful old churches along the Camino de Santiago. But since I was walking in early March, it seemed that most were yet to open for the busier summer season.
The Church of Obanos
And between every small village, the well-maintained pathways of the French Way wound across the spectacular Spanish countryside.
The French Way – Camino de Santiago Photos
Puenta La Reina in the evening
Puente La Reina has one of the most impressive bridges I have ever seen. It was also the 1st village I had the pleasure of sleeping in after busy Pamplona.
Puenta la Reina Bridge at sunrise
Most mornings, I was up and walking before the sun began to sprinkle across the horizon.
Spring flowers on the Camino de Santiago
Pilgrims approaching Cirauqui, Spain
Every village and town was built on a small hill. Sure it looks beautiful until you realize you have to go back up again to go through them all!
Church of Santa Maria in Los Arcos
While only about 20 pilgrims were walking each section every day, it wasn’t uncommon for you to encounter them all. The people I met along the Camino de Santiago were some of the most inspiring and remarkable people I have ever spoken to. They are the ones that make the pilgrimage so unique.
The endless French Way
The free-flowing Irache Wine Fountain or “Fuente del Vino.”
Hay bales along the French Way
Every village had at least one ancient church, and it wasn’t uncommon to find them dotting the landscape in remote locations either.
Ermita de San Miguel
Iglesia de San Andrés de Zariquiegui Church
I have traveled through Spain, including cycling in Costa Brava and surfing in San Sebastian with both independent planning and a vacation planner. But having the opportunity to walk at my own pace through some of the most beautiful scenery in Spain on the Camino de Santiago has so far topped them all.
Natural arches on the Camino de Santiago