The Camino Frances

The Camino Frances

Sunday, May 4, 2014

San Juan de Ortega and other people we meet





Sunday Day 12, Belorado to San Juan de Ortega- 24 km.

This is where our laundry is hanging - great location to catch the breeze. It has been a beautiful day, though there was frost on the wooden bridge this morning. This afternoon we are sunning ourselves in the plaza in front of the monastery. There are no priests living here, and mass for the pilgrims only 3 times a week.
It was an easy 24 kms, due to an early start, and breakfast on the premises.

This is the Albergue Monasterio San Juan de Ortega (St John of the Nettles) It is slowly being restored. Another castle like albergue, and only 5€ per night.

We have met some very interesting people on this Camino.
I will use initials, (in some cases) to protect privacy.

Today our walk was fueled partly by outrage. We walked for about 2 hours with W, an American, who is a libertarian, and a conspiracy theorist. He had some interesting and outrageous ideas which we totally disagreed with, so we had friendly arguements about Obama, health care and unions, and the time passed very quickly.

Some of my photos on facebook are from Rostislav ( real name), a sweetheart of a guy from the Czech Republic. It is a real treat to walk with him.

Other photos were from David, from England, who only was here 10 days, I think. It was great to walk with him, and we miss him and his friend Eric, who we have left behind several days ago.

We met a crew of Aussie women on the first day at Orrison. 2 of them are still keeping up with us, and the other 2 had to leave because of injuries.

Debbie and Mark are 2 Americans whom we have walked with a few times. They helped me to keep up the pace in order to get to Najera and snag the last 2 beds.

We really loved the Belgian hospitaleros at Los Arcos, and the Dutch ones in the laundry in Roncesvalles.

There are many Koreans on the trail, and there is a group of young ones who often stay at the same places as we do, as their criteria is inexpensive, with a kitchen. The smells from their cooking are amazing.

I´m off to put my legs up a wall. Tomorrow we walk into Burgos, with it´s fabulous Cathedral.

Buen Camino!






10 comments:

  1. Lovely photos! Meeting and chatting with so many different people while walking sounds like a great way to spend your days :)

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  2. I enjoy getting up at 6am to see your pictures and read your stories, knowing that you have already put in almost a full day and are probably finishing up your lunch and heading into the afternoon. Time change heaven. Thanks. It sounds amazing.

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    1. thanks for letting me know, Vicki - you know - you put it out there, but is anyone reading? Truly having a great time, with challenges.

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  3. Meeting so many fascinating people really makes the time pass so quickly! Glad to hear that you have had some sunny afternoons. Looking forward to seeing all of your photos.

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    1. Will definitely do a slide show. Need a date and venue, to be decided when I return. thanks for keeping up.

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  4. Those libertarians show up in the strangest places! Someone's got to show them the light! An easy 24km walk! I better get going! Thanks for all the great photos and updates!

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    1. You can train all you want, and you should, but the Camino is the biggest challenge, especially in the first week, and nothing truly prepares you for it.

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  5. Burgos!! My favourite city. I was stuck there for 2 days as my visa and debit card didn't work, and I had to have money wired. I treated myself to a hotel in Burgos as the walk there had been very long, cold and rainy. It had the best bath tub in the world. Some great tapas places there as well. Weather here slowly improving...I think they said 20 one day this week.Your trek sounds so wonderful, and the people you are meeting do sound varied and interesting.
    There were a number of Koreans when I did the walk as well. Young mainly , but also 2 older women.
    Stay well.

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    1. My feet are perfect, thanks for reminding me to stay well. I remember your challenges in Burgos and with your feet. I am about to go out and explore. Today as we walked that inhospitable entry into Burgos, it was 27´ , a mixed blessing.

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  6. I love to read your blog so much Darlene...and am going to create one for myself...this coming Camino will be my first one...I am trying not to set any goal and just leave the journey to God's hands.
    God bless!

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