Brad's Camino

  Camino 3 Video May 15, 2019  Sarria to Portmarin 24.9km 7:25hr 42300 steps May 16, 2019 Portomarin to Palais de Rei 27.8km 7:32 hr 44300 steps May 17, 2019 Palais de Rei to Arzûa 32.4km 8:34hr 50800 steps 5/18/2019 Azúa to O Amenal 26.8km 4:51 29200 steps 5/19/2019 O Amenal to Santiago Compostela 19.14km 4:51hr 29200steps May 20, 2019 Santiago Compostela to Alto da Pena 30.8km 7:37hr 46300 steps May 21, 2019 Alta da Pena to O Logoso 31.5km 9:06hr 62300 steps May 22, 2019 O Logoso to Cee to Finisterre 17.2km 438 hr 27300 steps Totals 210.54km/130.82 miles 57:14 hr 336200 steps Totals Combined to previous Caminos: 979.73km/739.21miles 382hrs walking 1800171 steps

Ponferrada, Spain and Canary Islands 9.31km; 1:57hr; 17500 steps; 66m elevation gain Well my Camino is over. Actually it was over yesterday when I closed the gap I left last year as I rejoined the Camino at the Cruz de Ferro. We slept late, knowing that there was no particular rush to get into Ponferrada. I wanted to see the castle with Lisa. Then I would have to catch the train to Madrid, and then a flight to Dubai, then Riyadh. How's that for contrast and culture shock?! As I remembered, the castle in Ponferrada is super cool. The physical structure is remarkable and fascinating, although the audio guide narration is a bit of a snooze. The true treasure is in the Templar Library and it's collection of illustrated manuscripts. Last year when I was here, there was a display of medieval Camino maps. I love maps and looked at these for probably an hour. When you consider them as navigation tools, they're pretty sketchy and it's remarkable that anyone ever got to Santiago....

Molinaseca, Spain May 5, 2017 Molinaseca 20.47km; 6:03hr; 53500 steps; 180m elevation gain This is the day we cross over the pass, the highest point on the Camino at 1530m. The pass is marked by a pile of stones and an iron cross. Pilgrims begin their journey carrying stones in their packs to represent their burdens and their prayers. This is where they are left behind. The tradition pre-dates Christianity as ancient Roman travelers would leave stones at the top of passes as a tribute to Mercury, who watched over commerce and travelers. A local hermit Christianized the monument by sticking an iron cross on top. But, the monument transcends religion and is truly the spiritual highlight for the Camino. At this point pilgrims have been physically tested by mountains and blisters, and wind and rain. In the first third of the Camino, we learn to deal with the physical challenges. Then we are confronted with a vast expanse, an eternity to walk across. The Meseta confronts us with the mental ...