ROF= Ring of Fire Odyssey
MEF-H = Marine Expeditionary Force- Hargus
CdS = Camino de Santiago journey
September 24, 2019
The Camino de Santiago... "The Way" of Saint James,...The journey
The Camino de Santiago was one of the 3 important Christian pilgrimage routes of the last 2,000 years, up through the Dark Ages and especially from Medieval time to present day.
1.Pilgrimage to Jerusalem,
2. pilgrimage to Rome,
3. pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
would earn the pilgrim plenary indulgence, or freeing the souls sins.
This begins to explain the sacrifice made to travel on a journey-- now homeless-- walking in the elements for days, weeks, and months. mostly not knowing what was up ahead... no guarantee of shelter at night,... hopefully to be welcomed by gracious hosts as a weary traveler
The Spanish people and innkeepers welcomed us into inns, albergue's, and homes as gracious hosts and genuinely cared about our well being. (well, one host was a cranky guy) Even the most modest of accommodations were hosted by genuine salt of the earth people. I have a great appreciation and respect of the Spanish people for the way they treated pilgrims/ travelers making sure our journey was a "bien Camino". Yo amore Espania!
After a days pilgrimage- hike- with a backpack,... everything you own in your immediate life,... to be greeted at the evenings lodging by a genuine welcome and smile renews and confirms your faith that you are on the right path.
What could I possibly say here about The Camino de Santiago journey... a 500 mile hike across Northern Spain... that has not been already written in many books?
The Cross of Saint James, also called the Santiago Cross was the emblem of the 12 century Galacian-Spanish military Order of Santiago.... the Knights -- and Knights Templar-- protected the pilgrims on "The Way" to Santiago.
The signs of your journey are there; look for them.
The cross of Saint James, AKA The Santiago cross.
Be thankful every day for all your abundant blessings. They are there. Look for them and find them. Every, single, day! Thank you for the gift of this day; I did not waste this time of life!
Be thankful every day for all your abundant blessings. They are there. Look for them and find them. Every, single, day! Thank you for the gift of this day; I did not waste this time of life!
There are several routes. We backpacked/ hiked the French route... the last 1/4 from Ponferrada to Santiago... 130 miles and went on to Finisterre, The End of The world! 2,000 years ago the world was flat and Finisterre was the western most point of Europe... literally, The End of the World.
It IS your journey. It only matters to you! Go do it; Hike it and don't worry about anyone else -- no, don't abandon your family and trek off. Yes, don't worry what anyone else thinks, criticizes you, or thinks you're a nut. Go hike The Camino, or a portion of it, and enjoy what you can.
One of the refreshing things on The Camino everyday was the thanks and gratitude to be able to physically backpack the Camino made possible by the discipline, tenacity, perseverance, and Still with the heart of a 21 year old US Marine Platoon Sargent; That,... plus I'm in such good health and by the fact that I didn't smoke or drink 'til I was 9. Not bad for a guy that's 106 years old; that's Bear years.
My observation and direct contact with many Camino pilgrims was that they were established settlers from back home with careers, families, enjoying a full life. They were not perpetual homeless vagabonds. I did see a few of young experience hikers off on another adventure. No matter the back home life most of the Camino pilgrims were pioneers of the spirit in their heart to take on this adventure to backpack and complete The Camino de Santiago. That makes them a kindred spirit.
Each pilgrim had their own reasons to undertake the Camino. You see the full range of pilgrims. Empty nesters, career workers on 10 days vacation time, couples making an adventure hike, retired singles striking out on a trek, young college and high school kids between semesters, individuals wanting to accomplish a Camino journey, religious folks on a mission for salvation... a few Jesus freaks... you see every type. And every reason.
Hiking and talking with Camino friends UK Dave and Dame Sue made the miles go by faster and more fun.
Hiking and talking with Camino friends UK Dave and Dame Sue made the miles go by faster and more fun.
Every city, town, village, hamlet on The Camino has a Basillica, Cathedral, iglesia/ church, capella/ chapel. Most are open for viewing and the alter is always inviting for a prayer.
Thought I was more descriptive but it seems from reviewing some posts my description of "magnificent" is used often, even in some small chapels. Well... most of the are magnificent and I can't find a word that is better. Enjoy them; they are another blessing on The Camino. Be grateful they are there.
The Camino is a place in time for you to reflect... on why are you here. ?What is it that brings you to a journey that asks... ?what is your journey about? ?Why are you hiking here to define what your life is about? There are simple,... and complex answers. Only you know the questions that are asked of your life... your purpose... your reason to hike The Camino. Your answer only matters. There is no comparing.
This is the best pic of the Camino... small hamlet capella... a small hamlet iglesia/ church. Burial crips on each side of the path... baptismal well at the entrance...
Morning sunlight burning through the fog... The church... the anchor of this hamlet for the last 1,000 years... the source of villagers honor and worship for the last 1,000 years.
The Camino is a place in time to sort out your questions You probably already know the answers... you just need to know that you are choosing the right path for you... which has nothing to do with backpacking across Spain... through some of the most wonderful scenery and history of western civilization. You can sort out your questions at the walking track or around your neighborhood at a much better cost.
Solitude on one of the most wonderful paths in the world. A lot of time to think... in peace,... to reflect. The pilgrimage in Medieval times would earn the pilgrim plenary indulgence, or freeing the soul's sins. Let's hope that holds true.
Good friend SUMU explained the technical terms of the Catholic Church. A Basilica- special ceremonial rights by the Pope. A Cathedral= the principal church of a Dioceses of a Bishops throne. ect... Throughout this blog you will see many pix of cathedrals, churches, yes a few Basilicas... and my usual description is "Magnificent". I apologize for not being more descriptive. Usually, I'm in such a state of awe to be standing in some of the worlds most historic, beautiful, ornate, engineered wonder (built a thousand years ago with primitive tools) of craftsmanship ie... marble tile mosaic floors depicting historical events, stained glass windows, ect some of these cathedrals are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The pictures don't do justice to show how beautiful and unique these sanctuary's are.
Sometimes it's a small capella/ local chapel... unique in it's own way.
Sometimes it's a cathedral.
We'll... Magnificent doesn't do justice to describing. Even my pix can't capture the visual entirety of the magnificence. Go see one and you'll know what I mean.
Sometimes it's a small capella/ local chapel... unique in it's own way.
Sometimes it's a cathedral.
We'll... Magnificent doesn't do justice to describing. Even my pix can't capture the visual entirety of the magnificence. Go see one and you'll know what I mean.
This small hamlet capella/ chapel was the best picture of the whole Camino! I would have liked to have spent a day in this hamlet and met some of the local people and listened to their stories. The location of this iglesia is buried somewhere in this blog on a post; this church is a symbol of fascinating history of the Iberian peninsula.
Studying Western Civ in college I had some grievances with the Catholic church about the "Inquisition". To study the history of the Iberian peninsula ... of the kingdoms,... the rulers,... the Catholic Church fighting wars with the Moors/ Islam,... makes the "game of thrones" look like a covered dish supper. This was "The" battlefield of Western Civilization; The Iberian peninsula. You can have your studies of the Austrian Hapsburg's... Napoleon... the War of the Roses,... The 100 years war... if you want fascinating western civ history,... go to the Iberian Peninsula.
Studying Western Civ in college I had some grievances with the Catholic church about the "Inquisition". To study the history of the Iberian peninsula ... of the kingdoms,... the rulers,... the Catholic Church fighting wars with the Moors/ Islam,... makes the "game of thrones" look like a covered dish supper. This was "The" battlefield of Western Civilization; The Iberian peninsula. You can have your studies of the Austrian Hapsburg's... Napoleon... the War of the Roses,... The 100 years war... if you want fascinating western civ history,... go to the Iberian Peninsula.
Still with the heart of a 21 year old US Marine Platoon Sergeant every Veterans day is spent speaking to middle and high school students. While talking about the different journeys through a lifetime one year a student asked the question; ?What was your favorite place? The answer... places I haven't seen yet... Well the point here is on your Camino journey you will see most everything you haven't seen. Yes they have houses and buildings, barns with cows, gardens beside their homes... but you will find the flavor of northern Spain on The Camino as unique experience that you don't get tired of, even carrying everything you own-- basically homeless-- on your back as you hike The Way of ST James.
Hiking trough some of the small villages and hamlets we talked with local resident ranchers with cattle, farmers with crops... most every home had a garden with fresh vegetables. Most families lived on the family land for centuries. Some residents born in a small hamlet had never traveled more than 50 miles away from their farm. Life seemed so defined. Work hard on the farm/ cattle, raise a family, be thankful and pray at the cappela, Life is a cycle.
Camino days were literally walking through Western Civ history...The kingdoms wars, rulers, the invaders, The Catholic Church, Warlords and Army's, the Visigoths, 700sAD Muslims conquered and control almost all of the Iberian peninsula. 942AD the Magyars raids of Northern Spain.
The 1,200s...war between Christians and Muslims
The Reconquista. We hiked through paths that were once relocation zones,... a barred zone where residents were moved to create an empty zone between the Islam Muslim in the south coming up from Morocco/ Africa. I would have liked to have had the time to go more south and see the Islamic architecture around Alhambra and other parts of the region. The pictures are fascinating. Maybe next time.
This is western Civ history at it's best.... fascinating to study in college.... beyond description to walk, hike, backpack through Spain and see where is was. It's hiking through the Iberian history of Western Civilization; It's the lab part of the course. The kings, the rulers, The kingdoms, The army's, the invaders, the conquerors, The Visigoths, The Huns, The Magyars, The Vikings, The Muslims... Castles, The "Castros"/ fortresses, the Forts, the city walls-- and for those thinking that walls keep people out... ALL the walls were eventually breached/ penetrated--, The feudal system, Catholicism, The Spanish Inquisition and the verdicts of Auto-da-fe',...
The literal barbarians at the gate all through the Iberian peninsula... the historical kingdoms/cities/ towns of Aragon, Castille, Leon, Galicia, Astorga, Burgos, Ponferrada, Sarria, Valladolid, ect. ?How do I describe this in a few blog posts? I can't. There's just a few posts here that offer a brief days selected experience of backpacking The Camino De Santiago; The Way of St James.
The literal barbarians at the gate all through the Iberian peninsula... the historical kingdoms/cities/ towns of Aragon, Castille, Leon, Galicia, Astorga, Burgos, Ponferrada, Sarria, Valladolid, ect. ?How do I describe this in a few blog posts? I can't. There's just a few posts here that offer a brief days selected experience of backpacking The Camino De Santiago; The Way of St James.
And haven't even mentioned James... the Apostle. The whole purpose of the Camino is to follow the route of Apostle James to Santiago after the Crucifixion of Jesus. James journeyed and established his ministry in Santiago, later went back to the holy land/ Jerusalem?, was executed by Herod-- for being one of the followers--, his friends carried his remains back to Santiago & his remains are interred in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral.
I mean what a journey; those were real friends!. To walk/ backpack in the same steps, the same places as James, The Apostle. 35 years ago only dreamed I'd even ever walk the Camino, and now am fortunate to hike/ backpack it across northern Spain.
What was the meaning of backpacking The Camino de Santiago? For me it was a gift. ... a gift of life. Taking everyday as an unknown of what you would see and experience on a new journey. Everyday concentrating on the journey that would end at Santiago, not worrying about the news of the world, or back home; a day to experience and enjoy journey. A gift! ... and a blessing to realize and be thankful for this gift. Thank you! As promised a long time ago; I did not waste this day,... this time of life.
Trust yourself to find the path where there is no if and when - Dylan
At times on the Camino talked with other pilgrims/ hikers sometimes simply saying 'bien Camino", a frequent saying by unknown acquaintances meaning "Good Camino-- I wish you a good "Camino journey". Sometimes you get an opportunity to talk with a fellow pilgrim more and get to listen and learn about them.
Every day was a hike with people from all over the world, people from many nations, ethnic cultures, different religions,.... different languages all on The Camino with the same common goal; The journey of The Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella. All working on the same goal, heading in the same direction, willing to help any pilgrim if needed, to make something good happen. At times I thought,... this is how the world is supposed to look like and work.
In the choices of your life... the paths you choose... on your journey between the eternities... this is a good one. Trust yourself to find the path where there is no if and when.
The Camino de Santiago was like a hitch in The Marines for me. You were on a journey... and you didn't know what would be on the path. You knew there was a place called "home"... you remembered "home"... but that was a place in memory. Now you were on a journey on The Camino. Home was a distant past. You thought someday you would be back and see home,... but you didn't know when. On the daily hike there was no thought of home, no news of back in the world; that wa not even a thought. At times... there was no direction home... That's not a bad place... but eventually you reach Santiago.
Arriving in Santiago on a Sunday morning and making a pilgrims mass at the Compostella... it will rain tears in your heart. Then to walk around the Compostella, a world UNESCO site...it's a good day. The satisfaction of completing The Way... The Camino de Santiago... you feel at peace; with yourself, and with the world.
If you get a chance to hike The Camino... take it! Go with an open mind... and you will figure it out... you will find the peace of The Camino.... The journey to Santiago, then on to Finisterre... the literal End of the world. It's a good hike. It's good for your soul. Trust yourself to find the path where there is no if and when.
When you hike The Camino you will understand the true meaning of being a pilgrim... hiking on a journey. And understand with clarity what it means to be a tired traveler...at the end of a day... to be treated with the dignity of being welcome... with something as simple as a place to sit down , and a glass of water; something so basic... but offered with so much wealth as to say welcome, rest. You are safe here. ... and to be thankful for the blessing of a good day.
When it comes to studying Western Civ You can keep your Austrian Hapsburgs, The Ottoman empire- Constantinople/ Istanbul, The Fertile Crescent, The Roman Empire - Augustus, Christianity, Democracy, Law, The Crusades, Alaxander The Great, Florence - The Medici's coming out of the Dark ages into the Middle ages and The Renaissance, Michelangelo, Music and Literature, Copernicus, Magellan, Columbus, Genoa- Columbus, Magellan, Dutch traders, Greece... Athens, The Greek city states, the Hellenistic world and the Byzantine empire, The Norse/ The Vikings, The Goths, Napoleon, The Huns, Italy- The Franks, The Lombards, The political alliances of Lucca Italy,... Corinth, Carthage, The Phonecians, Acaba, Sumaria, Babalyon, Mecca, Armenian Christians, Russian orthodox, Ashkenazi Jewish, Druids in Brittan and Gaul, Hadrians Wall, Irish Celtic Christianity, Scottish Picts tribe, Polish Slavic and Baltic tribes,...
... All that... then you go to the iberian peninsula... Aragon, The Moors in the South- Grenada- Alhambra, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Gibraltar, Leon, Castile, Santiago, Finisterre- To The End of THE WORLD,
... You want to study Western Civ; you go to Spain!
Homer fought in war for 10 years and it then took more 10 years of Odyssey to get back home. You get started on a journey,... on a path that takes you through the wonder of the world/ time... That's what you live for. Take the path and see it; one day you'll get back home. You can rest then.
From The End of the World! Thank you for this day; it was not wasted.
You never drink twice from the same stream.
Just because you wander doesn't mean you're lost.
Uncle Hargus: Last of the Independents
Have Bear,
Will Travel
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