The End...

Hi All

Well its over, my last day on the Camino. Problems with Accommodation and under capacity. Tons of school groups doing the shorter Sarria to Santiago sections meant that we tried for over 1 hour, but we were unable to get a bed in Arca O Pedrouzo. This left us only one option… Push on... 

It was a hairy walk to Amenal on a narrow path beside main road. We stopped for Coffee near Labacolla airport. Heads down at 16km into Santiago via Monte de Gozo San Lazare.

Finally Cathedral view at 3am. 

WIND AND HEAVY RAIN greeted us but lots of people arriving in, there was a  great atmosphere! To arrive under these circumstances, considering the heat, hills and downhills, that we endured while walking the Camino, truly made it feel like a pilgrimage. 

I talked and nodded off until cafes opened at 06:00. 

THANKS TO YOU ALL for your messages of love and support. It was rough it was tough but what a journey!  825km in 29 days!!!! SORE FEET BLISTERS AND DODGY TOES. NO PHOTOS! 

SEE YOU ALL REAL SOON! 

BUEN CAMINO 

XX GER

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

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Day 30: Palas de Rei to the outskirts of Santiago de Compestella

Hi All 

Thank you again to all who are following me and sendin on their best wishes.

I really had a tough day yesterday. Now the path to Santiago de Compastella is becomming more and more populated the closer I get. These are the people who are doing the Camino in a week or so. As so many more people are now joining the camino since we passed Sarria. 

I left my hostal this morning  at around 8am with large crowds, even horses with us!! 

Lots of climbs and valleys. Through Casanova over Coto at 515m. I crossed the Furelos river to Melide for my 1st coffee of the day. Then Boente Ribadiso Arzua. Climb Alto de Santa Irene at 405m then into Arca, where the hostel was full, no beds. Nothing else for it but to have dinner, dressed my feet and decided to walk on into outskirts of Santiago. To I coverd a total of 55KM and I have to say I'm shattered! 

Nearly there and looking forward to a bed. 

Buen Camino 

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

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Day 29: Ferrerios to Palas de Rei and Ronan leaves!!

Hi All. 

We left Ferrerios which is at an altitude of 650m at 7:00 this morning. 

Over Alto Paramo and steep downhill at Portomarin crossing river Mino at 350m. 

Ronan left us here in Portomarin after 5 tough days and got bus to Santiago, then on to to Oporto Airport to fly home. 

All the group really enjoyed his company on the Camino. We then decided then to tackle a 27km hike over Sierra Ligonde at 720m to end day at Palas de Rei. 65Km left out of 825km. HOPING TO HIT Santiago in 2 more days. 

It rained today thank god temp dropped but flies were vicious! A few more bites for my collection! Hoping to do 40km tomorrow! Hope everyone is still spreading the word on jack kavanagh on www.mycharity.ie! 

Nearly home ! 

Xx Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

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Day 28: Villafranca to Tricastekla

Hi All,

Apologies forgot to send message last night. ALZHEIMERS! 

Anyways today was rough, we ended up doing 43km (that wasn't a typo!!) Thank god it was cloudy for most of today. The navigator took a wrong turn and ended up on the "scenic route" not intrended!

Adding almost 10km to our intended target! 

Ronan was in pain and struggling Ed strapped his ankle. Rough day left 

We left Tricastekla at 6:30 and unfortunately ended up on the road to Samos Monastery. We fought hard for the first 2 to 3 hours struggling tough this difficult terrai, before we made brekkie in Samos. 

We travelled on downhill now into and long walk into Sarria. Lunch and then a further 14 km in more tough terrain as far as Ferrerios small mountain village. 

We are so happy to be here, we are absolutly shattered! 

We are getting so close now, and expect to hit  Santigo by  Saturday! 3 to 4 more days, I delighted to have been so fortunate as to have been able to make it this far! We passed 100km marker to Santigo this evening! 

GOOD NIGHT! 

GER

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

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Day 26: Villafranca to Vega de Valcarce

Hi again to everybody following our progress,

I had to plan for wifi for the Big Game! Here with 2 mad Mayo men!

We left Villafranca and decided to go base of O'Cebreiro on Monday morning. In Villafranca we stayed in the a really beautiful hostel, the breakfast we great too. On the road at 7 30am this morning. A much later start than the norm, we had ourselves a lie in.

1st stop for more Brekkie in Pereje. Cafe con leche! Getting hot yesterday was 33c! We got through the early mountain stages parallel to road. Climbed to Trabadelo La Portela de Valcarce, then Vega de Valcarce. Then Ruitelan arrived into hostel Albergue Pequeno Potala nice beds and communal meal at 7pm. half time Mayo by 1 point !

The temperature here at the momentis a cool 30c and we are at an altitude of 700m after walking a distance of 23km for football!!
.
Heading to O'Cebreiro at 1300m. So early start tomorrow no matter who wins in Croke Park!

MID WEST RADIO ARE THE BEST!

Buen Camino,

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

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Day 25: Ronan's first - Pontferrada to Villafranca

Hi all,

This morning we started out as usual, Ronan did great. The day started out a little warmer than before, with the temperature rising quicker than I expected, getiing hot here in the end. I think I may need to start defining what hot it is. Since being here, I'm sure I acclimatinzing without even knowing it.  We left Ponferrada heading towards the town of Compostilla then onto Columbrianos for coffee and tortillia. From there we then made our way on towards Fuentes Neuvas, Camponaraya and Cacabelos Pieros on the banks of the River Rio Cua for a cold cola. 

Ronan was doing great. These beautiful sleepy villages with their own vineyards, provided me again with a little sustanance, the sweetness of the grapes was a great release. Some grapes led to more as we went along the tracks. This is a lovely hilly region of the Camino. The people here are very nice and welcoming. 

As Ronan walked he spent a good amount of time chatting and got to know all the lads as we walked. Today we coverd 28km over 7 hours. Its very hot here now as we are sitting in Plaza Ayuntamiento, in Vega de Valcare. This evening we had a nice 3 course pilgrim meal for €9 with wine!

Check out the town of Vega de Valcare, compliments of Google

We will be heading of to bed at about 9pm. Tomorrow we have a big climb ahead of us up towards O'Cebreiro. If all goes well tomorrow we'll be in Herrerias for the big game. Dublin v Mayo, with two mad Mayo men, we'll have a good bit of banter and slagging, before the game is over! 

UP THE DUBS! 

BUEN CAMINO 

GER

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

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Day 24: Foncebadon to Pontferrada and Ronan!!

Hi to everybody,

My departure from Foncebadon this morning was the usual, up early and out the door. My first goal was to reach La Cruz de Ferro at 1550m. This really was a serious climb. I got to stop for brekkie at Manjarin, where breakfast consisted of a serious roll and cafe con leche.

Then there was the descent, some people see the descents as the profit from the earlier climb and I would have thought the same, but the descents are very tough on my legs. As much and all as I give out about the climbs, I'd take them over descents any day. Oh this was one serious descent into Acebo. I rested here for a bit and had time to just stop and reflect. My daily routine, what it has now become, and has been my norm. As I became more and more capable of physically, just pushing on. As each day comes to close, I continually get closer to my goal for Jack. Everything that I have been able to acheive, the support from home has been of monumental encouragement to me. The distance I have walked still overwhelms me, but I'm not finished yet.

Today, I have a spring in my step, because I will be meeting Ronan later on today. The plan is for him to be in Pontferrada by the time I get there, I have been looking forward to this for so long.

From Acebo it was then on to the town of Riego de Ambros, then into Molinseca. Another break here for a coke and an icecream. From Molinseca, it was a long walk in hot weather into Ponferrada. Where I eventually found the hostel and Ronan.

Check out the town where I met my son, Pontferrada, compliments of Google

My Prodigal son has arrived and we are here having a beer together!

HAPPY DAYS BUT THIS WAS A TOUGH DAY! 27km but adjusted is 29km coverred in a time of 7 hours. Tomorrow I'll be walking with my son, happy days!

SPECIAL HELLO TO JACK KAVANAGH THINKING OF YOU TODAY !

XX GER

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

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Day 23: Astorgia to Foncebadon

Hi all,

Thank you so much to everybody who has been following my blog, I really appreciate it.

All is well here, knowing that Ronan is en route. I'm really looking forward to seeing him tomorrow. Today was a really tough day as we had steady climb from Murias at 900m to finish the day off at Foncebadon, at an altitude of 1450m. 

This morning was a 6am start. Now I'm having to wear full length trousers and a fleece as I'm feeling the cold getting in on me, these higher altitudes don't help either. I took break at Santa Catalina de Somoza and El Ganzo all villages still asleep! It was an uphill push to El Ganso over Rio Turienzo at Puente de Panote and steep climb to Rabanal del Camino. It really was all climbing today and I pushed on as I needed to get higher into mountains, I managed to reach Foncebadon, which has a population 13! 

Take a look at the town of Foncebadon, compliments of Google.

A little quiet but tomorrow morning I'll set out for my walk/climb to famous Cruz de Ferro where everyone will leave their stones promises and troubles! Cruz de Ferro is the highest point of the 825km Camino. Then downhill to meet Ronan in Ponferrada. I hope he brings some Pesetas!! As he'll be buying me a beer tomorrow night!!

Todays journey took me 22km along the Camino, a distance I managed to cover in 6 hours.

Buen Camino! 

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

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Day 22 - San Martin del Camino to Astorgia

Hi All

I left San Martin del Camino and got lost even with full moon! Eventually my well honed navigation skills brought me to the amazing Roman bridge at Puente Hospital de Orbigo by dawn, with at least 13 Arches.

I then took the high route of Santo Toribio via Villares de Orbigo and Santibanez then onto Cruceiro de Santo Toribio.  Finally at Santo Justo de la Vega I crosse over railway line into Astorgia.

This is a truely amazing city, with a Cathedral, Clositer, and a Museum!! There are lots of ancient Roman roads which converge here and the town is just full of history, everywhere you look. Enjoying Leon as I did, Astorgia predates Leon by 875 years!!

Astorgia has a history of looking after the old, elderly and infirm. Lots of people in wheelchairs. A great memory for me today was the incredible sight of Gaudi's Palace.

Take a look at some of the sights of Astorgia, compliments of Google:

The town of Astorgia

Today my walk took me just over 7 hours and I covered a distance of 29.2km. My feet feel very sore now, but I'm consoled by the fact that I 'm still in the best condition of the everybody else. Tonight my weary bones will rest in Murias de Rechivaldo and am I looking forward to climbing into my bed tonight!

Tomorrow my plan is to walk the 20km or so to Foncebadon. Ronan will travel out on Thursday and we'll meet up Ponteferrada, can't wait!!

Thanks for everyones the continued support! Please keep sharing the page and spreading the word!!

Buen Camino,

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

Click on the map below, to view my progress. I update it daily...

Day 20 & 21 - Leon & Leon to San Martion del Camino

Hi everyone,

Apologies for not posting up yesterday! Since everyone was a bit sore we decided to have a break for the day in Leon. With a population of around 130,000 there was loads to do and see in the city..

One of the first sights I visited was the Cathedral and Basilica de Saint Isodoro Plazaz Mayor and San Marcelo. Climbing to the roof of the cathedral I got to see the amazing stained glass windows and got plenty of pictures to show everyone. After I had a nice meal with some locals in San Martin and from that I made my way to Paradore San Marcos before heading to bed.. I was tempted to live it up a little and join a few of the locals for a few beers but was in bed by 10.30 as I knew we had to be up early for today.

I really loved Leon! Great ambiance and food! Would have loved to stay here another day..

So after our days rest, we were up early are raring to go (luckily I didn't go for the few last night because today was very tough). By 6.30 we were on the road, the number of layers we have on every morning are increasing, as it is pretty chilly when we start off!

Our first stop was Virgen del Camino, from there we made our way to Valverde and then finally stopping in San Miguel for our first break and a quick coffee.. I peeled off a few layers as it was getting hotter and hotter by the minutes.. By midday it was 30C so I lobbed on some factor 50 paste to keep but the sunburn was replaced by bites today.. I was eaten alive by bugs!! Feet and arms in bits but Brid as ever was on hand with some advice, so got some special cream in the local pharmacy so hoping that will do the job!

From San Miguel we passed through Villadangos then finally arriving in San Martion del Camino where we are staying tonight.. After checking into the hostel I went for a quick cold shower and gave the clothes a quick wash for tomorrow.

We have a tough 30km ahead of us tomorrow but with the mountains coming into sight the next few days will be hard on the legs just in time to see if Ronan is up for it!

Thanks for everyones the continued support! Please keep sharing the page and spreading the word!!

Buen Camino,

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

Click on the map below, to view my progress. I update it daily...

Day 19 - El Burgo Ranero to Leon

Hi All,

This morning’s routine has now become the norm for me. As soon as I get up, I'm out the door and on the Camino. This morning I had a lie on and was up at 06:30. My initial stage for today was to Mansilla de las Mulas, which was a distance of 19km.

This was one of the first walks that I had the opportunity to make alone. I found that it gave me time to clear my head and to reflect and appreciate as to why I'm here doing what I'm doing. The donations that everybody so willingly made and the feed back coming from home is fantastic. It helps me so much to put aside my own physical aches and pains, blisters, boils and bumps…. But I don't want to be going on about me!!

Before reaching Mansilla de las Mulas, I stopped off in Reliegos for my ritual of a coffee and a tortilla. I'm hoping that by the time I get home to Ratoath tortillas’ will be available in all the coffee shops and petrol stations!!

Next, into the city of Leon, via Puente Villarente and Valdelafuente. Todays walk was all of 39km. This will definitely be up there with my 'long walks' My feet feel like they never have before.. Leon is a beautiful city and I'm delighted to be taking a bit of a rest here for maybe 2 days.

During these days I'll be visiting different Basilicas and loads of Churches.

This evening will be my Pilgrim meal and off to bed, but I'll tell you I'd sleep on a mantel piece, I'm that tired...

BUEN CAMINO!

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

Click on the map below, to view my progress. I update it daily...

Day 18 - Terradillos de la Templarios to El Burgo Ranero

Hi Everybody,

Thanks so much for your continued support.

Today was a real killer and after trekking over half of the Camino by now,  I feel I'm qualified to say so!!

Up, out and walking by 06:00 this morning having to wear 3 layers of clothing. By now the morning are visibly darker. I took my first break in a town called San Nicholas de Real Camino. While I was there I bumped into a couple from Tougher, in Cork. Eileen & Brendan, who were great crack and we had a good laugh together.

Whether it was the heat or the coffee, but definitely not alcohol, I some how managed to take a wrong turn on the road and ended up in a place called Calzada de Coto, but then managed to find my way back to Berciones del Real Camino.

Eventually making it to El Burgo Ranero, a little further than originally planned. The distance covered on todays walk was about 34km with the temperature reaching into the 30's. It was a long day today and I'm really looking forward to my Pilgrim meal this evening and my bed.

Tomorrow I'm aiming to make it to the town of Mansilla de las Mulas. Tomorrows distance is about 20km. My feet are holding up well and overall I'm delighted to have now gone beyond the halfway stage. These villages are quite remote and services are very basic. Internet just isn't a priority in these places.

BUEN CAMINO!

Ger

Please remember to spread the word and remind as many people as possible, as to why I'm here:

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/jacktrek_790/

Click on the map below, to view my progress. I update it daily...

Day 17 - Carrion de Ios Condes to Terradillos de la Templarios

Hi Everybody,

Thanks to everybody for your continued support.

Another long day today, I started out at 06:00. The area I'm currently walking in is called Mesata, consisting of featureless flat farmland. Long, very long straight roads, no bends, no hills. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining about - no hills!! But something in the distance to work towards and overcome, not here. Dead flat and boring, but that’s part of the 'way' too… 

After about 2 hours of walking we got to take a break, unfortunately we were hoping for something a little more refreshing. The coffee was TERRIBLE served with a hard boiled egg and all from a caravan. 

From there we walked along Via Aquitania, which is a 2000-year-old Roman road. Coming up on 10:00 we reached Caldilla de la Cueza, for some real coffee and a tortilla. With the temperature starting to rise, it was time to start shedding layers of clothing. We bypassed Ledigos and arrived at todays destination of Terradillos de la Templarios at 1:30 this afternoon. 

This was to become a highlight of my pilgrimage as I have reached the halfway point. After 14 days of walking, I now face only another 387.5km to Santiago So far so good, the feet are not to bad. 

BUEN CAMINO! 

Ger

Click on the map below to view my daily progress, I update it daily...

Day 16 - Boadilla del Camino to Carrion de Ios Condes

Hi everyone,

When we left Boadilla del Camino this morning at 6am it was very cold! We had three layers of clothes on us starting off and it wasn't till we were 2 hours in that we began to warm-up a bit..

Walking parallel to Canel de Castilla brought us to the town of Fromista where we stopped for a snack and from there we made our way to Revenga de Campos. All these town names probably don't mean a lot to some people so have a click into the google maps if you want to have a better idea of the ground I'm covering.. In Revenga de Campos we dropped into the Santa Maria church which was nice and I lit a few candles for you all!

Our hostel for tonight is in Carrion de Ios Condes which we arrived at around midday (a lot earlier than we expected)! 27km in 6 hours with a few breaks wasn't bad going.. It was nice and sunny in the afternoon when we arrived. I had a quick show and polished off a roast chicken!

The hostel for tonight is a bit different to the other ones so far, it is called the Charity Hostel but Vespers are singing at 5.30 and then mass at 8 followed by dinner!

Tomorrow is going to be a long day, we have a stretch of 18km with no waterfronts or shops for food, so we'll have to stock up on some snacks before we leave Carrion!

Talk soon,

Ger

Day 15 - Hontanas to Boadilla del Camino

Hi all,

This morning we were on the road by 6am, it was still dark and pretty cold. We had climbed Castrojeriz by 8am and stopped for a quick brekkie!

After our short pit-stop we could hear a rumbling or crack sound and before we knew it we were in the middle of a thunder and lightening storm. It continued throughout our climb of Alto Mostelares where I got some amazing panoramic photos if I could only upload them! The descent brought us into the town of Itero de la Vega which is surrounded by millions of sunflowers.

We are going to be walking the Mesata for the next 3 days, which as I said yesterday is like an extremely flat desert. After leaving the region of Burgos today we are now in Palencia. We took a few short breaks as Jim is still pretty bad (taking some painkillers for the shin-splint) and Ed and Bob have very bad blisters on their feet. Its a miracle that I not too bad at all just tired this evening!

We crossed Canal Pisuerga which was beautiful and then arrived into Boadilla del Camino (900m) after 8 hours of walking, covering 28.6km. Looking forward to a few beers and the pilgrim meal later.

Talk to you all tomorrow,

Ger

Day 14 - Burgos to Hontanas

Hola,

Today when we left Burgos at 6am it was still dark, its getting darker every morning but we have to start early. After 2 hours of walking parallel to railway tracks we got to the town of Tarjados and stopped there for a quick breakfast. The high speed trains were flying by using at some speed, caused Jim to jump a few times!

By the time we got to Hornillos it was time for a lunch break but we were eager to keep on the road so just grabbed a can of coke to quench the thirst, chatted to a few bikers from England for a few minutes and refilled our water bottles at a fountain in the middle of the town. Then we were back on the road!

By the time we got to Mesata Plateau at 950m the factor 50 (which was at the bottom of the bag after a few mixed days) was back out and I once again felt like the whitest man walking on the Camino. In the afternoon the sun was extremely hot and we had to stop in the shade a few times. From the Plateau we made our way onto San Bol, Cloister Santa Brigita and then landed in Hontanas after 8 hours and 33km.

Tonight we are back to a hostel after two nights of comfort. Looking forward to food and to chill out for the evening.

Over the next 3 to 4 days we will be making over way across a very flat desert terrain known as 'Mesata'. Our plan for tomorrow is cover 30+ km.

Please keeping up your support and keep spreading the word! Really appreciate the donations coming in!

Take care,

Ger

Day 13 - Burgos

Hey everyone,

Unfortunately we didn't move on today. Jim is suffering from bad shin splint and Bob has some bad blisters on his feet, so I decided to stay put with them for the day and move on then tomorrow.

Although the minor set back I made the most of the day spending a few hours in the Museum of Modern Art as well as visiting some of the local monasteries, churches and parks. I also popped into the Correos Main Post Office SAD to have a look (had to be done I'm afraid! I've done well to get this far without stopping at any!).

In the afternoon I climbed to the top of Castille which overlooks the city and then after walked the famous Calle San Juan and Paseo de Espalon. Had a great sing song on the main square with some lads from Letterkenny, they were crazy! Great night overall and fully refreshed for tomorrow!

The plan tomorrow morning is to get up at 5am and to walk to Hontanas via Hornillios, which is approximately 30km in total. Bobs feet are still pretty bad so he is going to get a taxi to Hontanas but Bob is going to join me for the day!

I'll have a lot more news tomorrow!

Talk later,

Ger

Day 12 - Ages to Burgos

Hope everyone is keeping well,

If it wasn't for the blog I think I would have lost track of the days by now! We were on the road around 6.30 this morning leaving Ages behind us. It was quiet misty and dull all morning with the sun tucked away behind the clouds. The weather today didn't get above 14c it really felt like I was walking at home!

We passed through Atapuerca, Alto Cruceiro and Cardenuela then stopping for breakfast in Orbaneja. We were in Alto Cruciero at 8.30 surrounded by the clouds which was amazing! The town is at 1080m. Each of the towns were lovely, a mix of gothic and renaissance style as we passed through them. Atapuerca is now one of the most important archaeological sites in the world since the discovery of 800,000 year old human remains a number of years back.

On coming into Burgos we followed a farm track which ran alongside Burgos Airport, then made our way through wheat fields and then we took the road into Castañares, a quiet suburb of the City of Burgos. Arriving then in Burgos around 12.30. Today wasn't the worst day but the last few kilometers were tough going! We covered 26km in 6hrs..

We decided that we could do with a decent shower and good nights sleep so the 3 of us are sharing a room in one of the hotels in Burgos. The Cathedral which we look out onto is amazing! The chances of finding an Irish Pub for this game are very slim but we have found an internet café so will have to watch the game online. Will have to explain the rules to the lads and maybe a few locals.

At the minute it doesn't look like we will be covering much ground as one of the lads has a bad case of shin splint but hopefully we'll get around 15km done.

Talk to you all soon,

Ger

Day 11 - Belorado to Ages

Hi everyone,

We were up this morning at 5am our time (4am for you all) and left the hostel around 6am. It was dark when we were leaving with a heavy mist and a bit of rain, but after a few hours it cleared up. We all got soaked anyway between the rain and sweat!

Passing through Tosantos and Villambistia everyone was still tucked up in bed. We stopped for breakfast around 8am just for a quick roll and coffee. Villafranca Montes de Oca was next and it didn't disappoint. Beautiful town! We saw a minibus collecting peoples bag and bringing them over the mountain for them in the town. But we stayed true to El Perefrino and didn't avail of the service.

The three climbs Mojapan, Pedraja and Carnero were extremely tough with very steep downhills. Carnero was at 1150m and from there the downhill climb brought us into San Juan de Ortega which has a population of 20!! Got a well deserved can of coke and changed the socks.. Was heaven felt like I got new feet!

After our short break we decided to move closer to Burgos for tomorrow so continued downhill to Ages where we are staying for the night. Have to look for an Irish pub tomorrow in Burgos for the game. Fancy Mayo and Clare winning over the next two weekends! Decent odds i'd say..

Overall today we covered 31km delighted to have covered so much ground. Heading down with the two lads for a cold beer.

I'll chat to you all soon!

Ger

Day 10 - Santo Domingo de Colzado to Belorado

Hi everyone!

 Arrived in Belorado in a while ago, all the shops here are closed for their Siesta but open again at 5. I'm afraid I won't get the pictures up tonight as Belorado has a population of 2000 so there's a slim chance of finding any internet! Will try my best tomorrow though!

We left Santa Domingo de Colzado at 6.45 this morning. The climb today was steady but there was a lot of rain last night which made the ground was quiet mucky. We climbed all day to hit Alto Rio de Belorado by midday at 810m.

 We were in Granon for lunch as well as a much needed coffee and heard that a dutch lady broke her leg when she fell in a dark gully. There were also two minor injuries in our group today, stitches to the head after a fall and then a bike tumble.. After Granon we passed Redecina del Camino, Viloria de la Rioja and then crossed Rio de Vilamayor..

After six hours of walking and 23km we landed and only then did it get hot.. Thank God!! The clouds were protecting us from the sun for the most of the day.. The hostel we are staying in tonight is real nice in a 20 bed dorm but for 6e it has a cold outdoor pool! Might have a quick dip before I go tomorrow as it's going to be a tough day! 25km all uphill and the route has 3 sharp climbs to get to the top (1150m).. not looking forward to it!

Our plan is to get to Burgos then for Sunday and hopefully we'll find somewhere for the Clare match! Hon the Banner!!

 Talk soon,
 Ger

Day 9 - Ventosa to Santa Domingo de Colzado

Hi all,

Everything here is great thanks, but please spread the word to all your friends I'm aiming for 10e for every km I walk..

Unreal trip so far but the temperature is a killer after 11am today it was 30 to 32c. Our 9 days have been squashed into 7 days but we have to ease off as dehydration is kicking in and we are taking 3 to 4 litres of water a day!!

Leaving Ventosa at 6.15am it was around 20c.. We had crossed Alto Poyo de Roldan which is at 610m before dawn. Walking through the outskirts of Najera we met some people and went for a quick coffee with lots of sugar!!

After Najera we made our way to Azorfa which is another 16.2 km. On route we took a small detour of 6km to take in Abadia Cisterciense in Canas (1170 AD) and the famous Alabaster windows. St Francis of Assisi was reputed to have stopped here on his way to Santiago. The San Millan Yuso and Suso monasteries were nearby so they had to be seen! These are world UNESCO heritage sites, 6th century monasteries with caves and crypts. Reminds me of the Book of Kells as it is here the first Spanish language was written down by monks.

Then onto via Ciruena Alto at 745m with serious heat and no shelter, no trees and no bushes. All I could do was grab a few bunches of grapes to keep me going (not stealing ...only borrowing!)

After 7 hours (25km) we arrived to Santa Domingo de Colzado where we are staying in the Donativo hostel for the night. It is amazing you only are required to make a small donation so €6 per person!! Heading to a Cathedral to see Legend of the miracle of the Cock later!! it is dedicated to Saint Dominick of the Road. The Cathedral has a live cock and hen in a coop on the wall in Plaza de Santo.

Our Pilgrim Meal is after 7.30pm this evening and local Rioja wine is 3e a bottle which will dull the sore legs!!

Going to try and get some pictures up on this later or tomorrow!

Hope all is well,

Ger

Day 8 - Viana to Ventosa

Hope everyone is keeping well! Thanks a million for the texts and comments means a lot!

We got up this morning at what felt like the crack of dawn! At 6.30 when we were leaving it was 19c so it was shaping up to be a very hot day.. And by 8am it was 21c!

After two and a half hours of walking we landed in Logrono and stopped for a coffee and pastry (getting mad into the pastries over here they are amazing!).. After our short break we had to make our way through the city, it took nearly 2 hours in total. We made our way along a nice public park and by a reservoir. Next came Alto de la Grajera which is on the outskirts of the city passing by thousands of crosses as we climbed to the top!

Our next stop was in a town called Navarette. Here we took a 30 minute break and had a quick tortilla snack in a rock guitar bar! It was full of Phil Lynott and Rory Gallagher memorabilia! They're big fans! It may seem like I'm eating and drinking a lot but the pounds are actually dropping off me..

We were dreading the last 2 hours as it was +30c, so we kept our heads down. I had plenty of factor 50+ on me as well as my trust worthy cap! The lads are getting a decent colour but I'm nicely rare might try and get my hands on a bit of aftersun later!

Ventosa is the destination for tonight which is west of Logrono we landed around 2pm and went for a nap. It is now 33c and its 5pm! We are heading for our pilgrim meal in a few so looking forward to meeting more people!

We are hoping to get to Azorfa for tomorrow night.. Currently on schedule!

Thanks for the support,

Ger

Day 7 - Rin Villamayor de Monjardin to Viana

Hi everyone,

We left from Villamayor this morning around 6.15 from there we went onto Cruce. For breakie we decided to treat ourselves in Los Acros. I went for one of the local apple pastries, an omelette breadroll and a too strong cup of coffee.. It was bliss!!

From 11-11.30 the weather was severe! We stopped in Sansol for respite and a bit of shade.. The boots came off and bandaged the toes up.. Still not pretty!

After our break we decided to go on for another 11km which the book claimed to be ‘fairly flat’! If that was what they call flat I would hate to see it hilly. The 11km was made up of 5 valleys. There were some serious up hill climbs and it was a killer on the shins coming down. At one stage we could see Viana in the distance but it took over an hour to get there.

We decided that we would set up base for the night in Viana (its just before the city of Logrono). In total we were walking for 8 hours today we covered 31.1km.. Shins are pretty sore but are covered in deep heat and feeling a bit better. My backpack holds 2 litres of water and I had a 1 litre bottle of water. I drank it all but feeling pretty dehydrated so must have sweated it all away.. Drinking plenty of water and coke at the moment and really looking forward to the Pilgrim meal at 7.30
So far we have walked 203km and we only have another 622km to go!!
Thanks a million for everyones support and please keep pushing the sponsorship!

Buen Camino,
Ger

Day 6 - Puenta de la Reina to Rin Villamayor de Monjardin

Hi all,
Oh my God this is getting tougher by the day....

Arrived here Rin Villamayor de Monjardin at 650m Temp was 19c at 5am and god knows what it was by the time we landed here at 3.30 pm. Feel tired again today as heat was taking its toll. Sweat stinging my eyes and not looking carefully enough so walking pole slipped into a gully and landed flat on my face with a 12kg backpack on my head. Thank God no cameras nearby.

Pattern is now arrive, check in, die for a few minutes, peel of the SMELLY boots and get them outside quick. Shower prefer cold at this stage....wash clothes with soap hang out turn on mobile and answer a few emails. Going for a well earned beer and Menu del Dia para Pelegrino aka special pilgrim meal 3 courses and free wine for €9.90 so it dulls the pain!

In bed and curfew lights out by 10pm .....up at 5.30 on road again by 6am to avoid serious heat from 11am. Sunrise usually on top of a mountain. Jesus up is bad enough but down is an absolute killer
Will try to send PIX but Internet is hit and miss.

Please spread word to all your family and friends re Jack Trek 790 on mycharity.ie and tell me this is not all in vain !!

Today:

Puenta de la Reina at 6am in the dark a little hairy until sunrise.
Ciraqui at 470m by 8am
then Lorca onto Villatuerta for coffee with lots of sugar and a ham cheese roll.
Into Estella by 1pm which was a little grotty so decided to add on extra 9km so total of 30km today a real killer and definitely only doing 20 to 25km tom0orrow to sort a few camera problems with Jim from Castlebar via Vancouver and Bob from Oregon who is 6ft 4in and 280 pounds a bit like Shrek !! a real softie !! So mad crew.
Meeting people from Korea Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Slovenia, Croatia and Canada.. a real United Nations
Roll on tomorrow ! Just need to attack the sore feet and blisters my feet are really cute now but you don´t want to see the PIX BELIEVE ME!

Buen Camino,
Ger

Day 5 - Cizur Minor to Puente de la Reina

I forgot mention yesterday that there was a festival on in Cizur Minor so there was a great atmosphere in the town when we got back from Pamplona!

We left the hostel this morning at 6.30 to begin the trek of Alto de Perdon (the Peak of Forgiveness). Passing through Cizur everything was still in full swing from the night before. The bars were still open, music playing as loud as ever and plenty of people singing.. I was tempted to go in and join them with my rendition of the Lakes of Pontchartrain but I didn't want the lads waiting too long for me!

We got to Alto de Perdon just after sunrise. The town can be found 790m up the ascent of the mountain. The wind was roaring as we made our way through the town, passing by a beautiful monument which marked the spot where we were 700km from Camino Del Santiago.

The next stop on the route was Uterga where we had our breakie and from there we took a slight detour to see the Octagonal Knights Templar Church. It was well worth it! Built in 1170 the church was amazing.. From there we made our way to Puente la Reina where we are spending tonight! We did 26km today which was very good considering the tough terrain we were walking in..

Listening to the Kerry and Dublin match at the minute with a few Irish but I'll have more news later so will add it in..

Thanks for your support!

Ger

Day 4 - Larrasonne to Cizur Minor

We left Larrasonne at 7 this morning having a breakfast stop at Villava on the way. It was pretty hot in the morning so we knew we had to stock up on our water, as well as me throwing on some factor 50+ paste!

From Villava we walked to Pamplona making our way through the old city gates on our way. We had a sort break there and a look around. It was 28 degrees in the afternoon but we wanted to go on a bit further so we walked another 6km West to Cizur Minor where we were going to be spending the night.

In total we walked for around 7 hours. As I text this to Ronan I'm lying outside with my feet covered in Vaseline and deep heat.. (not a pretty sight I have to admit!)

This evening we went back into Pamplona (by bus) where we had a Pilgrim Tapas meal in Place de Castillo. After it at 7 there was a wedding in the Cathedral when we dropped into it.. As your probably aware I go nowhere without a camera. So I have plenty of amazing photos of it to show you all! Met a lot of Aussies, Dutch but not so many Irish today..

I'm knackered so heading to bed now (8.30pm)!

Buen Camino and see you later!

Ger