Fallen Pilgrims

The latest pilgrim to fall on the Camino, a 30 year old healthy male who took the pass in snow.

Last year, while walking the Camino,

my friend, Methodist Pilgrim,

went to sleep in the albergue,

and never woke up.

All along the Camino, pilgrims will pass memorials

to those who have died on The Way

and to those who are being remembered back home.

Today, a Facebook Friend posted this poem,

and I thought it was beautiful,

and so I share it

in memory of those pilgrims we've lost.

* * *

A Poem for Grief by John O'Donohue

When you lose someone you love,

Your life becomes strange,

The ground beneath you becomes fragile,

Your thoughts make your eyes unsure;

And some dead echo drags your voice down

Where words have no confidence

Your heart has grown heavy with loss;

And though this loss has wounded others too,

No one knows what has been taken from you

When the silence of absence deepens.

Flickers of guilt kindle regret

For all that was left unsaid or undone.

There are days when you wake up happy;

Again inside the fullness of life,

Until the moment breaks

And you are thrown back

Onto the black tide of loss.

Days when you have your heart back,

You are able to function well

Until in the middle of work or encounter,

Suddenly with no warning,

You are ambushed by grief.

It becomes hard to trust yourself.

All you can depend on now is that

Sorrow will remain faithful to itself.

More than you, it knows its way

And will find the right time

To pull and pull the rope of grief

Until that coiled hill of tears

Has reduced to its last drop.

Gradually, you will learn acquaintance

With the invisible form of your departed;

And when the work of grief is done,

The wound of loss will heal

And you will have learned

To wean your eyes

From that gap in the air

And be able to enter the hearth

In your soul where your loved one

Has awaited your return

All the time.

John O’Donohue

The Dreaded "Pilgrim Ankles"

Golfer's Vasculitis

Each and every time I walk the Camino,

after a few days,

I get a strange rash on my ankles,

right at the top of my socks.

I've come to expect it and am here to tell you

not to worry.

It's common

and it will resolve on its own.

It is not itchy or painful.

But it IS alarming to see.

The rash is caused by tiny blood vessels under your skin breaking.

This might be due to heat,

but is more likely due to the 6 hours of walking

carrying a heavy pack

that your body is not used to.

You can lighten your load,

walk less, 

or do nothing,

and it will resolve on its own.

Sometimes I rub it with alcohol.

Sometimes I do nothing.

But it's just one of those Camino things.

Here are some photos.

On the route from Lourdes

On the VDLP

The rash has a name.

Here is a bit I found online:

Go to any multi-day walking event in the summer and you will see a red heat rash on the calves of many walkers. The heat rash often starts above the sock line and makes red patches and splotches up the calf. It usually doesn't itch and is believed to be heat-related, since these same walkers don't get it in cooler weather. What is it?

Golfer's Vasculitis

Ask most physicians about this common rash and they draw a blank. That is probably due to few people seeking medical help for it. The rash usually clears up in a couple of days, usually before they are able to get an doctor's appointment. At last, a paper in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology has described it and proposed naming it "golfer's vasculitis."

Causes of the Heat Leg Rash

Researchers interviewed several people with the rash and discovered that many underwent extensive allergy testing because they believed they must have been having a reaction to some chemical or plant. But it was simply an irritation of the blood vessels following prolonged exercise in the heat, such as walking for extended periods or playing 18 holes of golf.

The rash is more common in people over 50. Most walkers can't pinpoint anything new they have used that may be causing a reaction. And since so many walkers have it, they couldn't all have contacted the same irritant. The source is simply heat and age--your leg blood vessels getting irritated from the heat.

Prevention and Treatment of Golfer's Vasculitis

The research offered no treatment or prevention recommendations. It seems to occur in healthy, active people. The researchers suggest it should not be a health concern and recommend not getting allergy testing, etc.

So don't worry.


Just put your feet up and love them a bit.


This will go away.


I promise.

A Lightbulb Moment!

I started this blog originally

to hopefully inspire people

to live frugally.

Then it sorta got off onto the Camino,

which is ok.

But occasionally, I like to come back to 

my original purpose.

Sometimes solutions to problems

are right in front of our eyes.

We just aren't looking.

My son and I recently purchased a house

that was built in the 1940's.

That said, there are funny little problems that pop up

that sometimes stump us.

One such issue was the lighting upstairs.

You walk through a door from the living room downstairs,

and you're facing the coat closet and a flight of stairs

going up to my bedroom and studio. 

There is a light fixture in the ceiling above

and a light switch on the wall.

You walk up the stairs and at the top

is another fixture over your head.

You walk into the tiny bathroom,

and there is another light fixture, 

with a wall switch.

The problem is

you can't just turn on one light.

You have to flip a switch at either the top of the stairs 

or the bottom of the stairs,

and all three lights turn on.

I had a contractor look at it

to see if he could do some rewiring.

But it was going to cost an arm and a leg.

So for the past few months,

when I need to use the toilet in the night,

I would have to turn on the light at the top of the stairs

then go into the bathroom and turn THAT light on.

Or I could leave the lights on all night.

That felt awfully wasteful.

So, today I was pondering this problem

and I happened to look UP at the fixture 

at the top of the stairs.

And I saw something I remember from my childhood.

A screw-in light fixture with a pull chain!

It has been there the entire time.

I just didn't notice it.

I went to the local hardware store and for $3.50

I bought another one.

And now,

I have fixed my problem!

Now, there is a pull-chain at the bottom of the stairs,

at the top of the stairs, 

and all the lights can be turned off and on separately.

That's the kind of solution I like!

So there you have it.

The solution is often

just a wink away.

Getting ready for the Camino is a lot like this.
Open your eyes.
You may not have to buy a single thing!
Everything you need is probably right there
in your house!
Living for 6 weeks
with nothing but what's in the sack on your back
is a great lesson in minimalism
and teaches us to be frugal
as well as grateful.

So look around!

Like I always say…

Love,

Annie

Something Personal

My stepfather, Ken Sams, and I had a rough start.
It's a long story, but until I was 16, we fought like cats and dogs.
He did his best to rein me in,
but I was definitely a headstrong and troubled child.
It was a war of wills -
neither of us backing down,
and my poor mother in the middle.

Dad was a policeman, like his father before him.
He was tough as nails - or tried to be.
His tough exterior hid a very soft heart
and I soon learned the gruffness was a protection.

He was greatly loved by old neighbor ladies,
who would call when they heard a bump in the night.
He'd get dressed and go over with his flashlight,
rooting out the raccoon, making sure the windows and doors
were secured,
earning hugs and respect.
As a result, there was an unending supply
of cookies, bread pudding and pies at our house,
brought over by grateful widows.

Heck, one mean old lady wouldn't allow anyone
into her yard to retrieve a misguided softball -
except me - I could go
because I was Sergeant Sams' daughter!

Police work is stressful,
and many policemen end up with stress-related illnesses.
For Dad, it was a heart attack
that stopped him in his tracks.

After consultation, he agreed to experimental open heart surgery.
The surgery in the 1980's was not what it is now.
It took weeks and weeks to recover -
that was back in the days when you still had to stay in an oxygen tent -
and it was horribly painful for my dad.
He felt like he was smothering.
It terrified him.

The doctor gave him 1 to 5 years to live.

Ten years later, when he again began having problems,
the surgery had been exceptionally advanced.
But dad remembered his long painful recovery and just said,
"I can't go through that again."

He spent his remaining days on the beaches of Cayucos, California,
carving wood ducklings and miniature boots for children on the beach.

The day before he died,
we spent the afternoon reminiscing and laughing,
and crying,
about the years we had wasted.
He told me all about the history of Scotland,
and his family's history.

I had three children to support by that time
and couldn't get another day off work without losing my job.
We were told he was stable.

And so,
I returned to Bakersfield,
only to have my grandfather call the same night
and tell me
I better get back to the hospital - 3 hours away.
By the time I drove back,
he was gone.

I wrote this poem and put it in his casket.
I ran across it today while doing genealogy and wanted to share it with my aunt and cousins.

So please pardon me while I post something personal for my family and for my Dad's birthday, which is coming up in August.

Dad Ken

I close my eyes, remembering

the special hours we shared;

The long, long talks about our lives

while Dad sat in his chair.

Sometimes it made us sad to think

about the wasted years

When, both headstrong, we'd lock our horns

inviting needless tears.

But then, he'd start to chuckle

at our strong and stubborn ways,

and laugh at how we made it through 

some of the rougher days.

And as we'd talk, he'd sit and carve, 

this once-mountain-of-a-man,

each feather to perfection

with tired and gentle hands.

He's left us for a while but

we'll talk again some day

when I have gone to join him

in his new home far away.

But Dad's not idly waiting

as a heavenly chorus sings.

God's given him a special job…

He's carving angel's wings.

Spring on the Camino Means Wildflowers!

I love walking the Camino in Spring!
The wildflowers are spectacular!
Here are photos I've taken of flowers on various routes;
the route from Lourdes, the Aragones,
 the Camino Frances and the Via de la Plata.
Enjoy!

PS:  Click on each photo to enlarge and/or view as a slideshow.

Poppy

Wild Strawberry

Must have been a homestead here!

Wild Lavender

Wild Rose

Foxglove

Buen Camino!

Plantain Paleo Pancakes

Photo and recipe from Paleo Mom


Ok.. a quick diversion.Have I posted this before?
It's because I LOVE IT!
I'm on a paleo diet, which is really working well for me.
One of my favorite breakfasts these days consists of these yummy plantain pancakes.

Since I cannot have grains on this diet, 

one thing I really miss is bread.These pancakes are as close to whole wheat pancakes

as you can get - honestly, I can't tell the difference.
And they're easy!

And because you do not have to buy a bag of flour,
these are perfect for a Camino breakfast in an albergue!

Here is the recipe for ONE person:

Ingredients:

1 large green plantain - I've used ripe also but green makes the best pancakes.
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1.5 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil (you could use olive oil too)
generous pinch of salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
Extra coconut oil for cooking

1. Cut plantains into quarters, then peel. Put pieces in blender or food processor.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until it forms a smooth batter (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Heat 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in a frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Pour batter into the frying pan until your pancake is the desired size. I make these small for easy turning.
4. Lower heat to low.
5. Let cook 4-5 minutes on the first side, until the top looks fairly dry with little bubbles in it (just like regular pancakes!).
6. Flip! And cook on the second side for 1½-2minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining batter, adding a little more coconut oil to your pan as needed.
8. Eat these with 100% maple syrup. 
9. You don't need butter, but it's allowed if you must.

Here is a link to a video that shows you how easy it is to peel green plantain.
About Green Plantains

The best diet in the world lets you eat pancakes!
YUM!

Working on the Madrid plans

The Camino Madrid begins right between these two leaning towers!

Today, I continue tying up loose ends for the Best of Both groups

 I'll be accompanying in May.

Also, I am finalizing my plans for walking 

the Madrid to Sahagun route.

A shout out for the Friends of the Camino in Segovia!

My Facebook friend, Luis Cañas Salvador, 

gave me a couple of really great links to help with the planning.

 They are in Spanish, 

but it is a simple task to cut and paste the information into Google Translate 

when I do not understand it.

The first link is to a page for the Asociación Amigos Camino de Santiago in Segovia.

(Friends of the Camino de Santiago in Segovia)

Friends - Segovia

They have put together some very helpful information 

for the pilgrim wanting to walk this route! 

On that page you will find a guide

 for the first four stages from Cercedilla to Villaguillo:

Cercedilla to Villeguillo

Here is a list of albergues from Zamarramala to Villeguillo, 

complete with photos:

Albergue List

Here is a map from Villeguillo to Sahagun:

Map Villeguillo to Sahagun

And here is a link to a wonderful guide, complete with maps, 

that will get you all the way from Madrid to Sahagun!

I plan on putting this on a zip drive

 and taking it to a copy shop to have it printed.

COMPLETE GUIDE

There is also a guide written by Johnnywalker 

and put out by the Confraternity of St. James (CSJ) 

which you can purchase for a donation. 

I suggest €5-€10.  

Here is a link to the download:

CSJ Guide

You may need to join the Camino Santiago Forum 

to access this link.

You can also purchase a hard copy of the guide

 at the Confraternity of St. James website.

About this route, Johnnywalker writes:

The way is excellently waymarked throughout, so detailed walking directions are generally not necessary. Where they are needed Walking Notes have been provided in this Edition. Physically, the route is easy to walk. With the exception of the climb over the Sierra de Guadarrama, there are no hills or gradients of any significance. Graphs of the elevations throughout the route have been included in this edition, although these are to be read with caution as they merely indicate the height difference between towns rather than being an accurate relief graph of the route.

Remarkably for such a direct route - almost a straight line from Madrid to Sahagún - there is virtually no road walking. The route uses footpaths, Vias Pecuarias (VPs), cañadas, farm and forestry tracks and even a short stretch of paved Roman road, and the paths are clear and well maintained. As a consequence, the journey is stress-free and one which lends itself to reflection and contemplation, a true pilgrimage route. But the corollary is that there are fewer towns, villages or pilgrims than on other routes with the exception of parts of the Via de la Plata, which the Madrid route closely resembles.

Alcazaren

The more I read about this route, 

the more happy I am for making this decision.

Stay tuned for more information as I dig it up.

Buen Camino!

Annie

Camino Madrid - Change in Plans

Today, I have changed my walking plans.

Originally, I'd thought I'd bus to Caceres 

and pick up where I left off on the Via de la Plata last year.

But after comparing costs,

 and thinking about the two long bus trips

 I would have to take to complete those plans,

 I've changed my mind.

I've decided to walk the Camino Madrid this year.

It will be very convenient, 

since I'm flying into Madrid, 

just to start walking there!

Here is the plan as it has manifested today. 

Of course, this can change as I gather more information.

Hotel prices are for a double twin room

and I was able to make reservations

on booking.com

The Palacio de Comunicaciones 

May 1: Leave Portland Oregon

May 2 - Fly into Madrid. Hostal Residencia Fernandez €48.  Find the Cathedral. Get our credentials. Locate the Metro Line #10 to Fuencarral so I don't have to walk out of the city.

May 3 - 24k to Colmenar Viego. Hotel Chiscon €60

May 4 - 15k to Manzanares - Hostal Parador de los Galanos €40

May 5 - 19k to Cercedilla - Hostel Aribel Longinos €30

Alcazar in Segovia

May 6 - 31k (whew!) to SEGOVIA!  Hosteria Natura Colon where I got a GREAT price for two nights for €63. Here we will take a rest day and see the Alcazar and other sites of the city.

May 8 - 28k - Santa Maria el Real - albergue

May 9 - 22k to Coca - albergue

May 10 - 25k to Alcazaren - albergue

May 11 - 24k to Puente Duero - albergue

May 12 - 6k to Simancas then bus to Valladolid. We MAY not do this because it is a Monday and all the museums will be closed. But it is an option. Hostal Paris €42,75

Hostal Paris Valladolid

May 13 - bus to Simancas then walk 6k to Cigunuela - albergue

May 14 - 24k to Castromonte - albergue

May 15 - 14k to Medina - convent

May 16 - 27k to Villalon - albergue

May 17 - 17k to Santervas de Campos - albergue

May 18 - 22k to Sahagun - albergue

May 19 - Train to Pamplona €30

Roman Aquaduct in Segovia