Continental Divide Trail 2019 Safety Warning for Hikers, Trail Angels etc. | Violent Con Man Sara Dhooma 2019-05-30 | Jay/Jim/Medic has a history of violence and crime. Last year on the PCT he abducted and abused a female hiker named Kira Moon. He has been spotted on the Continental Divide Trail and has been scamming trail angels. Please stay vigilant CDT 2019!Update Feb 2023:James W. Parrillo Jr. is currently in custody in New Jersey. He is charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree strangulation and aggravated assault, and third-degree criminal restraint. James Parrillo is accused of holding a woman hostage for nearly a year. He is pure evil.
Day 4 - Vía Künig | Ghostly Monk & Medieval Tombs to join with the Camino Primitivo in Lugo Sara Dhooma 2024-04-07 | The final stage of Vía Künig joins with the Camino Primitivo. Frightened by a white monk on the path. So many ruins spanning centuries to explore along the way. Great albergue in Lugo before a morning train to Madrid. A little surprise at the end!
Day 3 - Vía Künig | Adventuring on Twisty Forest Paths & Discovering Forgotten Romanesque Churches Sara Dhooma 2024-04-05 | Long stage on the Via Kunig Camino, made even longer with a planned detour, and a few wrong turns!
Day 2 - Vía Künig | Fairytale Los Grobos Forest Boulder Labyrinth & Famous As Nogais Empanadas Sara Dhooma 2023-12-20 | Action packed day on the Via Kunig Camino de Santiago!Two stages completed: Pedrafita do Cebreiro to As Nogais and then onwards to Becerreá.Stunning mountain views throughout the day on the Camino Real de Carlos III. Detour to visit the tower and Santiago Church in Doncos. Lunch break in pilgrim friendly As Nogais with a delicious tuna empanada. Tunnel detour to visit the magical Los Grobos and the labyrinth of limestone boulders. Crossing Puente Cruzal, site of a famous battle with Napoleon’s forces. Sadly the ‘Via Kunig’ bar in Becerrea was closed when I arrived.
Day 1 - Vía Künig Camino | Leaving Camino Frances in the footsteps of a 1488 German Monk to Galicia Sara Dhooma 2023-12-19 | Day 1 of the Via Kung. Leaving the Camino Frances at Las Herrerías on the Medieval Road through lovely forest. This short stage travels ends at Pedrafita do Cebreiro.
Camino Connector: Olvidado to Via Kunig | Pradela Mountain Alternative on the Camino Frances Sara Dhooma 2023-12-18 | Pradela mountain variant on the Camino Frances from Villafranca del Bierzo to Las Herrerías. Quick visit at Casa Susi in Trabadelo. Relaxing hammocks & a vegetarian dinner at Albergue Miriam. Connection day from the Olvidado to the Via Kunig.
Day 23- Camino Olvidado | Bierzo Vineyards to Camino Frances, Villafranca, & Completing the Olvidado Sara Dhooma 2023-12-18 | Comfortable albergue stay and vineyard strolling with my new pilgrim friend. Stopped for a dance break! Amazing generosity with a big bag of grapes from a local farmer. Connecting with the Camino Frances in Cacabelos and celebrating with a big glass of wine. Hot walking through fields into Villafranca. Completing the Camino Olvidado at the Santiago Church and the Door of Forgiveness. Lovely meal before collecting the completion of the Camino Olvidado certificate (Olvidada) at the tourist office.
Day 22- Camino Olvidado | Circling a Blue Reservoir & a Warm Pilgrim Reception in Cubillos del Sil Sara Dhooma 2023-12-15 | Spent the day with a new pilgrim friend! Barcena reservoir morning with a flat road walk. Wonderful folks in Cubillos del Sil. Proof the town was a Camino de Santiago pilgrim stop. Great albergue!
Day 21- Camino Olvidado | Journey Through Misty Oak Forest to Congosto’s Balcony of the Bierzo Sara Dhooma 2023-12-15 | Camino Olvidado Day 21 starts with a lovely rainbow - even though I went the wrong way! Damp green forest full of oaks with a spectacular climb to the Virgin de la Pena Sanctuary above Congosto.
Day 20- Camino Olvidado | The Broken Cross crossroad & Noceda del Bierzo Museum Tour with the Mayor Sara Dhooma 2023-08-02 | I walked the Camino Olvidado in August 2022.Climbed up to the Broken Cross where several Camino routes converge. Stopped early due to rainstorm to stay at a fabulous new albergue. Treated to a museum tour by the Mayer of Noceda del Bierzo.
Day 19- Camino Olvidado | Legendary St. James on Horseback Mountain Battle Site from Year 981 Sara Dhooma 2023-08-01 | Early morning into Fasgar and continuing up into the mountains. Passed through a village with a very long name: Colinas del Campo de Martin Moro Toledano.
Day 18- Camino Olvidado | Riverside Villages, Incredible Camino Hospitality, & Bridges Galore Sara Dhooma 2023-07-31 | Camino Olvidado village hopping. Unbelievable generous from the locals - lots of socializing today!Filmed August 2022
Day 17- Camino Olvidado | Adorable Villages, Watermelon Camino Magic, & Albergue Kitty Cat Relaxing Sara Dhooma 2023-07-30 | Short day to Riello on the Camino Olvidado.
Day 16- Camino Olvidado | Exploring a Geological Wonderland, Rock Shine, plus a Big Mountain Climb Sara Dhooma 2023-07-29 | Filmed August 12, 2022!Leaving the San Salvador Camino connection and continuing on the Camino Olvodado west.Huge mountain climb then descent into a rocky wonderland. Unusual shrine in a unique rock formation. Hearty lunch and rock walk to La Magdalena’s gorgeous albergue.
Day 15- Camino Olvidado | Scrambling Down Rocks through a Narrow Gorge into a Fairytale Beech Forest Sara Dhooma 2023-07-28 | Filmed on Aug 11, 2022.Left at sunrise for another spectacular mountain stage. Scrambled down treacherous rocks into a narrow gorge. Visited mining towns before a big hill climb. Connected onto the Camino San Salvador to La Pola de Gordón.
Day 14- Camino Olvidado | Mountain Stage Extravaganza! Waterfall Magic & San Froilan Ermita Detour Sara Dhooma 2023-07-27 | Filmed on August 10, 2022 (very delayed and catching up with editing)!Bonar to Vegacerva with a personal detour to the magical Nocedo Waterfall in a hidden gorge & the mystical Ermita de San Froilán. Mountain climbs and views dominate the day! Not too exhausted to try the local delicacy (yogurt) after arriving at the end of stage. Sleeping in my own cabin.
Day 13- Camino Olvidado | Chased by Dogs, Village Marching Band, & Bonar’s Pretty Town Square Sara Dhooma 2023-05-11 | Day 13 on the Camino Olvidado. Aggressive dogs and pesky flies won’t stop this pilgrim from reaching Bonar. Great marching band music during a village stop. Relaxing in Bonar’s big square after a delicious steak lunch.
Day 12- Camino Olvidado | 12th Century Pilgrim Ladies transformed into Mermaids & Sanctuary Visit Sara Dhooma 2023-05-07 | Day 12 on the Camino Olvidado at a lovely Romanesque church with a wild pilgrim ladies mermaid legend.
Day 11- Camino Olvidado | Mountain Stage Forest Maze & Surprise Lunch Invitation for a Feast Sara Dhooma 2023-05-05 | Day 11 on the Camino Olvidado following confusing forest paths up a mountain. Spectacular views and a small lake stop on the way to quaint Caminayo. Invited for lunch by new friends that turns Bro an afternoon of merriment. Lovely Sonia at Puente Almuhey’s pilgrim albergue.
Day 10- Camino Olvidado | Legendary Fuentes Tamáricas with Mystical Oracle Vibes on the Mountain Alt Sara Dhooma 2023-04-28 | Day 10 on the Camino Olvidado, taking the Mountain Alternative
Day 9 - Camino Olvidado | Crawling under fences, Palencia Mountains, & Romanesque Church Jewels Sara Dhooma 2023-04-26 | Day 9 on the Camino Olvidado. Full of Romanesque churches and fields.
Day 8 - Camino Olvidado | Medieval Necropolis, Unique Stone Hermitage, & Cracking Hazelnuts in a Bar Sara Dhooma 2023-04-25 | Day 8 on the Camino Olividado. Visiting a medieval necropolis on a hillside. Riverside walking. Amazing stone hermitage (possibly haunted) outside of Cervera de Pisuerga. Cracking hazelnut in a bar. Another great day on the Camino de Santiago!
Day 7 - Camino Olvidado | Runaway Cow, Cheery Sunflowers, Romanesque churches, & Castle Climb Sara Dhooma 2023-04-24 | Day 7 on the Camino Olvidado to Aguilar de Campoo. Dog not doing his job with a runaway cow after a rainy morning. Invited for breakfast in a village. Sunflowers and jagged mountains on the way to a cookie factory. Romanesque Palencia art and climbing through a castle. Camino Queen!
Day 6 - Camino Olvidado | Spicy Romanesque Church, Roman Juliobriga archeology site, & Hot Mountains Sara Dhooma 2023-04-23 | Very hot day in n Day 6 of the Camino Olvidado. Flat walking around the Ebro reservoir with no shade. Gifted a watermelon slice. Exploring the ancient Roman site and interpretive centre at Juliobriga. Getting majorly lost in the mountains and wishing horses would give me a ride. Touring the 12 century Romanesque jewel with spicy carvings at Cervatos.
Day 5 - Camino Olvidado | Endless Plains dotted with Ancient Churches & Sleeping in Reservoir Cabin Sara Dhooma 2023-04-21 | Day 5 on the Camino Olvidado
Day 4 - Camino Olvidado | Medieval Stone Rock Tombs, Wandering Donkey, and Dodging Forest Flies Sara Dhooma 2023-04-20 | Day 4 on the Camino Olvidado. Highligh is anthropomorphic tombs carved out of the rock, which were probably constructed by the earliest settlers of the area.
Day 3 - Camino Olvidado | Lost Needing to Climb a Fence, savoury Pig Ears & a Big Juicy Tomato Sara Dhooma 2023-04-18 | Day three of the Camino Olvidado
Day 2 - Camino Olvidado | Touring a Beret Factory, Basque Lunch, & Exploring Medieval Balmaseda Sara Dhooma 2023-04-16 | Second day on the Camino Olvidado. Passing through Balmaseda.
Day 1 - Olvidado Camino | Solo Adventure on the Forgotten Way from Bilbao through the Cantabrians Sara Dhooma 2023-04-15 | The Camino Olvidado is one of the most ancient Camino de Santiago routes, leading walkers through the southern valleys of the Cantabrian Mountain range. The path begins in Bilbao and winds approximately 500 kms southwest to connect with the Camino Frances at Villafranca del Bierzo. This Camino is best suited for intrepid, experienced walkers who seek an authentic pilgrimage experience.The first stage from Bilbao past Zalla.
Day 4 - Camino Ingles | Santiago Day Holy Year Festivities after the Final Stage to the Cathedral Sara Dhooma 2023-04-14 | The final stage of the Camino Ingles is complete! Came all the way from Ribadeo on the Camino Del Mar. Met up with Camino Del Mar organization in front of the Cathedral. Enjoyed lunch at Shanta’s Green House and met some new friends. Party and fireworks to celebrate Santiago. The next morning I check out the excitement for the special Holy Year mass. Then more fun at Santiago de Compostela’s biggest festival of the year! Heading to the Camino Olvidado next!
Day 3 - Camino Ingles | Dinosaur along the Trail, Scorching Hot Walking Day, & a Laundry Toga Sara Dhooma 2023-04-13 | Bruno to Siguerio. Little shade, a hot day with cold beer. Dinosaur sculpture.
Day 2 - Camino Ingles | Camping on the Camino after a long trek from Mino through Bezantos to Bruma Sara Dhooma 2023-04-12 | No room at the inn in Bruma! After hiking about 40km I set up beside the Church. Lovely historic Bezantos and a relaxing salad stop beside a reservoir. Thought I was lost, but apparently I went the longer old Camino route.
Day 1 - Camino Ingles | Neda over the the Long Bridge to Pontedeume & Mino Beachside Taco Truck Sara Dhooma 2023-04-02 | Linked onto the Camino Ingles from the Camino de Mar route. Heading to Santiago through Neda, Pontedeume, and Mino. Highlights include Church of Saint Nicholas, Pontedeume bridge, and a beachside Taco Truck in Mino. Slept in the Mino municipal albergue dorm
Day 11 - Camino del Mar | Crumbling Church Exploration, Chapel of Hunger, & Camino Ingles connect Sara Dhooma 2023-01-17 | O Porto do Cabo to Neda. The final stage of the Camino del Mar before joint the Camino Ingles. Village tour and apples with Pepe. Interesting Chapel of Hunger. Crumbling church detour to explore the ruins. Connecting though the countryside to celebrate in Neda with a special Camino beer.
Day 10- Camino del Mar | Castle Ruins, Camping, & Lunch with the San Andres de Teixido Priest Sara Dhooma 2023-01-09 | Just an incredible day full of misty mountain rain and pure magic. San Andres de Teixido was mystical. Camping in the rain behind a bar. (I will update this description later…. it has been difficult for me lately - but I am back now)
Day 9 - Camino del Mar | Wild Iberian Wolf & Camino Angel Hospitality at Casa Rodrigo in San Claudio Sara Dhooma 2022-09-28 | I packed up my tent and set off into a heavily forested area. To my surprise I saw a wolf on the road ahead of me. I didn’t get a good photo or video because it happened so fast. The wolf stared at me for a moment and then took off into the foliage. Great luck!!! ❤️ I descended the mountain area on a rough logging road to Couzadoiro. There I visited two nice churches and refilled my water bottles at their sports field. The Camino route climbed up again on a road through eucalyptus trees. Sometimes I was on single track with thorny bushes scratching up my legs. The way descended towards a cluster of little villages. I did not see many people, but I said hello to numerous cows and horses. I had really nice open views throughout the day to admire the scenery. I was excited to arrive in San Claudio to eat lunch at Casa Rodrigo. They terrace was very busy, but it was worth the wait for a fantastic meal of shrimp with eggs, savoury veal with fries, and a delicious cheesecake flan. When I asked for a stamp the family realized I was a pelegrina! The eldest son Raul did a terrific job of translating and they were not so keen about my idea to camp that evening. The family generously offered me a place to sleep in their home gym (with a shower inside). I was overwhelmed by their kindness, and enthusiastically accept their offer.As the Camino del Mar stage ended further up, I left my big backpack and walked to A Ponte Mera. The trail took me high up from the busy road and I had super views of the villages. The route makes a ‘U’ turn down beside the river for a couple kilometres and crosses a small ancient bridge. Then it turns back up to A Ponte Mera along a recreation area. It was my intention to take the train back to San Claudio, but I forgot my mask 😅 so I re-walked about back 4km to Casa Rodrigo. Long day!!!!!I was too full from lunch to have dinner so enjoyed a couple snacks with glasses of cold Estrella Galicia. The highlight of the day was chatting in English with teenager Raul - and learning all about David’s future albergue plans. I used my air mattress and sleeping bag on their gym floor and slept very well.
Day 8 - Camino del Mar | Camping Out on the Historical Pilgrim Path & Exploring Abandoned Buildings Sara Dhooma 2022-08-21 | I had a leisurely breakfast with a young Costa Rican named Ricardo at Hostal Oli Vita. This was perhaps a very bad move because the 350 metre climb from Covas was tough in the afternoon heat. I hiked up on a winding road that cut through eucalyptus forest. There was no breeze and my body was dripping with sweat. I had to stop in the shade to cool down, eat salt, and drink water. Happily, I descended down to Riobarba. There were no people around, but I visited the outside of their small church and a nice rest area. The rest area had tables and a working water faucet.The rest of the way took me on roads in and out of the eucalyptus forest. There were some mighty steep climbs involved. I explored an abandoned house then got frightened thinking about ghosts. A highlight was the beautiful ancient bridge crossing the Rio Sor (the border between Lugo and A Coruna). I rarely saw cars or people the entire day. I was lucky to meet a very kind old woman in Casanova who gave me some delicious cold water. I chatted with her and her neighbours in my broken Spanish and they were delighted I was hiking through their village on the Camino de Santiago.As there are zero accommodation options I had my tent with me. A short detour on a small gravel road brought me to Ermida de San Pedro. There is a large maintained grassy field in front… and that is where I slept peacefully.
Day 7 - Camino del Mar | Most Beautiful Bench in the World & Ortiguiera Celtic Music Festival Fun Sara Dhooma 2022-08-16 | I returned to O Vicedo and hiked the nature trail along the coast to the train station in Espasante. Highlights include:- Great bridge crossing the Rio Sor into Barquiero - Stunningly beautiful Esterio Beach- Unforgettable views at Punta Vilardeira- All the magnificent bench overlooks- Hitching a ride up to the Celtic Music Festival in Ortigueira- Dancing and drinking many beers at the music festival! 🎵 🎈 🥳 💃 I resume on the historic Camino Del Mar tomorrow!
Day 6 - Camino del Mar | Stupendous Fuciño do Porco & O Vicedo Detour from Historic Camino Route Sara Dhooma 2022-08-14 | I am attempting to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and complete the historic Camino del Mar route. Olivia from the OLI VITA HOSTEL helped me plan out my stages to Santiago to arrive in time for the big July 24th fiesta.I have two extra days, so I decided to explore more of the coastal nature trails. This morning I crossed through the ‘Porta de Carlos V’ and headed over the bridge towards Covas. I should have taken a larger sized coffee at the cafe because I got really confused by a large roundabout. An older local lady noticed I was puzzled looking at the GPS map. She told me to walk on the shoulder of the road. I protested that it was dangerous, but she assured me that no cars would cause harm. And she was correct! I later figured out the ‘correct’ way on the nature path was to climb over a mountain. Ooops!I detoured upwards from the nature trail to visit Punta Socastro ( known as “O Fuciño do Porco”). Olivia wisely insisted I visit - and also informed me I need to reserve a time slot on their website in advance (free). The views of the Cantabrian Sea were spectacular from the cliffs. The wooden walkways were fun to climb and gave a unique perspective to the seascape.I returned the same way to continue on the nature trail. After a climbing over a small mountain the San Roman Cross (in memorial for a shipwreck) appeared high above a white sandy beach. I stopped at the cafeteria by the beach for a rehydrating Aquarius and then walked to small path around the beach. After another dangous highway shoulder walk to San Roman’s Lookout I decided to deviate from the Nature Path. I randomly walked towards O Vicedo and the highlight was stumbling upon Santo Estevo do Val Church (although the gate was locked!). Finally, I ate a grocery store salad and took the short train back to Viveiro. I will return to the same spot tomorrow.
Day 5 - Camino del Mar | Ancient San Tirso Monastery Ruins, Esteiro Beach Beer, & Medieval Viveiro Sara Dhooma 2022-08-11 | I crossed a lovely bridge leaving San Ciprian and headed through the countryside and forest to Xove. My credential was stamped at the town hall then I took a coffee. I needed that caffeine energy for the rolling hills back to the seaside in Portocelo. The small nature trail leading to the charming ruins of San Tirso was my highlight of the day. I also took a worthwhile detour to climb up a little mountain for a view of Roncadoira Lighthouse. The Camino winds through Vilacha and around the coast to Viveiro. I took a beer at a cafe beside Estero Beach and enjoyed watching the talented surfers. I stayed at OLI VITA HOSTEL and Olivia’s hospitality is beyond measure!
Day 4 - Camino del Mar | Magical Sargadelos on the Lovers Path, Ceramics Galore, & an Alien Garden Sara Dhooma 2022-08-04 | Camino de Santiago Camino del Mar Day 4. I climbed out of Burela to Sargadelos through the forest. I saw no other people until I arrived at a lovely waterfall over a dam. The “lovers” path led to an old foundry operation (around 1800) and I also visited the museum. I walked beside the river until I reached the modern Galician Ceramic factory. It was really neat to take a tour inside (although I was deathly afraid my big backpack would knock over the racks!!!). The Estrella Galicia beer in a beautiful ceramic mug in the cafe was awesome! Then it was a HOT walk to San Ciprian in the countryside. I stopped at the Cervo townhall for a credential stamp.
Day 3 - Camino del Mar | Tremendous Ancient Fortress, Misty Ocean Rocks, and Bonito Tour in Burela Sara Dhooma 2022-08-03 | Day 3 on the Camino del Mar! Highlights of the day include: sweeping seascape views, exploring the ancient Castro de Fazouro, and touring an artisanal Bonita de Burela shop (I registered through tourist office).
Day 2 - Camino del Mar | Beaches & Forest to Foz, Getting Lost finding the Oldest Cathedral in Spain Sara Dhooma 2022-07-29 | Along beaches then a pretty forest area. Basílica de San Martiño de Mondoñedo was a worthy detour. Sleeping in a great hostel in seaside Foz.
Day 1 - Camino del Mar | Exploring As Catedrais Beach Sea Caves & Arches on a Non-Stop Seascape Day Sara Dhooma 2022-07-26 | The first day of the gorgeous Camino de mar! I walked to As Catedrais Beach and camped nearby at A Nosa Casa. The tide was low at 8:00pm so I walked a shorter day than anticipated. I was definitely the only person there carrying a heavy backpack through the sea tunnels! The A Nosa Casa camping fellow wanted to charge me 20€ to set up my tent, but gave a 5€ discount because I had no car.
Camino Connection Frances to Mar | A Coruna Estrella Galicia Factory Tour & Ribadeo Indiano Festival Sara Dhooma 2022-07-19 | Leaving Santiago de Compostela by train to A Coruna. Touring the Estrella Galicia Factory. Blablacar to Ribadeo. Arriving during the very dapper Indiano Festival. Camino del Mar starts tomorrow!
Day 36- Camino Frances 2022 | Santiago de Compostela Arrival, Cathedral Visit, & Celebration Party Sara Dhooma 2022-07-17 | Nighttime hiking to arrive as early as possible into Santiago de Compostela. Amazing spicy vegan meal at the Green House Restaurant. We are very lucky to see the botafumeiro swing during the noon hour Pilgrim mass in the Cathedral. A few drinks in tapas out in the evening. The pilgrim party kicks off at Conga 7 and continues into the wee hours. Goodbye Karen!
Day 35- Camino Frances 2022 | Peregrina Beer Garden Decorating, Papa Camino, & Ultreia Tunnels Sara Dhooma 2022-07-15 | Beer crawling on the Camino de Santiago is usually a tradition for the final day. Karen I decide to participate on the second last day!
Day 34- Camino Frances 2022 | Melide Breakfast Beer & Tasty Pulpo with Rolling Hills to Arzua Sara Dhooma 2022-07-14 | Special breakfast, bridge dancing, and Arzua hamburger on the Camino de Santiago.
Day 33- Camino Frances 2022 | Heroic Ponte Campana Dancing & Archaeological Exploring in Castromayer Sara Dhooma 2022-07-12 | Archaeology and Dancing!Ooops! It is Day 33 on the Camino de Santiago from Gonzar to Ponte Campana.
Day 32- Camino Frances 2022 | 100 KM Marker to Santiago, Portomarin Liberty Bell, & Thunderstorm Sara Dhooma 2022-07-11 | Just another day on the Camino de Santiago. We hit the 100 km marker, ring the Portomarin liberty bell, hike in a thunderstorm, and soak our feet in the pool.
Day 31- Camino Frances 2022 | Misty & Twisty Samos Alt Connection to Sarria’s Rolling Countryside Sara Dhooma 2022-07-10 | Continuing on the Samos Alternative to the busier main route. Passing through SARRIA and staying at Casa Morgade.
