Ponferrada Hospitaleras and Beyond

We have been out on day trips around western and northern Ireland.  This is a vibrant, exciting country that couldn’t be more welcoming and gracious! Derry We went to Derry on Tuesday and spent the day in this charming town.  Derry is in the country of Northern Ireland.  The Republic of Ireland is the rest…

I have sadly left the Pico de Europa mountains in northern Spain. While a national park only 25 X 25 miles – it certainly makes up for it in height & breadth – even for someone from Washington state, it was amazing. The photo shows me at the bottom of the funicular, the top is…

Karen left Ponferrada on Thursday afternoon and spent a day in Molinaseca, a Camino town not too far from our albergue. She sat by the river, dipped her toes in the water, and read a book. So relaxing!  She is now in Potes, on the north coast of Spain.  I’m sure she will fill you…

Today, Oct. 14 is our final regular day of service at this amazing albergue.  It has been a wonderful experience, hard work, great fun, and filled with permanent memories of Peregrinos we’ve met, the team we developed, and the service we provided to the Camino.  To be honest, we received much more than we gave…

You may remember that our friends, Tom and Bette, made us some beautiful hearts to give to Pilgrims who need an boost, or a shot of encouragement.  Well, here are a few stories of where some of these hearts have landed.  You already know of Florian from Romania.  Here are some others.  Enjoy! The Two…

We are just finishing our tenth day as Hospitaleros at St. Nicolas de Flue.  It’s hard to believe we only have 5 days left here.  In reflecting back on our time here so far, here are the numbers: We are grateful for this opportunity and intend to continue full speed ahead for the next five…

You’ve seen some of the parts of this property.  We thought we’d show you more of the inside workings of St. Nicolas de Flue. We have an illuminated sign after dark. This arrow is another clue to where we are. This is one of two boot racks.  No boots inside the albergue! It dawned on…

Usually, the most “behavior” hospitaleras deal with are pilgrims missing the 10:30 curfew or being drunk (or both).  Last night, we had a pilgrim that supposedly had been earlier verbally harassing other women on the trail. This was never verified, but one 23 yr.old French man decided to stand up for the honor of all…

There are no other words needed.