Exploring Spain

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Opus Francigenum: The Jaw-Dropping Gothic of Burgos

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Gothic wasn’t meant to be dark—it was built for glory. Explore the spires, rose windows, and 'flamboyant' curves of the Saint Mary of Burgos Cathedral.

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The Grey and the Green: An Arrival in Burgos

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From the industrial 'grey corridor' to the Gothic glory of the cathedral, follow a 10km trek into Burgos for real beds, döner kebab, and a search for Euros.

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Shadows of Atapuerca: Dappled Deer and Ancient Ridges

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Experience the steep ascent of the Sierra de Atapuerca on the Camino Francés, featuring panoramic views of Spain's central plateau and the distant silhouette of Burgos. This section offers a mix of ancient history, wildlife sightings, and the unique camaraderie of the pilgrim trail.

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The Atapuerca Puzzle: Bridging the Gap Between Evolution and Faith

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From a quiet café in Atapuerca to the staggering numbers of the Ice Age, we reflect on the "pioneer man" and the modern debate over human origins. A journey of faith, science, and the road to Santiago.

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Over the Montañas and Thru the Wood

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From steep climbs and pollen allergies to fresh empanadas in a village of 18 people. This is the wild, wonderful journey through Spain's Montes de Oca.

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The Storm Roared but We Slept Soundly

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From a stormy sanctuary in Grañón to the mysterious opium fields of Spain, join us on a rain-soaked trek toward Villafranca Montes de Oca. Discover the Bronze Age history of the poppy on the Camino de Santiago.

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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on the Camino

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From Clint Eastwood’s filming locations to a terrifying encounter with "Mad Jac MacKnife." Experience the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Camino de Santiago in Grañón.

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Pressed Like a Roman Coin: A Stuffy Night in Nájera

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Experience the "stuffiest of the stuffy" nights on the Camino de Santiago. History, humor, and hot July air collide in the ancient town of Nájera, Spain.

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The Golden Legend: How Saint James Went West

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Explore the legendary journey of St. James, from his execution in 1st-century Jerusalem to his final resting place in Spain. Discover how the “Golden Legend” shaped the Camino de Santiago.

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The Tomb was the Excuse: A Camino Lesson in the Vineyards of La Rioja

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Discover how a local grape farmer’s skeptical take on the Camino de Santiago reveals the trail’s true history. Join us for a walk through La Rioja's vineyards to learn why the "tomb as an excuse" fueled a Golden Age of pilgrimage.

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The Little Round Cake: A Breakfast Revelation in Navarrete

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Discover the authentic Spanish "tortilla de patatas" in the artisan village of Navarrete. Join us for a quiet morning on the Camino de Santiago as we explore local history, New World ingredients, and the perfect pilgrim breakfast.

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From Jerusalem to the Vineyard: The Knights of the Hospital

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Discover the journey of the Knights Hospitallers from the Holy Land to the Camino de Santiago and explore the ruins of the 12th-century San Juan de Acre hospital in Navarrete. Learn how this historic site was reborn to serve modern pilgrims on their pilgrimage through Spain.

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A sturdy walking stick

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A sturdy walking stick

He was robust and sported a beard that would have made Gandalf proud. Beside his folding chair was a table. On the table were fruits, Camino paraphernalia, and a gourd for collecting donations. Nearby was an assortment of walking sticks.

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There's a Mike in Logroño

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There's a Mike in Logroño

Bob and I walked into Logroño, a bustling city on the banks of Río Ebro. Wheels screeched. Music blared. People hollered. Buildings of steel and glass rubbed against their stone counterparts. It was a mix of the modern and the medieval, a blend of Spain’s yesterday and today.

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A significant mark

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The first 100 miles of the Camino were in the rearview mirror.

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What happened to James the Great

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The death of James the Great is described in the NT. Outside the NT, however, his story lives on. Part of that story is dedicated to an epic journey, and part of that story is dedicated to a post-death appearance. Both of these accounts teeter wildly into the area of myth but never say that to a Spaniard. It may cost you an eye.