On the way to Logrono, two hikers take respite from the heat in the shade of a tunnel along the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain .
Click on image for a larger viewing window.
Camino Conversation
Category Archives: community
Spring means track season…
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Dancing in the Sunlight
Keep on dancing…
Image by Joyce Meyer / Edited using Topaz Impressions 2 and Photoshop cc
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Camino de Santiago…join the journey
2016 Rigdon/Meyer Camino (Unfinished Business) blog post links are available in chronological order on one page. Several posts include a short video of the day and we are relieved that we aren’t still looking for Randy somewhere in France!
So, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, click on the photo below and travel along with Randy, Joyce & Joan. ~Buen Camino!
For more of our escapades, including hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland, go to rjmeyerarts.com
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2017 Sidewalk Art Gallery
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Never Give Up
…because life isn’t always easy.
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Looking Back…
When I first started hiking a number of years ago, a fellow hiker gave me some important advice, “Don’t forget to look back.” When I see a memorable view I capture it with a camera so that I can revisit this moment in time. If the view is mediocre I turn back and resume hiking along my merry way with camera packed. As a photographer I have found this advice helpful, but even more I find it applies to life.
We all know life isn’t always pretty and we may stumble and step in crap from time to time. Learn, move on, without dwelling on these unfortunate moments. Likewise, there may be some unattractive elements in an image, but look beyond and see the beauty…
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Prairie Sunset
The prairie is my favorite place in the world. This is home…
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Walking the Path ~ Coba Mayan Ruins
Imagine walking the same jungle paths as ancient Mayans living between 300 to 900 A.D.
Archeologists have estimated that 6,000 structures exist here at Coba, but only three settlements are for public viewing.
Coba is not a single site, but a large group of sites connected to the central pyramid, connected by over 16 Mayan ceremonial “white roads.”
Don’t feel like walking? Take a Mayan Limo, which is a chauffeured tricycle, or rent a bicycle. Plan on 2 1/2 hours if you walk or 1 1/2 hours if opting for wheels.
The largest pyramid at Coba is called Ixmoja, part of the Nohoch Mul group of buildings. 
Unlike other Mayan ruins, you can still climb this one. 
I’m not fond of heights and this pyramid is 42 meters (138 feet) tall, but I need to do this so I have no regrets.
From the top the lush jungle looks like a green wilderness of wonder, but this gentleman meditating probably has his eyes shut. Good thing, since he is right at the edge. Not me!!
This thick rope is my best friend as I inch my way down the 120 stone steps of the pyramid finding the descent much more difficult than the ascent.
We were part of a van tour group, which restricts the amount of time allowed. If I did it again, I’d look into another transportation option to allow more time at the ruin site. Or, maybe I need more friends along so we could put together our own DIY tour. Hmmm…
As usual, souvenir shops are situated by the entrance/exit gate.
…and dogs wander the streets.
For more information about exploring Riviera Maya destinations check out locogringo.com.
Here is a link to an interesting blog post I found within the locogringo.com site: 10 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Riviera Maya Vacation.
Hasta luego…
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Camino de Santiago: El Acebo to Ponferrada
September 26, 2016: Down we go… Joan was missing this section of the Camino from El Acebo to Ponferrada, so descending down this mountain path was necessary to finalize the journey.
After a taxi ride speeding up the dark, winding mountain road, the driver drops us off at El Acebo and at first we are amazed at the changes in this charming village. A huge, new albergue greets us complete with swimming pool, restaurant and a deck overlooking the valley below. Where is the quaint little village we remember so well?
We wait for daylight, slowly making our way down the mountain and I now remember why I love this stage of the camino. The scenery is becoming greener and the mountains provide layers of beauty which makes it difficult to believe this is our last day of hiking. Seems like we should keep going.
We arrive back in Ponferrada later that day and go in search of an establishment willing to provide us with a celebratory meal even though it’s much earlier than the usual Spanish meal time.
Thankfully, family owned El Portiel Meson adjusted their schedule just for us and cleaned out their refrigerator to provide a hearty meal complete with wine and a complimentary after dinner liquor. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
I will confess that I am a camino addict and a large part of me doesn’t want the journey to end. I love the simple life… get up, put the backpack on and start walking (To my first cup of coffee). But that isn’t real life, is it?
I’ve been choosing my top three picks for photos from each day of this camino and to wrap things up I’m also choosing three words I hope will provide meaning and impact in my daily life.
Top three photos and top three words to bring it home:
1) Acceptance ~ It is what it is.
2) Endurance ~ Personal growth from experiences no matter how difficult.
3) Appreciation ~ Live in the moment and enjoy the journey…no matter how long it takes.
Third time’s a charm…Thank you to my sister, Joan, for all of the planning along with her meticulously designed spreadsheets, and especially for including me in these adventures.
Cheers to our Camino de Santiago…el fin!
RJMeyerArts 
