The Big Adventure

03 May 2023 | JFK, NY
29 May 2022 | Pecs, Hungary
28 May 2022 | Novi Sad, Serbia
27 May 2022 | Belgrade, Serbia
26 May 2022 | Serbia
25 May 2022 | Vidin, Bulgaria
24 May 2022 | Rousse, Bulgaria
23 May 2022 | Transit
22 May 2022 | Istanbul, Turkey
21 May 2022 | Istanbul,Turkey
20 May 2022 | Enroute to Turkey
14 October 2019 | Mid air
13 October 2019 | Santiago de Compostela, Spain
12 October 2019 | Amenal, Spain
11 October 2019 | Arzua, Spain
10 October 2019 | Melide, Spain
09 October 2019 | Palas de Rei, Spain
08 October 2019 | Portomarin, Spain
07 October 2019 | Sarria, Spain
06 October 2019 | Triacastela, Spain

Camino Treasure Hunt

11 September 2019 | Viana, Spain
Andrea Berndt | Sunny once again
At the first light of day, pilgrims silently exit from doorways and file out of the town of Los Arcos forming a steady stream. Sometimes it feels like a treasure hunt as we look for clues guide us to our destination. From crude hand painted yellow arrows to beautiful brass scallop shells or cement monuments with the Camino symbol, the signs provide reassurance that we are on the right way. Sometimes just following a group of pilgrims will do, but every now and then it can lead you astray. Best to trust in God but verify the path. We had some hastily procured items from a bakery for breakfast, not bad for a quick start. But when you get your Fitbit buzz (10,000 steps or about 3.5 miles to the uninitiated) before finding your morning café con leche, motivation takes on a new meaning. On the way to Viana we passed a church with possibly Templar origins. The religious or spiritual aspect of the Camino varies from pilgrim to pilgrim. Last night we attended a pilgrims mass at the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Los Arcos, a different experience for a Baptist and a life long Lutheran. As the service began, the lights of the main altar were turned on, revealing a dazzling, incredibly ornate display of gold carvings and sculptures. Quite the contrast from the simple prayer service we witnessed in an open field conducted by a Jewish couple earlier. We all connect with God in different ways, or perhaps not at all. On an interesting note, Spain had significant Jewish and Moorish populations before they were forced to convert and later expelled. Evidence exists in the carvings of some of the churches to indicate they were made by these craftsman, as they do not read from left to right Christian style, but rather right to left. If we could work together back then...
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Vessel Name: Free Spirit
Vessel Make/Model: Saga 43
Hailing Port: Palm Harbor, FL
Crew: Andrea & Mike Berndt

Who: Andrea & Mike Berndt
Port: Palm Harbor, FL