Camino Frances: Day 3

Posted: May 21, 2026

Another glorious day of brilliant blue skies and worn, ancient paths on the Camino. It’s impossible to walk these roads and not be struck by a deep sense of awe and wonder … both of the majestic beauty of the natural world around us and of the thousands of pilgrims who came before us. This ground has been sacred to Christians and non-Christians alike for centuries because of the deep spirituality one feels here.


Today our 6.2 mile walk took us from Morgade past ancient stone houses, grazing cows, an occasional horse, granaries and vineyards … and finally across the Mino River to the town of Portomarin. The river crossing was so beautiful it left me speechless. We met many fellow pilgrims on our way and the camaraderie and common purpose leaves us all with a strong sense of our shared humanity.


Portomarin is a charming, lively place, and has been an important city since Roman times. When a reservoir flooded the town in the 1960s, locals moved their beloved church, stone by stone, to higher ground where it remains today, a marvelous example of Romanesque architecture.


The busyness of everyday life settles down here, and one sees life more clearly. God’s hand is everywhere. The journey draws us forward and calls us to a heightened awareness and deeper contemplation. We look forward to the adventures of each new day.


Buen Camino!


– Jane O’Connell

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