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O Pedrouzo to Santiago - Pilgrim Road

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Reaching Santiago de Compostela is not the end. Yes, there is the excitement and satisfaction of arriving. What matters is what we draw from walking the pilgrim road, and carry forward. I thought a lot about that today . . . Beginning with breakfast. No looking back now. Onward through the mist With the scent and sight of eucalyptus all around. Steady streams in the distance  Here comes the sun - and the cyclists . The path side bars were busy. After a short stop, I decided to try another along the way. Sharing the way . . . Sharing acquaintance - I have been seeing these ladies for days. Amazing endurance and genuine. Possibly the toughest tortilla I have ever tasted, served by pilgrim weary surly staff - pity! Reaching Monte do Gozo gave me much, much greater joy! If you look closely, you can see the cathedral from here - the first glimpse for pilgrims over the centuries. They are right, you can! Santiago was there- down the hill. Welcomed by music  There is an inscription o...
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Arzua to O Pedrouzo - Sharing the path

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The cyclist peregrino is an enigma. Peddling e-assisted or old school Flintstone style, cyclists appear from nowhere in groups (never alone) of two up to twelve. They can part a sea of pilgrims, approaching from behind without ever ringing their bells. As they pass, most kindly offer an encouraging ‘Buen Camino’.  How considerate that they choose to share the way with us when they have the option of designated cycle routes. We wish them a ‘Buen Camino’ too! Last night after signing off, I didn’t go to bed. I went to dinner and had the most delicious Paella Arroz Negro, under the trees. As I went to leave, local musicians and dancers arrived again. Perfect timing all round! Wonderful traditional rhythms and melodies.  Then it was time for bed, as breakfast commenced at 5am - for pilgrimator early birds intent on the 39 km trek to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. I shuffled out closer to 8 am. Stopped into a church . . .  Santiago dreaming on such a summer’s day 🎵 Passing...
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Palas de Rei to Arzua - Stepping into the flow

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Every one of these students was delightful. We wished each other buen camino. These young people bring life - La Vida - to the Camino. Today I stepped into the flow, and was carried along to Arzua. This morning was cool and misty. Thunder happened across the night. Perfect for a long walk if you don’t mind a raindrop or two. The local church offers a pilgrim mass every night. Humanity and spirituality somehow coexist with traditional religious practices- it is a Mystery. I am constantly astounded by the devotion of parish communities of centuries past in building these structures. Why? How? Their legacy is uncertain.   Then it started to rain. Fabulous! I donned my hobbit coat - and walked on 🎵 with hope in my heart - and all of a sudden realised - I will never walk alone.  How fragile we are.  Melide! It’s pulpo time. A seat by the window was just the ticket - I smiled and pointed as Peregrinos shuffled by. Into the forest once again - brothers with matching yellow pack...
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