Travels to the Edge

Every day I think of my family. Sometimes I feel they are beside me. Sometimes I carry them with me. Sometimes they carry me. In the open landscape of Galician hills today, my thoughts flowed freely about them - the scenery provided plenty of space. Leaving town, there was really no choice - the shorter route via Laza. ‘Grandad, why don’t we go the other way?’ It’s longer- trust me. ‘Aren’t those wild flowers colourful - you could bring some back to my birthday party.’ Around this time everyday, I check my WhatsApp messages - ‘Mike, those photos of mists on your blog look magical - we are following you and send our love.’ ‘Dad - the football is starting in a couple of hours- I’ll send quarter by quarter updates - impressive lake scenery by the way’  Youngest grandchild is about to start daycare at an early learning centre - he would enjoy this . . . ‘Mike, that shot is just so typical of Galicia - I remember those views on the Camino Frances.’ Imagine having a baby’s nursery directly o

I have entered the Autonomous Community of Galicia - and Santiago is the capital. Galicia has Celtic origins and a mystical quality. It is renowned for its green landscapes, ubiquitous mists and scenic vistas - and stonework.  Walls, buildings and pathways use local stone.  It is everywhere, including under my feet.  These boots might be made for walking but their soles and stitches are wearing thin.  I am feeling every stone. Just a couple more weeks, dear boots,  that’s all I ask! At least the weather is looking dry and mid 20s for the next 10 days. I am happy about that. This morning was cool. I dropped into the church on the way out. Along the green lanes under the freeway. I began the climb to the border. Near the summit, I took the tunnel. Out the other side was Galicia. A wonderful vista opened up. Innovative stone work appeared- great for path bridge building, and just the thing for periods of wet weather. The walk into A Gudina was tedious, to be honest. My feet were not happy

Santiago must be getting closer - Hill climbing has begun and moss-covered stone walls are appearing.  The stone markers are counting down the kilometres. The castle shone in the morning light as I left Pueblo de Sanabria. Cool morning road walking for a couple of hours. I passed restored stone buildings. There are builders that specialise in this - good to see. A late breakfast stop before the climbing began. I could see that it would be an up-and-down day. I kept a steady slow pace. and eventually made it to the tunnel at the top. I made silly echoes inside the tunnel. Time for lunch, I saw a bar - great! Damn it was closed, so I improvised in some shade. The view gave me a sense that there is more climbing to come over the next week or so. As I descended, the path continued off road. This landscape is so different to what I experienced in the early weeks. The albergue was still a few kilometres away and I could hear a distant thunderstorm brewing- I could see it in the sky too. I ma