Padron to Santiago - Volare! Cantare!
From predawn departure to midday arrival, I felt I was flying. The kilometres peeled away - a strange sensation given my general plodding over the previous 11 days. At the cathedral door, ‘cantare’ - time to sing!
My morning started early, like 5:30 am early. With happy memories from dinner the previous evening. Almost everyone is heading to Santiago today.
As I stepped out this morning, there was a rumble of thunder and a lightning flash. Thankfully the weather stabilised and I had clear skies and mild temperatures for the rest of the walk - maybe there is an interventionist God.
I followed the footsteps of albergue friends out of town in the dark.
This couple from Portugal shared some of their path side breakfast with me. Camino kindness is alive. I played some breakfast music on the guitalele.
The sun rose and the green pathways reappeared.
Around midmorning I stopped for brunch. Delicious! This saw me through to Santiago.
The Camino Portuguese is a wonderful introduction to the pilgrimage to Santiago - many people ask about staying in albergues and carrying backpacks. I think they’ll come back again.
The Camino Portuguese is a wonderful introduction to the pilgrimage to Santiago - many people ask about staying in albergues and carrying backpacks. I think they’ll come back again.
Getting closer to Santiago, I passed the herd at one of the last watering holes.
Final approach was mostly through forest paths
Eventually, the pavement returned.
And soon I was in traffic about to cross at the lights into the old city- I had shared lunch here years ago.
The approach to the cathedral brought back so many memories and emotions.
Places that mean so much, places we had stayed.
Then I was back at the cathedral.
The portico of glory is open for business! Wonderful. I headed over to the pilgrim office - to find myself first in line (interventionist God again?)
I had a friendly authentic conversation with the volunteers and collected my Compostela for the Camino Portuguese. By the time I was through the pilgrim wave had reached the shore.
The hotel (yes a private room) was not far. Bliss - a wonderful feeling of relief and accomplishment flooded over me as I placed Sancho on his chair.
I am back in Santiago and enormously grateful to everyone who has helped me - thank you for following and supporting me.😌
Congrats Dad!! Proud of you x
ReplyDeleteMike and Sanchez, a huge congratulations on making it to Santiago once again !
ReplyDeleteAs always, I have loved reading about your daily adventures on the Camino. The highs, the lows, the blisters and the glories.
Well done amigos, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
One foot in front of the other. And remember :
No suenes tu vida
Vive tus suenos
Take care,
Sue
Thanks Sue - well put - yes - I’m here , working on living dreams 😊
DeleteOops, Sancho!!
ReplyDeleteWell done. What an achievement. You are a model for the young pilgrims you’ve met along the way.
ReplyDelete🙏
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