Salas to Tineo - Connection, solidarity and hope

-

The Iglesia de Santa Marina notice board conveys the spirit of the Camino - human connection and imagination of divine love. Friends, family, humanity and saints are messaged - silently in hope and with solidarity. That is prayer! I stamped my credencial with that spirit.
In contrast, breakfast at the albergue was friendly and functional- juice, toast w butter and jam, and coffee, over sleep weary smiling faces and nodding conversation. A quick’Buen Camino’ and we were away. . .  How’s the serenity!.

Yet, the old town in the early morning evoked earlier times.
With street lights guiding the way . . .
The first couple of hours were up hill, really up hill. Alfonso ll and his 9th century entourage obviously had a weird sense of humour, 
‘Source of pain’ indeed! Despite, there were scenes of  magic faraway tree beauty.
As well as step by step rocky climbing.
Interspersed with ancient stone work - by masons and labourers long gone - to mark the way,  all in all it’s just an another rock in the wall.
The path plateaued and I reunited with two friends from Lithuania under a late 20th century EU sponsored freeway overpass.
The way rose again to reveal an encompassing vista.
And near the summit was the church of St Marina. 
Sancho waited at the door while I ventured inside and studied the notice board. So many stories and petitions and prayers- all heartfelt, connected.
Morning tea break was a welcome chance to catch up.
And re-energise with coffee and tortilla 
More uphill- passing a decommissioned pizza oven. 

With panoramic views. 
And occasional horses
I eventually found a spot on the shaded path to sit, take off my boots and socks, have an orange - and contemplate the future of the big toe nail on my left foot. 
After ‘lunch’ I took out my guitalele and played to myself. Alba from Asturias and Jana and Sarah from the Czech Republic came by. 

And we walked together to Tineo.
Checking in at the La Plaza Albergue.
So far, it’s been foothills- from tomorrow for a few days - it’s mountains.
Connection and solidarity among Camino friends is what gives us hope and will help everyone get there. 

Comments

  1. Tess9 July 2025 at 23:18

    Nice going Dad! As for that left big toe…

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 July 2025 at 14:10

      I know, yes Tess, it’s on the way out ðŸĪŠ

      Delete
  2. Anonymous10 July 2025 at 06:23

    ain't no mountain high enough to keep you away from Santiago

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chrissy10 July 2025 at 12:37

    The greenery always looks so magical! Good luck to that toe though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 July 2025 at 14:11

      Thanks sweetheart-it’s hanging in there- just 😂

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Santiago to Oviedo - Singing and sauntering

-
Image
Arume Bar in Santiago is so welcoming. Bar owner Habin shook my hand as I walked in, and asked me to play. Andoni the resident guitarist saw me and came over, gave me a hug, and we did a set. I love Santiago. My hostel was close by the cathedral. After checking in, I went in search of a beer (well two actually). And something to eat. Later I met Camino friends for  dinner, and suggested we go to the Arume Bar - it was an open mic night. Local artists played including one (Harry) who I knew from Finisterre as well as a Mexican guy who was fabulous. Andoni’s wife sang Stand By Me (blended with Every Breath You Take) with us. Next morning, chocolate con churros hit the spot. The rest of the day was a slow saunter around Santiago. My body appreciated it. I said goodbyes to various Camino friends and had an early night. I dropped the key in the box, left the hostel. I started making my way to the bus station. The cathedral precinct was almost deserted. I sat down in the Plaza Obradoiro ...
Read more

Salceda to Santiago de Compostela- Arrived!

-
Image
Today I arrived at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. There was much celebration. Friends ahead of me friends behind me - we watched each other walk in - memories of steep climbs and descents, being alone, being together on the path - came flooding back. There was no need for words - just smiles and hugs, and plans to get together tonight. Head light primed for an early start. I organised with friends further along to meet them for breakfast - I had some kilometres to cover. It was dark. Fortunately, I (sort of) knew the path. I had walked it in daylight - and in the rain and dark before. I stayed here once . . . Years ago, a good friend came back to this place to see if I was alright. It was cold, dark and wet. I had been ill and he checked on me. We walked together to the Cathedral, even singing ‘Volare’ towards the end when I came good. I made breakfast at O Pedrouzo- how wonderful! Everyone wished each other well- some I had seen each day, others not for ages. After breakfast, we bi...
Read more

Made it to Madrid!

-
Image
Tapas and pintxos anyone! How can I go past a market named after Saint Michael? It was wonderful returning to Madrid - and having enough energy to go out for an early dinner. It had been a long day since the Beach Hut morning farewell 😊- in fact it was the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, and was the longest night in Australia as I left. Leaving Nowra, I had half the globe to cross! The train journey to Sydney airport was scenic and subdued, with only my guitalele for company glancing at me suspiciously from the seat opposite - ‘you’re doing this again, Mike?’ The flight left on time, the service was fine and I watched ‘A Complete Unknown’ a couple more times time before landing in Dubai. Like a Rolling Stone indeed. Dubai looked a little brighter closer up The flight from Dubai to Madrid detoured south over Egypt (for obvious reasons) and after ‘seven flying hours’ landed in Madrid.  The plane was on time - and my pack appeared on the baggage carousel. Thank go...
Read more