Y

Yep

Made it to Compostela Saturday May 16 Day 27

What a great day, we started late and walked slow. The weather was terrific as I walked the last day with my friends from the beginning. Along “the way” we made many stops for celebration. As we were walking the back streets towards the final shell we ran into Albert and Carles who were heading home. Funny, we were just wondering if we would see them. Again, this is how this thing works. We said our goodbyes and one last Buen Camino then walked through the tunnel into Plaza del Obradoiro where my wife and friend were waiting at the finish line.
WOW! What a journey, I am truly blessed.

Adios from Camino de Santiago Compostela 😀

 

May 16 Photos

A look at some of the trail today

My home tonight

Trail view

May 15 Friday

Tough walk today to Arzua. Started out ok but lots of road walking at the end. The weather has been a bit cold the past two days. Sun out equals jacket off, sun hiding equals jacket on. No complaints though, we have been very fortunate with the weather. While walking the Norte, it has only rained hard a few times. The next two days look sunny and warm 😀.
Today, with about 5K out of Arzua we reached a sign of encouragement from our friends Albert and Carles from Catalonia. Carles hurt his knee and had to skip a couple legs. The sign really brightened our day and we hope to see our Spanish amigos in Santiago.
After about an hour and half later around 14:00 we reached the Camino France’s and it’s obvious. I’ve seen more pilgrims in the past hour than all of last week. I like it myself, but others seem dread this final leg of the Camino. Gerhart and Sandra didn’t like the vibe and went ahead about 5K to a privately owned albergue which is run by an Austrian. I decided to hang and enjoy the town that I stayed in a couple years ago. It has a lot to offer as far as accommodations and food. In fact, as I write this I’m eating a delicious carne empanada with a cold beer. Also, the suns out as I sit in the plaza watching the new faces come into town with their backpacks, hiking poles, and shells. It is inspiring for me to see the different types of people that have taken on the pilgrimage.
Before eating, I got a room at the private albergue “Fonte”. I had a lot of choices and this one has wood beds, great showers, good kitchen; not bad for 10e. Before leaving I was in the kitchen talking to two girls from Romania when I heard a familiar voice; it was Paul the Frenchman who was the first person I met on this Camino. He joined the Frances from the Primitivo and was checking in and getting the final bed. We had said our gooodbyes about two weeks ago when I continued on the North route and he went on the Primitive route. Now the person I started my walk with on the first day will be the one I start my walk with on the last day. For anyone who has walked a Camino, they know that this is not an accident. It’s how this thing works.

May 14 Photos

My dinner tonight 2 eggs 4 pieces of bacon 2 cuts of pork lots of fries and salad cost 7.50e

Here’s a Galician home that could use a little TLC

Old carving inside the trunk of a huge oak tree along my route today

Sobrado Monastery

My home tonight

May 14 Thursday

Just got out of vespers at the Sobrado Monastery. It is always a unique experience which I highly recommend. Today was another 40+ K. Something about stopping at 13:00 is not appealing to me. I have gotten used to going from 0800-1700. My legs and feet have accepted this and become extremely strong. With my breaks and sightseeing it makes for a full day. I’m now in Galicia and two days out of Santiago de Compostela my finale destination. I would of never thought I could complete this in 27 days, but that’s what it looks like it will be. I’m excited but sad to know this adventure will soon be done. The friends I’ve made with sights I’ve experienced have been amazing.

My hike today was green, green and green. My group of close friends is down to two. We have lost some to the Primitivo trail others to injuries and others who have skipped a few segments by taking trains or buses. Left hiking with me is Gerhart (Austria) and Sandra (Germany). The three of us started the same day and our personalities just mesh. I’m going to try to put on some of today’s pictures. Peace out 😀

Photos May 4 Monday

Iglesia Santa Magdalena in Ribadesella

Still Walking

As mentioned before, it is getting difficult to keep up with my blog. By the time I get up and hike to my destination then do laundry, shower, and eat there is little time left in the day and I prefer to use that socializing.
For the last week I have been hiking long days through the northern coast. The terrain has been challenging and the views have been incredible. Today I left the coast to go inland to Santiago de Compostela.

My completion date looks like Sunday (28 days). I have logged over 650 kilometers in 21 days. That’s over 400 miles in three weeks. The time is flying by and it has been an absolute blast. From the places I’ve visited to the friends I’ve met, I can not say enough of this adventure. I will at least try to post some pictures as I move closer to my final destination. Thanks to everyone for all the great comments and support.
Adios

May 3 Day 14

Got out first today and headed to the E9 (European Coastal Path). The E9 trail overlaps and mirrors the Camino on this part of the Norte. You can expect the Europe routes to be more challenging but very scenic. It was another incredible day and the weather was perfect for hiking. After about two hours the group of friends I just stayed with caught up and we had a fun Sunday walk. One group became two pairs of four. Myself, Germans Sandra and Phil with Austrian Gerhard took a more than one hour break at the beach. We had a lot of kilometers to go but we could not pass up the moment. When we were ready to get hiking again the four became two as Sandra and Gerhart wanted to take a short cut. Phil and I went the Camino route while the other two got lost. Hours later, when we were in a bar getting something to eat when Sandra and Gerhart came walking in telling us about how they spent an hour lost on their short cut. You would think that I would give them some fun natured grief, but getting lost and walking extra kilometers sucks. I mention in the last update about the Germans and their guide books and always trying to find a better route. Well, truth be told, their books are the best. Thanks to the late Michael Kasper (German who lived in Spain and wrote a lot of these guide books) who put in numerous options for walking The Way. These are referred to as the “Kasper Routes” and thanks to his work he has made my Camino for the better.

After getting something to eat, it was now late so we walked fast to an albergue that had eight beds. The other four reserved us spots when they checked in. The albergue was set up like Ernesto’s in Güemes and owned by a German couple. We got in about 18:30 and Manfred and his wife Birgitta were outstanding host. Cold beer, wine, and snacks on arrival. They then did our wash and made us a delicious meal. Most of us will be doing a short day tomorrow so that we can stay by the beach in La Isla.

May 2 Saturday Day 13

Myself, Gerhart and Phil (from where else but Germany) left out of Comillas and we headed for Llanes. About an hour outside of town we got the opportunity to walk on the beach until we had to cross a bridge to the picturesque town.

As we made our way into town the bridge was full of fisherman. Unfortunately know one was catching anything. Once we got to the other side, we could see plenty of cafes open. Phil and Gerhart went with the standard tortilla patata (like quiche with potatoes) and I went further down the road and found a bakery and got some pastries. After eating, we continued on our way to an albergue that we heard provides a good Camino experience. Phil and I walked the Camino and Gerhart met up with Anrdreas and did what Germans do; find shortcuts.

It’s kinda funny actually, the Duetschlander’s all got these books that have shortcuts and when there is not a shortcut they try to create one. In the end, it usually creates a lot of walking in streets. Phil being young and strong willed would rather walk the harder way like myself. Because of this, our timing was perfect as we entered the town of Buelna that was having a parade of bulls. The bulls had bells on and the streets were lined with spectators and the procession was festive and LOUD 😀.  After awhile, we continued on and an elderly lady led us out (the noise was to much for her). We walked across a bridge together and she pointed us off in the direction of the trail and gave us hugs and a Buen Camino. One thing about Spanish people in general; they revere pilgrims and usually will go out of their way to help in your Camino.

From here, we trudged what seemed like a long way to Pendueles and arrived to see all our shortcut people relaxing. Argh !!!! The albergue Ave de Paso was great. They had a communal dinner and did our laundry plus provided breakfast. It was worth the long day.