So each blog seems to start with “today was amazing”….well….today was amazing. We love twilight – it is 9.30pm and we are sitting outside on a terrace…sneaky cups of tea (there is a long story about how we get milk – but I will reveal all on the last night in Santiago and I think I’ve walked enough to earn the milk…enough said for now) and I am writing the blog.
Last night’s sunset was spectacular as I watched the sunset over Galicia from my bedroom window which was in an old converted gaol (monasteries and gaols I am feeling conflicted). The light just kept changing and so the photos kept being replaced in the blog. Well, got up this morning drew back the curtains and everything had disappeared under the much talked about Galician fog. It was MAGIC – what previously were mountains now looked like islands and we had to walk back down through them. It was such a special walk – the light and sounds were spectacular. We also discovered there were a couple of good “Ups” in this “down”. Lori felt them all.
We decided that the gaol’s offer of breakfast at 8.00am was too late and so we headed out after 7.00am – therefore by 9.30 starving. Stopped in a cafe on the path – asked for toast and jam (no such luck) and was offered a “sandwich – jamon and cheese” – bread = a loaf sliced sideways!!! Take back the “sandwich” sit down with coffee and watch Lori cracking up…over my shoulder appears large …VERY large hound who non-chalantly eyeballs breakfast…folks who know me can guess my reaction – Lori needed resuscitation.
The walk down from there was leasurely because none of us really wanted it to end, this being one of our last days in the mountains. We also were suddenly being reminded of how soon the journey ends as the waymarkers are all starting to show the distance to Santiago. I have to say that I had never thought we would be wanting the kilometres to pass by slower – but we are (touch wood) fit and happy and really are into the stride and pace of this – hills are nothing REALLY to complain about – 20kms is easy and 27 is preferred and the days are getting longer as we get closer to the 21st….still can’t believe how much we have done and seen.
We are now preparing ourselves for those that do their Camino from Sarria…it is the last place you can join the Camino and achieve your Compostela. Apparently there will be loads of people starting – so we expect to be hearing lots of folks complaining about blisters and shin splints….again….all part of the WAY.
Beautiful thick misted mountains – what a stunning way to start the day. How are you both going to settle down to a banal working day when you return to Perth?
Is your journey ending in Santiago or do you continue to Finisterre?
Try not to feel too smug when surrounded by the “pillage” of pilgrims who join your journey at Sarria hoping for redemption for a mere 100km stroll. Smugness may not be one of the seven sins but I’m pretty sure that it is the eighth and bound to lose you a few hard earned PI’s when you indulge.
Actually, having now done the lot (so far) I couldn’t imagine only starting from here. Currently sitting on the balcony of the cloister of the Monastery in Monteforte…where we have a day off – problem is none of us really want or need a day off any more – missing the walking already. One friend has joked that I will just have to walk to work – as we have said before, hardly worth getting out of bed for less than 20km these days….
Sorry Sue – didn’t answer the question. We are only walking to Santiago as we didn’t count the three extra days to finish at Finisterre. We have however got a group of six and we have hired a driver and we are taking a picnic and heading to the Atlantic for a swim and a bottle or two… the reward at the “end of the world” of the Camino….until the next one!
The fog, the sun’s rays through the trees … yes, even the expectant pooch! OMG, there aren’t superlatives enough for your images and descriptions. If a 78 yo can do it (& more than once), well so can I. Angie, if you need a walking partner, I’m there!
Yay…I knew we could get converts….I wonder how many Plenary Indulgences we get for each Camino Convert????
Have thoroughly enjoyed your blog Allan and your photos have been spectacular. Enjoy the remaining part of your fantastic journey.
I’m telling you that you and Ivan would LOVE this….