Tag Galicia

Cessation of the Peregrination

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I love that in Santiago de Compestela a hundreds of years old building can be the backdrop to a carnival.

So, I’m back doing the obligatory final pilgrim things like hugging Saint James,

admiring the As Marias sculpture, and eating great food.

As the last member of our Camino family strolls in to town, we pay homage to him.

In reality, I’ve just been delaying the inevitable… our final Camino family dinner. Come morning, we’ll head our separate ways. I’m not sure what that means for me yet but I’ll be sure to post it when I figure it out.

A Flop of an Idea at Muxía

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I love that the Faro de Muxía almost looks translucent in this shot. As if it is fading into anonymity due to the popularity of the neighboring

Santuario de la Virgen de Barca, the Cadrís Stone,

and the A Ferida. (“The Wound” is a tribute to all the volunteers that showed up after the Prestige oil tanker disaster.)

I thought a sunrise hike up to Miradoiro do Corpiño would result in awesome panoramic shots of Muxía. I was disappointed.

It does provide a great viewpoint but the sun didn’t quite cooperate.

Dinner provided some color

as did this mural.

I also thought I’d enjoy a swim in Muxía’s clear refreshing water but I only waded in about waist deep. Again, the sun just didn’t want to cooperate. Nonetheless, I found Muxía to be peaceful and enjoyed the sleepy seaside village.

To the End of the World

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In Roman times, Finisterre was believed to be the end of the known world. It is a popular extension to the Camino de Santiago. Some walk, some ride the bus.. I did the latter.

I joined Oz and Scott for an early morning walk to the lighthouse on the rocky Coast of Death.

The fog rolled in but we still enjoyed the stunning colors of the sunrise.

We discovered we weren’t alone.

On the walk back, we noticed a cold pilgrim and art by Nove Noel.

I was excited to be so near the ocean. I find it calming and relaxing.

Especially, strolling the beaches, picking up shells. The water is wonderfully clear here.

In town, there is a charming mix of old and new, good seafood, and Batidor Pasteleria.

Day 38: O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela

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The sunrise for the trees… the morning has a different energy as there’s only 12 miles remaining.

At San Marcos, you get a sneak peak of the cathedral. It adds a little pep to each step.

Just a few miles later, despite the sign, it doesn’t really feel like you’ve arrived.

Until you do.

Or until you reunite with some of your Camino family. They are bittersweet moments.

After hugs, you attend the pilgrims’ mass and get lucky enough to see the botafumeiro in action.

Next, you pick up the Compestela.

Then wander and find your bed for the night.

And that’s a wrap.

Day 36: Palas de Rei to Ribadiso

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Early morning shot of Iglesia de San Xulián.

Here comes the sun.

A medieval bridge, Ponte de San Xoán, crosses the Río Furelos.

The hórreo at my albergue for the night.

The restored buildings of the Ribadiso de Ponte Hospital are a welcoming site letting you know you’ve arrived.

Ponte medieval de Ribadiso, built in the 12th century, is considered a favorite bucolic spot on the Camino.

Sitting along the cool rushing water of the Río Iso is relaxing and enjoyable.

Day 35: Portomarín to Palas de Rei

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What a difference a day makes… things change. Some say the Camino has become inundated with “touregrinas”. While I enjoy meeting fellow walkers, I miss the peaceful moments of solitude that were a common part of my day. So, I’ve turned to the dark side.

Meet Oz and Scott, two members of my Camino family. I caught back up with them enroute to O Cebreiro. They start walking each day by about 5:30am… in the dark… with headlamps. I thought that was odd. This morning, I joined them.

Not a lot has changed. I still look around. This pre-Roman hill fort is an Iron Age archaeological site. It is just outside of Castromaior.

I started noticing these everywhere in Galicia. It is an hórreo, a granary.

Other things that caught my eye.

The main advantages of the early morning start include sunrises, beating the heat and the crowds, and getting a bottom bunk in the dorms. I’m quite sure I’m not becoming a morning person but for the duration of the Camino, I’m a convert.

Day 33: Triacastela to Sarria

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In a sense, every day on the Camino is special… this one started with lush green fields and plenty of sunshine.

Shortly thereafter, a very cool thing happened. I came across the studio of artist, Arthur Manton Lowe. After messing up the stamp, he “fixed it” by painting a Texas desert scene in my credential. I enjoyed visiting with him and listening to some Johnny Cash. It kind of made my day.

For a good part of the day, I felt a bit like a hobbit strolling through a lichen backdrop.

Having my first empanada gallega was also a highlight.

A few things caught my eye arriving in Saria.

Even the ice cream had a distinct touch.

Day 32: O Cebreiro to Triacastela

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I don’t usually wake up for the sunrise or above the clouds so it was a special morning.

I would have run out of film had I been using a real camera.

It was a very slow walk down to Fonfría as I couldn’t stop admiring the view.

The Pilgrims’ Monument was almost more of a distraction than a creative work to be admired.

I did notice a few other things like how beautiful a day it was and how the “ancient marker” differed from the current ones.

Also, how these cows objected to having their siesta interrupted. Siesta is observed by all.

I was relieved as Triacastela came into view.

It was about time for my own siesta or at least a rest for my feet.