Day 14 - Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela

Planned distance of 10.3km

July 22st

Today was the last day of walking.

Due to my knee giving me issues I decided to do what many think is unthinkable and un Camino like and send my backpack forward the last few kilometers by backpack transport. I don’t want to damage my knee or be unable to walk to Finisterre and Muxia when Darren arrives. And also not be able to celebrate someone’s birthday.

The walk was relatively easy, stopping for a drink and get our last stamp for our Credentials.

The closer we got the more excited we were, walking in a group was amazing, feeding of each other’s energy. 

Before we knew it, we were in the city. It was alive, people everywhere taking pictures as we entered the square.

Next to do was to get our certificates. Luckily it only took around 15 minutes as the queues were not too long yet.

Next to check into to our accommodation and then it was time to celebrate and get food etc.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day (to follow)

Day 13 - O Ribadiso da Carretera to Lavacolla

Planned distance of 30.5km

July 21st

Today was the last of the long days of walking. Only around 10km’s left to before we reach Santiago.

Before I get too excited, today started out misty and cold, this is great when walking long distances as you don’t overheat and you generally can keep a steady pace. The mist disappeared about an hour into our walk. It started warming up and we started to feel the heat. As usual we persevered and eventually reached O Pedrouzo and stopped for lunch. 

After a delightful lunch we continued our journey, this time having to cover up and it started to rain softly. The camera had to go under cover and could only make an appearance later in the day.

Today was one of the bad days, about 500m from the albergue my knee just could not continue. I stopped briefly and rested. A few stop goes and we made it to the albergue.  My knee was not having any fun. So had to rest it properly.

Not much to do or see in Lavacolla, so no need to go out. We decided to order pizza and eat in.

We only have 10km before our journeys end. And with that I have too many feelings to express, joy sadness, pain and the lost goes on. Time

Is needed to process all of them. Most of them at least, pain and sore feet will soon be forgotten.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day

Day 12 - O Ferreira to Ribadiso da Carretera

Planned distance of 31km

July 20th

The day started off chilly. The imminent threat of rain again, so everything had to be covered up. Fortunately the rain never materialized and the covers soon came off. The camera lost of shyness and came out to play.

 The day dragged out for ever, we only arrived at he the albergue after six. The reason for this will become apparent shortly.

The mist soon burnt off and it was rather warm and pleasant day. Some road and some paths. Thankful for no mud. Yay. 

Our route joins the Frances (800km route from St Jean Pied de Port) at Melide. Melide is also known as the Pulpo capital of Spain. Pulpo is octopus and not squid. We all decided that it was required to have some Pulpo for lunch. 

We arrived at the Pulpo restaurant and we ordered a few plates, potatoes and pimentos Padron (salted fried peppers). I thought it would be gross, but was actually surprised (not 100% sure about the texture). It was delicious. Next we popped in for some ice cream. Homemade ice cream in a cone.

The last 9 kilometers was a killer, the sun and it kept on and on. The mileage just seemed to never go down. Finally we arrived at out destination, but before we checked in we wanted to dip our feet in the little stream we crossed.

The albergue was nice, and the first one to offer eggs and bacon for breakfast. Yay. Guess what I had for breakfast.

Fluit fluit, my storie is uit.

Some pics of the day