Azura to Arces ( 19km)
With apologies to Burt Bacharach for the ¨Do you know the way to Santiago "because another of his songs might have been more appropriate ¨Raindrops keep falling on my head¨
It was that kind of day as we played hide and seek with the rain. However we walked again through the pretty rural pathways into and out of forests and cuttings and stone walls. It will be a lasting memory of the Camino for me.
The Galician rain treated us kindly until the end of the day. We were rejoicing in a short 19km walk but the 56km of the previous day had taken a toll and we had niggling injuries and were a bit worn out.
It was a slow trudge into Arca where we found a great pension do dry out and regroup.
One thing I would recommend for any prospective distance walkers though are the magnesium tablets we have taken as supplemnent each day. I have had no stiffness in my leg at all. Together with the multi vitamin supplement this has worked for us......bit of trivia
We are now 20km from Santiago and it is a bit hard to keep in perspective that we have walked over 600km so far .
When we talk to other pilgrims most are excited about finishing the pilgrimage. It is quite a challenging walk. many pilgrims choose variations of the camino to walk and bus ansd this is a good way to go. We have been tagging an American Tourist group who have day packs and are followed by a seater van and can walk and ride as they choose. Earlier when I saw this I respectfully referred to such groups as ¨Limo Pilgrims¨. I really don´t think it matters how anyone does it really as the ways of doing it are as varied as the motives people have for doing it.
mmm sounding like a bit of an authority on this...and I´m not.
One guy was doing the Camino for the 8th time...he said that each time has been a different experience for him. Yeah, strangers are just friends we haven´t met yet....
I am running out of Buen Caminos to each passing pilgrim at this stage but it will be interesting to walk into Santiago tomorrow.
I am grateful that we are finishing but more grateful that we have been able to do it without any major health or other worries.
Buen Camino
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I'm sure the pack will seem lighter today and you will have a bounce in your step. Should be very rewarding walking into Santiago - Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLove Al
Hi Jim - I am sure that everyone in the St James Community will be with you as your finish this wonderful experience. I hope that the Mass will be memorable as you reflect on the journey and feel a mixture of emotions - I hope that amongst them will be euphoria, gratitude and relief (a little bit of pride is also allowed!)The Jimmy's Community is really special, and it is wonderful that you carried their spirit with you. Enjoy Santiago and spoil yourselves. Congratulations on doing "your' Camino!
ReplyDeleteWarmest Regards
Ann
Ann
Dear Jim and Betty! What a day this must be for you both! Walking into Santiago, after all those days! Congratulations! I think the mass will be very special. You afcourse thinking about this great adventure. Maybe you will tell me some time why you walked the Camino? Many greetings from Holland! Hedwig
ReplyDeleteIt's a long way to Santiago,
ReplyDeleteIt's a long way to go.
It's a long way to Santiago
With the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye Galacia,
Farewell Camino,
It's a long long way to Santiago,
But my pilgimage ends right there.
Forgive the poetic license - Ann's comments reflect how proud you must be feeling or should feel about your accomplishment. Have a well deserved rest and we look forward to your homecoming. love Marg, Rob, Cate and Bill