Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
People come, people go
I am leaving Porto today and have said, and will say goodbye to a few amazing people today. I have already done this a couple of times now, but it seems remiss that I have. It commented fully on this before now.
It is oddly both easy and difficult at the same time. Easy in the sense that you knew it was coming and inevitable when people from such a diverse geography meet on the way. Difficult because of the feeling of the profound experience of have shared with them. The absolute understanding and appreciation they have for what you've done. There is no question I will remain in contact. And regardless I will miss the company and laughter and shared struggle immensely.
I have been blessed with a couple of camino families on this journey. My circle has grown on an international level and i am feeling particularly grateful today sitting staring across the river at yet another beautiful city for the amazing opportunity this has been.
Those of you who haven't left North America in the last while, I really can't say enough how I don't know what you're waiting for :-)
Buen Camino my friends....
It is oddly both easy and difficult at the same time. Easy in the sense that you knew it was coming and inevitable when people from such a diverse geography meet on the way. Difficult because of the feeling of the profound experience of have shared with them. The absolute understanding and appreciation they have for what you've done. There is no question I will remain in contact. And regardless I will miss the company and laughter and shared struggle immensely.
I have been blessed with a couple of camino families on this journey. My circle has grown on an international level and i am feeling particularly grateful today sitting staring across the river at yet another beautiful city for the amazing opportunity this has been.
Those of you who haven't left North America in the last while, I really can't say enough how I don't know what you're waiting for :-)
Buen Camino my friends....
Monday, October 28, 2013
The end of the earth....
Well.... It's been a few days since I wrote last and there's been time to decompress.
I spent just a day and a half in Santiago, going to mass and eating some good food. Mostly it was to dry out my shoes.
Saturday I travelled to Finisterra and enjoyed the sun and the sea. I also enjoyed enough calamari and prawns for three people. YES!!
Finisterra was quite a beautiful place. From a landscape perspective it reminded me very much of Newfoundland. I took a short 7km round trip walk to the point and lighthouse. It was quite windy, but the view was spectacular and I had some time to reflect on the last few weeks. I am feeling good. Exhausted. Some sense of pride. Ultimately very happy.
Many bus hours later I have gone back to Santiago and then on to Portugal. I'll be here for a little bit before travelling home via Paris where I am fortunate to have been invited to dinner and couch surfing for a night before my flight home. Camino friends already proving invaluable. And one I'd not have caught up with again if not for that opportunity. Awesome.
Portugal is rainy this morning with a promise of clearing later. Laundry, some groceries that involve heavy vegetable content for dinner, and new earphones all on the agenda for today. Minimal walking. MINIMAL!!
Have a great week everyone....
I spent just a day and a half in Santiago, going to mass and eating some good food. Mostly it was to dry out my shoes.
Saturday I travelled to Finisterra and enjoyed the sun and the sea. I also enjoyed enough calamari and prawns for three people. YES!!
Finisterra was quite a beautiful place. From a landscape perspective it reminded me very much of Newfoundland. I took a short 7km round trip walk to the point and lighthouse. It was quite windy, but the view was spectacular and I had some time to reflect on the last few weeks. I am feeling good. Exhausted. Some sense of pride. Ultimately very happy.
Many bus hours later I have gone back to Santiago and then on to Portugal. I'll be here for a little bit before travelling home via Paris where I am fortunate to have been invited to dinner and couch surfing for a night before my flight home. Camino friends already proving invaluable. And one I'd not have caught up with again if not for that opportunity. Awesome.
Portugal is rainy this morning with a promise of clearing later. Laundry, some groceries that involve heavy vegetable content for dinner, and new earphones all on the agenda for today. Minimal walking. MINIMAL!!
Have a great week everyone....
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Pilgrim Mass and stones
It was beautiful. I saw familiar faces. We hugged. We congratulated each other. Many exchanged contact. It was really a beautiful snapshot of the kind of people I want to always be surrounded by.
I also put rocks into the fountain in front of the cathedral yesterday. I carried them a long way. Thanks for being part of my journey friends. More from finisterra tomorrow.
I also put rocks into the fountain in front of the cathedral yesterday. I carried them a long way. Thanks for being part of my journey friends. More from finisterra tomorrow.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Santiago
So now that I have had TWO hot showers, some food, a (mediocre) nights sleep, some breakfast, and a chance to breathe, I am pleased to advise I am here and I have received my compostella. What a day yesterday was....
20km's in the driving rain. Seriously. It pretty much poured from the moment I walked out in the morning until the minute I stepped into the city proper. That irony was not lost on me, nor overly appreciated. It was a good idea to wait to write this until this morning suffice to say!!
The point came just over an hour in where avoiding puddles was pointless because the amount of water squeezing out of my shoes with each step was greater than the puddles would have replaced soo, one less thing to worry about I suppose. I remain hopeful my shoes MAY be dry by the time the weekend is up!
I am headed to pilgrim mass today. I am sure it will be emotional. I am also going to place some rocks on the steps of the cathedral today. I have carried them a LONG way. And what a journey it has been. My feet talked to me last night and professed thanks that we're stopping today. I am glad for it :-)
I'll continue to write over the next couple of days. I am in Europe for a bit more exploration yet :-)
20km's in the driving rain. Seriously. It pretty much poured from the moment I walked out in the morning until the minute I stepped into the city proper. That irony was not lost on me, nor overly appreciated. It was a good idea to wait to write this until this morning suffice to say!!
The point came just over an hour in where avoiding puddles was pointless because the amount of water squeezing out of my shoes with each step was greater than the puddles would have replaced soo, one less thing to worry about I suppose. I remain hopeful my shoes MAY be dry by the time the weekend is up!
I am headed to pilgrim mass today. I am sure it will be emotional. I am also going to place some rocks on the steps of the cathedral today. I have carried them a LONG way. And what a journey it has been. My feet talked to me last night and professed thanks that we're stopping today. I am glad for it :-)
I'll continue to write over the next couple of days. I am in Europe for a bit more exploration yet :-)
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
One more night....
Well, there are just 18 Km's to go to Santiago. Sometime early tomorrow afternoon I shall be standing taking a photo in front of the cathedral, and then contemplating where the heck to stay for a couple of days while I rest my feet, go to pilgrim mass, collect my compostella, eat drink and be merry. What a ride.
For my last night in an Alburgue we are sharing it with a group of what I think is early high school students. Maybe even grade 8, it's hard to tell. They don't seem phased by the day's distance, or our presence. It's fun to share the room with them and their overly hormonal behaviour! En camino, todo es possible!
I have been sitting here doing some math. When I started I was staring at 790 Km's. So today, 745 on foot, 45 or so in some form of four (or more) wheeled transportation necessitated by one minor cold, one MAJOR flu, and a hint of ankle pain, new friends from at least half a dozen countries whom I suspect I will remain in touch with, all this and I am joyful tonight for such an amazon experience. I will continue to write over the next couple of days while I decompress in Santiago, and hopefully get a chance to see a few familiar faces as they show up at the Cathedral. My compostella is only a handful of Km's away.
What an adventure it has been. Hopefully the rain holds off tomorrow, just tomorrow. It sure let me have it for most of the day today!!
More tomorrow once I get there!!
For my last night in an Alburgue we are sharing it with a group of what I think is early high school students. Maybe even grade 8, it's hard to tell. They don't seem phased by the day's distance, or our presence. It's fun to share the room with them and their overly hormonal behaviour! En camino, todo es possible!
I have been sitting here doing some math. When I started I was staring at 790 Km's. So today, 745 on foot, 45 or so in some form of four (or more) wheeled transportation necessitated by one minor cold, one MAJOR flu, and a hint of ankle pain, new friends from at least half a dozen countries whom I suspect I will remain in touch with, all this and I am joyful tonight for such an amazon experience. I will continue to write over the next couple of days while I decompress in Santiago, and hopefully get a chance to see a few familiar faces as they show up at the Cathedral. My compostella is only a handful of Km's away.
What an adventure it has been. Hopefully the rain holds off tomorrow, just tomorrow. It sure let me have it for most of the day today!!
More tomorrow once I get there!!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Pulperia!
Well, the ankle is especially sore today, but regardless there was walking. And then there was icing. In a little bit there will be hot showering. It's a living.
I managed to get a quality photo of the 'Hilgrim' buses today. It's an intense rush to the finish!!
Also on the docket for lunch was a stop into a well reviewed 'Pulperia'. Now, I can't say I am rushing home to find out where I am going to frequently dine on Octopus, but I am glad that I stopped to try it in Melide where it is supposedly the best. I found it rather bland and chewy. Fortunately there is a a first (and last) time for everything.
Just 40.5 Km's left to go. The weather was kind today respective to the forecast. Grateful for this. The next couple of days should prove (ankle irritation aside) quite rewarding.
I can't wait to finally unload those stones at the cathedral. I've been carrying them a LONG way...
I managed to get a quality photo of the 'Hilgrim' buses today. It's an intense rush to the finish!!
Also on the docket for lunch was a stop into a well reviewed 'Pulperia'. Now, I can't say I am rushing home to find out where I am going to frequently dine on Octopus, but I am glad that I stopped to try it in Melide where it is supposedly the best. I found it rather bland and chewy. Fortunately there is a a first (and last) time for everything.
Just 40.5 Km's left to go. The weather was kind today respective to the forecast. Grateful for this. The next couple of days should prove (ankle irritation aside) quite rewarding.
I can't wait to finally unload those stones at the cathedral. I've been carrying them a LONG way...
Filgrims/Hilgrims
Well, it was a cold wet day. I am happy that in minutes I will be crawling into my bed. My body is fully exhausted.
Ever since Sarria we are regularly encountering the filgrim (fake pilgrim) or the hilgrim (hundred KM pilgrim) and my friends and I have come to (affectionately) call them. This is a variety of walker usually not carrying a pack (because their luggage is on a bus that meets them every couple of km just in case they want to get on it) who walk at an astonishing pace and are ALWAYS especially chipper. It's neither here nor there most of the time until I have to wait 35 minutes for a seat and a coffee in a cafe in a tiny town because... Well, I am sure you can do the math!!
More rain in the forecast, just to make the last couple of days interesting. Less than 70 to go now. What a rush. To think I started with. A sign in St Jean that said 790!!
I am definitely feeling emotional, and a sense of accomplishment. Pilgrim mass Friday will really be something.
The rain hinders my photographic spirit, but a not so rare filgrim sighting has been captured. Please note their identity has been kept hidden to protect the innocent!
My body is on the verge of revolt so I am heading to bed. Nite nite....
Ever since Sarria we are regularly encountering the filgrim (fake pilgrim) or the hilgrim (hundred KM pilgrim) and my friends and I have come to (affectionately) call them. This is a variety of walker usually not carrying a pack (because their luggage is on a bus that meets them every couple of km just in case they want to get on it) who walk at an astonishing pace and are ALWAYS especially chipper. It's neither here nor there most of the time until I have to wait 35 minutes for a seat and a coffee in a cafe in a tiny town because... Well, I am sure you can do the math!!
More rain in the forecast, just to make the last couple of days interesting. Less than 70 to go now. What a rush. To think I started with. A sign in St Jean that said 790!!
I am definitely feeling emotional, and a sense of accomplishment. Pilgrim mass Friday will really be something.
The rain hinders my photographic spirit, but a not so rare filgrim sighting has been captured. Please note their identity has been kept hidden to protect the innocent!
My body is on the verge of revolt so I am heading to bed. Nite nite....
Monday, October 21, 2013
Gracious Galicia
The weather was kind today. I seemed to walk in a window of clouds nearly the entire day and rarely needed to put on my poncho. Grateful for that.
Walked a strong 22km's and enjoyed beautiful scenery today. Also crossed into the single digits. As of this evening there is but 89 Km's left to go. Ironically the first 3 of those tomorrow morning are straight uphill, and sort of 'pat on the tush' towards the finish line if you will. Not gonna lie, pretty done with the inclines!!
Had the shady pilgrim version of a grilled cheese for dinner tonight. Made by yours truly. Ironically it seems to have hit the spot. It truly feels like a Sunday today. I would trade my kingdom today for some butter chicken delivery with a side of anything mind numbing on Netflix!
Some new friends from Cali are talking of a bit of a jam in the common room this evening. If I can just stay awake long enough, I will look forward to it. Aweful tired today I have to admit.
Santiago is just off in the horizon. I think despite the looming rain in the forecast it's going to be a quick, and emotional week....
Walked a strong 22km's and enjoyed beautiful scenery today. Also crossed into the single digits. As of this evening there is but 89 Km's left to go. Ironically the first 3 of those tomorrow morning are straight uphill, and sort of 'pat on the tush' towards the finish line if you will. Not gonna lie, pretty done with the inclines!!
Had the shady pilgrim version of a grilled cheese for dinner tonight. Made by yours truly. Ironically it seems to have hit the spot. It truly feels like a Sunday today. I would trade my kingdom today for some butter chicken delivery with a side of anything mind numbing on Netflix!
Some new friends from Cali are talking of a bit of a jam in the common room this evening. If I can just stay awake long enough, I will look forward to it. Aweful tired today I have to admit.
Santiago is just off in the horizon. I think despite the looming rain in the forecast it's going to be a quick, and emotional week....
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sarria
Well.... Walked a staggering day today, 27km's across a couple of mountain passes to get to a major town, a bank, some friends and a warm place to sleep.
The first 8 or 9 km today were really quite nice, but the last 20 were clearly provided to reinforce why I have been carrying around this damn rain poncho for the last month. It paid for itself today alone and it doesn't look like the rain is going to let up most of the way to Santiago. Meh, what can you do.
I stayed in Fonfria last night and had a beautiful communal meal. It was one of the tastiest dinners I have had in a while. And the space was charmed. It was almost a round house and I really enjoyed the evening.
I think I have the last of the challenging walks ahead of me tomorrow. From then on its easy distances over relatively flat terrain. I am looking forward to a relatively relaxed finish and a couple of magical days on the other side.
Some friends finished today. I am going to coast to the finish! The last photo is how I am spending my evening tonight... Just a few minutes before bed.
Nite nite.....
The first 8 or 9 km today were really quite nice, but the last 20 were clearly provided to reinforce why I have been carrying around this damn rain poncho for the last month. It paid for itself today alone and it doesn't look like the rain is going to let up most of the way to Santiago. Meh, what can you do.
I stayed in Fonfria last night and had a beautiful communal meal. It was one of the tastiest dinners I have had in a while. And the space was charmed. It was almost a round house and I really enjoyed the evening.
I think I have the last of the challenging walks ahead of me tomorrow. From then on its easy distances over relatively flat terrain. I am looking forward to a relatively relaxed finish and a couple of magical days on the other side.
Some friends finished today. I am going to coast to the finish! The last photo is how I am spending my evening tonight... Just a few minutes before bed.
Nite nite.....
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday Friday....
So. Got my ass kicked by a mountain today. Have Internet after a couple days without. Outside the window right now it's pouring and I didn't have to walk in it. Phew!!
Next couple of days will likely be very dicy on the weather front. I remain hopeful. Please call in any favor you have with herself Mother Nature if you'd be so kind.
Amazing scenery today. Welcome to Galicia!
Next couple of days will likely be very dicy on the weather front. I remain hopeful. Please call in any favor you have with herself Mother Nature if you'd be so kind.
Amazing scenery today. Welcome to Galicia!
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