FIRST FULL DAY ON THE COSTA TEGUISE,LANZAROTE

17 Sep
The National flag of Lanzarote.

The first thing that struck me about this island was the volcanic earth and barren stretches of land,interspersed with low level white housing developments against a backdrop of volcanic mountains.

The two bedroom bungalow in which we are staying has VV printed on its frontage-
A “VV” is a vivienda vacacional  
The palm tree provides welcome shade over the dining table below.
The area immediately outside the bungalow.
A lot of thought went into the design of this complex – these trees and cactii are watered by pipes. This method is ubiquitous on the island and I determined to find out where / how water is obtained on such an arid,volcanic place.
A very well designed pool area is a three minute walk away.

It was decided that we should walk along the adjacent “ paseo” – seaside promenade which are typical of the Canary Islands.

Gateway to the sea – after unlocking the gate!
Short pathway to the paseo which was divided into separate lanes for walkers and cyclists,plus another phenomenon which I’ll come to later.
The beaches are shown – the best one being the last on the right.
We spotted this in a garden en route – spectacular.
Hannah said it was tricky underfoot getting into the sea here.
An angler on the rocks.
This monumental hotel was not really in keeping with the traditional white painted dwellings .
A restored windmill
Self explanatory .
The second beach we came to looked more inviting.
The parish church,apparently.
Contrasts.
The third and best beach
Behind this beach is an area dedicated to tourism with many arcades, shops,bars and restaurants.
Barbara reading the inscription to this pueblo.
Gathering under the palms – 32* at this point.
Welcome bursts of colour.

Amongst the many offers available for hire this was a “ first” for me.

I had always associated these as accessories for the disabled; there were people of all shapes and sizes careering round on the paseo – good job there were three lanes .
No bird life to speak of so far, apart from a couple of pigeons. This Egret had found something of interest in the cactus.
Any clues as to who are the most likely visitors? We enjoyed the walkabout in Costa Teguise, but I don’t think I would want to be there in July- August. It is obviously a popular place. We covered nearly six miles on this walkabout and so it was encouraging
on the walk back to think of an afternoon by the pool .

A SILLY O’CLOCK DEPARTURE – A 2 AM WAKE UP FOR A FLIGHT TO ARRECIFE,LANZAROTE 06.35

17 Sep

The first thing I noticed when I got out of bed was my post-it on the window sill – don’t forget blah,blah…Frequent reminders come with ageing, but it is still irritating.


I had dropped off my suitcase at Jet2’s “ Twilight Check In” the previous evening, two train rides to Birmingham International “ and back – the whole venture took the best part of 2 1/2 hours,I resolved to take it by taxi on the day of departure in future, as that had to be shorter and I would be spared the discount of been crammed in on the Maglev and crushed in the lifts at the airport.


Taxi at 3 am and I was impressed by Hannah’s choice of the “ speedy check-in”, until I entered the section where you stand on two painted footsteps and do an impression of Harry Worth waving your  arms akimbo. I was called through and passed on to another security guy who after frisking me, ( and me explaining to him that I had a Urostomy ) I was then stroked by two electronic  tracer devices , after which he spoke to someone on a walkie-talkie ….”  follow me” he suggested and I waved to Barbara and Hannah and mouthed “ get my stuff” – a shoulder bag and a shirt from the tray, etc.
I was then handed over to a sour faced individual, whose arms were covered in indelible ink and shepherded in to a room where, after I lowered my shorts sufficiently for them to see the aforementioned bag, which was attached to my abdomen.I did not exchange a word with either of them as I realised the only likely response would be “ only doing our job” and I left the room unhappily – Silly O’Clock is bad enough without that rigmarole – not a great start to the holiday. My daughter,Hannah,later made a formal complaint.
I just now glanced at my watch, 08.30 – airborne for two hours now, catching up with “ The Observer” Sunday supplements, crossword and Suduko,had been a painless and even informative pastime . Strange to say that it feels more like two o’clock in the afternoon!
Now, where’s that novel I want to finish….reading it,not writing it.


Well, if that was not enough excitement for the day .
We got through Security at the airport in about 30 Mins.
Taxis readily available.
Pleasant young man took us to our AirBnb, not too far from the airport. 
Some slight confusion as his drop off didn’t seem to correlate with where we were to be….but near enough.


As we waved him goodbye I soon realised that that I had left my shoulder bag in the well of the  
front seat… OMG!


We found our bungalow in the complex and ,feeling stupid, tired and confused we deliberated about how could we retrieve the bag?


My only hope was to return to the airport- not that far away – Babs and I walked towards a small row of cafes/ shops looking for a taxi. We came across GREENS and they were happy to ring for a taxi for us.
Back to the airport and in complete contrast to our arrival,there were lines  of taxis. I spoke to a lady who was a taxi driver  in waiting and in Spanglais she got the gist.
She alerted all the airport taxis  about the missing shoulder bag.
The help and sympathy  I got from the staff  was really reassuring. We were waiting and observing incoming taxis.
Would you believe, Taxi number 32 appeared at the end of a  line and I  was ushered by some other  taxi drivers towards taxi  number 32,   from which our original driver appeared, holding my shoulder bag, like a trophy! Lovely guy.
A really positive experience- the helpfulness and  reassurance of the airport staff was commendable.


Initially, I had been quite havocked….the bag contained my I pad, hearing aid charger, sunglasses and various odds and sods .


Everything came good .


Sam Levenson: “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.”
Taxi rank at the airport
Loved this in Birmingham Airport.

ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY STRAWBERRY HILL – SIXTY YEARS ON & COUNTING – The 1966 Students’ Reunion.

2 Aug
Saturday 1st August, after a journey on four trains, we finally arrived at Strawberry Hill station and from there to “ SIMMS” as we affectionately call it. It was St Mary’s College of Education when we began in September 1966 – an auspicious year as this intake was swelled by the first female students to be admitted. The Reunion was arranged to celebrate this milestone in the college’s long established history .

“Know then thyself, presume not God to scan; / The proper study of mankind is man.” (An Essay on Man) Alexander Pope – – Understand your own mind first instead of trying to judge the heavens. Good advice for students…more of A P later.

Of course we are no longer students but “ alumni” – free tote bag to go…and a pen, food for thought.
A section of College history along the main corridor.
Strawberry Hill House which was just part of the college when we were there.
The Architectural Vision & “Gloomth”
Walpole transformed a pair of modest cottages (originally known as Chopp’d Straw Hall) into his personal “little Gothic castle” with the help of a group of friends known as the “Committee of Taste”. 
Exterior: Walpole added whimsical pinnacles, battlements, and a prominent round tower to break traditional classical symmetry. 
Interior: He deliberately structured the layout to take visitors on a theatrical journey, alternating between dark, narrow spaces and magnificent, gilded rooms. He famously coined the term “gloomth” (a hybrid of gloom and warmth) to describe the unique, atmospheric ambiance designed to showcase his massive collection of antiquities, paintings, and curiosities. 
The First Gothic Novel: The eerie, medieval atmosphere of the house directly inspired Walpole to write The Castle of Otranto (1764), which is universally recognised as the world’s very first Gothic novel. 

Strawberry Hill House is an extraordinary 18th-century Gothic Revival villa located in Twickenham, London, created by the writer, collector, and politician Horace Walpole. Built in progressive stages starting in 1749, it stands as Britain’s finest prototypical example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture—a style specifically coined as “Strawberry Hill Gothic

The villa underwent a meticulous £9-million restoration and is fully open to the public via the Strawberry Hill House Trust.
The Waldegrave Drawing Room where lunch and presentations were to take place.
Staineded glass window at the end of the corridor
Later in the afternoon
Looking over photos brought along by some of the group.
Meeting up and sharing memories
The female students gathered together by Polly of the University Alumni Office, for a group photo, which was then followed by a total group photo. Polly and her staff were friendly,patient and interested – many thanks to them and to Bobbie and Peter, ( 1966 students who set up and organised the event).
The blokes…
An example of the wall coverings which you were invited to touch ( in the corridor ) rather than in the drawing room itself.
Books for sale in the Garden cafe and shop
There was time for a stroll about the grounds, parched by the sun.
From the old to the new – The Refectory much improved since our days
The University hosts a range of summer schools during the students’ absence on their holidays.
It was a very enjoyable meet up, a pleasant lunch and refreshments,too. Great atmosphere.
The university is rightly well regarded .

St Mary’s University, Twickenham is a public, campus-based university located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Established in 1850, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United Kingdom. The institution has approximately 5,000 students across various degree paths and is widely known for its tight-knit community, exceptional sports programs, and high student satisfaction?
Sports Facilities: The university boasts an £8.5m Sports Centre. It frequently serves as a training camp hub for world-class elite athletes, including Usain Bolt and Mo Farah.
Our hotel for the night.
A group of us reconvened at the “ Pope’s” at about 19.30 for a further convivial evening of shared stories and reminiscences
And so to sleep…

SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST.

We made some tea in our room and then set off for Twickenham, via Radnor Gardens,in search of breakfast .
Barbara looking well on the way to recovery from recent surgery.
Looking towards Twickenham
Someone in our group recommended GAIL’s – it’s part of a chain of over 180 outlets nationwide, situated on pedestrianised Church Street
Great choice of Sourdough and Artisanal snacks. We settled for a breakfast ‘slider” and poached egg and bacon. Worth the walk.
How much are those doggies in the window?
We returned via a stretch along the Thames,passing Eel Pie Island – 60s musical memories…
I’ve seen a few of these I recalled.

Carrying on,we eventually turned left on to River Deep – a musical Highway ? The road from Teddington to Twickenham,on which the The Alexander Pope Hotel is situated

The original Tina Turner recording of “ River Deep,Mountain High” – Guess when? 1966 !

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Lehkou2Do&si=e_ws_SZTZ3CJuVIg

Look carefully at the photo below

Pope’s Grotto in Twickenham is the sole surviving relic of the 18th-century villa and garden created by the celebrated English poet Alexander Pope. 

History of Pope’s Grotto

Construction (1719–1725): Alexander Pope leased the riverside land in Twickenham in 1719 and built a tunnel under the public road (Cross Deep) to connect his villa to his five-acre garden. 
Design & Mineral Museum (1739–1744): Initially decorated with shells and mirrors to act as a camera obscura, Pope later restyled it into a mineralogy museum using rocks, spars, and ores sent by friends from around the world, including pieces from the Giant’s Causeway. 
Demolition and Survival: Pope died in 1744. His villa was demolished in 1808, but the underground grotto survived beneath later structures and is managed today via the Pope’s Grotto Preservation Trust. 

Alexander Pope’s writings contain a lot of memorable advice.

I shall end the blog with some favourite quotations and a song.

Alexander Pope’s most memorable quotes include “To err is human, to forgive, divine”, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread”, and “Hope springs eternal in the human breast”. 

Human Nature and Wisdom“To err is human, to forgive, divine.” (An Essay on Criticism) – Making mistakes belongs to people, but truly letting go of wrongs is holy. 

A little learning is a dangerous thing; / drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” (An Essay on Criticism) – Knowing just a tiny bit can trick you into thinking you know a lot.

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” (An Essay on Criticism) – Silly people act fast in hard situations where wise beings are very careful. 

“ Fools Rush in Where Angels fear to tread “ Ricky Nelson

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BeJOh-N-TEA&si=HUkS60XCP3Rg6g34

TWO WALKING TOURS WITH A DIFFERENCE 22/23 JULY

23 Jul
Wednesday 22nd July began with a morning’s walk alongside the Ria de Suances on a purpose-made pedestrian/cyclable path.
The walk began at the beach.
Walking along the Paseo towards the river Saja estuary.
Looking inland.
Looking towards the sea.
The Saja river – The Saja River is an important watercourse of the Cantabrian slope, located entirely in the autonomous community of Cantabria.
It originates in the Ports of Sejos at an altitude of 1,700 metres and travels 67 km before flowing into the Cantabrian Sea, forming the San Martín de la Arena estuary, between Suances and Miengo.

The Suances Estuary , also known as the San Martín de la Arena Estuary, is a natural estuary formed by the mouth of the Saja River in CantabriaLocated between the municipalities of Suances, Miengo and Polanco, it is famous for its sandy beaches, its great scenic value and its fishing and tourist tradition.

Key points of the Suances Estuary
History and Location: Many historians place the ancient Roman port Portus Blendium here , a strategic point on the Cantabrian coast.

Natural environment: The estuary covers almost 389 hectares and boasts a rich ecosystem. Its natural mouth is protected by Punta del Torco and Punta del Dichoso (where the lighthouse and Suances Castle are located).

Beaches: In the immediate vicinity of the estuary there are important sandy areas, notably La Riberuca beach (ideal for fishing and rowing sports in the most sheltered area), as well as the iconic La Concha beach
Fishing boats
The sculptures were to be indicative of a well decorated walkway.
The lines of rocks are to indicate boatways of sufficient depth.
The only “ moving” boat that morning.
The Ribera beach and park were lined with informative and artistically enlarged photographs
These are just a few of the posters on the route – locals and mainly females of “ distinction”.
CIVIC AND LOCAL PRIDE – A UNIQUE PLACE
“ nuestras mujeres cuentan” translates as OUR WOMEN TELL
It translates as WORKING FOR EQUALITY
The path through the park
And then back alongside the Ria for more great views
One of the very few dwellings after the park is left behind
but there are benches and picnic areas mainly on decking along the way.
A lizard spotted during our water break.
Mountains in the distance
It was at this point that we decided to make our way back to Suances. It had been a great walk and quite different to any we had made before. Pristine and flat, uncrowded and well made. This “ greenway” continues for a further 15 KM from this point – Oh for the time and possibly the energy!
Heading back towards Suances. Time taken? About three hours.

Thursday 23rd and a drive to Comillas . A meandering, two lane local road with splendid views at times.
Two extraordinary sites on the way – one a church and the other an abbey.

.

Overview – as ever, Comillas is on the Camino del Norte.

Comillas is a town in Cantabria, northern Spain. Its Modernista architecture includes 19th-century El Capricho, a Gaudí-designed chalet. Nearby, elaborate, Neo-Gothic Sobrellano Palace has Gaudí furniture. In the old town center, Plaza Corro Campios is full of restaurants and bars. Comillas Beach is popular for its fine sand and water sports. To the west, Oyambre Natural Park has dunes, marshland and varied birdlife.

First view of the town.
This is a statue of one of the local Counts overlooking the sea. He probably thought he owned it like much else hereabouts.
Church in the hills.
Balconies
Impressive villas reflecting prosperous times.
Parish church. As it was quite early by Spanish holiday time, the “ Centro Historico” was quiet and it is an interesting place.
The Turismo
Wonderfully situated Villa
View from our coffee stop.
Quintessential Holiday snap of Barbara.
The GAUDI place

“Comillas cento historic is captivating and it has a fine beach. Much to enjoy.

A CATCH UP IN CANTABRIA AFTER SPAIN’S WORLD CUP VICTORY

21 Jul
Suances Parish Church – bells on the hour – 12.30 Mass for the faithful
Sunday morning and the town prepares to show the final
A long walk downhill to La Concha beach A M
Sunday evening 21.00 KICK OFF TIME IN SPAIN
Local fans gathering in the square
Evening gathers but the fans are optimistic
The result 1 – 0 to Spain and well deserved. A lot has been written since then about Argentina’s antics both during and after the match. An interesting statistic I came across :- In the entire competition, England received yellow card every 7 bookings. Argentina a booking every 22 cards! Still,Spain’s victory was a great result for football.
Monday began with quick drive down to Suance’s car park close by the beach.
A walk along the beach brought us to the River Saja ,looking North.
Looking south and the estuary.

https://youtu.be/5LqOgFrfuJY?is=AtuoktuZmlIxSsu6

The River by Bruce Springsteen

La Concha beach
Superb view of the river from the high town.
Local flora
Hannah’s Fathers’ Day T- Shirt – the leaves are samples from all the different trees you can spot in Cannon Hill Park. The cider is from the nearby region of Asturia.
Dinner at Ramiro’s – great Anguillas – good food and at locals’ prices.
Tuesday morning and a local bus ride to the capital of Cantabria.
Port side and it was hot enough for a swim.

https://youtu.be/IZXfDxikwWA?is=DMYP-_zquth7z7KV

The Swimming Song by the McGarrigles.

The Cathedral –
Of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion.

https://catedraldesantander.es/ Ecellent guide to the Basilica

Steps to the lower church
Original Roman earthworks
The cloister
The High Altar
A striking sculpture
Welcome shade then on to the market
Mercado de la Esperanza
Spoilt for choice
On the staircase 100 years’ history
Jardines de Perarda – a sculpture to commemorate and mourn the great fire of 1941
An example of local architecture
Glass balconies are often found along Coastal cities
Museum of Modern Arts unfortunately closed for a refurb.
Constraints of the bus timetable meant that it was time to make for the estacion de autobuses for the 13.10 bus back to Suances; this blog is only a snapshot really. It is a busy place and I was glad to be relaxing on the bus rather than driving!
Through the coach windows a glimpse of the sea and Portside.

https://turismodecantabria.com/descubrela/santander/

A good link above for more of Santander’s offerings

CANTABRIA- Saturday 18 th/Sunday 19th July. The Drive to Suances & Settling in.

19 Jul

The Galicia docked on time in the port of Bilbao at 07.00 boat time;08.00 Spanish time. The crew call passengers to their vehicles,deck by deck,to avoid crowding the staircases. So we had time for a cup of tea before making our way to Deck 6 and a fifteen minute wait in the car.

https://youtu.be/u96SurBlgbM?is=AWjmQ0hzxrcmcHhc Walker Brothers – “ My Ship is Coming in”


The Port of Bilbao is located on the Bilbao Abra bay, and along the Estuary of Bilbao, in Biscay (Basque Country). The main facilities are in the Santurtzi and Zierbenamunicipalities, approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) west of Bilbao. Also called Exterior Port and Superpuerto, the port complex occupies 3.13 km2 (773 acres) of land and 16.94 km2 (4,186 acres) of water along 17 km (10.6 mi) of waterfront.

It is actually nine miles from the city as the original port was removed in the late 20th century,planned in 1975, as part of Bilbao’s “ makeover” followed by the Guggenheim museum etc which makes the city a far more pleasant destination today .

“ Dirty Old Town “ – the Pogues.

Our concerns about delays on exiting the port, fingerprints,etc, proved to be unfounded as we simply had to exit the car,enter a border control cabin where our passports were scrutinised and our photos taken. We were waved off with a cheery adios.

We were soon driving along the Autovia and on the lookout for a breakfast stop.
It was a well engineered highway,impressive viaducts and bridges and a few miles on great scenery.
THE VILAGE OF ISLARES

We have become accustomed to refreshment stops on Spanish motorways. There are rarely purpose built facilities that we are used to in the UK.Usually villages and towns served by the autovias are signposted with the addition of a “ services” sign below,plus distances. The reasoning is twofold, it can be difficult to find appropriate areas to build alongside the autovias and this is beneficial to these places, utilising existing facilities.
I had never heard of this hamlet
but who should I meet at the cafe door?
Never far away from a Camino in Spain!

The best and most imaginative Tortilla I have ever enjoyed- more brunch than breakfast.
The local road on which we parked.

“ Country Roads” – John Denver

A Saturday market was being assembled opposite – the queso looked very tempting.
A house opposite the cafe.
A distinguished house complete with shields.

We continued the journey,bypassing industrial Torrelavega and with the help of the satnav found our accommodation in Suances. As we were to discover, Suances is a town of two distinct parts. The upper town where we were based and the lower town which is the seaside “ resort area”. The major difference is that the separation is more marked by the steep hills descending to the coast.

This is a view from on high. Before descending there was the business of shopping to complete and there were no shortages of supermarkets about a ten minute walk away.

https://youtu.be/hCuMWrfXG4E?is=Itde_bxxBb4Bu4Bm

“ Uptown Girl” - Billy Joel

An enormous stage overlooking the main square and our thoughts were that the World Cup Final might be being shown here.
By way of a contrast….The nearby parish church
Real flowers!

We decided to walk down to Playa Concha, the main beach,to get our bearings and we soon realised that Clio ack up in 26* would not be fun.

Marvellous beach and we liked the atmosphere.
And I liked the Tinto Verano as we awaited our taxi back up the hill!

https://youtu.be/Cby46XsFm7Y?is=qXRruE_jsyW9TcO8

“ On the Beach” - Neil Young.

Waking up to the news that England had beaten France 6 – 4 in the Bronze final was good if surprising news. Quiet day by the pool,home cooking and maybe an evening stroll to the square for the final.

CANTABRIA BOUND ON BRITTANY FERRIES;PORTSMOUTH TO BILBAO

18 Jul
The embarkation process was quite swift and we were soon aboard The GALICIA. It was surprisingly quiet on board,considering the imminence of the school holidays. We enjoyed our Al fresco Dinner with great views along the widening harbour as we departed .

The main bar, is typical of these ships, is given over to “ entertainment “ – I popped by for a while and enjoyed the quizzes chaired by a very enthusiastic young lady – none of your paper and pencil pub quiz , but all facilitated electronically .Answers to the multi choice questions eg “ collective nouns – choose the noun for a collection of owls,”were sent directly to the “ leaderboard “ on the stage – very impressive,with scores being displayed through the rounds.

https://youtu.be/v7NlS-f29xM?is=R9J0py9FUSFQB9O6

“Hey Lord Don’t Ask Me No Questions” by Graham Parker

Horreos-iconic grain stores

Unsurprisingly, the theme aboard the Galicia was The Camino – I felt quite at home – even the glass panels on the staircase reflected thematic images and Camino routes.

The “ Reserved Seating Lounge” was called El Albergue…now that was an irony, my uncomfortable memories of using albergues was quite at odds with the plushness hereabouts.


Spinnaker Tower: Located at Gunwharf Quays, this 170-meter landmark features a high-speed glass elevator and a glass “sky walk” offering views spanning up to 23 miles. 

I don’t know Portsmouth or even the area around it first hand – Lord Nelson and The Royal Navy mainly – but it has an interesting history beyond those two facets and an ecological value,too. A quick glance at Wikipedia for the facts….

https://youtu.be/3Q3j-i7GLr0?is=kFP6QRU1iCStitVA

CROSBY,STILLS AND NASH Sing “ Wooden Ships”.

Portsmouth Harbour is a large natural harbour between Portsmouth and Gosport in Hampshire, England,[1][2] covering an area of 12.6 km2(4.9 sq mi). It is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Ramsar site[3] and a Special Protection Area.[4.The harbour’s mouth opens into the Solent. Geographically, the harbour is a ria( a term we associate with Galicia mainly)formerly it was the valley of a stream flowing from Portsdown into the Solent. At its north end is Portchester Castle, of Roman origin and the first fortress built to protect the harbour.

Gun emplacement

The harbour is best known as the home of the Royal Navy, HMNB Portsmouth. Because of its strategic location on the south coast of England, protected by the natural defence of the Isle of Wight, it has since the Middle Ages been the home to England’s (and later Britain’s) navy. The narrow entrance, and the forts surrounding it gave it a considerable advantage of being virtually impregnable to attack from the sea. Before the fortifications were built the French burned Portsmouth in 1338.[5] During the civil war parliamentary forces were able to carry out a successful cutting-out expedition within the harbour and capture the six-gunned Henrietta Marie.[6]

In modern times, the harbour has become a major commercial ferry port, with regular services to Bilbao, Santander, Caen,  Cherbourg, St Malo, Le Havre,  The Channel Islands and the Isle of Wight. There is also a passenger ferry to Gosport. The international ferry port also saw a cruise terminal expansion in 2012 and sees regular cruise ship operations. It is also a major area for leisure sailing. In 2001 the Gunwharf Quays development, was opened on the site of HMS Vernon (a former naval shore establishment.

Friday on the boat passed restfully – reading a novel given to me by Hannah – and a gripping read it was.

This novel is set around 1936 – USA ninety years on…is it in a worse or better place?

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=_ds3MvMUdNk&si=SDlNb_dvR_QB3AMl

Mr Red,White and Blue by Coffey Anderson.

In a comfortable seat by the panoramic windows that looked out on to what eventually became the Bay of Biscay. The view was mainly of a dappled, light blue sea,rippling calmly…quite soporific.

The Bay of Biscay was the calmest I have experienced ; lying in your bunk at night you would not think you were on the ocean.

“ The Sea” by Sandy Denny

Disembarkation was quicker than anticipated and we were not asked for fingerprints, just out of the car for a photograph by the frontier police and a cheery “adios”.

;

28/05/26 – Recreative Day in Santiago de Compostela and some final thoughts and photos.

30 May
I stopped here years ago and a Portuguese Pelegrina took my photo, below, by the Sampaio bridge.
A poncho saved from a New York City open top bus tour.

Once you reach the end of the Camino de Santiago, is it really over?

“It does not matter the route you have chosen to do the Camino de Santiago. There are many routes to follow the path that take us to the same point, the clear destination being to reach Santiago. However, what happens with many pilgrims is not knowing what to do. What to do once they reach the end of the path, that moment in which, after walking for hours, they reach the end point, feeling that from there on out There is only one continuation and it is the return home.

After all the experience lived on the road, after completing the journey, after discovering the magic present in nature, it simply seems that everything is over. However, it is the moment in which new plans begin, when on many occasions pilgrims consider what will be their future. your next route or if, finally, once you have finished the journey, it is time to put in order all those thoughts that have arisen during the journey to implement them in your daily life. Each pilgrim lives the experience of the Camino de Santiago in a completely unique way.”

THE ABOVE PASSAGE WAS TAKEN FROM THE ASSOCIATION BELOW

The above pretty much captures it for me, though I should add what a privilege it is too.
Being of vintage years means you are constantly being overtaken by other, often much younger Pelegrinos – I take time to smell the flowers.
From a few days ago.
This banner is hung across the entrance to the famous Alameda park. I have noticed in Galicia there is some real “political awareness” demonstrated not just by individuals, but by local councils too.
THURSDAY
Waking up and realising that you don’t have to pack!
Leisurely breakfast,a stroll along fondly remembered streets and noticing how much brighter and replete with Camino momentoes the shops are,even compared with two years ago.

We all met up at 11 .00 in the cathedral square for a group photo and then walked down to the Pilgrim office to obtain our Compostelas.

This was easy as we were directed as a group, to a purposely designed section. An attendant took us to one of the many computers available where we entered basic information . A ticket was produced which we took to the counter. Our pilgrim passports ( collected earlier ) were returned to us, with a final stamp and our Compostelas. We purchased the tubes for €2.00 ,rolled up the Compostelas and we were on our way.

Passed a cool fountain just before the exit.

Sharon’s arrangement of our Compostelas and 😎

Tinto Verano has become a firm favourite.
€18.oo on the terrace at Romero’s

The Alameda is a green oasis and behind it has been erected an enormous wheel – great way to see all the sights I should think.

We had our “ sights” set on a pair of sisters.

It is entitled the “ The Two Marias” 

So after a couple of poses, a fellow Pelegrina took this group photo and we remembered our own two Pelegrina-sisters who returned home a few days earlier, for work reasons,Anita  and Maggie”.

AN ASSORTMENT OF MEMORABLE SCENES FROM THE GROUP

Acoustic singing in a tiny square in S de C.
Rob,Mike and Dave on the path.
A chapel typical of those found on the Camino in Galicia.
A Cruceiro in front of an imposing Vivienda on the river Douro.
Excuse my back…
An impressive gateway
Another enviable, riverside dwelling.
Smile for the camera
Resisted the temptation to buy it
So many sculptures along the Camino
Rob playing the piano in Vila Nova – aptly named as we celebrated Aston Villa’s European triumph .
First night in Porto
Lots of waterways in Galicia
Horreos and a sunny crew

Hi John, we have loved joining you on the Camino and it is special to be part of an amazing Group 😀🏃‍♀️
I am so glad to have been able to walk with Maggie from Viana to Vila Nova de Cerveira – that feels very special 😀

Hi All, hope your journeys home went smoothly and you’ve arrived safely. Our bus journey to Porto was fine and found our Airbnb. Thank you again for a wonderful Camino. David and Rita 🏃‍♀️😀

All together now….Thanks for sharing the photos. Muchas Gracias to all the Camigos for their company,consideration,good humour, perseverance and willing to try things new – it was a pleasure to walk ( usually behind ) them!
Home and my David Austin “ PILGRIM “ rose in ascendancy.

THE FINAL STAGE – PADRON TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.

28 May
After a cheerful reception in a local patisserie and breakfast ,we set off around 08.45 on our last,saunter.
There is always a mountain in the distance and as far as we’re concerned that’s the best place for them, beautiful as they are.
Sponsored by Estrella Galicia
Represents the increasing number of Peregrinas on the Camino these days rather well.
About 2 km out of Padron, on the N550 we came across the hotel a number of us stayed in on the first Sutton Coldfield Ramblers’ Camino, memorable for Hannah’s assistance to a bewildered waiter trying to make sense of the dinner orders for 25 SC Ramblers.
He responded by gifting us four jugs of Orujo at the end of the meal.
The Cruceiro above and the “ snail” were positioned in a garden
More mountains and vines
Classic HORREOS
We were approaching a very famous church on the Portuguese Camino, whose twin towers are in the distance.

CHURCH SANTUARIO DA ESCRAVITUDE


This shrine is just 5 km from Padrón on the way to Santiago de Compostela, on the right. It is worth highlighting the fountain that is under its impressive stairway, which tells an interesting and miraculous story.
It is about an ill man that was travelling along the Way of St. James in the hope of being healed of his dropsy. He stopped at the fountain to have a drink and was miraculously cured without seeing a doctor 72 hours later. He then said, “Thank you, Our Lady, for taking away the ailment”.
This then became the story that gave origin to this sanctuary, and which ultimately began the construction of this structure thanks to an xx cart that the pilgrim donated for his gratitude. The project was completed in 1886.
The project that had begun in the sixteenth century was completed when a shepherd placed an image of Our Lady with Baby Jesus in appreciation of a favour that he received from her.
The altar
St James
The Vigo to Santiago railway line parallel to the church & N550.
Another lovely setting for a villa
Peregrinos walking towards S de C still glimpse of the railway
Another “ tropical” shrub
Coffee stop
A later beer stop
Our three Camigos outside the S de C cathedral and they deserved to look so pleased – what an achievement!
End of Camino celebration meal
And it’s good night from him.

26/05/26 CALDAS DE REI TO PADRON PENULTIMATE STAGE OF THE CAMINO

27 May
A Misty Start
Impressive traffic bridge
An older, impressive Horreos
Sky slowly clearing as sauntered along quiet lanes and small hamlets
An impressive setting
Looking for…..in the churchyard
Galician cottage flower borders
Enjoyable refreshments stop – Rob translated Fogar as “ hearth” so perhaps that evokes a warm welcome.
Galicia in the sunshine is hard to beat…but some might say I’m prejudiced!
Vines lifted and grown on these archetypal granite supports are to prevent disease caused by lack of air circulation – I liked the potatos planted beneath.
A typical,Portuguese Camino trail
Country style manual labour – weed clearance- reminded me of the state my allotment might be in when I get back
Not to mention the hot weather’s effect back in the UK
The Caminos came centuries before autovias
Mountains, blue skies …enough said.
View from our second cafe stop – Kas Limon and a banana
A traditional Galician Cemetorio
Looking towards Pontesecures, a village bordering Padron
A ceramics factory and round the next bend in the river is a paper mill
The paper mill
A tradition village clothes washing place
A wall entirely smothered by this bee friendly epic
Crossing the river into Padron
A church erected on a hill in a place where the apostle allegedly preached
The traditional,tale is that after Santiago’s body was recovered it was brought here by boat and tied to a stone – hence PADRON – it is kept in the Santiago chuch just to the right.
Everyone enjoyed today’s stage and we now have only one day to go until we reach Santiago de Compostela.
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