Fine, bright morning, as we left Pazo de Galegos and walked uphill for a short while, to rejoin the Camino. The Pico Sacro, a mountain, with legendary links to the original finding and protection of St James’ body, towered in the near distance.
About 18 Kim’s to go alongside many small holdings and fincas, the grapevines were more advanced than any we had seen to date.
The path became quite narrow in places, despite the sunlight, there was plenty of both shade and natural colour.
Probably the most pressing thought, during the first hour or two of the walk is…..Coffee ? We were pleased to see this sign.
Later, we met up with a couple of Irish girls we had seen the day before. Penny had picked up a sock that day – a clean one – she was glad to reunite it with its owner, one of the two girls. There was little else to distract us from our path, until we neared Santiago. Then, on turning into a road , I felt a tap on my shoulder and in an unmistakable Dublin brogue, I was asked ” You’re the ensuitepilgrim, aren’t you?” Well, there was nothing on my clothing, nor my bag, to give any clue to that conjecture, however, after ascertaining that it was safe to admit it, I found myself in the company of Tony ( 34 years working in London in the HR department of Wimpeys, once famous construction concern ). He was walking the Camino Invierno and told me he had been flowing the Blog for sometime. Another remarkable event on this ever surprising Camino.
Our high spirits on approaching Santiago were chastened as we reached the bridge, below which, the train disaster of a few years back, when 79 people lost their lives, due to the recklessness of the diver, took place; many of the Pelegrinos.
We took heed of the above admonition and entered a very friendly cafe for a beer and the inevitable bocadillo. This approach to Santiago is the most pleasant, avoiding heavy traffic and flyovers. Tony took a photo , with the Cathedral spires in sight.
The next photo gives a clearer view.
As we came into the outskirts , we were trying to remember just exactly where our hotel was….we had been so enthralled by Pazo de Galegos, we had forgotten to map it. Tony came to our rescue with the GPS on his phone. In actual fact, we were only 300 metres away! He led us to the door – the App. ” Maps.me” was his recommendation. A lovely guy. We bid farewell, fairly certain we would meet up again, which we did, in the Pilgrims’ office, as we queued for our Compostelas, later that evening, after some drinks in the sunshine .
Well, that’s another one done. A memorable Camino, not one for the first-timer, nor the faint hearted. 1000.6 KM.
ensuitepilgrim's Blog 
Well done John! What a fabulous adventure. I was with you on every stage and you have inspired me to do more walking in Spain.
You made it! Congrats!
Another great achievement. I have enjoyed following your journey
Well done to you all! Really have enjoyed your posts ππ£π£π£
And enjoy relaxing in Santiago π·Mary
Hi there, John &Mac,
Congratulations on finishing the grand tour. I hope the Via de Plata hasn’t been too harsh on you Guy’s. Did you have your epiphanys already? May the great Saint James guide you on all your future journey’s. We finished up in Salamanca two weeks ago. Memories still vivid. Next year next step: Zaragoza I think.
My thoughts are with you! .
Mike, one of the fab four Dutch Guy’s
Hola Mike,
Safely home now, after a good journey.
This final stage has been tough in places – cafes and places to stay ( not Albergue’s ) can be problematic. Three days’ rain didn’t help !
Still, pleased to have done it. Give our regards to the rest of the guys.
Best,
John