ensuitepilgrim's Blog

We were now getting acclimatised to clear, brisk starts at 08.30 developing into warm sunshine by 10.00

Walking by a farm yard we were amused by the sight of a rabbit terrifying an Alsatian.

Then we passed a series of fine stone sculptures.

From the sublime to the ridiculous….

At least we were not the only dinosaurs on the Camino!

Everyone remained in good spirits as we made our way through Oak and Eucalyptus plantations.

Coffee stop at the Cruceiro and a chance to buy a picnic lunch.

Eventually we reached our accommodation at Sigueiro, via parkland.

Albergue Camino Real is a privately run Albergue of twenty beds, some of which were in dorms.

Six of the ladies kept each other company overnight, surprisingly none of them wanted to repeat the experience!

The owner was a great guy and provided us with a good breakfast before setting out for Santiago de Compostela – The last leg of 16 km.

There was real Autumnal feel to the morning with mist lying over the countryside.

As on all Caminos there are sections parallel to an Autovia – modern roads were often developed along side centuries old Camino paths.

Snakes Alive? Well, we weren’t too sure…

The temperatures are mild enough in Galicia for Kiwi fruit to thrive.

Hannah found her stride soon enough as we walked along deserted country lanes.

Posada Del Camino,in Castro ,a great barn of a place was welcoming to Pelegrinos.

Before long we were approaching the outskirts of Santiago, passing by the inevitable industrial estate and the last Horreos on the stage.

We were startled by a noisy fireworks display, despite it being midday.

The reason was a procession, carrying a statue of the Madonna, accompanied by the local band.

As we walked along the broad boulevards of the city were hailed by a gentleman outside an old chapel – he was offering to stamp,our Pilgrim Passports ( Credencials), a prayer card and even town plans if needed.

He pointed out where mass could be attended that evening, which coincidentally and conveniently was near to Hotel Avenida, our final stopover at the oddly named St Fiz. Fascinating link about this church.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=3&ved=2ahUKEwiNiI2tstfkAhWEsHEKHbm5BM0Q_UUwAnoECAEQCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthewayservices.es%2Fen%2Fchurches-of-santiago-de-compostela-san-fiz-de-solovio-the-church-where-it-all-began%2F&usg=AOvVaw1RTE92J8ap-zMCkQwMPgLV

The Camino took us past many impressive ecclesiastical buildings and sculptures .

Then the culmination for hundreds of thousands of Pelegrinos – the Praza de Obradoiro – Cathedral Square.

And the magnificent cathedral itself.

A group photo was a must.

All the group’s pilgrim passports were collected on arrival at the hotel.

Then taking a moment to grab a quick Sandwicha Mixta Con Huevo,it was on to the Pilgrims’ Office to collect the Compostelas.

Because we were a group I was able to e mail all the required information in advance to the office, thus avoiding a lengthy queue – sometimes it can be hours waiting as the numbers of arrivals each day is so great.

After a few “ Sharpeners” and tapas in my favourite square, everyone was looking forward to a meal.

Dinner had been booked in advance,too, and we had a memorable final Camino meal,together at Restaurante Porto Faxeira – al fresco.

Five of the group were staying on in Santiago whilst ten of us took a taxi at 8 am to the airport for the 10.35 flight back to Stansted and then by train to Birmingham; it was a smooth journey.

The group were great to be with – good humoured even when tired,hot and weary – they looked after each other, too. Enquiring about the inevitable blisters, tummy upset and aching joints – sharing first aid items and Ibruprofen!

Most importantly, they all achieved their goal, some surpassing their expectations. I hope when they look back they will still say it was a

BUEN CAMINO.

It has been a busy few days on the Camino, to the extent that I got rather behind with the Blog! On arrival, time seems to be taken up with reconnoitering the restaurant for the evening meal, checking on the way out and chatting to Pelegrinos, often over a beer.

Admiring the adventurous take a dip!

Enjoying the sunset.

So, Onwards from Cabanos-Pontedeume, crossing the Eume on its famous bridge.

Then through the medieval part of the latter upwards – the first “ decent” hill. The sun was up and on reaching the summit, there were fine views and a “bag rest” to strip off layers and take on some water.

Fruits of the season, grapevines and a startling brightly coloured fungus.

An interesting addition to a STOP notice.

A welcome stop for coffee, not in the guidebooks, but housed in a furniture and antiques showroom.

Exclusively for Pelegrinos.

We walked on and came to an ancient bridge which I recalled from my Camino along here, four years ago – ideal setting for a group photo.

We reached Mino and Hotel Terraza. Some energetic souls sought out the beach, others shopped locally for an alfresco dinner on the hotel’s terrace.

The next day we were bound for Meson do Vento, via Betanzos. The longest etape of 31.5 Km, including a few hills,in hot sunshine.

A horse munched on,unconcerned as we walked by. Barbara marched on.

We were glad of the frequent stretches of shade. We bade farewell to the Ria as we sauntered inland.

There was a stop at Meson Museo, with its murals and space – unfortunately the service there was frustratingly slow.

Compensations in the scenery – chapels, Horreos ( Stores On stone plinths – iconic structures in Galicia ).

The arrangement with our hotel in Meson do Vento was that they would collect us from

BarAvelina.

So equipped with phone number, groups arriving at different times were able to avail themselves of this lift. The hotel owner went out of his way to help here. Eventually, everyone arrived.

Thirteen of the group completed the entire 31.5 km – hot, tired maybe a little disoriented – but rightly proud of themselves; may had never walked such a distance in one day before.

As always there was good food and drink to end the day.

And so the soothsayer said –

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

Thanks to Han for some of the photos.

This is the starting point of the Camino Ingles in Ferrol,Galicia. A party of 15 Rambleros enjoyed a seamless journey to Ferrol, via Attain Travel minibus and trailer to Stansted, Ryan air to Santiago de Compostela, then transfer by coach direct to our hotel.

We enjoyed a great meal at Candido and everyone was in great spirits.

The next morning, Tuesday, we spent exploring Ferrol which has the undeserved reputation as the ” Black Sheep” of Galician cities – supposedly lacking in attractiveness and interest. Having spent time here four years ago I was pleasantly surprised by the upsurge in civic pride in the city evidenced by its cleanliness and rejuvenation. Galerias, Art Nouveau were characteristic of many buildings.And a Fine Cathedral

The shipyards, Arsenal and harbour front all added to the atmosphere.

At midday we were given excellent guided by a very helpful tourist office man and we set off for our first stop, Naron and Hotel Kensington. Early showers had dispersed and we walked along the harbour and shipyard in increasingly sunny weather.

The food is good in Galicia and The Bocadillos are a great Pelegrinos favourite.Traditionally one finds churches and monasteries along the ” Way”.

We enjoyed a Pilgrim menu for dinner at Hotel Kensington.Wednesday found us en route for Cabanas on the Ria, immediately before Pontedeume and the river Eume.

As always the coffee stop was most welcome and in Neda we found a pilgrim friendly bar.

The Rambleros were delighted with Hotel Iberia and the adjacent beach.oThat evening we ate at a beach side restaurant where a long table was provided with a backdrop of a slow, wonderful sunset. The Paella, Padron Peppers and seafood were a treat.

We had enjoyed a great walk and a memorable evening.