ensuitepilgrim's Blog

Last day of the sejour here. Six peaceful days on an excellent campsite – Camping Eucalyptis.

The site has a lake with wildfowl, terrapins and fish – a deliberate gesture meant to replicate the flora and fauna of the Ebro Delta.

It has been a restful few days – the shade of the Eucalyptus trees,

respite from 33+* temperatures, a grassy edged swimming pool and an endless, wide beach 300 metres walk away.

Time has been spent simply; beach walks, rural walks.

Reading and yesterday ,

an excursion by launch up the Ebro Delta – a highlight. By taxi from the campsite to St Jaume, then across the impressive bridge to Deltebre.

The original pontoon that ferried vehicles and people across the river was preserved inland – some Camino signs were noticed – part of the Camino Catalan. Pondering on how may pelegrinos had crossed this way en route to the Rioja region, to join up with the Camino Frances.

Wherever I am in Spain I always find myself somewhere on a Camino.

Then a mile walk along the riverbank to take the vessel named “ The Beast”.

The company styles itself as –

Cruceros Olmos – though the affable crew were as unlike buccaneers as you could wish. Even allowing Hannah to take the wheel! Risky business …

There was an English commentary as we cruised along, pointing out the Eel netting points, the practice of growing rice,the changes in the landscape as we neared the Med and simple statistics like the 8 metre depth of the Ebro and its 250 metre width,930 km in length beginning north of Zaragoza .

Some fabulous flowers and unusual trees.

BBQs were a feature – Delicioso!

The Ebro Delta is worth longer stay, it would be a great advantage to have your own transport to visit the many other sites of interest in this unique part of Spain – the Southern most part of Catalonia. The Ebro Delta is one of the largest wetland areas in the western Mediterranean region, at 320 km2 (79,000 acres). The Ebro delta has expanded rapidly on soils washed downriver over the centuries.

Tomorrow, Saturday, moving up to Cambrils-another contrasting stay in prospect.

PROLOGUE

Seems like five weeks already. Usually, just the change in the weather creates that feeling of timelessness,especially when you are driving relatively long distances, but we’d had soaring temperatures at home for a month.

I think it was good fortune in the places chosen to stay in,plus for the most part excellent driving conditions – the sort you will never experience in the UK. As a throwaway thought, France winning the World Cup helped too – something else the EU is good at!

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Leaving SC, for France at 21.45 on Sunday evening – how appropriate that they should have won the World Cup earlier in the day. Hopefully, it would be a good omen. The ferry leaves Dover at 02.40. After an uneventful journey down the M1,M25 and M20 we arrived at the port early enough to be put on the 01.15, with no hanging about at the quayside – hats off to DFDS Ferries.

The plan was to stop at a service station as soon as we got on the motorway in the direction of Abbeville. Unfortunately, the first on was full of slumbering lorries and so we carried on until reaching The Baie de Somme, one of our favourite stops from the past. It is designed to fit in with the Valley of the Somme wetlands and is all boardwalks and ducks – after a three hour nap, the traditional picnic breakfast of cold sausages and hard- boiled eggs was enjoyed overlooking one of the streams designed to fit in with the surroundings and with ducklings for company.

Then off in the direction of Rouen, using mainly toll free roads. There were some slow sections around Evreux and Chartres, but after coffee and lunch stops, 560 miles to the good from Vesey Road,we made it to Châteauroux and its excellent Campsite. Up for a stroll over the river into neighbouring Deos , where the remains of a Clunian abbey were explored before a drink at a nearby bar.

The next morning was fine and dry and using mainly motorways we headed for an area around Caussade, the Quercy region, by passing Brive la Galliarde en route, along the A 20, a mainly toll free motorway, we had not driven along before. It was a good journey as the route was undulating and quite twisty, for a motorway – which is good because Mways can be monotonous, even in France. After another couple of hundred miles the campsite chosen was a little beyond Caussade by the small, medieval village of Montricoux . This proved to be an excellent decision as we were greeted on arrival by a very cheerful and welcoming lady, with good English who gave us a choice of emplacements.

Pitched up, the pool was taken advantage of and the BBQ was good to go. Wednesday proved to be very warm and after an exploration of the small but unspoilt village and its Spar supermarket, the pool proved to be a unanimous choice. Hannah’s Meteo forecasted an early evening storm and as sure as oeufs, in it rolled at 4pm. Some fairly heavy showers as well. This did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd at the bar’s Karaoke evening, where number after number was greatly appreciated by the 100% French audience. I did ‘t think Buddy Holly or Billy Fury would be on the set list, so I just enjoyed the raucous atmosphere for an hour or so.

A randonnee was planned for Thursday morning and using the guidesheet provided by our lovely host, we set off up through the village and along deserted lanes, through forests, with good views of the Aveyron Gorges and countryside. Two things stood out – spider webs on one section which were formed across the narrow path, some head high and on other sections the number of different butterflies.

We walked about 9 miles and met only three people – some hilly sections along stony paths which put me in mind of the Camino.

On retuning to the village coffee was taken at a bar next to some grounds where a three day Reggae festival was to begin the next day.

An unlikely venue, really, but part of several Musical weekends planned during the summer. Not sad to be missing it as after half an hour of Reggae, to me it always begins to sound the same.

Having stayed on French campsites now for the best part of fifty years,

Camping Clos Lalande would be in my top ten Desert Island Camping venues, for its peacefulness, the design, friendliness of mainly French campers an ambience you can only find on the best sites.

Then it was Spain. Via the Cadillac Tunnel and a spectacular drive at times, though quite twisty and turns near our destination, Camping Solsonese in Solsona. A thousand and five miles since leaving Vesey Road.

Another good campsite and an enjoyable dinner on their terrace – Carpaccio of Figs, local ham and cheese for my starter – delicioso.

On Saturday, 119 Miles to Camping Pobleda in the Monsanto National Park. Another beautiful drive and the location of the site, at the foot of the village is stunning – pity about lack of local facilities though, like a butcher,Baker, etc; especially as the drive down of about 200 metres along a really narrow street was unnerving – wouldn’t want to meet anything on the way!

The weather is set for 33* for all of next week.

Not sure where we shall be, though.

           Santiago de Compostela 

“Santiago has the privilege of having been, throughout the whole of the Second Millennium, the great confluence of the European road network along which the preaching of the Gospels spread, which is the basis for the civilisation of this old continent.

We may, therefore, say that the Ways to Santiago are the common denominator in European culture. Therefore, in a Europe which more than ever wishes to see itself strong and cohesive, speaking in one voice in all its languages, these routes which are public places for convergence and harmony, should be respected and promoted. On them, any Pilgrim feels like a citizen of the world, allowing him to acquire perspective on his convictions in an ecumenical atmosphere of openness and tolerance.

Into this complex network of Jacobean routes coming from all the corners of Europe are threaded those which begin in Portugal and these are as many as the actual opportunities for access from each locality to the Apostle’s tomb. However, out of all of them, the royal Oporto-Barcelos–Valença road has a particular importance, as here almost all the others come together, reinforcing this road as the backbone of the Portuguese Ways to Santiago.“

From the Guide to the Camhino Português published by the Associação dos Amigos do Caminho Português de Santiago.””

Pp. Johnnie Walker.

If there was ever a city I love returning to, it is Santiago de Compostela.

The Sutton Coldfield Rambleros had two and a half days, as we were staying at the atmospheric San Martín de Pinario, just behind the Cathedral.

Sunday evening, people did their own thing, Tapas….

Monday dawned damply,but I had things, still, to do.

The first  job was to get everyones Compostelas from the Pilgrim Office. Normally, you have to queue, sometimes for up to two hours, but I was able to obtain them as a “ Grupo “, with Hannah’s help, as she took all our Pilgrim passports and the information sheet, recording our details, Eg age, reason for the pilgrimage, etc; down at 7.45 am.

I was able to collect them, with tubes, at 11 am – no queuing!

Rambleros made their own ways around the city, taking in the Cathedral, of course. I had prearranged a meeting with Johnnie Walker, author of thirteen different Camino guides, to help choose a restaurant for our celebration dinner. Was able to book us into our own dining room, for that evening, at Casa Felisa. Great to meet up with JW again.

We met as arranged,in the Hotel bar at 7 pm. I had just communicated details of the evening’s arrangements, when I was stopped in my tracks by a presentation from Rosie, on behalf of the group….I’m rarely lost for words… it was such a generous act and an individually signed card, too. Just to say I was  quite overwhelmed. Muchas, Muchas Gracias.

The evening meal,a la carte, for a change, was very enjoyable. 

TUESDAY. OUR EXCURSION BY COACH TO THE COSTA DE MORTE

Some while back, I had booked an excursion for the group, taking us, first,to a famous point on the Pilgrim Route to Finisterre, the Puente de Maceira.

Then,a coffee stop at Muros on the seafront.

We drove on to the only waterfalls that actually cascade as a river, into the sea. The spectacular Fervenza de Rio Ezaro.

https://youtu.be/Hg0XUqG0XgQ Paul McCartney singing “Waterfalls”

From there we travelled on to Finisterre, with its famous lighthouse and .000 marker stone.

Finally,to Muxia, with its special church , fronting the ocean, and the rocks,legend says, formed part of the “stone” boat, which brought the remains of St James to Spain. Mm…

The Virxe da Barca sanctuary is a church located in Muxía, Spain. It was destroyed by a fire that was started by lightning on 25 December 2013.

There is also a granite monument, dedicated to all the volunteers that helped to clear a massive oil spillage from a tanker,some years ago.

It was an all day excursion and we had the services of a guide, Antonio, throughout the day – he was knowledgeable and funny – the best combination.Although he was rather prone to confusing Galician history with legend!

He did explain the reasons for the stone built Horreos that are so characteristic of Galicia . Sea salt proof.

Ubiquitous on the Camino are the Cruceiros – ancient and modern, sometimes found in unusual places.

Our evening meal was taken in the San Pinario refectory- complete with pulpit,  upto which one or two Rambleros climbed,to wave to us below.

San Pinario lived up to my expectations, in every way. All  the staff were  friendly and very efficient.

Our barman pretended to be horrified when Roger ordered us Brandy sours -“Limon in Brandy? Que?” A true Galician; great sense of humour, he needed it, dealing with us!

The evening in the bar was still being enjoyed by a raucous group of Austrian Pelegrinos in full song,  with accompanying moves, when I bid everyone good night.

We had an early meet on the steps at 7 am, where our preordered taxis awaited, to take us to the airport.

And so, journey almost done. I am making notes for this Blog, in Madrid airport, where we have a bit of a wait between flights.

I had already expressed some of my feelings about our Rambleros , as a group, but I think it’s worth repeating.

The group always showed the Camino Spirit, in helping and encouraging each other and me😥.

They can all be really proud of their achievement- 77 miles in 6 days. Some of those days quite damp at times.

Before we began I was very fond of them all, but now I am also full of admiration.

As someone once said:

 “I think friendship is based more on shared experiences than incompatibility, or attraction.”

Thanks, also , to Barbara and Hannah, for all their patience and assistance.

I met many who were walking towards Santiago & many who were walking away from somewhere.

I’m not sure which lot I was with!

It was a pity that the rain yesterday, deterred people from visiting Padron, as it is such a historic place in the context of the Camino.Legend has it that St James began his ministry here and also it is the place to where his remains were brought, after his martyrdom in Rome. There is much to discover about the Camino, here, not to mention the famous Padron Peppers.

The Camino bisected the hotel car park and we were quickly under way, under fairer skies and it was not long before we were removing outer layers as the sun broke through.

Quite a variety of sections, today, the usual woods of Eucalyptus, Pine and Oak, small pueblos and the interesting church:- details from a local guide.

“The Sanctuary of A Escravitude is only 5 km from Padrón’s historic quarter, on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The church began to be built in the 16th century on the site of the so-called “Fonte Santa” (Holy Fountain), financed by donations of worshippers who visited the place due to the water’s healing properties. Its main elements are the central stairway, under which the fountain is housed, and the two large towers that border the central nave and date from the 19th century.

There is an interesting account about a miracle related to the Fonte Santa that may explain the sanctuary’s origin. According to the legend, a sick man that was doing the Way of St. James to cure his dropsy stopped there for a drink, and 72 hours later he had been cured without any medical help. On seeing that he had been healed, the man exclaimed: “Grazas, Virxe, que me libraches da escravitude do meu mal” (“Thanks, Virgin, for releasing me from the slavery of my ailment”).”

There was a floral decoration in the church grounds, celebrating the recent feast of Corpus Christi.

We made the inevitable stop for coffee near Faramello, after passing a Galician fiesta of Scarecrows, which looked as it would get quite lively, later.

Rosie looks made up with her choice! Not all buildings are in good repair and we noticed abandoned houses in every village; some quite dramatic.

Could not write a Blog about a Camino through Galicia, without including a photo of a” horreos- a traditional, free standing barn on stone pillars, where grain was stored to prevent spoilage by vermin.

S de C was on the horizon and soon through suburbs and Sunday deserted main roads, we came into the Cathedral square… 77 miles accomplished and everyone intact and just a little proud of themselves; quite rightly. They had reached the end of the Camino Portugues…hopefully, it’s impact will remain with them for a long time.

More on our time in Santiago to come.

Natural paths, quiet lanes, long established woodland and two river valleys – but rain. Two slight climbs up the Bermana Valley, then Cortinas – the “ high” point. Descent then into the Valga Valley.

There are always churches and chapels along Caminos, for obvious reasons; most in good repair and in attractive settings.

Rambleros are always in search of coffee and we were well received in this Pelegrino orientated stop. With its counter, displaying our route.

This tape is 20 Km in official length, though we walked further on from Padron, eventually, to our hotel. At times we were following a Roman Road…

Passing some eye catching sights, both floral and faunal….Bottoms up!

Everyone was relieved to reach Hotel Scala, a big , bustling hotel with parties of Spanish Golden Oldies – made us feel young – and school groups. Dinner was served after Hannah did a double act with the waiter,to a round of applause,  in getting everyone their correct Pre- ordered menu.. of course they ha d forgotten ! At the end of dinner, the same super efficient waiter presented us with three bottles of Orujo, for digestive purposes only….

“Buena salud”

We set off along a busy stretch of main road, but soon went right to the village of Arcade, famous now for its oysters, but historically for being the place where the Spanish vanquished Napoleon’s troops during the War of Independence. A handsome bridge , the Pontesampaio and  Cafe a Romana – last chance for refreshments before Pontevedra, with fine views of both the bridge and the Estuary. The rain started, as you can tell, by the impressive ponchos on show. And a gull had its eyes on the Churros.

We passed three impressive statues, one featuring Santiago, looking serenely Northwards and we obtained our “Sellos” – Stamps for our Pilgrim passport – at the chapel of Santa Marta.

( Author’s note – WordPress is putting the photos above the text, but they should be obvious!)

We reached Pontevedra and our hotel, Rias Bajas….sadly the rain continued, so we enjoyed the comfort of this fine hotel, until it stopped, around 6 pm, when we were able to walkabout the city, which has much resonance for Pelegrinos, especially the fine Church, La Pelegrina, where for €1.00, you can climb 64 steps to look down on its classic structure.

There is so much to see here and just rambling around the narrow, arcaded streets and interesting squares is a pleasure in itself.

Dinner was taken in the Rias Bajas hotel;extremely good and breakfast the next morning was a feast- plus a sunny sky under which we moved on to Caldas de Reis.

Left Vigo under dull skies , but dry. Making our way upwards out of the city. We needed a stop to buy a few snacks, etc, as part of this stretch of the Camino has no bars or cafes. Lots of places looked half open – 08.30 onwards – but not officially open till 09.00. Eventually, we came to a super Mercardo at 08.58 and they let us in. We had not gone many more metres when a lady stopped those at the head of the group to advise us we were heading in the wrong direction ! Fortunately, by only a few hundred metres  – we had missed  a turn – I kept her company in faltering Spanish, whilslt she accompanied us to the right road. They say “The Camino Provides”….in this case, our Guardian Angel; wingless but wonderful.

We found a coffee stop, almost the last before the Senda de Agua, and were given a warm welcome.

Walking on to the Senda de Agua – part of the 39 Km water pipe route from an Embalse to Vigo, we were rewarded with fine views of the Ria.

After a few Km we stopped at a gushing fountain, for a break, close by an eerie looking, long abandoned building.

Brother, Matt in deep conversation with his sister-in-law.More views of the Ria and onwards towards Redondela.

By 1.30, everyone was ready for a lunch break, which we enjoyed opposite the 16 th century building, which now houses the town’s original Albergue. Redondela has two magnificent railway viaducts, still in operation.

L

Lunch is a very important time for Rambleros; something else they have in common with Spain.

That’ s our hotel, only ….5 miles or so to go….?

Sue in a sea of shells – try saying that after a couple Brandies!

We were soon safely arrived at Santo Apostolo and enjoyed refreshments overlooking the Ria, followed by dinner in the Comedor – we were really well treated – thanks to Laura and the staff .

On to Pontevedra, tomorrow- Ultreia.

Thankfully, nearly everyone had the right wet weather  gear, for our first day on the Camino. We had a great breakfast at Hotel Costa Verde and set off for Baiona, in steady rain, under heavy cloud. However, it didn’t dampen the group’s spirits as we made our way along rustic paths and cycle ways towards Baiona.

Coffee  stop at the “ Muino”  Campsite, where we were well received and revived.

https://youtu.be/nOZrTkBghjo ” One More Cup of Coffee Before I Go “. – Roger McGuin and Calexico.

The views were still awesome despite the drizzle and low cloud. Everyone did well climbing 170 metres up through the pass and onto some small hamlets above Baiona, which we could soon see below us.

An eccentric” Well “stopped us in our tracks.

We spent a couple of hours in  pretty Baiona .

Then, on to the the local bus to Vigo,€2.20 avoiding an uninspiring Walk into the city. We still needed the Google Map reading skills of some of the group to get us to our hotel, passing two impressive sculptures, en route.

Hotel Atlantico, where a rather frazzled receptionist attempted to organise  the rooms – eventually sorted – good news, the ever reliable Correos (  Spanish Post Office ) had delivered all our luggage- take note Iberia Express, our member’s Case has still not arrived.

Menu Pelegino for dinner – a little earlier  to bed for most – hopefully, slightly less damp tomorrow as we make for Redondela.

Thnks to Hannah and Paul Carpenter for some of the photos.

It was with relief, that I was able to greet all our group, in the departure lounge at Bham Airport. And even greater relief to give everyone their

Credencials, lightening my load, as a result.

The flight was full, but left promptly.

At the back of your mind is always the worry about luggage transfers, on a dual flight journey.

Slight confusion at Barajas Airport Re. Flight transfer, but resolved soon enough.

We should meet up with two Italian caministas and my brother Matt and Brid, who flew in from Dublin on Sunday.

The weather forecast for our first day’s walk is not encouraging, with rain forecast,however, it is not too long a walk to Baiona and , it is supposed to dry up and brighten up, the following day, out of Vigo.

The flight to S de C took an hour and awaiting us in Arrivals was our coach driver.

All going to plan until one of the group realised that his luggage was not on the carousel!

This meant a slight delay as it had to be reported….there was a promise that it would be delivered the next day – it was still in Madrid.

Spectacular views along the AP 9 and a rainbow, to boot. We all had a good meal in the hotel, Costa Verde, and everyone was pleased either rooms.

Weather for Tuesday’s walk to Baiona….not brilliant.

Remaining updates for Sutton Coldfield “ Rambleros”.

“ To Be A Pelegrino “

Update VII

“ Miles Away, But Closer Every Day” – with no thanks to Iberia Express!

CHANGE TO FLIGHT DETAILS

Thanks and well done to you all for reacting to the flight change alert. Hopefully, the only glitch we have to overcome ! 😇
Thanks to Rob Halley for making me aware of it.
We shall need to take the 07.00 Airport bus from Praza de Galicia, in S de C @ 07.00. A ten minute walk, on 13 th June.
An 800 metre walk, so suggest we leave San Martin de Pinario no later than 06.40. And for an unhindered departure, check out the night before.
Breakfast after check-in, at the airport?

Medication and First Aid

Caterina has suggested that anyone with any “ condition”, makes her aware,by contacting her on “ccattel@gmail.com”.
This would be totally confidential between you and Caterina.
More on First Aid, in the next update.

Short, evocative video of the Camino.

What it’s really like.

“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more”
-George Gordon Byron
Always walk your own Way!
TIP I
Make a photo copy of your passport main page, as ID may be required in some hotels – I have found my “ copy” to be acceptable 99% of the time ) – this means that you have the security of keeping your passport in your own, safe place. Generally , the hotel receptionist will accept just the passport of the the person making the booking i.e me….if not
then we have to go along with however many they request.

DINNERTIME
I am proposing that we book these meals ahead, in our hotels, where applicable. In a couple of places the hotel will be the only feasible venue; in the others,I have checked on their websites and “ reviews” of their provision – they all provide good, Galician Fayre.
A lot of pride is taken in their regional cooking.
I think this would save the bother of having to check out local restaurants, and/or assessing the viability of catering for 25 people.
Not something one wants to do after a day on the Camino.
Plus, the prices are very good value, ranging from €13 – €15.00, which usually includes a starter, main, dessert and drink.

I shall send out a Proforma for meal choices, separately, later this month, as the hotels need to know these, in advance of our arrival.
( Need Hannah’s expertise here! )

If, for whatever reason, anyone would prefer not to be included, please let me know ASAP.

Hopefully, we shall have arrived at our hotels, in plenty of time for recuperation,a walkabout,locally, as Vigo, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis and Padron are all very interesting and totally different places.

When we reach Santiago, I am thinking of a group meal the first night,
in the atmospheric refectory in our hotel.
Second night,suggest going out for “tapas” – you can’t easily do that in groups of 25!
Last night, hopefully an early dinner 🥘.!

LUGGAGE TRANSFER WITH THE CORREOS-SPANISH P.OFFICE

Thanks to Penny, my sister, for organising this.
Great price of € 20.00 each for all transfers.
Bags must be at each hotel reception, by 08.00.

At the foot of this update is an attachment – the Correos luggage label . Plus a copy of mine – ignore “ money in envelope”.
Print it off and have it ready to attach to your case/bag on the morning of the 5th June – Please write our booking ref. on the top.
Booking Ref. VIL050618SAN01x25
Swimming Opportunities en Route.

06/06 Santo Apostolo – 10 minute walk to beach

08/06 Balneario Acuna- Pool and Spa opportunities

09/06 Hotel Scala – Swimming Pool.

Now that most of us have watched,or heard of,” Pilgrimage;The Road to Santiago”, BBC 2,there is still time to send to me your reasons, expectations and hopes for your camino – anonymity guaranteed – Go on, express yourself!

Benefits of Nordic Walking..( or any walking with poles )

Badges and Patches

Pipes being played near Cathedral, where we are staying – hope the weather’s better!

Walking Poles
A study by academics at Northumbria University has shown for the first time that trekking-poles help hikers maintain muscle function while significantly reducing soreness in the days following a hike.
In the study, 37 physically active men and women were split into two groups of equal fitness and asked to hike up and down Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales.
One group was issued with and trained in the use of trekking poles while the other group made the climb unaided. Each group ate the same evening meal on the night before; they ate the same breakfast, carried similar weight in day packs and took the same scheduled rests during both the ascent and descent.
The participants’ heart rates and their personal perceived exertion ratings were recorded during the hike. Then, at the end of the hike, and at 24-, 48- and 72-hour intervals afterwards, muscle damage and function were assessed through a variety of tests.
The results showed that there was significantly less muscle soreness in the group using trekking poles. This group demonstrated a reduced loss of strength and a faster recovery immediately after the trek compared to the control group. Self-rated soreness peaked at 24-hours in both groups but was significantly lower in the trekking-pole group, both at this point and at the 48-hour point. In addition, levels of the enzyme creatine kinase (which indicates muscle damage) were much higher at the 24-hour point in the non-pole group, while the trekking-pole group’s levels were close to the pre-trekking levels. This shows that the muscle damage they were experiencing was negligible.
Pole manufacturers have suggested that trekking poles can reduce forces on lower-limb joints by as much as 25 %. However, the existing research has been restricted to the laboratory or to non-mountainous outdoor settings, such as running tracks, and has only focussed on biomechanical investigations into stress on the ankle, knee and hip. This is the first documented study into the effectiveness of trekking poles in the environments for which they were designed.
“The results present strong evidence that trekking poles reduce, almost to the point of complete disappearance, the extent of muscle damage during a day’s mountain trek,” says Dr Glyn Howatson, who conducted the study.
“Preventing muscle damage and soreness is likely to improve motivation and so keep people enjoying the benefits of exercise for longer. Perhaps even more advantageously, the combined benefits of using trekking poles in reducing load to the lower limbs, increasing stability and reducing muscle damage could also help avoid injury on subsequent days trekking. It is often the reduced reaction time and position sense, associated with damaged muscles that cause the falls and trips that can lead to further injury in mountainous or uneven terrain.
“These findings have particularly strong application for exercisers wishing to engage in consecutive days’ activity”.

Nb This is using TWO poles.

Book Recommendation

This is free on Kindle, for the next couple of days; walked with the author, last year – lovely guy.

“I think I may have missed the boat, for this..”?
Fitness Special—Hike Forever: Age 50-65 – Backpacker

This is a beautiful film

https://vimeo.com/177867577

The first 156 Km of the Portuguese Camino, from Porto.
I have walked this and it brought back some great memories.

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Less than two months to departure time.
Hope everyone is looking forward to it.

As always, get in touch on any matter, large or small; or
anything I may not have covered.

Ultreia!

Regards and best,

John

Correos Luggage Transfer Label

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Penultimate Update ( 🤞🏽)

Beloved Iberia

The latest information:
If you have not already done so, you should open your most recent Booking Reference ( 10 th April or thereabouts).
Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Ring 02 036 843 774 to “ regularise the issuance of your ticket”.
Insist that you want to talk to an agent.
Quote your booking reference and it should be quite straightforward.
We were also told that you could check in & print off a boarding pass, online, 24 hours before departure.

MENU CHOICES

Because we are a relatively large group, we need to give some of the hotels our menu choices, in advance.
Please indicate your choice of 1st and 2nd courses, and return to me by Friday, 25 th May.
Nb You cannot “ mix n match “ between choices.
Thanks to Hannah for making the following attachments.

HOTEL COSTA VERDE


HOTEL RIAS BAJAS


HOTEL SCALA



Below is a table giving basic information on dates, distances,destinations and breakfast provision.


HOTEL SANTO APOSTOLO REDONDELA

Because the arrangements with the above hotel were made directly and not via Booking.Com, full payment has to be made in advance of arrival .
Our arrangements there consist of evening meal, bed and breakfast.
I have already sent a 50% deposit and shall be sending the remainder before the end of the month, as required.
Therefore, I shall E-mail Pelegrinos, individually, with their bill, as payments differ, according to single,or shared room choices.
If you could send the amount before the end of the month, that would be most helpful.
Benefits of Walking: 8 Ways Walking Regularly Improves Your Health

Today’s Tip – Carpe Diem ? No….

You don’t have to “seize the day.”
You can wait patiently with open mind and heart for all the goodness the day may bring.

You don’t have to “keep your eyes on the prize.”
You can enjoy little side trips of discovery and delight.

You don’t have to “press onward and upward.”
You can stay in the valley and rest a while, where life is lush and green and tranquil.

You don’t have to endure “pain for gain.”
You can work slowly and steadily and achieve in your own time.

You don’t have to “be all that you can be.”
You can just—be.

CAMINO ROUTES BY POPULARITY
Top Camino routes – CaminoWays.com

BACK MARKERS

Hopefully,we can share this important role amongst us,during the Camino.

FIRST AID

There are pharmacies, wherever we stop and they are usually well stocked and helpful – anything you can obtain in the UK, too, or a suitable substitute.
We shall all have items that are “ peculiar” ( if that’s the right word ) to ourselves.

A general list of suggestions, not exhaustive.

hand cleaner
Antiseptic wipes
Compeed
A tube of antiseptic cream – Eg.Germolene
A variety of fabric plasters
Paracetomol.
Ibuprofen – you can get stronger ones in Spain.
Ibuprofen gel (for strains)
Dioralyte sachets
Small pair of scissors
Gel toe cap tube protectors – to prevent nail lifting.


BLISTERS

Some tips – check the inside of the boots to see if there is a problem there that has caused the blister.
Also, blisters on/between toes are usually because the boot is too tight there. Remove the laces and put them back but not using the first two or three sets of holes, this allows the boots to open at the front and flex at the toes. Alternatively make the laces really loose until the third or fourth eyelets and tie a half hitch knot at each one so that when the boot is tightened up the front section cannot tighten but remains loose. Don’t tie your boots over-tight, and take them off two or three times a day, socks too. Allows the feet to breathe, then put socks back on opposite feet, so that any rubbing points are removed. Then not to tie them too tight again. Foot size increases throughout the day, especially so for us,all-day walking pilgrims. Folk who do their boots up tight in the morning and leave them like that all day are giving themselves grief.
If someone has right size boots, ok socks, is doing them up properly, and still getting blisters then suggest that you pop into a supermarket and buy a few pairs of ultra thin socks to wear under your normal socks – this double socking allows the foot to move without rubbing – or, use a good cream ( I always use Vaseline )and cover your feet every morning. In the evening, after showering,apply a refreshing foot cream – loads on Amazon.
Finally,best not to to shower in the morning, it removes all the oils in the feet – not good.

PORTICO DE GLORIA SANTIAGO CATHEDRAL

The Porch of Glory is flooded with colour after a restoration that lasted 10 years.
The meticulous restoration of Master Mateo’s masterpiece, in which international experts participated, is bringing to light surprising chromatic details // It will be unveiled on the 28th May.

Virtual recreation of what the Portico de la Gloria would look like when the works are finished.
Those who think ( like me ) that the Portico de la Gloria was always a grayish work will have a monumental surprise when at last we can contemplate it, after many years of work.


PS

We have another recruit to the Rambleros – my brother Matt will be flying in from Holland to join us in S de C.

Regards and best,

John