Day 42 Arzua to Arca June 15th

Km walked about 20 (12.6 miles)
Elevation change, hilly, up and down nothing major.

I left this morning at 7 am, a bit earlier than I have these last couple of short days. It's been sunny and warm, and I wanted to get the walk in before it got too hot. So with a couple of stops, I made it in 5 hours. Pretty good.
My chest cold and cough have settled down. I did see a doctor yesterday, and she gave me a Rx for albuterol. The visit was brief and free.
So that was pretty good.

As I started out early this morning, the sun was just coming up, and it was really pretty out. As I looked down the trail and into the misty fog, there was a baby deer standing there looking at me. It was pretty cool, and I thought to myself that it was kind of like a patronus..... From Harry Potter...
A good omen for the day.






After a while I stopped at a roadside cafe. There are many along the the
Road, and had one of my favorite breakfasts while I've been here in Spain. Pan chocolate and also called a Neapolitan. Yummy! With some orange juice, for the cold.


Saw lots of dogs and cats today, also saw sheep....who obliged nicely for a picture...



And passed this on my way into Arca. Only 20 km left. Very, very good.



Tomorrow, I will leave really early for Santiago. Probably around 6 to 6:30. There is a mass on Sunday at noon, where they swing the big incense burner, and if I can make it, I would like to. I also have heard that it swings most days due to tourist donations. So if I don't make it tomorrow it is ok.
Although cool to see, it's not the most important part of my day tomorrow. Just arriving is.
So excited. Mission completed... Almost.

Day 41 Melide to Arzua June 14th

14 km (8.6 miles) traveled. Elevation climbed about 100 meters (300 feet) up and down and up again..

First of all, I would just like to say that I can hardly believe that I only have 2 days of walking left. I am very, very happy. My body is telling me that it has had enough. The walking itself has gotton easier, and easier, but the toll over all has been in many ways good and bad.
The good is that I am feeling really fit. I can climb up big hills easily. Well maybe not easily, but easier... My body has changed. I have no idea how much weight I have lost, but my pants are bigger on me. I don't think it's been so much as weight loss, but shape change. My German thighs are ever present. Thanks Grandma Dolly!

The bad is that my feet are in pretty bad shape. I will probably lose at least 2 more nails. My blisters on my heels are now dried and scabbed. I was extremely careful on the downhills today to avoid toe jam. Criss crossed all the way down.
Each day is a progression for me. Each day is a challenge. Each day I am a stronger woman who realizes that I can get through pretty much anything, moment by moment, day by day. This is how life is. We continue on, and learn how to get through trials each and every day. Sometimes little things, sometimes big ones.

Mentally, I am in a good place. Tired and starting to feel relief that this pilgrimage is almost over. I am sure all pilgrims who have sacrificed have this same feeling. I will miss the simpleness of life on the camino. I am excited to get home to John and my own bed.

Yesterday I walked with a guy Norman who has walked from Sarria with his 79 year old mom Thelma. They are both nurses. He does occupational health, and she was an instructor. They are from Arizona. They are following about the same plan I am, only their day is longer. We will be at the same place tomorrow night. A hotel for my last night before finishing.

Last night some other pilgrims and I went out for dinner at about 6. Melide is famous for octopus. We couldn't find a restaurant that was open to serve until 9:30. We ended up going for chicken...which was really ok with me.
On the way, we passed this car. The men made a big deal out of it, so here is a pic. It's called a Citroen.






Spanish customs take a lot to get used to.
Everything closes at 1 to about 4:30 each afternoon for siesta.
They work really long hours then because of it. Most people work until 8 or 9 and they eat at 10 pm. So very different from us in the U.S.

This was the first thing I saw as I came out of town this am. This cross gave me inspiration for the day.
I slept well, didn't cough much, but this cough has turned out to be a reactive airway thing. It was cold this morning. Fresh.. And I was coughing like I am a smoker. A little albuterol would be good....



It was cool and misty


One of the towns had a church dedicated to Saint James. I went in to check it out and say a prayer. They gave me a prayer card. Very nice.
This is a picture of him



Another km marker... Only 40 to go.


And these trees, which were so bare at the beginning of my trip are blooming now. So pretty.


I'm going to visit the church here this evening. It should be open. I missed mass last week, no churches were where I was.
The next 2 days will each be about 20 km days. Some hills, but no mountains. The weather is supposed to be great tomorrow, rain predicted for Sunday, my day to walk yo Santiago. Oh well... All will be well, God provides.
Have a Good Friday everyone!

Day 40 Palas De Rei to Melide

15 km (9 miles) no elevation change
Today it was a rainy day as I set out. I knew it was going to be a relatively short day, because of how all of the rest of the days are being spaced out.
There are two stretches with very few places to stay, so I have taken everything into consideration, and am going to finish on Sunday. Good, appropriate day of the week to finish.

There are many, many pilgrims on the Camino. Some in tour buses. There are many doing the last 100 km to get their compostellas. We are like a bunch of fish swimming up the stream to their goal. Nice, kinda more crowded than I am used to, but it's all ok. Everyone does their own thing in regards to a pilgrimage, and all of it is ok. To each their own, I spoke with many today, and it made the time pass quickly.

Because of the rain, I didn't take many pictures. Don't want to ruin the iPad..

I passed the town of Casanova, and wondered if he still lives there....


And this very strange little house. Looks like a bird house.



An old bridge going into Melide...


And the beautiful ancient church in Melide.
Many of the churches I have walked past have been locked up. Don't know why, maybe because of theft?
Don't know. Anyway, I said some prayers for my parents today, and lit a candle.





It's been good today. I'm in a small hotel for the night. Cough is better, although I coughed a lot laying down last night. Not much during the day. Going to keep on going on. 3 more days of walking. I can hardly believe it.
Going to get some good sleep tonight on this cloudy rainy day.
Happy Thursday!!!

Day 39 Castromaior to Pala del Rei

16.7 km traveled (about 10 miles) elevation gain negligible easy up and down hills.

I slept well last night in my cold room. It warmed up, probably because of my body heat, and I had on a long sleeved shirt and leggings.

I coughed a lot during the night, but during the day today, I am feeling better.
As I said in yesterday's blog, I'm giving this cold up to God to take care of.
As I walked today, it was warm and sunny. Mid 60s, good for breathing.
I wore my shorts, (hiking pants zipped off) and it felt nice.
I have continued to ship my pack, it's only 3 euros, and I'm carrying a day pack with my essentials. Much easier, and worth it. Only problem is is that it decreases spontaneity. But the camino is so full now, having reservations each night is important. So I usually call each afternoon for the next day. That way, I don't have to worry about a bed. All is good.

They will hold your bed until 3 or 4, and I'm always usually where I'm gonna be by 2.


Here are picture of today's walk.
The pretty grasslands and woods,


As I walked through the little city of Ligonde, I came across a great little albuergue that is run by a religious order. They had Christian music playing and had refreshments out for anyone passing by. Donations accepted. I wish I had known about this place, as I would have stayed here. Lovely caring place.
Here is the outside,


And the inside....


Saw lots of cows today, as I went to take their pic, of course they turned away.


Only 72 km or so to go...





Me on the path..


So as it goes, it goes well.
I continue to follow the yellow arrows and shells that point me to Santiago. Sometimes, I don't always spot them right away, and I have to look a bit for them. But there is usually some sign pointing me where to go. Kind of like life. It too is a path. Sometimes I feel lost, and don't know where to turn for all of the answers. This is why I believe and have faith in my God, to lead me in the right direction. He always does, you just have to let go and let him point you the way to go. So easy, but we as humans have such a hard time letting go of the control we always try to maintain. We need to just let go, and trust in The Lord..

Now about my cold, I'm feeling better, and have faith that I will be even better tomorrow. Thank you God.

I've gotton another private room tonight. 20 euros, and it has a bath tub!! Yippee!!!
Hot bath coming up, and then going to the market, have a tapa, and some wine, and post when I get to some Internet.

Ultraia. Which means onward.

Day 38 Ferrerios to Castromaior. June 11

No Internet in Castromaior, so will post when able tomorrow.

Km walked 18.2 (10.9 miles) elevation walked about 200 meters (600 feet).
Today was a great walking day. Cloudy and cool in the morning, sunny in the afternoon. The elevations were not hard today, and I walked part of the day with some people I had met initially, and had not seen since around the 7th of May. So strange, how you meet people, and not see them, and then they turn up.

Today, I felt like I was rushing to get to the next destination. I don't know why this is, except I think I'm getting tired, and just am wanting to get the week done. I am doing fine, just getting to the end is getting me excited, and I just want to be done. I usually start between 7 and. 8, and since I stayed in an albuergue last night, lots of people were rustling around at 6. This is why I am liking the private rooms better. I can go to bed early, and get up early and also spread out all of my stuff.
I just need to slow down this last week and enjoy the walk.


I came across this tree early this am, full of hats.why? Don't know.




The little town of Portomarin.
The camino doesn't go through this town, just kind of past it.


These stairs are a tourist attraction here, so had to go up them.



Then I continued the walk through lots of fields and up lots of small hills to this little town. I chose the little town of Castromaior specifically because it is really little.
I had misgivings because the room is cold, but the bed is nice, and the shower is good. I have a cough, and I thought that if I had a nice quiet room, that it would be good for me to rest. But it's cold... Asked the owner Maria for extra blankets. She was great to me, so friendly even though we don't speak the same language, mantra means blankets.
These are pics of this quaint little town...








I then walked up to the bar to get dinner. Here sits Maria, the casa where I am staying owner, and her cousin Floria, the bar owner, and Maria's cousin Sarah. I showed them some of the pics of the camino. They have never been to most of these places, and were excited to see them. We started talking about hombres. None of them are married. We also talked about how beautiful the churches are in Spain and how beautiful it is here in spring.

Interesting cross cultural talk about men, it was pretty funny. So I am happy I have stopped here, I'll lock myself up in my room tonight, and make the most of this small town. I have plotted out the rest of my walk, and will arrive in Santiago on Monday. Excited, and that's less than a week.

I am sitting in this little bar, relaxing and watching Spanish tv.
I have offered my cough up to God and told him that I am doing this walk in celebration of him. I asked him to make me feel better. Why I didn't think to bring any antibiotics with me is beyond me. I am depending on him to heal me.
Crazy thinking, or I guess not thinking.
There have been many, many healings along the way, and I have faith that I will be feeling better by tomorrow. The camino is also located below the Milky Way, so there are, I understand special healing powers from that...
Either way, I feel I am covered. Plus there is also the special healing power of wine.

Buen camino!

Day 37 Pinton to Ferrerios June 10th.

19.8 km (12.4 miles) traveled. Elevation climbed today about 300 meters (900 feet)


It was a good day for walking today. Temperatures in the 60s and cloudy.
I am getting there. Today I went through Sarria, which is significant for pilgrims only doing the shorter pilgrimage. Sarria is where they start. So the way will become more and more crowded.




Interesting trees today...





Pretty flowers.


The 100 km marker.. Means only 60 more miles


And this is my very new, modern albuergue.


I've planned my destination for tomorrow, and am going to head to bed early. I've picked up a little cold and cough, I think it's like a kennel cough. Got some cold meds to take before bed, so hopefully will sleep well. I've been also trying to drink lots of extra water. My muscles were aching yesterday, and when I talked to andrea and Lucas yesterday, they thought maybe lactic acid buildup. Makes sense.
Not much else to report today... Just plugging away this last week,,, step by step.

Day 36 Fonfria to Pintin June 9th

Today I walked 23 km about 12.6 miles. Elevation descent of 600 meters (1200 feet) and than an ascent of 300 meters, (900 feet) since it was raining this morning, I wore my boots, hard on the toes so bad left foot toe, which was doing better, is irritated again.

This morning I feel like I walked out of the albuergue into a misty, wet cloud, I usually start walking about 7:15...
Visibility was probably about 10 feet, and since I left alone, I was worried about missing the yellow arrows. I did ok. No wrong turns. All good. I always carry food with me, at least a banana, so I ate that about 2 hours after I started walking, cause there were no little towns with cafes open. I like to always stop first thing for tea and a pastry.

So, I walked, and walked, in the foggy rain. Mostly going down this morning.









Saw some cows, although with the fog, it was like the twilight zone. The trail was quiet, not as many people walking as usual.



Then I got to the bottom of the mountain, and low and behold, there was another hill... Yikes Is what I thought. Saw some roosters...


And then things got a bit better,,, clearer, so about noon, I had my sandwich I had packed, with water and some chocolate I've still been carrying from Astorga and the chocolate museum from last Sunday.

The trail cleared up although things were pretty muddy from the rain and all of the mist.


I arrived to my pension about 3.. With all of that climbing up and down it was a long but fulfilling day. Tomorrow, I get to Sarria. Sarria is the town you start from, must start from to get a compostella. It is 100 km from Santiago.


For each place I have been, I have gotten a stamp proving I am there. From Sarria onward, I must get 2 stamps per day. It is the proof you need to get a compostella.
S
So after tomorrow, I have less than 100 km to go, less than 60 miles,,, so I am excited to accomplish this adventure, and for me a spiritual undertaking and sacrifice. Although of course I will want the compostella, for me, this journey has been one of spiritual and inner growth for myself. It has changed who I am, and how I think of myself. I now know that I can manage in a foreign country, on my own, speak and make my needs and feelings know to strangers, and I can be absolutely ok.

Complaints for the day.... My feet are doing better, but not well yet. It will take some time for them to heal when I get back.
My left shoulder is hurting. I am sending my pack forward for a while til it improves. I am also wondering if it is from holding my walking sticks and maybe they are too high. I shortened them today, thinking my left shoulder blade and scapula will not be elevated all day and maybe hurt less. I am also not sleeping well. Don't know why, but think it is muscular related. I've decided wine and ibuprofen is the best answer. Lots of wine....you would think I'd be exhausted each day.

I will be back in my tennis shoes tomorrow, the weather is in the 60s. No rain predicted for tomorrow...Although they saying goes here, the rain in Spain is mainly in Galacia, which is where I am now.

That's all for today, tomorrow starts my last walking week of the camino, I plan on arriving in Santiago either Sunday or Monday.. Flying home on Thursday the 20th , and looking so forward to being home to John and my own bed. Ahh.