God is perfect
only man makes misteaks.
Sarria -
The Gal
her town
her hotel
and her Guy.
In a city of 14,000 our peregrino friend, Jimmy the Irish tenor, somehow looks for and finds us.
It's getting dark and pilgrim Jimmy has no place to sleep and was down to his last ciggie.
(press PLAY)
So, Jimmy serenades our innkeeper asking permission to sleep on the floor which brings tears to her eyes and so she finds him a bed for the night. Just another Camino miracle as were the dishes at the restaurant she sent us to for special treatment.
White bean soup (to die for, after walking 20 miles)
Seafood Salad
Sautéed Octopus
Pilgrim Scallops
Cuttlefish in Black Ink Pasta
Right then, Pilgrim Esteban's family from Florida arrives to join us on the Camino for more incredible meals and walking.
Everyone loved, Marcela, the BEST innkeeper ever, who it so happens had been a pilgrim herself...more than once.
Saying Adios the next morning, but not Goodbye forever, to Jimmy.
Time to hit the road again!
We're close now!
Only 80 miles to go :)
Let the cattle stampede begin!
(and the roadside stalls full of tshatshke)
Primitive paths,
time worn walls,
bountiful farms and
shade from the sun
all wait along the Camino.
Two parents marked their young son's grave with the epitaph:
"Ships are safest in port, but that is not why ships are built."
Portomarin -
Picasso the pilgrim
Another "horreo" for storing corn seeds over the winter
One learns to read "Way signs" of all kinds
Old and new bridges
The resemblance would have been uncanny if pilgrim Esteban hadn't just shaved for his wife's arrival.
All fun aside, the routine after walking all day is
1) find something to eat
2) get some sleep
3) wake up before dark
4) join the sleepwalkers on the next muddy path
towards whatever
type of bridge is waiting
to be crossed.
Palas de Rei -
Their constant companions led them in the morning and followed them in the evening as they walked, always, westward;
rain or shine like medieval postal workers,
following the yellow arrows and scallop shell signs
down forest paths
and over bygone bridges
in search of the harmony Mau the Hermit told Pilgrim Esteban about when he said, "Less is More" and "Everyone is One".
The same man who replied "Nothing!" when Pilgrim Francis asked, "What are you doing?
In one small chapel when you lit a candle in remembrance you received a tiny rolled up piece of paper like a fortune cookie.
Mine said, "Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future".
Arzua -
Sometimes sleeping in a former mansion,
questioning reality daily,
the old and the new constantly colliding,
onward the pilgrims marched
only stopping for
the occasional beer
and to defile public or private property
onward the walking stick soldiers trudged,
"God Bless them".
Rua -
It's funny how when you're truly tired and completely famished the meal can't come soon enough.
Santiago de Compostelo - (the end of the road)
Kodak moment for tour group just off the pilgrim bus posing in front of the city sign which proves they made the trip.
The spires of the last cathedral are in finally in sight.
After 34 days of walking, a well-deserved rest in the plaza.
With just enough energy to stand back up and pose one more time.
Sculptures of sore feet,
certificates of proof one walked 500 miles across northern Spain,
view of the plaza from their luxury suite
members only Café
and views of Santiago de Compostelo
Steve's family made it to the End!
and somehow, so did The Gal and her Guy
An EPIC birthday she won't be soon forgetting
The yellow arrows were even at the airport,
as they searched for a Covid 19 test, so they could Vamoose!
Epilogue -
" You don't choose a life, you live one."
Martin Sheen "The Way"
Groups made up of people from around the world-
Meals never eaten before-
Sitting (whenever they could)-
Francis the Pilgrim -
Esteban the Pilgrim -
Pedro the Pilgrim -
Anton the Pilgrim -
In need of a shave 500 miles later.3 Cub Scouts & their Den Mother -
In front of the Pamplona bull ring
Together all the way to the very end.
Pete & Steve -
Steve & Tony -
The Gal and her Guy -
and then there was the time we walked into a church and heard this woman singing acapella.
(press PLAY)
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tonynjo dedicate this pilgrimage to their brother Paul, who even though could not join them, was with them every step of The Way and will continue to be heartfelt with every future sunrise.
Via con Dios !!!
