Walking the Camino de Santiago
This grand, if unlovely, monument graced the hill overlooking the city of Santiago. On a clear day, from exactly the right spot here you can see the spires of the Cathedral for the first time. It is for this reason that the hill is called Monte do Gozo – Hill of Joy. The monument was erected to celebrate the visit […]
» Read more
This sign is reminiscent of a style seen in the early days of the Camino, back in Navarra, but now long vanished from the Way. Suddenly, however, in these last few kilometers, it makes a comeback, echoing the beginning here at the end. I note that it contains the Galician spelling “Camiño” rather than the Spanish “Camino”. Date: 02 May […]
» Read more
As we approach the city of Santiago de Compostella, even the manhole covers reflect the Camino. Date: 02 May 2013 Place: between Lavacolla and Monte do Gozo (Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain) Today started: O Pedrouzo (a.k.a. Arca) (Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain)
» Read more
The village of Lavacolla is now basically a suburb of Santiago – in fact, it’s where the airport is located. In earlier days, however, this stream was considered the last place before the end of the pilgrimage to wash up before the cathedral. Supposedly the name of the village comes from lavar (to wash) and cuello (neck), meaning “to wash […]
» Read more
Hórreos were made primarily to store grain and hay and such. They’re up on stilts to help prevent rats and other critters from getting at the goodies. You will find hórreos in both wood and stone all over rural Galicia. These days, they’re just as likely to be a general storage shed or a tiny home as they are to […]
» Read more
It is said that no plan survives contact with the enemy. To this I would add that no plan survives contact with the Camino. Nevertheless, and with some sense of trepidation, I offer here my plan for my “long Camino”. This is a total of 65 days walking (plus a scheduled Zero day in Burgos). Some days are short/half days. […]
» Read more
Early this morning, I had my follow-up visit with the podiatrist. He was extremely pleased and somewhat amazed with my rapid progress. We discussed a Cortizone shot, but given the level of improvement, he wasn’t too enthusiastic about it. So that’s off the table. Most importantly, he cleared me for my Camino. I am convinced that my rapid recovery is […]
» Read more
We’re still about 12km from the Cathedral, with some villages and suburban sprawl to go before we even hit the city proper, but to me this marker is the first real sign that the end is nigh, so to speak. In subsequent years, I believe that they’ve moved this marker a little closer to the city, possibly more than once. […]
» Read more
The last morning’s walk is in and out of tiny villages while walking through forest and farm with lots and lots of new pilgrim friends. The big bump in numbers happens at Sarria, of course, but by this final day several other Camino routes have merged in. Everybody’s torn between the thoughts of finally arriving and not wanting this journey […]
» Read more
Like it or not, the Camino is full of graffiti that runs the gamut from profound to silly. This message was on the side of a farmhouse. I can’t imagine the owner appreciated it, but I found it quite moving. Date: 02 May 2013 Place: between O Pedrouzo and San Paio (Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain) Today started: O […]
» Read more