Since we walked from Arzua to O Pedrouzo yesterday and took a bus back to Arzua, we planned to bus back to O Pedrouzo today. The bus was nearly half an hour late, which meant a very late arrival for us. 

We decided after breakfast (which resembled lunch) we decided to take a cab 6 kms to Lavacolla and walk the last 10 kms into Santiago de Compostela. We had a really nice walk after making that decision. We relaxed and enjoyed walking in. 

A friend of mine from high school happened to be traveling through Spain and checked in to see if it was possible to get together. Everything seemed to work against us seeing each other. As we were walking into SdC Lori sent me a message that they were leaving SdC. I told her we were walking in. She, her husband and friends waited for us in the cathedral square. It was so wonderful catching up even for a few moments. 

This reminds me that when you can connect with someone, even for a short time, even if it means waiting some time, it is well worth it and a memory of a lifetime!!!

One of our favorite places to eat is right here in SdC at L’Incontro Italian restaurant. We have been enough times that the staff knows us and welcomes us like family. So we had lunch here again. 

Once we got to our accommodation we started asking for our forwarded backpack. It was not here, they didn’t receive it, they said. So there was a trip to Correos to ask. Correos said that someone signed for it. So tomorrow will be another day of looking for our missing backpack. 

We were able to meet with friends we met along the Camino. We had drinks with Karen and Bryan from Australia and then also with Kavita and Raj from USA (Georgia). It was super great! We shared stories and laughs, even tears. 

It was an amazing experience to come into Santiago de Compostela again. It’s different each time. This time I shed a few tears as we rounded the corner and heard the bagpipes. 

Even though we are missing some stuff we had a great day. I hope you have had an experience of learning and growth today. It doesn’t always have to be a good day but perhaps an opportunity to be present. That’s what we learned today. There were some good things, bad things, big decisions…and we ended the day with gratitude. 

Buen Camino!

We started off a little late this morning, well late for us 8:15 and started our walk to O Pedrouzo. We ran into Art and Penny on our way out of town and had a good time catching up. We haven’t seen them since Leon when we went to the last stage of the San Salvador and then the Primitivo. 

The walk today was very enjoyable and relaxed except for the crazy amount of pilgrims on the way. Yesterday was busy but today was incredible. So many people. Perhaps if we would have gone through Sarria, which is where the numbers soar, we wouldn’t have been so shocked. Since we came from the Primitivo where you might spot 3-20 pilgrims a day it was a major culture shock. 

I noticed that there wasn’t the same “hi, where are you from?” along this section. Though we did meet a woman from the Boston area Marisol and a very nice Scottish couple (we didn’t get their names). 

Also I was hoping to stop in at Casa Tia Teresa but they were closed. Hopefully just for today or vacation. Anyone know? 

Upon arriving in O Pedrouzo we ran into Tim from South Carolina and had a quick catch up. Then started looking for our bus back to Arzua. Success. Back in Arzua we ran errands, showered and got ready for dinner. We hope to get yo see our friends Michelle and Suzanne, Pauline and Keith. (We had dinner with Pauline and Keith, but unfortunately Michelle wasn’t feeling well. Prayers for a speedy recovery.)

Tomorrow we will take the bus back to O Pedrouzo and walk the remaining 19 kms into Santiago. It always seems bittersweet to get to this moment. You are so proud of your accomplishments and not quite ready for it to end. Fortunately for us we still have a month to walk. So we will go to Muxia. And then back to Leon and walk part of what we missed by going to the San Salvador and  Primitivo. 

I hope you have something that you are looking forward to as well as something you are proud of!! Buen Camino!!

As pilgrims it is important to make decisions for your well being both physical and mental. We slowed down because our bodies are tired. I mean seriously we started in January walking nearly 3000 kms. And now have added almost another 1000. It’s okay to say “easy does it” for your physical well being. Also we started with a group of people and want to see them before everyone makes their way back home. So we bussed ahead. 

Lugo is an amazing city and we will definitely come back and spend more time. We caught a bus from Lugo to Melide and started our walk today. We had such a great walk today. It rained just a little. And we saw two dogs walking the camino. 

We arrived to Melide in time for restaurants to be closed until dinner. We found one though and had a nice early dinner, then did some errands and prepared for walking tomorrow. Because of accommodation issues we are staying two nights in Arzua. We will walk and then take a transport back to Arzua. It’s not ideal but also not unusual. 

Hope you are well. Buen Camino. 

Our day started early and in the rain. We have 14 kms to walk today and then we are moving ahead to Lugo still recouping the bodies and we had a terrible time finding accommodation. 

We had one big climb out of O Cadavo. As we were getting ready to ascend a truck past us with Xunta Galicia on the side. This is the government in Galicia. As we were making our way up the truck came back down. They were letting us know it was safe to go on. There was work being done on the road which made getting by a bit challenging. 

We came into Castroverde where we planned to stop for breakfast. We had a nice breakfast and a long rest before heading out for our last 6 kms of the day. 

The rain stopped and the sun came out for the last bit of walking. We met three French women as we walked along: Veronique, Ilianne and Silvie. We didn’t think we would find anything while waiting for our taxi but there’s a beautiful albergue and cafe in the small town of Vilar de Cas. The hospitalero was just finishing soup for dinner and offered us a taste. So delicious! If walking this way this is a must stop. 

We arrived in Lugo and were delighted to see a beautiful Roman wall. Our driver said that this is the only Roman wall in the world that is still in tact. 

Early dinner is our favorite. The Spanish often don’t start dinner until 8 pm. And for pilgrims that’s a bit late to get a good night’s sleep and be ready to go the next morning. So we try to eat our big meal in the afternoon. 

We hoped to get a new credential because our second ones are almost full. There is a map on the backside so if we have to we will stamp on that. Unfortunately the cathedral at Lugo didn’t have any. Eureka we found credentials in another church. We are set for more walking. 

Hope you are well. Buen Camino!!

PS after the storm comes the rainbow!