Walking the Camino Portuguese – My Travel Notions

Saturday, Day 1 of Walking the Camino Portuguese from Portugal into Spain

Last year, my childhood friend and I decided we would participate in the Wild Women’s Expedition of walking the Camino Portuguese in Galicia, Spain. My friend is the caretaker of her mother and some last minute developments prevented her from attending the walk. I decided to move forward with these plans.

I walked the first part of the Camino, which was about 8 miles or 12.5 kilometers with Wild Women Expeditions where we have a van that takes us to our beginning destination and picks us up at a certain point to bring us to our hotel. It may not be the way of a ‘true’ pilgrim, but for me this is about walking and taking in the beauty of my surroundings, the nature, the asphalt roads, the historical towns and villages.

According to Wild Women, much of the route follows the original Roman military road that connected Portugal with Spain and France, via Astorga. The way is literally dotted with 2000 year old bridges, Roman milários (milestones, our pathways are enriched with the presence of shrines, churches, convents and stone-crosses, where the comforting image of Saint James is often present accompanying the pilgrim.

For our first day’s walk, we drove south to be begin our walk in Valença, also known as Valença do Minho, a small town in Portugal on the border of Spain. This walled town of Roman origins is located on the left bank of the Rio Miño (river).

Just some background information about the Camino Portuguese, it usually begins in Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon and spans a distance of about 388 miles or 615 kilometers heading north to Santiago de Compostello. Although its considered the second most popular Camino, after the Camino Frances, there are many ways to walk to Santiago. And, why Santiago. The Way of St. James, which these journeys are also called, was an important Christian pilgrimage in the Middle Ages to the the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Pilgrims or peregrinos in Spanish walked the route in order to reduce the punishment of their sins.

I’m walking to honor this planet, my ancestors, my parents, siblings, children and grandchildren; And, I walk for this body and mind in praise of my sheer and abundant gratitude as it has and continues to sustain me. I don’t know the outcome of this walk and journey…I don’t need to. I will just take one step at a time encouraging my feet, knees and hips to keep moving without pain.

Welcome to my Day 1 of 7 days of walking on the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela. On my first day, I did the almost 8 miles or 13 kilometers to complete my first stretch of the Camino Portugues.

Our first Wild Women Expeditions group selfie at Monte Santa Trega in Spain. It was just a get-out-and-stretch stop before we hit the start of Camino Portuguese journey. And, this stop included the Mount Santa Trega archaeological and religious heritage along with the stunning views of A Guarda. (April 23, 2022)

The Hotel Ciudad de Vigo in Vigo, Spain, where are Wild Women Expedition group met Friday evening for our Camino Portuguese introduction. (April 22,2022)

Views from my room at the Hotel Ciudad de Vigo in Vigo, Spain, where my Wild Women Expedition group are staying for our Camino Portuguese introduction. (April 22, 2022)

The Wild Women Expedition guides for our Camino Portuguese, Jenn and Raquel, gave our small group of 12 walkers, the scallop shell, which identifies us as pilgrims or peregrinos who are on the Camino, has long been the symbol for the Camino de Santiago. Plus we were given a map of our first walking route and our Camino passport requiring two stamps daily. (April 22, 2022)

A quick selfie as our Camino Portuguese group loads up the bus in Vigo, Spain, where we all met for the first time to head to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Our Camino Portuguese group loading up the bus in Vigo, Spain, where we all met for the first time to head to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Our Camino Portuguese group loading up the bus in Vigo, Spain, where we all met for the first time to head to Valença, Portugal, to to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

But before we began our Camino walk in Valença, Portugal, we stopped at the archeological and religious heritage of the Castro of Santa Trega on the hillsides of Mount Santa Trega in the southwestern Galician municipality of A Guarda, Spain. The site is strategically located overlooking the mouth of the river Miño and the city of A Guarda. Here we are walking down the stone steps of Castro Santa Trega’s Celtic ruins dating back at least 2000 years. (April 23, 2022)

Stations of the Cross at Castro of Santa Trega in Spain on the hillside of Mount Santa Trega, a quick stop on our way to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022).

The Castro of Santa Trega in Spain on the hillside of Mount Santa Trega, a quick stop on our way to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022).

The stone steps of Castro Santa Trega’s Celtic ruins dating back at least 2000 years on the hillside of Mount Santa Trega, a quick stop on our way to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022).

The Stations of the Cross pathway on the hillside of Mount Santa Trega in Spain, a quick stop on our way to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022).

The Stations of the Cross pathway on the hillside of Mount Santa Trega in Spain. (April 23, 2022)

One of the beautiful Stations of the Cross on the hillside of Mount Santa Trega in Spain.(April 23, 2022)

A view of the town of A Guarda in Spain from the hillside of Mount Santa Trega in Spain, a quick stop on our way to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022).

The archeological remains of a settlement on Mount Santa Trega in Spain, whose documented origins are from the 4th century BC. (April 23, 2022)

The archeological remains of a settlement on Mount Santa Trega in Spain, whose documented origins are from the 4th century BC.

Me enjoying the beautiful views and historical landscape of Mount Santa Trega in Spain, a quick stop on our way to Valença, Portugal, to begin our first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022).

Getting in line to get our first stamp in our Camino passport at the beginning in the Valença fortress Visitor’s Center in Portugal before starting out walk. (April 23, 2022)

Here we are entering the walled Valença fortress in Portugal. The first walls were built in the 13th century. (April 23, 2022)

Me and my shadow embarking on my Camino Portuguese journey starting in Valença, Portugal, close to the border of Spain. (April 23, 2022)

Valença, Portugal, officially became a city in 2009 but its origins date back to Roman times. Valença had a decisive historical role in the defense of Portugal from neighbouring Spain. Originally, the city was called Contrasta which means “village opposed to another”, which was Tui, located in Spain just across the river. But it was the the Portuguese King Afonso who changed the name to Valença in the 13th century. (April 23, 2022)

Making our way thru the commercial section yet still inside the fortified city walls of Valença, Portugal, during our first day of walking on the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela. (April 23, 2022)

Me approaching the Church of Santa Maria dos Anjos located inside the fortified walls of Valença. This small Romanesque church dates from 1276. (Thank you Margaret for the photo. April 23, 2022)

The interior of the Church of Santa Maria dos Anjos located inside the fortified walls of Valença, Portugal. This small Romanesque church dates from 1276. (April 23, 2022)

The fortified wall city of Valença, Portugal. (April 23, 2022)

The Tuí International Bridge, just outside the Valença fortified city walls and fortress, connects Portugal to Spain or Valença to Tuí. The bridge was completed in 1878 under the direction of Gustave Eiffel, of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Camino directions took us across this landmark bridge through a pedestrian walkway. (April 23, 2022)

Me on the Tuí International Bridge (or Valença, depending on which side you are standing on) that connects Portugal with Spain. (April 23, 2022)

After walking across the Tuí International Bridge, connecting the borders of Portugal and Spain, is this sign pointing in the direction of the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

And, right after the Camino Portuguese sign is this one letting me and everyone else know that we have entered Spain. There is no passport control and no border control requirements. (April 23, 2022)

The markers along the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela. (April 23, 2022)

Making my way into the medieval city of Tui, Spain, which was once composed of three main elements: the cathedral, its hamlet of dwellings and its city-walls. (April 23, 2022)

There are plenty of signs and yellow arrows leading the way to the Camino Portuguese including these scallop shells on the ground. (April 23, 2022)

The walkway leading to the medieval heart of Tui in Spain. And, as I approach, I hear a band playing the music to: “It’s fun to stay at the YMCA. (April 23, 2022)

The band playing the music to the Village People’s song: “Its fun to stay at the YMCA,” in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui, Spain. The origins of the cathedral date back to the 6th century. At the end of the 11th century, work began using Santiago of Compostela as a model of a church of pilgrimage. (April 23, 2022)

The scallop shell for holy water inside the entrance of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui, Spain. (April 23, 2022)

Inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui, Spain. (April 23, 2022)

It was not a mass but some event was taking place inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui, Spain. (April 23, 2022)

The town of Tui, Spain. (April 23, 2022)

I did not eat breakfast so when we stopped for a late lunch in Tui, Spain, I just wanted a little something to eat so I order a Tapa, which is a small plate of food. In this case, it was a large plate of food of chorizos, fried egg and potatoes. It was delicious, but I just couldn’t eat it all. (April 23, 2022)

Following my fellow Wild Women Expedition teammate and pilgrim, Emily, along the Camino Portuguese as we leave Tui, Spain and continue on our quest. (April 23, 2022)

There were just so many lovely rose bushes along the way and this rose not only looked beautiful but it smelled beautiful too. (April 23, 2022)

The first time I heard “Buen Camino” was from an older man as I was walking passed him. In Spanish, it simply means “good journey.” It’s something pilgrims say to one another and towns people say to the pilgrims. This sign, “Bom Caminho,” basically means the same thing but this is what the Portuguese say. (April 23, 2022)

The Veiga del Louro Bridge, popularly known as the “Roman Bridge”, is an infrastructure of medieval origin that connected Tui with the settlements along the River Miño. The bridge was built in the 12th century. (April 23, 2022)

Me standing in this stone cut out of a pilgrim by the Veiga del Louro Bridge, popularly known as the “Roman Bridge” in Tui, Spain. (April 23, 2022)

A small 13th century Baroque chapel in Tui, Spain, as I walk along the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Not all of the walk are pretty little towns. But, we keep on walking. (April 23, 2022)

A sign post with the yellow arrow directing pilgrims on what direction to walk on the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Walking on a rural roadway surrounded by beautiful trees along the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Walking through a woodland path of the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Ribbons and a cross along the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Woodland pathways with running water along the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Our meeting and end point for today’s walk was a little bar on the Camino with this church-like looking building that I had seen throughout my walk. Come to find out its a traditional structured called a hórreo and it was mainly used in the Galicia area of Spain to store grain. (April 23, 2022)

Our Wild Women Expeditions Camino Portuguese group checking into our guest house, the Pago Larache in Vilaboa. I was definitely ready for a hot shower and the need to put my legs up. (April 23, 2022)

My upstairs room at our guest house, the Pago Larache in Vilaboa. (April 23, 2022)

Our Wild Women Expeditions Camino Portuguese group getting ready to have a group dinner at the guest house, the Pago Larache in Vilaboa. (April 23, 2022)

My progress for my first day of walking the Camino Portuguese. (April 23, 2022)

Sunday, Day 2 of Walking the Camino Portuguese in Spain

It rained pretty much all morning long for at least five miles along the Camino Portuguese from the start of our walk in O Porriño and began to taper off as we walked through the little hamlet of Mos.

At the beginning of the walk, I did not have a poncho. But I definitely bought one at our first checkpoint stop in Mos. That’s also when I boarded the van to escape the steep up and down of the Capilla de Santiaguiño de Antas on Monte Cornedo.

After a very light lunch at the Bar Corisco of puréed vegetable soup, water and an Advocare Rehydrate Gel Pack, I got back on the Camino. When I got back on the trail, it was with two fellow Wild Women Expedition members and pilgrims, Beth and Emily. We took our time and reached the final checkpoint of the day, the Jumboli Restaurant in Cesantes. Once we all arrived, the van took us back to our guest house the Pazo Larache in Vilaboa.

Here’s to Day 2 of walking in the rain in Spain along the Camino Portuguese.

This is how my Camino day began in O Porriño with just a slight drizzle but it did not stop there.(April 24, 2022)

What can I say? Yes, it’s a big piece of Rosa Porriño or pink granite in the road as I’m walking through O Porriño. The town is known for its granite production. (April 24, 2022)

It’s best to follow the walking path because cars and bike riders are known to whiz by along parts of the Camino. (April 24, 2022)

Walking through the forested areas on the way to Mos from O Porriño on the Camino Portuguese in Spain. (April 24, 2022)

On the Camino to Mos is this tribute to Maria Magdalena Domínguez (1922-2021), a self taught Galician poet who was born in Mos. (April 24, 2022)

The Via Romana XIX sign indicates that the Camino road was actually built over a former Roman road possibly from the time of Caesar Augustus (63 BC to 14 AD 14). He was the first Roman emperor, reigning from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. (April 24, 2022)

The beautiful farmland along the Camino on the way to Mos. (April 24, 2022)

A little further down the road on the Camino was another tribute to the Galician poet Maria Magdalena Domínguez with this small statue by the beautiful wisteria. (April 24, 2022)

Me, my down jacket, water repellent pants and shoes that both seemed to work well. And, the walking stick, which is being lent to me by my part time roommate Margaret. Thankfully it wasn’t windy so my little umbrella, which is closed because it was only slightly drizzling at the time worked rather decently on the walk to Mos, our first checkpoint. (April 24, 2022)

The only place to stop on our way to our final checkpoint in Cesantes to rest, grab a bite to eat and use the toilet was this small neighborhood place along the Camino called Bar Corisco. It wasn’t supposed to be open but the woman who owns it, and lives in the building to the left, opened it for our group. And, of course, other pilgrims/peregrinos also stopped in for coffee or bite to eat. (April 24, 2022)

A ball made of rubber bands as we followed the yellow arrows through the town of Redondela. (April 24, 2022)

Making our way on a Sunday afternoon along the Camino Portuguese through the quiet town of Redondela as we make our way to our final checkpoint in Cesantes. (April 24, 2022)

The countryside area from Redondela to Cesantes along the Camino Portuguese. (April 24, 2022)

Railroad tracks in the countryside area from Redondela to Cesantes along the Camino Portuguese. (April 24, 2022)

The countryside area and dirt roads from Redondela to Cesantes along the Camino Portuguese. (April 24, 2022)

Walking with fellow Wild Women Expedition members and pilgrims, Becky and Emily to our final checkpoint for the day. I even see the van in the distance. (April 24, 2022)

Made it to the last checkpoint and end of our Camino walk for the day, here at the Jumboli Cafe and Bar in Cesantes where our van waits to whisk us back to our guesthouse the Pazo Larache in Vilaboa for our second night’s stay. (April 24, 2022)

A group selfie, but not the entire group, resting and waiting for the rest of our group’s pilgrims at the Jumboli restaurant in Cesantes. I celebrated with a shot of Seagram’s 100 Pipers…its a Deluxe Blended Scottish Whiskey. Oh, my that went down smoothly. (April 24, 2022)

Our second night at the our guest house, the Pazo Larache in Vilaboa where we had our group dinner which included this wonderful salad as a starter. (April 24, 2022)

Our second night at the our guest house, the Pazo Larache in Vilaboa where we had our group dinner and for me it was baked chicken and fries. I was hungry and tired. (April 24, 2022)

My end of the day walk results was a little more than 9 miles. The distance for today’s walk was calculated to be 18 km / 11.18 miles. (April 24, 2022)

Monday, Day 3 of Walking the Camino Portuguese in Spain

The van took us back to Cesantes to begin where we left off Sunday on the Camino. It began as a perfectly cool and slightly sunny day before turning rather warm.

The most difficult part of the Camino are the hills, which we encountered before and after the small fishing town of Arcade.

What I’ve come to appreciate are our checkpoints. The van is at a certain location so if needed, we can get a snack or even a ride to the next checkpoint.

For me this Camino is all about the walking and not necessarily the miles logged. It’s more about taking in the beauty around me and connecting with the pilgrims I see along the way even if it’s just to say “Buen Camino.”

Come join me on my 3rd day of walking the Camino Portuguese.

Me at one of the many markers leading to Santiago de Compostela thru the Camino Portuguese. It gives the distance in kilometers, in this case, about 83 km or 52 miles needed to make it to Santiago. I also love how people put rocks on top of the marker. An Australian woman walking the Camino used her walking stick, right in front of me, to knock the rocks off and clear the marker. She said these rocks were basically graffiti and that she was setting these prayers and wishes free by knocking the rocks to the ground. I have to admit her actions not only socked me, but disturbed me. She basically appointed herself, in a country where she’s a visitor, to walk the Camino clearing these markers of the stones. Her arrogance was appalling. (Thank you Margaret for the photo. April 25, 2022)

A beautiful morning in Cesantes where we began the day along the Camino Portuguese. It was cool and a little humid but a beautiful day for a walk. (April 25, 2022)

Momentos left by pilgrims or peregrinos along the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

That’s Margaret making her way down from some rather challenging hills along this portion of the Camino to Arcade. (April 25, 2022)

Margaret and me taking a water break and getting some stretching in at this little rest point with this cut-out of a woman and child along the Camino and on our way to the first checkpoint in Arcade. (April 25, 2022)

Walking the highways and the byways to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

And a countryside neighborhood along the Camino Portuguese on our way to the first checkpoint in Arcade. (April 25, 2022)

This is a typical example of a Galician laundry area, in Concello on the Camino Portuguese. It is rectangular in size with a roofed structure and a fountain. So before running water in houses and washing machines, Galician women would socialize and wash their clothes. (April 25, 2022)

Making our way to Arcade along the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

Follow the yellow arrow to Santiago de Compostela thru the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

A beautiful lemon tree with these big lemons on our way to Arcade, the first checkpoint of our group on the Camino. (April 25, 2022)

And, getting closer to our first checkpoint is the small village of Arcade, just across the medieval Puente Sampaio Bridge, where the van waits for each of us to come by and doesn’t leave until the last Wild Women Expedition pilgrim has crossed thru the checkpoint. (April 25, 2022)

Walking across the Puente Sampaio Bridge in Arcade along the Camino Portuguese and to our first checkpoint. The origins of this bridge, that spans the river Verdugo with 10 arches, are Roman but the current version is from the Medieval period. (April 25, 2022)

After reaching our checkpoint in Arcade and resting for a few minutes, while also getting some snacks like a banana and using the toilet, we moved on with much more ground to cover to now make our way to the next checkpoint in Ganderón Santa Marta including this beautiful green countryside. (April 25, 2022)

That’s Margaret pointing to which side to take along the ancient remnants of the Roman roads as we make our way to Ganderón Santa Marta along the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

The shade, which feels good now that the weather has warmed up, is covering the remains of the ancient remnants of the Roman roads as we make our way to Ganderón Santa Marta along the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

Crosses along a fench on our way to to Ganderón Santa Marta along the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

An absolutely beautiful day to walk the Camino Portuguese. (April 25, 2022)

The stunning farmland along the Camino Portuguese to Ganderón Santa Marta.

What a gorgeous and rather warm day it turned out to be along the Camino Portuguese. Here I am with Margaret, a fellow Wild Women Expedition pilgrim and Raquel, one of our two guides as we made our way from Arcade to our second and last checkpoint in Ganderón Santa Marta. (April 25, 2022)

It’s just so interesting how the scenery can change along the Camino. We walked thru this major road or highway construction site on our way to Ganderón Santa Marta. (April 25, 2022)

And, past the construction site is more gorgeous farmland and these small family vineyards on the way to Ganderón Santa Marta. (April 25, 2022)

Our second checkpoint location at Ganderón Santa Marta. This is where I decided to get on the van to the end point and our hotel in Pontevedra. (April 25, 2022)

Before leaving on the van to head to the end point, our hotel in Pontevedra, we stopped at this little chapel, the Capela de Santa Marta Bértola which dates back to 1617. I just love these stone chapels along the Camino. (April 25, 2022)

Inside the Capela de Santa Marta Bértola which dates back to 1617. (April 25, 2022)

Although Margaret and I initially began the walk as roommates, both of us had requested single rooms and were originally told none were available. However, Jenn, our guide, was able to check with the hotels along the way and secure single rooms for Margaret and myself. This is my very plain and basic room at the Hotel Rias Bajas in Ponteverde for the night. It’s just perfect for me. (April 25, 2022)

A view of Rúa de Peregrina from the balcony of room at the Hotel Rias Bajas in Ponteverde. (April 25, 2022)

A view onto the Rúa Daniel de la Sota Valdecilla from the balcony of room at the Hotel Rias Bajas in Ponteverde. (April 25, 2022)

The center of Ponteverde. (April 25, 2022)

La iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina or the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, in the heart of Pontevedra, is surrounded by pedestrian shopping streets and bars. The scallop-shaped chapel, which began construction in 1778, is dedicated to the Virgin who, according to tradition, guided pilgrims from Bayona, in the south-west of the province of Pontevedra, to Santiago de Compostela. (April 25, 2022)

Inside La iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina or the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, in the heart of Pontevedra. (April 25, 2022)

A square in Ponteverde where we spent the night in town at the Hotel Rias Bajas. (April 25, 2022)

Had this Caldo Gallego (Spanish White Bean Soup) for dinner at the Hotel Rias Bajas in Ponteverde. It was absolutely delicious. (April 25, 2022)

So for the day, with a little more walking around the provincial capital city of Ponteverde, I did a little more than 10 miles of walking. So, for me, it was a good, yet exhausting walking day. Even though I did about 9 miles on the Camino, the distance calculated was 17 km or 10.56 miles. (April 25, 2022)

Tuesday, Day 4 of Walking the Camino Portuguese in Spain

I was so tired last night that I did something I seldom ever do and that is to sleep from 10:30 p.m. last night until 6:30 this morning…a whole eight hours without even once getting up to go to the bathroom.

We walked out of the old town of Pontevedra this morning with clouds but no rain, even though the forecast called for rain. And, I made it to our first of three checkpoints today with just my down jacket. But as I was leaving the first checkpoint in Alba, it started drizzling, so I put on my new red zip-up poncho I bought last night in Pontevedra for the walk to the second checkpoint in A Cancela.

Today was supposed to have been one of the longest walking distances for this Camino, 23 km or 14.29 miles and I could only do 6.8 miles including a walk around Caldas de Reis where we spent the night.

Even though I slept really good last night, my body has not really fully recovered from these past few days of walking. Plus, the rain and the hills really did me in today so instead of pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion and discomfort, I gave myself a break and took the van to our hotel, Pousada Real in Caldas de Reis. This is not a race. It is a walk along pastoral countrysides and forests where birds are singing in the treetops. It is a sacred path to a sacred destination and I’m pacing myself.

Our hotel provided a rather speedy laundry service, that was also rather inexpensive, so I was able to get the pieces I regularly wear, washed. There are no fashion police on the Camino. And so far my uniform, of water repellent dark gray (my favorite) and light tan pants with a pair of light, comfortable leggings underneath, has served me well. Plus my merino wool, ankle socks with a lot of Vaseline on my heels and toes, have also helped to keep these feet in good working order.

Join me on my 4th day along the Camino Portuguese.

Leaving Pontevedra in the morning to make our way to our final stop for the day of Caldas de Reis as we continue on the Camino Portuguese where our ultimate destination will be Santiago de Compostela. (April 26, 2022)

Morning views of Pontevedra along the Camino Portuguese. (April 26, 2022)

Seeing these laundry or lavandeiras, a typical example of Galician society before running water in houses and the washing machine, scattered throughout the Camino.

I stopped to stretch using this tall and gorgeous eucalyptus tree along the Camino from Pontevedra to Alba. (April 26, 2022)

Along with the stunning countryside, villages, and towns along the Camino Portuguese are the variety of crosses like these that we pass along the way. (April 26, 2022)

I am by no means well versed in the Galician/Spain issues, but I do know that Galicians have their own official language and history. Galicia is a community deeply rooted in history, which is significantly different from the history of much of the rest of mainland Spain. Rather than the Arabic influence of Andalusia, Galicia is a mix of Roman and Celtic ancestry. (April 26, 2022)

Walking with Margaret and our guide, Jenn, along the Camino toward our first checkpoint in Alba. Our two guides, Jenn and Raquel, are serious Camino walkers. Today Raquel is way ahead of us with the serious and faster walkers while Jenn is patiently hanging with Margaret and I, the last walkers in the group. But there’s no shame in our game because we are out here walking and loving it. (April 26, 2022)

Seeing these markers along the Camino Portuguese brings joy to my heart. (April 26, 2022)

The gorgeous countryside on a beautiful day along the Camino Portuguese towards Alba. (April 26, 2022)

The beautiful little stone church along the Camino Portuguese in Alba and just across the street from our first group checkpoint. (April 26, 2022)

Inside the beautiful little stone church along the Camino Portuguese in Alba. (April 26, 2022)

The van is waiting at our first group checkpoint in Alba. I checked in and while still feeling good, continued on to the second checkpoint in A Cancela…about another 6.4 km or 4 miles. (April 26, 2022)

Farmland along the Camino Portuguese. (April 26, 2022)

The roads we walk on along this portion and other portions of the Camino Portuguese are built over original Roman roads. And, this sign post is an indication that these are the Via Romana XIX. (April 26, 2022)

A sign at this Roman roads designation, as we make our way to Caldas de Reis from from Pontevedra and Alba, says: The Via Romana XIX was built 2000 years ago. In 350 B.C., a milestone honoring the Emperor Magnentius was placed very close to this place. The main purpose of the milestones was to inform about the distances between the cities or the Roman Empire. (April 26, 2022)

A close-up of shell and cross on the side of house along the Camino Portuguese. (April 26, 2022)

A stone cottage slowly being taken over by nature on the way to A Cancela along the Camino Santiago in Spain. (April 26, 2022)

The water in the stream, along the forested area of the Camino Portuguese, had this white fluffy look to it. (April 26, 2022)

Stopping just for a moment between the raindrops on the Camino Portuguese along the Via Romana XIX. And, wearing a poncho that is big enough to even cover my backpack makes the whole experience of walking in the rain, especially when it’s not cold and windy, even that much more enjoyable. (April 26, 2022)

The beautiful forested area of the Camino Portuguese as we continue our walk to the second checkpoint at A Cancela, but our stopping point for the night was at Caldas de Reis. And, these are still the former Roman roads of the Via Romana XIX. (April 26, 2022)

Remnants of the Via Romana XIX or bridge of the Camino Portuguese. (April 26, 2022)

That’s Margaret and me walking across the remnants of an old Roman bridge, part of the old Roman road, Via Romana XIX, on the Camino Portuguese, on our way to the second checkpoint where the van will be parked in A Cancela. Manuel, our van driver, will be heading to our hotel in Caldas de Reis to drop off the luggage and then head back to the third and last checkpoint to see if anyone wants a ride to the hotel, the end point for the day. I needed to call it an early day and decided to head to hotel. I’m so glad I did. Thanks Jenn, our guide, for the photo. (April 26, 2022)

Walking alongside a portion of a railroad on the Camino Portuguese. (April 26, 2022)

Seeing light at the end of a not so long, but difficult walk none the less on the Camino Portuguese as we approach the second checkpoint at A Cancela. (April 26, 2022)

Seeing the van waiting at the A Cancela checkpoint and knowing that I don’t have to walk another step is simply a blessing. Just for me, I don’t think there’s any other way, I could have done this walk. I like the way our guides, Jenn and Raquel, and also our van driver, Manuel, have organized the walks with the checkpoints in between. (April 26, 2022)

Our hotel for the night, the Hotel Pousada Real located pretty much along the Camino Portuguese route along the pedestrian street of Calle Real in Caldas de Reis. (April 26, 2022)

I’m still enjoying my rooms at the hotels we have stayed in. Having my own room means I can spread out. This is my room at the Hotel Pousada Real in Caldas de Reis. The hotel is located pretty much along the route of the Camino Portuguese along the pedestrian street of Calle Real. (April 26, 2022)

The quiet, charming and compact town of Caldas de Reis, Spain, where we spent the night. The history of Caldas is linked to its thermal waters that have gushed from the ground from way back when. Inhabited by early Celtic tribes, Caldas became a major spa Aqua Celenae along the Via Romana XIX. (April 26, 2022)

Street renovations in Caldas de Reis are revealing remnants of the old Roman roads, or Via Romana XIX. (April 26, 2022)

This is definitely the most creative-looking sign leading pilgrims on the Camino Portuguese through Caldas de Reis. (April 26, 2022)

Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Caldas de Reis with palm trees surrounding it. (April 26, 2022)

Me on the old Roman bridge in Caldas de Reis. (April 26, 2022)

The old Roman bridge in Caldas de Reis. (April 26, 2022)

Didn’t break any distance records today, which was perfectly fine with me. By taking the van to the hotel, Pousada Real in Caldas de Reis, I was able to relax, get some writing done and take a leisurely walk around the quiet town. Altogether I had 16,242 steps and logged in 6.8 miles. (April 26, 2022)

Wednesday, Day 5 of Walking the Camino Portuguese in Spain

Today was an absolutely beautiful day for a walk. And, I felt pretty good while doing the walk.

The most important tip our Wild Women Expeditions guide, Jenn, passed onto us was to use Vaseline on our feet to prevent blisters. So, I’ve definitely been using that every morning and it has helped to keep my feet blister free. That includes the heels and all around and into the toes.

For my knees and hip, I take Ibuprofen at night and rub my knees with a prescription strength topical gel called Diclofenac Sodium Gel, 3%. A lesser version can be purchased over the counter, at least in the U.S., as Voltaren. They are both used to relieve arthritis pain in certain joints such as the knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands. And, it really did help. I also wore knee braces for the first couple of days but they bothered me more than the knee discomfort did so I took them off and my knees seem to feel much better without them.

I’m so utterly grateful to my body, especially my legs for keeping me moving at a steady pace. Walking 6 to 10 miles a day is not a usual thing for me. At best, I’m a good 4 to 5 mile walker. So pushing thru my previous mile limits has been rather exciting and rather tiring. But my main goal for this walk, this Camino is to just keep on walking at a pace that’s comfortable for me and staying upright which for me means no spills or falls.

Getting back to the Camino, this pilgrimage in English is known as the “Way of St. James,” and consists, like this Camino Portuguese pilgrimage as just one of the ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Saint James is described as one of the first disciples to join Jesus. And, Galicia is considered an autonomous community of Spain. According to tradition, Saint James’ remains are held in Santiago de Compostela and he is Spain’s patron saint.

The legend of Apostle Saint James suggests that he first preached on the rocks above the town of Padrón and a miracle occurred; a spring appeared when he used his staff.

We began our walk this morning in Caldas de Reis with two checkpoints in Carracedo and S. Miguel de Valga before getting to our end point of Padrón. I took the van from our second checkpoint in S. Miguel de Valga to Padrón where I continued walking around, but I only got in a couple of sites before it was time for the van to take us to our rural retreat, the Hotel Casa Rosalia in Brión, just a short drive from Padrón.

Here’s to Day 5 on the Camino Portuguese with just two more days to Santiago de Compostela.

I do like that we leave at 9 a.m. to start walking the Camino Portuguese. We’re on the Roman bridge leaving Caldas de Reis to make our way to Padrón for the evening. It’s a cool morning and rain is expected, but I’ve got my big red poncho at the ready in my backpack. (April 27, 2022)

Our van, in front of our hotel Pousada Real in Caldas de Reis. Manual, our van driver, has loaded up our luggage but he won’t be taking us to a beginning point because walking from the hotel is our beginning point. (April 27, 2022)

The stone buildings and cobblestone streets of Caldas de Reis as our group continues our quest along the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela with two checkpoints along the way before we rest in Padrón. (April 27, 2022)

The morning fog and mist along the Camino Portuguese from Dallas de Reis to our first checkpoint Carracedo. (April 27, 2022)

Picking up the Via Romana XIX road again of the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

Following the Roman road through the farmlands from Caldas de Reis along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

A mile marker along the Camino Portuguese with a worn pair of shoes and an empty plastic water bottle with the fog and mist looming. (April 27, 2022)

The variety of scenery along the Camino Portuguese is what makes it such a joy to see and an opportunity to be present for both physically and mentally. (April 27, 2022)

A gravelly road through a forest trees along the Camino Portuguese on the way to our first checkpoint in Carracedo. (April 27, 2022)

It rained along the Camino but it was a light rain while the sun was still shining. It was just so beautiful and refreshing that I didn’t bother to take my big, red poncho out of my backpack and just enjoyed the rain. (April 27, 2022)

A group of about 100, 15 and 16-year-olds walked a portion of the Camino this morning. What energy they have and as they passed me by so many of them turned around to look at me and wish me a “Buen Camino.” (April 27, 2022)

The cobblestoned brick pathway leading to our first checkpoint in Carracedo along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

The young people walking the Camino were also at the same checkpoint in Carracedo. (April 27, 2022)

The simple stone church at the Carracedo checkpoint along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

I copped a squat under this canopy, ate a banana, drank my Advocare Spark and Rehydrate and also did some stretching at this checkpoint in Carracedo before moving on to our next point of S. Miguel del Valga on the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

An awkward selfie of Margaret and me at a mile marker on our way to our next checkpoint of S. Miguel del Valga on the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

I just love these small vineyards throughout the farmlands along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

And, here come the young people again along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

And, there goes the young people along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

That’s Margaret just ahead of me on the Camino but the woman who flew by both of us was pushing a baby stroller. Come to find out, the woman is from Poland and her 2-year-old baby daughter is named Diana. The world can be such a small and fascinating place. We really should do better as humans to connect with one another and find ways to come to peaceful resolutions especially when we disagree. (April 27, 2022)

And, this couple brought their three dogs to walk the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

Gorgeous greenery along the Camino Portuguese. (April 27, 2022)

More forest and farm land with small vineyards and beautiful lilies along the Camino Portuguese to our second checkpoint in S. Miguel de Valga. (April 27, 2022)

Just up ahead is our van at our second checkpoint in S. Miguel de Valga and where I plan to hop on that van to our end point for the day in Padrón. (April 27, 2022)

A late, yet quick lunch of lentil soup, with some members of our Wild Women Expedition Camino Portuguese members/pilgrams at our second checkpoint and my end of walking point in S. Miguel de Valga. From left, Margaret, Jenn (our awesome guide), Emily, Angela, Sandi and me. (April 27, 2022)

A church and cemetery in S. Miguel de Valga, our last checkpoint and where I took the van to our end point of Padrón for the day. (April 27, 2022)

This beautiful park and walkway area, the Paseo do Espolón, is located in the center of Padrón’s old town and shaded by glorious trees on either side with a statue of the poetess Rosalia de Castros at the north end. (April 27, 2022)

At the north end of the the Paseo do Espolón in Padrón is this statue of poetess Rosalía de Castro (1837-1885) was a Galician poet who strongly identified with her Galician language. Poverty and sadness marked her life but Rosalía was committed to the defenseless and the poor while also being an ardent defender of women’s rights. (April 27, 2022)

The Sar river in Padrón. (April 27, 2022)

The Iglesia de Santiago or Church of St. James is located near the banks of the Sar river in Padrón. The church was rebuilt for the last time in the 19th century with remnants of the 12th and 15th centuries still visible. A church has been on this site since 1133. According to tradition, it was here that the ship carrying the remains of St. James was docked. There is a mooring stone inside the church, but unfortunately it was closed and I could not see it. (April 27, 2022)

Our Wild Women Expedition group having our group dinner at the Hotel Casa Rosalia in Brión, just a short drive from Padrón. From left, Edee, Janice, Tita, Beth, Emilie (just a portion of her head is showing) Cheryl, Aimee, Angela, Sandi, me, Emily, Margaret, Raquel, Magda and Jenn. (Thanks for the photo Cheryl. April 27, 2022)

We’re here at the Hotel Casa Rosalia in Brión, just a short drive from Padrón, for two nights. And, this is my very comfy room that I get to retreat to. (April 27, 2022)

The distance goal for todays walk was 18 km or 11.18 miles and I did 8.2 miles of the Camino. But when I add in walking around the historical area of Pedron, I ended up adding another mile to end the day with about 9.2 miles of walking. I was tired and sore plus once I got to my room at the hotel, I just could not get warm so I took a hot shower and that helped with warming me up and relieving the soreness. (April 27, 2022)

Thursday, Day 6 of Walking the Camino Portuguese in Spain

The day began with overcast and foggy skies but that changed when the sun made her appearance and brightened up an already exciting day. It’s our last full walking day because from our end point in O Milladoiro, we only have about five miles more to walk to Santiago de Compostela.

But for now, let’s put that little gem of information on the side and get through today’s walk of about 11.81 miles or 19 km from Padrón thru our two and final check points on the Camino and our end point for today in O Milladoiro, a satellite community of Santiago de Compostela.

The Camino’s gentle terrain guided us through rural Galician villages before our first checkpoint at A Escravitude and its Baroque sanctuary while continuing on through woodland tracks and country roads.

Am I ready to get to Santiago? Yes. But once I got into the spirit of walking and engaging in the nature and sights around me and accepting, while being prepared, for whatever weather the day brings my way, I feel satisfied and ready to bring this experience to a loving and gentle close.

For now, let’s enjoy this last full day of walking to the end point of O Milladoiro.

Here we are at the beginning point in Padrón, which was our exact end point from the day before. (April 28, 2022)

A hearty breakfast at the Hotel Casa Rosalia in Brión, just a short drive from Padrón, and a great start to the day. (April 28, 2022)

Walking thru Padrón past this cemetery and onward. (April 28, 2022)

And, so it begins walking thru country roads between rural villages along the Camino Portuguese. (April 28, 2022)

I so appreciate these markers leading the way. (April 27, 2022)

I have no idea what kind of a tree this is but its knotted trunk and umbrella-like branches looked like a peace sign and reminded me of the poem “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer:
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
(April 28, 2022)

I’m not familiar with the names of flowers, but thankfully Margaret, whom I walked alongside thru a lot of the Camino Portuguese, but she let me know that these pink beauties were azaleas. (April 28, 2022)

This old stone-walled and ground passageway along the Camino Portuguese on the way to our first checkpoint, of two checkpoints, in A Escravitude. (April 28, 2022)

The rocky road in the small village on the Camino Portuguese as I continue to make my way to my first checkpoint in A Escravitude. (April 28, 2022)

The two temple-looking structures are called hórreos, a traditional Galician grain storage elevated from the ground on stone or pillars to protect the grain from vermin. I’ve seen a number of these along the Camino Portuguese. (April 28, 2022)

Farm lands, woodlands and sheep along the Camino Portuguese. (April 28, 2022)

I’ve come across so many of these little wonderful public ancient lavoirs, traditional public laundry stations, along the Camino Portuguese in Galicia, Spain. Can’t you just see the women scrubbing their clothes and talking to one another about life. It’s interesting that the different towns and villages along the Camino are preserving these traditional laundry wash stations. (April 28, 2022)

Following the concrete marker along a back country road with the yellow arrow and distance to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Portuguese. (April 28, 2022)

Walking along the railroad tracks along the Camino Portuguese on my way to our first checkpoint in A Escravitude. (April 28, 2022)

Me following the railroad tracks along the Camino Portuguese to our first checkpoint in A Escravitude. Following along the railroad tracks along the Camino Portuguese. (Thanks Margaret for the photo. April 28, 2022)

Our first checkpoint in A Escravitude including a toilet and coffee break here at this Taberna. (April 28, 2022)

And, next to the Taberna at the first checkpoint in A. Escravitude was this Baroque sanctuary along the Camino Portuguese, the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Escravitude and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The current church was initially built in 1743 but with only one one tower until 1885. (April 28, 2022)

The exterior of the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Escravitude, along the Camino Portuguese, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. (April 28, 2022)

The interior of the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Escravitude. (April 28, 2022)

Following the yellow arrow and shell leading us through rural villages along the Camino Portuguese on the route to our ultimate destination of Santiago de Compostela. (April 28, 2022)

Our Lady of Fatima is another pilgrimage where markers like this can be seen along the Camino Portuguese except in the opposite direction of Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims travel to Fatima year round but the 13th of the months of May to October are the days that celebrate the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children at the Cova da Iria ( a valley) in the parish of Fatima in 1917. (April 28, 2022)

Me with one of the many ‘cruceiros’ or stone crosses found mainly on crossroads throughout the Galician countryside and towns. Supposedly, the crosses were placed due to the fear of the Santa Compaña, a procession of restless dead souls in torment who favor crossroads in country lanes and are feared by the Galicians. (April 28, 2022)

Following the concrete marker with the yellow arrow and distance to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Portuguese by a countryside, small family vineyard. (April 28, 2022)

Following the concrete marker with yellow arrow and distance to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Portuguese. (April 28, 2022)

Emerging from the woodlands and getting closer to our second and last checkpoint of Rua de Francos. I’m walking with Margaret (left) and Jenn, our guide (right). (Thanks Raquel for the photo. Sept. 28, 2022)

Me, done for the day at our second and my last checkpoint on Rua de Francos by the 15th century Stone Cross of Francos. (April 28, 2022)

I have no idea what this this poster says or even means, on the side of a building in O Milladoiro the end point of our walk for today, but I just love it. (April 28, 2022)

The 15th century Stone Cross of Francos at our second and my last checkpoint on Rua de Francos. (April 28, 2022)

Ending our day like we began it, with good food and good company at the Hotel Casa Rosalia in Brión, just a short drive from Padrón. We leave this hotel in the morning and make our way to Santiago de Compostela. From left: Raquel, Tita, Beth, Aimee, Emilie, Magda, Angela, Janice, Jenn, Sandi, Cheryl, Edee, Margaret, Emily and me. (April 28, 2022)

I love a good bowl of soup and this one with bits or chorizo, cabbage, potatoes and white beans, for dinner at Hotel Casa Rosalia in Brion, was hot, hearty and delicious. (April 28, 2022)

Emily and I toasting, with our shots of flavored liquor, to another awesome day on the Camino Portuguese and to making it into Santiago de Compostela in just one more day. (April 28, 2022)

The flavored liquor of herbs, coffee and banana, tasty, but definitely potent. (April 28, 2022)

Again, I did not complete the entire Camino route for today, which was a total of 11.81 miles or 19 km, but I did get in a little more than 9 miles and I’m okay with that. I walked, I experienced the walk, the nature, the surroundings, the people…and I am grateful and satisfied. (April 28, 2022)

Friday, Day 7 of Walking the Camino Portuguese and arriving into Santiago de Compostela

It was a cool, sunny morning for our walk into Santiago de Compostela. I’ve been to Spain many times but the only way I wanted to step foot into Santiago de Compostela was by actually stepping foot, one foot in front of the other, on my own, by the power of the walk. It was a notion I had kept in the back of my mind and in my heart. And, today, that tiny notion I kept to myself, came true. I walked into Santiago de Compostela and came to the end of my walk along the Camino Portuguese.

Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia, is also the home of the shrine of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. And, a leading Catholic pilgrimage since the 9th century.

We get stuck. We are okay where we are. But a piece of us knows we want more. Yet, doubt and fear can take hold. I know what it’s like to feel stuck and for me that feeling always requires action on my part. Did I complete the whole 114 kilometers or a little more than 70 miles from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela. No. Did I walk everyday of the Camino? Yes. Did I enjoy the experience? Yes. Did I push myself out of my comfort zone? Yes. The boundaries I pushed went well beyond the miles I walked. And, for that, I am eternally grateful!

I’ve come to the end of my Camino, but not to the end of my travels. From here, I move on to Istanbul, Turkey.

But for now, come celebrate walking into Santiago de Compostela with me.

Our Wild Women Expedition group gathered back at our previous day’s end point of O Milladoiro, to begin our final walk along the Camino Portuguese into Santiago de Compostela and to say goodby to our van driver, Manuel. Him and the van have been quite the respite and now he will take our belongings to our end point hotel in Santiago as we gear up for our final journey along the Camino Portuguese. (Thanks Jenn, our Wild Women Expedition guide, for the photo. April 29, 2022)

Me and the marker with the final few kilometers, scallop insignia and that familiar and beautiful yellow arrow that continues to lead the way into the medieval heart of Santiago de Compostela, a mere 7,664 kilometers or about 4.7 miles. Walking the Camino, and now this shorter distance into Santiago de Compostela, gave me time to think and reflect. I’m grateful on so many levels. A little more than three years ago I broke both bones in my right leg and messed up my ankle in the process. Although I had an incredible surgeon who fixed me up, I wasn’t sure I would really be able to walk again. But six months after my surgery, I was back traveling. These 66-year-old pair of legs continue to keep me going and I’m utterly grateful! (April 29, 2022)

And, we’re on our way to Santiago de Compostela. That’s Angela and Emily up ahead and the others further ahead. (April 29, 2022)

Which way do we go? The yellow arrow points to the left of the yellow house on the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

I have so enjoyed encountering the various nature, like this stream, during this walk along the Camino Portuguese, which come to an end today. (April 29, 2022)

Still beautiful woodlands to walk thru along the Camino Portuguese on our ultimate journey into Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

And, the marker again with the final few kilometers, scallop insignia and yellow arrow along the Camino Portuguese leading to Santiago de Compostela, a mere 2,340 kilometers or about 1.5 miles. (April 29, 2022)

Walking from the wooded pathways into the outskirts of the city of Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

Dear sweet Raquel, bringing up the rear with us slow walkers as we enter the city of Santiago de Compostela. Jenn and Raquel have been simply awesome and inspirational guides. (April 29, 2022)

Coming into the city of Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

Margaret and me hanging out for a quick photo opp as the steps into Santiago de Compostela decrease and the temperatures increase to an all out warm and sunny day towards the end of our Camino Portuguese. (April 29, 2022)

Getting thru the city of Santiago de Compostela, and the weather starting to seriously warm-up, on the way to the old town and to the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the ultimate end point of the Camino Portuguese. (April 29, 2022)

Walking thru the park from the city to the old town of Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

We did it! Walking into the beginnings of the old town of Santiago de Compostela by our cheering group who waited for all of us to gather before reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

Ready and waiting for just one more member of our Wild Women Expeditions team so that we can all walk thru the old town of Santiago to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

Walking thru the old town of Santiago to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela as a group and ending our Camino Portuguese together. (April 29, 2022)

Walking thru the old town of Santiago to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela as a group and ending our Camino Portuguese together. Here I am walking thru the streets of the old town of Santiago with Jenn, Magda, Tita and Cheryl. It’s the first time I’ve actually walked alongside the faster walkers. (Thank you Edee for the photo. April 29, 2022)

My selfie with the esteemed Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the stopping point for pilgrims coming to the city of Santiago, and the end of “The Way of St. James.” The cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. (April 29, 2022)

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the stopping point for pilgrims coming to the city of Santiago, and the end of “The Way of St. James.” The cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. (April 29, 2022)

We made it into Santiago de Compostela in time for the daily noon pilgrim mass at the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The entrance of the cathedral for mass is at the square of the Romanesque façade das Pratarías. (April 29, 2022)

The very crowded noon pilgrim’s mass inside the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

My room at the Hotel San Francisco in Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

The large sculpture of Francis of Assisi in front of the Church of San Francisco attached to the Hotel San Francisco in Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

Me, Magda, Emile, Emily, Cheryl and Margaret enjoying a late lunch of tapas, wine and water at Petiscos de Cardeal in Santiago de Compostela. Such fun with truly some amazing women. It has been a true honor to talk with them, walk with them and celebrate with them. (April 29, 2022)

It’s done! Here’s my Camino passport with at least two stamps from everyday of my walk, along with my official Camino certificate, the scallop shell, (the emblem of St. James, I wore on my backpack) and our daily walking maps Jenn, our guide, provided for us. (April 29, 2022)

Although walking into Santiago de Compostela from O Milladoiro was about 4.35 miles or 7 km, I got in even more walking around Santiago de Compostela. (April 29, 2022)

Saturday Day 8 – Getting to know a little about Santiago de Compostela and hello to Istanbul by way of Frankfurt, Germany

I woke up in Santiago de Compostela. And, I did so by walking here. It’s so true that the journey is what makes the ending so sweet. What it took to get here is what made finally getting here so meaningful.