Yesterday's walk was very scenic from Arzua to Amenal. It is difficult for Helen and I to meet up along the way, but somehow we managed to be at the same cafe for coffee.
Someone else had an even better idea for a short break .....
I could easily fill this blog with endless pics of old churches, stone houses and uncomfortable cobblestone pathways (a sports bra is essential, even for me!!). There was a uniqueness of every town we passed through, but I loved watching the locals interact as they went about their daily lives in spite of us.
Everywhere the trail was well signposted, but yesterday I managed to do a not-so-planned diversion around a small town into some delightful farmland. It was reassuring to see this signpost....
How did I ever miss this....
Actually it was wonderful having the country roads to myself. On the trail some walkers with two sticks seem to splay them out, - like passing someone wielding two javelins. My bell certainly doesn't alert others who are plugged into their music or podcast. And as for those who walk six abreast out-talking each other!!! Yesterday I nearly canned off when another bike overtook me on the same narrow passage I was aiming for. Geez!! Too close for comfort. Give me this lonely path any day....
In perfectly preserved Galician villages these structures are everywhere. Apparently they are called 'horreo', and possibly have more relevance than just a food storage unit to avoid rat infestation. Some have religious symbols on the roof ridge.
Once at our accommodation at Amenal, after such a beautiful day, the heavens opened up and blasted us with a violent thunderstorm. This has been forecast every day, but never happened. The next door guesthouse was flooded and some of the Camino walkers had all their belonging totally soaked.
As expected the trail was very squishy this morning. My tyres clogged up in no time. As it is Sunday most villages were extremely quiet. Only the church bells were ringing.
Finally the Camino trail took us through the residential outskirts of Santiago until we reached the historic centre.
I was happy to drop off my bike at the hotel and go exploring. Unfortunately this shop is uncomfortably close.....
Just had to have some Tarta de Santiago, an almond pie literally named 'Cake of St James', traditionally baked as a reward for pilgrims completing their journey. All that exercise deserved some healthy indulgence!!
And so to the famous cathedral, the jewel in the crown of Santiago. Finding it was a mission, mainly because the old quarter has tall buildings and narrow streets making it difficult to locate any landmarks. It was quite an emotional scene at the end of the trail,......a mixture of cheers and tears of achievement. I saw a few guys standing in front of the cathedral holding their bikes over their heads?? Like to see them try and do that with my electric beast!
The cathedral is spectacular inside. Oops, were we allowed to take photos?
Tomorrow we explore the city. Right now it is a luxury to have clean hair and rested feet.
Will touch base again soon.
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