Stage 34: Caldas de Reis - Padron, 19 kms, Sun, 20

Into The Light...

Last night we were out to dinner at a lovely tapas bar down by the river. There was much discussion about what to order.

Thankfully decisions were made. We kind of pointed at a few things, and they appeared!

These were provided by the harvesters who we photographed on the Dos Faros risking their lives trying to capture . We had no idea what they were when we ordered them, but with mixed feelings we ate them. Excellent!

We ordered a nice wine to wash it all down.

A pretty nice way to spend an evening. 

This morning we were up early and enjoyed a nice btreakfast at the spaaaauuuu. Actually, it was pretty simple, but adequate. The bread was warm and quite wonderful. I noticed almost immediately that the sky had a different texture this morning. It had changed from the day before.

We walked out in the brisk morning air, wearing windbreakers for the first time. We found Neil and Sarah just down from their hotel and together we worked our way out of town. Nothing unusual about that these past two weeks.

It's difficult to explain if you haven't walked here before, but I find there is something unique about walking in Spain. We all felt it. 

Great light!

It held me completely for the first time since we departed Coimbra. 

There was the moment when we were looking up at this school window reading the greetings to peregrinos in most every language when the teacher popped his head out the window and spoke with us about how another Canadian had actually come inside and spoken with his kindergarten class about what it was like to be an RCMP officer in Whistler, BC. 

When Neil and Sarah caught up we walked on a little tickled by his story.

Then at coffee today after just 8 kms we were introduced to these two (3) who wished us Buen Camino! Pretty cute!

We walked on, the light becoming even more stunning. It had my attention!

The trails made walking a simple pleasure.

Even the roads felt gentle on my feet today...just that type of day.

This place above the town...way to the left and up, up, up...

(we are staying here tonight) is where St. James allegedly spoke. The story goes that his bones were later returned near here by boat and taken to Santiago where they were allegedly located in the cathedral crypt in the famous silver box.

A long way up!  But almost down.

Refreshment for the tired peregrinos! Quattro cañas! Olé!

Tomorrow marks the end of this joint adventure as we arrive into Santiago. Sadly to go separate ways from here, but we are both heading to France. October 5th we will head south by bus to Porto yet again and fly up to Toulouse on the 6th. On the 6th Neil and Sarah fly to Lyon to continue north west to walk a GR route Cluney south to Le Puy. We have two options lined up from Toulouse and you'll just have to wait and see which way we go:)

Buen Camino,