Day 30: PortoMarin to Palas De Rei - 25km

From my Mom:


Sue loves hygrangeas

It seems as we are getting closer to the end, we are starting our days later, and so today we left at 9am. Steve decided to go without his drugs and did OK until the last couple of miles when we slowed down a bit. It's amazing how a few weeks back going 16.4 miles was no big deal, but now our legs are a little bit tired our bodies a little bit weary and so we move a little bit slower. Another perfect weather day...fog in the morning and then beautiful blue sky for the remainder of the day. Temperature around 70 in the sun! We had terrific paths today with mostly soft dirt and some quiet road.

I'm not sure we mentioned it before, but if you see a Spaniard driving your way, move over quickly. They drive like nuts!! Super fast!

It's so strange to see so many pilgrims out here now. For most of the day there were always a few within our vision. The first 400 miles or so, you could go for hours and never see anyone. It's a definite adjustment, but one we were prepared for having done so much research before we took off.

We continue to hang with our special group of about 15 who we've been with for several weeks, but I'm always surprised to meet someone new who's been out here as long as we have, and whom I've never met.

Today we walked through a town that was the sight of a bloody battle in 840 between the Moors and the Christians. Lots of history out here.

After a much needed rest, we headed into town for a nice dinner with Pat and Lola. We are all sick of looking at French fries, as for some reason the Spanish must think Peregrinos love them. We get them with every pilgrim meal. One of the best dishes put here is lentils. Just delicious! We eat dessert every night and although my goal when coming out here was to lose 5lbs. , my new goal is to not come back having gained 5lbs!! They also love to give us lots of bread, but never with butter. They are very stingy with mantequilla and ice cubes. It's very funny.

We are down to 42.3 miles and plan to complete those in two days. About 19 tomorrow and the remainder on Weds. We've heard that its supposed to rain Weds. so that could prove challenging as our Saran wrap, aka emergency ponchos are barely hanging in!

Early night tonight as we need to rest up for our two final days

Love to all,
S y S

9am start

Pope John Paul

Cool fog

Breakfast, lunch, dessert - todo

Beautiful gate - no residence, just a garden

We love pizzerias!

Statue along The Way

All the new peregrinos

Check out the chapel door

October 1st

 

Entering small town