We have completed the Camino Portuguese de la Costa. 13 days walking through two countries. Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compestela in Galicia. The official route distance is 280km but with the little added bits we have walked over 300km. It has been, and will remain, one of the best things we have done out of all our many and varied adventures. Crispy has been amazing. A soldier in her resolve to complete this journey. Despite pain and tiredness she has faced every day stoically and with enthusiasm. I know she set out to do this for me but has turned out really enjoying the experience. I am so very proud of her. Her feet are wrecked but she has never once complained. I will say it again. She is amazing, strong, beautiful and most of all my best friend.
It has been hard going. Every day getting up and setting off onto the trail knowing that at least 20km of distance lies between you and your next bed. 20 km is not a long way but to do it every day takes its toll. Saying that everyday has been a joy as the scenery changes. From the rugged Atlantic coast to the rolling hills and river valleys of Portugal. Eventually winding through the forested hills of Galicia. We have seen and visited places that would only ever gave been a name on a map. Its true that you don't really see a place unless you walk through it. The fine detail, everyday life, people everything makes even the most mundane place amazing in its own right.
Overall the best motivation to continue is the other pilgrims that constantly drop in and out of your lives. All doing the same things with the same purpose. The regular greeting of "Buen Camino" becomes almost a token that you are part of a special group. The friendly greeting pushes you onwards, especially wgen the going is tough and your hurting. We have met some amazing people. Each doing the camino for their own purpose and reason. I consider them all incredible for undertaking this adventure.
There has been no epiphany, no world changing revelations, but then again we didn't expect there to be. What there has been is a greater understanding and self resolve that anybody can do anything they want to. It's nothing to do with physical fitness it's all to do with a state of mind.
The guy at the kindergarten said " The person that arrives at Santiago is a different person from the one that left Porto". We agree with him. We are changed in so much as we are closer, appreciate each other even more than we did before ( if that is possible) and grown stronger together.
We arrived in Santiago de Compestela at around 4pm yesterday. A hard final push of 28km through the rain with Crispys feet screaming blue murder and my ankle threatening to give up. The route weaves it's way into the Old centre avoiding main roads and motorways. The Spires of the Cathedral popping into view before once more disappearing but never seeming to get closer.
Eventually we arrived in the plaza under the gaze of St James. We admired the ancient facade before making our way to the peregrinos office to register for our Compestela. Wearily we trudged down the paved street and were surprised to see no queues. We had been told horror stories of the queues as all the different Camino end here. We limped upto the guy on the door who looked at us sympathetically before telling us in a very sad voice that the office was closed. Crispy nearly collapsed at the news. As we starred at him he smiled and said " only joking. Buen Camino". I had to stop dear old Crispy leaping on him like a zombie and ripping his face off. She instead turned to me and said " That's something you would do" but with more expletives. She's right I would. Itvwould be the perfect job for me. Into the office and the credentials checked. Certificates printed and back on the street within 5 minutes. Everybody was lovely and full of congratulations. The Camino was complete.
I didn't post this yesterday as I wanted to get some pictures of some people who have been a part of this trip. Particularly the American contingent. Meow. Louis. Eric and Katy. ( They very graciously donated to our just giving page) MoMo from China. Some we didn't come across since arriving but we certainly will remember. Sister Mary Margaret from North Caroline, Charmain from Australia. Anybody we met we thank you for making our Camino fun.
That's it for the blob now as tomorrow we catch a bus back to Porto to spoil ourselves with a few days rest.
The just giving page has reached £950 with still some promised donations to go. Amazing and we are truly grateful to everyone that has supported us in this venture. If anyone can spare a few bob to push it over the £1000 we would be ecstatic.
I hope the people that have read this blob of our Camino have enjoyed reading the adventure as much as we have enjoyed doing it. Please feel free to add a comment on the blob. It makes writing it more worthwhile.
For now
Bare and Crispy signing off. Santiago de Compestela, Galicia, Espana
Crispy is already talking about another long distance adventure in the not to distant future. She's a rum old bird
Well done, proud of you both
ReplyDeleteWell done to a special couple love to you both X
ReplyDeleteWell done and congratulations, you are amazing and I have loved reading all about it, it's like we have traveled with you both, I honestly don't know how you have had the energy at the end of each day to write it 🥰
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your well deserved few days of R&R before heading home, lots of love and hugs to you both , from this very proud Old friend 🥰🥰
God bless you both. Dad and Jean would be proud of you love you very much ❤️❤️❤️❤️
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