Day 22 - PORTOMARIN to PALAIS DEL REY (27 kms)
'A boring day today', we are told. 'You won't take your camera out'... They were right! The entire day was spent walking beside tall cornfields over which no one could see. I somehow managed to snap these shots of Meike and Julia without any crowds in the background. Despite the lack of scenery and relative boredom, the energy in the air was palpable. We're getting close to Santiago!
Just a quick warning, I've decided to post a few photos of the blisters on my left foot (I forgot to take pics of my right). There's a bit of an ick factor here, but for any of you who might be interested in walking the Camino, you might just have to suck it up. I will never pooh-pooh anyone's blisters ever again, no matter how small; I know how painful they are. Note the padding below my big toe is swelled up with fluid and a new white blister has formed between my big toe and 'index' toe. My wrapped-up little toe, however, is doing quite well -- I cut off what was left of the nail a few days ago and it's healing quite nicely. The challenge is to keep all this stuff from getting infected.
The old blister on my Achilles heel is looking great; the new blister beside it is looking really gross, ain't it?
Alright, now that I've made you all lose the contents of your stomach, have a great evening everyone! I am off to drink that bottle of wine and celebrate with my German girls!
Day 23 - PALAIS DEL REY to RIBADISO (27 kms)
The author of my guidebook wrote that it would be a relatively flat day today. Shame on his math teacher! A 400-meter climb followed by a 400-meter descent does not equal 0 elevation. Nonetheless, a good day.
Another lovely Roman bridge I get to photograph before crossing over
YES!! We are within 50 kms!! Cheers and hugs of happiness all around!
Seriously? We were ecstatic.
Seriously? We were ecstatic.
Starting to see a lot of eucalyptus trees along the way... supposedly adding a wonderful smell (my nose is still clogged) and freshness to the air.
Our albergue in Ribadiso is a charming and clever reconstruction of an old pilgrims' hospital, with an adjoining bar and restaurant, which we took full advantage of.
The converted barn in which we spent most of the night consuming fabulous Spanish tapas and mediocre (but perfectly drinkable) red wine
Oops, here's another one! My right foot this time. This is kinda fun, why didn't I gross you guys out with pictures of my feet before?
Oops, here's another one! My right foot this time. This is kinda fun, why didn't I gross you guys out with pictures of my feet before?
Pimientos del Padron, another regional specialty. These medium-spicy peppers are cooked in olive oil and served hot with salt. Delicious! They did not cause digestive issues, but we nonetheless relied on 'Pimiento Power' to power us up any hills for the remaining days. It did help clear my sinuses also. Once I discovered it, I helped myself to this dish at least once a day on the Camino, sometimes twice. Pimiento Power!
Due to a communications/bad signage/map reading error, we ended up walking more than 10 extra kms today. It's quite discouraging when you think you've finally arrived at home base, only to be told that the only hotel is fully booked. We had to go another 10 kms over the 24 we had just walked. I cried. Softly, to myself, but I cried nonetheless. My feet were killing me. However, this did bring us 10 kms closer to Santiago than planned, which made the following day (the last day!) much shorter and easier. But what a slog this day was!
More beautiful eucalyptus trees
Highway to Santiago
Even dogs can be pilgrims. Note the Santiago seashell and the Camino pin on her hankie.
YAY !! 20 kms to go !!
With Julia and Meike. My German girls.
Another reason I was nicknamed Little Hobbit. I picked at blackberry bushes constantly! They can be found lining the Camino road for the entire 800 kms, and they are so sweet and juicy. Just remember not to pick the bottom ones...
Another reason I was nicknamed Little Hobbit. I picked at blackberry bushes constantly! They can be found lining the Camino road for the entire 800 kms, and they are so sweet and juicy. Just remember not to pick the bottom ones...
We're all feeling tired during those extra 10 kms, but Meike was having some serious Achilles' tendon issues..... She was so strong and tough throughout the Camino.
Thanks for reading! My arrival in Santiago is next --Yay!
Why don't you eat the bottom berries? Is it because of animals peeing on them? Gross!
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