Friday, 9 October 2015
Day 12, Friday, Oct 12 - the last long day
Hola mes amigos - this is the last big walking day we have - it was 32.4 km for some of us (those that did not take a short-cut through Pedrouzo). Our journey today was from Arzua to Lavacolla, a twisty up and down day. We left in the dark and were treated to seeing a brillant orange/red sunrise - it was a beautiful site. We stopped at about 6,5 km for a coffee and a bit of breakfast, and again like the tortoise and the hare, we were thankful to be one of the first to arrive (we should have use the one bathroom at that time). Some stood in line for quite awhile to use the facilities, others continued on the journey. I enjoyed the solitude of being alone, thinking of why I was on this journey, what it means to me and what I will learn from it. I am sure many people are doing the same, contemplating their journey as we near our final destination of Santiago. I remember seeing a young man weeping in the Basilica in Astorga- I wonder how this journey has or will change him and if he has or will find inner peace. It is truly a sentimental journey for many.
Today, we again were honored with the strong pungent eau de farma as we walked through several farmyards and villages. We are still very much in farming community as the tractors are plowing the fields and farmers are ensuring that the silage is well protected for the next coming months. There were several places where the grape vines were overflowing with clusters of grapes (I restrained myself though) and the kiwi hung abundantly from the branches. The apple trees were strategically placed a distance from the pathways and where ever we went, we could see a gentle brook/stream flowing nearby. Many pilgrims are getting more weary - you could see it in their gait and hear it in their expressions. Myself, being the early morning riser, I had a spring in my step (at least for the first few hours) and soon became like the other weary travellers making this incredible journey.
We had agreed to meet some of our colleagues in Pedrouzo for lunch and our group dutifully followed the camino trail, while the others took the shorter route. While we waited for their arrival on the outskirts of town, we seen some pilgrims (who looked very familiar) saunter to the rest-stop. Being the very polite engaging folk we are, one of us, and I will not mention who, thought that one of the female pilgrims looked just like the one we met yesterday(Susan) and immediately proceeded outside to give her a big hug, welcome her and inquire about her journey for the day. The colleague was greeted warmly by this pilgrim with a crushing hug. After a few exchanges, it became apparent that this was not the Susan from yesterday and the conversation ended. It was quite comical to experience this and the story was quickly shared with the rest of our colleagues.
Once we all arrived from our 7.5 hour journey, we toured the town, the local grocery store and tried to decide where we will eat our supper meal. We all decided on this restaurant that was open at 5pm (many others did not open until 8 pm) - it had many different Paella dishes (rice with different kinds of seafood or vegetables) and was close by. Again, we were treated to a unique kind of experience - the breaker blew several times while our meal was being prepared, we visited in the dark, ate in the dark and again so much enjoyed reviewing the day's events and some of our life stories. For those of you not on this journey, you are often in our stories and we carry you very close to us as you are always a part of our conversation. It is very apparent that we are all grateful to have had this unique experience. As we look around, we feel very fortunate that outside of a few minor aches and pains, we are all well and healthy and able to enjoy the journey. We have learned a lot about each other and relish the great memories we will have. Tomorrow, we only have 10 km to do and should arrive in Santiago de Compostela at about 10-10:30 am. We will get our offical certificate and make it in time for the pilgrims's mass at noon. We will have the rest of the day to tour the city and share in our final supper before Dave and Kathleen leave for Madrid and Barcelona on Sunday. We feel as sense of accomplishment and a sense of sadness as we are nearing the destination. Soon, we will all be heading back to our lives and this will only be a memory. But what a great memory it will be! Adios, hasta luego. Sandy
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