SANTIAGO!

This camino continues to be a blur as each day finishes before I feel like I got the most out of it.  Thursday was a largely uneventful walk into Padron Spain. Thursday night I had the pleasure of seeing up close one of them Stone remnants be broke that carried the apostles and change to the resting spot at Padron. The town is also nice and that it issues a certificate for visiting stone.

Friday, yesterday, saw me leaving and usually early for the cleaning portuguese. I was on the trail before 7:00 a.m., which is more of a trait that you would see on the Frances - he Portuguese typically starts later around 8:00 or even 8:30 a.m..  I don't know the full reason, but my pace was fast all day and I made very few stops for only a few moments each, taking a "full" rest break about 13km in. Around the 10km marker my pace went from fast to Fast. In Milliardo I decided to stop at a cafe for a quick break - I had no idea it would be so quick.  The short story, RUDE bikagrinos and a waitress catering to the rude, and my desire to stay a good Pilgrim and not unleash my anger upon someone desperately in need of a stay in the rubbish bin....  I left, quickly and aggressively, swearing to uphold my commitment as a peregrino.  My pace was now FAST!!!  I was not going to further delay my arrival in Santiago any moments longer then necessary.

The arrival in Santiago was very personal, emotional, extremely uplifting and refreshing - mind, body, and soul!  The rest of the afternoon was spent in mostly quiet contemplation before visiting the cathedral and completing the steps required for plenary indulgence.  I returned to the tomb of Saint James, fulfilling a promise made in 2018 viewing to make at least two more visits God allowing.  Later, a farewell meal at my favorite restaurant, Antollos pinchos e viños, with new members of my Camino family.

The above photo is Antollos himself - he remembered me from previous caminos (or so he said).  He runs a fantastic place and is an awesome host!  By the end of the night we were all friends, promising to meet next time I am in town (Spoiler : Next week).

I only committed on a final decision for next 6 days just this morning - The Camino provides and I will place my trust in the Camino.  I am traveling to Sarria, 115k. From Santiago on the Camino Frances...  I am going back to the route that started it all for me and going to walk for 5 more days and continue to process the deep impact this journey is having on me.  (So, yes, I will return this upcoming week for a fourth arrival.)