Vinsman

Today I completed the Camino Portuguese. It was the most epic day ever. I traveled over 58km which is a record distance for me. Now before you say no way, let me tell you that the day started with a 31 Km boat ride from Villanova de Aurosa where I stayed last night to Padrón which is were I walked it Santiago de Compostela from.

The boat ride was simply unbelievable. We started at 7 am which is about an hour before the sun comes up in Spain. So we were headed North East and watched the sun come up over the mountains as we traveled along first the bay / estuary and then up the Ulla river. The Ulla river is said to be the route that the remains of St James traveled to get to Santiago. There is a series of 12 stone crosses along the banks of the river to commemorate his travel.

Once we arrived in Padrón, we’ll actually 2km south of Padrón we walked into the city. I wanted to get a special certificate called the Padrona to do so I needed a stamp from the Cathedral. It did not open until 10 so I waited. Now this is totally out of character for me as I am usually one to pass and go. It had to fight the urge to go but I did stay and got my Padrona.

The last part was the walking part. it was almost 26km from Padrón to Santiago. I just put my head down and walked. I expected to arrive at 4 and actually made it by 3:30 which was fantastic. To make it even better my friends were waiting for me with a beer. WIN! I walked down and got my Compostela and had it inscribed Vicari Pro for Dawn Mahoney Byers which is a way off saying that I walked this Camino for her as she could not do it herself. I will go to Mass at 7:30 tonight for payers.

Today I my walk started from Armentira which is a very small mountain village with a monastery a few restaurants, a hotel and a pilgrims hostel. The great part about today was the walk. It started in the valley of Water and Stone. We walked down a smallish creek that was running consistently and dammed in many locations so that the water could be diverted into the stone mills that were used to ground grain. It was a beautiful walk.

Once we finished that part of the walk the balance was along the river which was teeming with Salmon and then finally though vineyards that were being harvested and onto the sea.

I am staying in a town on an estuary that provides much of the worlds canned muscles and other preserved fish. Spain is known for their Conservas which are diffferent types of canned fish. It is actually quite good.

Today I walked out of Pontevedra on my way to the Spiritual Variant which travels west away from the main path and toward the sea.

Last night I stayed at a great albergue. Hostel Charino is run by Julio and his mother. the albergue at first glance is a bit pricey at 28€ but once you see what is included it is a good value. Along with a bed in a room with only 2 sets of bunk beds which included air conditioning, I had a luxurious bathroom all to myself to take a shower and washing and drying was included. This morning breakfast was also included. Julio’s mom made a delicious coffee cake, there was fresh squeezed orange juice along with coffee, toast, yogurt and some ham. It was delicious.

The walk today was mostly up hill. At times very steep but at least most of the way was either paved road or beautiful mountain hard packed roads. The scenery was quite beautiful as we walked along the estuaries. The only real tough part was the last km or so down the hill to Armentira, which is where I am staying tonight. I am excited to be able to go to mass at 7pm at the Monastery in Armentira. Only two more days left until I arrive in Santiago.