Santiago within reach!

Our kind host Martin made us a nice big omelette for breakfast. He has done a couple of Camino’s and knows what pilgrims need to start their day! We started out from Arzúa, feeling optimistic. We had just 18km (11.5mi) today and 22km (13.7mi) tomorrow to get to Santiago. Thick gray clouds in the western sky gave way to a double rainbow. Perhaps perched over Santiago? I took it as a good omen.

We stopped at Taberna Vehlo for the usual cafe con leche. Across from the cafe was the “Wall of Wisdom,” with quotes from various philosophers, religious figures and authors. One of my all-time favorite authors, Mark Twain, had a great quote on the wall: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness.” Amen, Mr. Twain!

As we near the end of our journey, I thought about all the pilgrims we have encountered. We have seen so many different people from all over the world. Different cultures, ages, occupations and fitness / ability levels. Some walk in shorts or leggings, others fully bundled in woolies and rain gear; some walk with poles, others not. Some walk in hiking boots, others in crocs or sandals. Some walk alone and in quiet reflection, others in groups with lots of chatter and laughter. There is not a typical pilgrim. There are those who can walk 30-40km in a day while carrying everything on their back and sleeping in the albergues. And there are those who seem to struggle with each step and yet keep going. Their feet have covered the same miles. All have had to wrestle with physical, mental or emotional challenges to get this far, and have had to dig deep to find strength they never knew they had. However they have managed, they will get to Santiago. And they are all worthy pilgrims.

So much reminded me of home today. All around me on the trails, I saw hydrangeas, calla lilies, fuchsia, hollyhocks, wisteria and groves of eucalyptus trees. Even the climate with the moisture in the air felt like home. The weeks away have me longing for the familiar. We had a really great lunch stop at Marela Cantina where we had an amazing bacon cheeseburger and fries. So good! In spite of dozens of pilgrims at this cafe speaking many different languages, a good old-fashioned burger and fries also felt like home.

We made it to our destination mid-afternoon. Plenty of time for a shower and lie-down before dinner. One last culinary adventure - I tried grilled red scorpionfish. Apparently a highly venomous fish if stung by one of the needles, but fine to eat. Well, fine if you like bland white fish that is grilled in so much salt as to render it inedible. Bleh.

So, off to bed for one last night as a pilgrim. Santiago, here we come!