We decided in Arca to leave early enough to reach Santiago in time for the 12 o'clock mass. At 7am we started walking through the dark forest, torches and headlights illuminating the path. After a marching pace we stopped briefly for a drink and pit-stop at Lavacolla and then forged on to Santiago. The last half hour is a tedious trek through the urban area of Santiago but once we passed through the Porta de Camino into the warren of narrow streets in the old quarter we all perked up. As we reached the stone steps that lead to the Obradoiro square under the archway a piper was playing his gaita so I did a little Highland twirl. A group of tourists clapped as we came down the stairs and there were a few tears in our group! As you know, we attended the pilgrims mass and saw the Botafumeiro. We checked into the Monastery San Martin and then went to the Casino for lunch. Bell and I collected our parcels from the Pension badlada and the Correos and carted them back to the hotel. Then we went shopping for the picnic to Finisterre.
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This is a blog about 11 peregrinos walking the three most scenic sections of el Camino de Santiago in Spain. Because they don't all have long leave, two will walk the first section and four will join us in Leon to walk the last two sections section. Five will walk all three sections. September is harvest time and we are looking forward to ripe grapes, wild bramble-berries, figs, chestnuts and other Camino gifts as we walk to Santiago de Compostela.
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