I flew home from Santiago yesterday.  It wasn’t quite the ending that we’d planned.  I was aiming to finish on the 5th or 6th and then take the bus back to Porto.  Gerry was going to meet me in Porto on the 7th. Continue reading →

Day 11 Padron – Santiago

I loved my little bunk in Alburgue Rossel.  Forgetful thing that I am though, I took the locker key with me this morning and I forgot to pay for my laundry so I will post that back before I leave.

My plan today was to have a short day.  I wanted to look around Iria Flavia again, visit the church and get my Padrona certificate.  So I stayed in bed a little later, had coffee and took my time.  I left at just before 9.00 and the first thing I noticed was the cold.  Wow.  The sky was cloudless and the air so cold I could see my breath.  I made a quick stop to add layers and put on my hat and gloves… Brrr it was cold. Continue reading →

Day 10 Caldas del Reis – Padron

Hotel Roquiño is fabulous.  I only booked a hotel because I thought I’d arrive late and it would be easier.  It was a however a great choice!  Gosh I slept like a baby on the softest pillows ever.  Breakfast this morning was also fabulous and huge!  Honestly a great find! Continue reading →

Day 9 Arcade – Caldas del Reis

I slept well in my little room but I do keep waking up on Portuguese time… Around 6:30.  Anyone that knows me well  knows that usually I struggle to get up before 9.00 so this is a tad unusual and not a habit I want to get used to. So I read the news and tried to doze until 7.30 when I finally felt it was OK to get up. Continue reading →

Day 8 O Porrino – Arcade

Yesterday’s choice was a good call.  It was warm, we washed and dried all our clothes, socks, boots, insoles and coats… Even my rucksack had a spa treatment.  We both had a long shower in our own little bathrooms and my hair saw a hairdryer for the first time this week. All in all a perfect stop for pilgrims. Continue reading →

Day 7 Tui – O Porrino

Matt once told me that we all see life through our own lens and last night’s alburgue was a perfect example of this.  When we first arrived yesterday,  soaked from the rain, the old building was cold and felt quite uninviting and I feared it would be another night shivering under the blankets.  However when we returned from the supermarket the central heating was on, the radiators were hot and I felt all together a much happier Pilgrim.  Continue reading →

Day 6 Rubiães – Tui

Last night’s alburgue was another little gem and my room had underfloor heating to ensure my toes stayed toasty.  And because it was ensuite I enjoyed the luxury of a morning shower too.  I slept well enough but woke a few times as the rain was coming down so hard on the roof.  I pulled the covers up and wondered how bad the trail would be in the morning. Continue reading →

Day 5 Ponte de Lima – Rubieas

Oh how I loved my room last night.  Super hot shower and super soft bed and… And!  Heating! What a difference it makes to cold and tired pilgrims.

I met Sheila for breakfast at 8.00ish and enjoyed eggs and mushrooms and hot tea and fresh peaches.  I had a second helping of the peaches… And the tea! Continue reading →

Day 4 Carvalhal – Ponte de Lima

Last night’s s alburgue was a little diamond in the rough.  We never planned to stop there but we’re both now very glad that we did.  Thereza and her family moved from Brazil to open an Albergue.

Continue reading →