Today’s forecast called for temperatures in the high 90’s, so we decided to start walking at daybreak. We stamped our credential with the first sello for the day at Pención Xacobeo as we went out the door.
Linda walking past the stream that pilgrims of the middle ages used to clean themselves before walking the final miles to Santiago. Lavacolla comes from the Latin “lavamentula” which literally means, “wash private parts”. We both had our showers indoors last night so we skipped a dousing in the creek this morning.The Camino was all on paved surfaces today, beginning with the initial climb from Lavacolla to the hamlet of Vilamaior.We walked along large farmhouses nestled in the forest, with serious walls and fences forming barriers from passing vehicles and curious pilgrims.We followed markers, passing a major radio/television network complex on our right, then turned left to walk by a large camping area then right a few hundred yards later with a steeplechase field on our left and corn fields on the right.
Our road formed a T, so we made a right then after a few more steps, made a left into the village of San Marcos.
It seemed like a good time for breakfast so we stopped at a modern restaurant in San Marcos and got our second sello for today, meeting our requirements for receiving a Compostela.
We walked through San Marcos and then down the steep hill past the huge sports complex that dominates Monte de Gozo.
As we left Monte de Gozo, we began the final 3 miles through suburbs of Santiago on the way to the old city and the Catedral.
The following sequence of photos shows the changing looks of our way to the Catedral:
Walkway to allow pilgrims to safely cross expressway around Santiago. It’s Sunday morning and typically a light day for pilgrims to finish the Camino. When we arrived at the pilgrims office to receive our Compostela, Jim was the 91st recipient for today. Some 2451 pilgrims ultimately received their Compostela today.Walking along mostly modern storefronts and eateries.sidewalk changed a bit Bizarre/hazardous sidewalks.more residential dense residential walk street… very quiet on a Sunday morning…still a walk street, lots of bars and evidence of parties last night.First sighting of Catedral towerentrance to old cityCervantes Square in old city we stayed in apartment on right for 2 different past CaminosNorth side entrance to Catedral.Walking through the tunnel/passageway into Praza de Obradorio (usually with a musician performing for tips, but no one here today.)The Catedral viewed from Obradoiro PrazaAdministrative offices across the square from the Catedral.
The position of the sun made decent photos impossible, so we’ll try again tomorrow.
We continued on to the pilgrim’s office where we received our Compostela. Our wait time was 5 minutes.
Linda receiving her Compostela in the pilgrim’s office.
The crowds were huge, mostly tourists on a Sunday morning. The lines were long and the sun was getting hot. We decided to focus on getting lunch, getting checked in and settled in our hotel and plan to see the Catedral inside and get better photos during our “extra” day, tomorrow.
So Camino2025, our 7th, is now history.
Linda’s CompostelaJim’s Compostela
More on Santiago and the Catedral and reflections on Camino 2025, to follow.
Jimandi 