We’ve arrived in Salceda, only 28 km or so from Santiago so it looks like we’re going to get to the cathedral by mid afternoon, in time to pick up our Compostela. We’re not sure whether to go for cultural or spiritual. For many pilgrims I’m sure that 800 km of often hard walking under difficult conditions can prove life changing, especially if as many do, they bring a variety of personal problems with them. Most are walking alone with plenty of time to think. Interaction with other pilgrims takes place at various odd moments. In the evenings, in the albergues people have a chance to chat and discuss lots of personal stuff. In the cafés and bars en route people strike up all sorts of conversations with all sorts of people, of all nationalities. I can easily imagine many leaving with a sense of achievement, fulfillment and perhaps personal growth. Mum and I are a little outside of all of this. We’ve chatted to lots of interesting people but we didn’t really turn up with unresolved personal issues; we’re both pretty comfortable in our own skins and with each other so it’s not been any sort of ‘personal journey’, merely a very long walk. It’s been thoroughly enjoyable in the most part, it’s given us a chance to spend lots of quality time together in interesting areas with interesting people that we’d have been unlikely to have met in any other circumstances. I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing the wildlife and changing landscapes. I’ve also enjoyed the relative monotony of simply putting one foot in front of the other for long stretches. I’ve enjoyed the sense of relief at stopping at the end of a long day, especially under a powerful hot shower. I’m sure that mum would say exactly the same.

So ok, philosophical introspections over.

We left early today. Last night’s stop over was necessary, we were tired, but the reception was pretty unenthusiastic, the food was poor and although breakfast was included, we were ready to leave at 7:30 just as the lady who was supposed to see to breakfast arrived. Such is life.

That’s the scene as we left. We’ve been passing through fertile farmland all day, lots of tractors and cows 😊

We’ve passed a number of these constructions.

Mum is convinced that they’re washing areas for passing pilgrims, more numerous as we approach Santiago.

We’ve been passing through what appear to be groves of eucalyptus trees.

Towns and villages are turning up every couple of km now. In Arzua, the lastest small town, we came across these pretty bike parking loops and recycling boxes.

And shortly afterwards this sad looking, solitary horse.

A cheerful chaffinch

Some more cows.

Chickens

A fence built of pieces of slate much like you’d find in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

And to wind up, mum’s foot after 31 km+. She swears that there is a blister there but I can’t see it 🤔.

We’ve stopped in a bijou albergue which the signs said was 300m from the path. They lied; it was closer to 500m but it looks like it was worth it. We’re waiting for the menu peregrino which hopefully will be as pleasant as our accommodation.

Santiago de Compostela tomorrow 🙃.

Buen Camino