Oh dear sorry I have not sent you an update since day 8 and SO much has
happened!!! It has been an awesome journey and I have had SO much fun
and MANY unforgettable experiences. The people I have met and traveled
with have been inspirational read on .... I was blessed to be able complete the
whole trek without any blisters or pain but I came across LOTS of people
who were not as fortunate - but they carried on anyhow!!! Some had
disabilities and would take a LONG time to travel the 800kms from St
Jean Pied de Port but were determined to do it, some had blisters so bad
they had to walk in thongs with their feet bandaged, some were in
varies stages of the cancer demon and some were very old or very young
but just as determined!
After leaving Logrono we stopped at a Monastery/winery near Irache where
they had not only the tap providing water for pilgrims but another tap
which produced local wine!! Unfortunately it was a bit early to indulge
too much ;(
We followed this great start to the day with an interesting trail full
of ups and downs and a variety of landscapes - from forest tracks up to a
plateau of oak woods, even spotted our first golf course there, then on
to amazing views from the Matacon Hills.
On our trip we coach through industrial areas and a lot of the tracks
that run beside the highways thankfully. We visited many beautiful old
cathedrals and churches along the way. Especially Burgos and Leon which
had HUGE Cathedrals and both towns were filled with amazing history and
architecture, centuries old!
An important part of the trip for most Pilgrims is near Foncebadon where
there is a cross on the top of a long stick - Cruz de Fierro. Here
Pilgrims leave a rock/shell/photos of loved ones deceased and living and
believe sins are forgiven and blessings are received so it was the end
of the journey for some for centuries. It was a VERY emotional time for
many.
Astorga was an amazing place and our hotel was beautiful with views of a
Gaudi designed castle from our windows. It looked just like the ones in
all of the "Once upon a time" fairytales!
Next morning we finally entered glorious Galicia after a picturesque
climb to almost 2000m. The track was steep and very basic but gorgeous
with a misty, forest walk for a few hours! We were excited to come
across a farmer herding his cows along it and then some handsome gypsies
on their magnificent horses. If only we knew we could have ridden up!
He he The views down the valley were amazing!!!! We visited some quaint
Pallozas - Pre-Roman circular houses with thatched roofs and a 9th
century stone church. We had our first delicious HOT Galician soup for
lunch here at Cebreiro at 1300m - rather chilly! That night we went to
lovely Lugo and explored its OLD town enclosed in an OLD stone wall.
In Sarria we picked up another 4 ladies who wanted to join our group for
the last 120 kms or so. It was a lovely 15 days for them but very full
on. We saw lots more amazing churches and scenery and did a few "killer
climbs" but finally made it into Santiago de Compostela and visited the
Apostle St James in his crypt and attended a mass in his Cathedral!!!
What an incredible feeling it was!! We were SO lucky to arrive on a
special Tuesday as they don't swing the giant incense burner at every
service now :)
No pilgrimage is complete without visiting Finisterre (the end of the
World - according to the early Romans). We also visited a beautiful
"magical and curative" place on the coast called Muxica where the stone
ship containing St James remains landed - reportedly! They believe that
if you write all of your demons and bad things on your shell that u
carried with you, they will disappear when you throw it into the ocean
there. We also visited Cape Vilan lighthouse and were amazed by the
spectacular cliffs and rugged coastline.
We had a quite a few nights enjoying Spanish Sangria and lots of laughs
and had the most amazing Paella one night at Armenal. Most of the
accommodation and food was FABULOUS!! Everyone is disappointed that they
didn't lose weight with all the exercise - but after late 8.30ish 3
course meals and local wines provided every night as well as a few
drinks and chats in the bar before hand - not surprising ;
We were all very sad to end this trip and say goodbye to everyone - we
formed some great friendships through the special experiences that we
shared - and our wonderful guide David who deserves a medal/pay rise for
taking such good care of so many crazy Aussie ladies with such an array
of navigational skills and fitness levels but always doing it with a
smile, no matter what was required of him! Some of us wanted to walk
more than was suggested on the itinerary and some less but all requests
were granted where possible. I hope Lyn realises what an asset she has
in him.
Four of us caught the train to Madrid for a few days and took in the
sights, did some shopping and were blown away by the fabulous atmosphere
at a Flamenco show. There was a HUGE political demonstration and police
sirens/paddy wagons/riot squad presence outside our hotel on Saturday
night but 2 of us still went to the show! We just walked in the opposite
direction to get to the Metro - seeing as they closed the roads ;)
At Madrid airport now for a few hours before I fly to London to see Kyle and Brooke ;) - the fun continues!!
Sherry
