Camino 36 - to Santiago de Compostela

We left Lavacola on a bright warm morning. It was probably the first time in a couple of weeks I didn't need to use the hiking sticks to get started.

After a couple of hours there it was over the hillcrest: Santiago de Compostela!

We now have to find our way to the pilgrim reception office.  

They are very efficient at the office. Lots of QR codes and probably 12 desks taking care of the pilgrims as they come in. It was less than one half hour in line to get the Compostela.

We then checked in at the Seminario Menor. That is where we would spend two nights.

This is the view from the room. Fabulous. You can see the spiers of the cathedral to the right and a ferris wheel to the left.

Now, we have officially completed the Compostela, but we still need to actually complete the pilgrimage.

The sepulcher is under the high altar of the cathedral. Once you go past the sepulcher then the route goes up and behind the high altar.

*** 

We have spent about 6 weeks walking. That is about 1 million steps. This particular pilgrimage is complete. 

Still, the Camino goes on. 

Camino 35- A Calle to Lavacola

First, my apologies. I did not post yesterday at all. 

We had morning prayer and lovely breakfast Monday and set out. A funny thing though neither of us remembered to pay the bill for breakfast. Elizabeth remedied this later. We found a post office in Opiño and rather unofficially since back money to cover the breakfast and a note. I pray that God will bless the young lady that runs that alburgue.

In mid-afternoon we arrived at Lavacola. It is next to the Santiago airport. 

That is the end of the runway next to the trail. 

Camino 34 - Melide to A Calle de Ferreiros

We left the albergue in Melide before the Italian bicycling team stirred. This was not a surprise as they were still settling in at 11:30 p.m. 

It was another perfectly temperate day for hiking. 

It was a day filled with sound and scent and that is kind of hard to capture with camera. There are a lot of eucalyptus groves planted here. Some of the most delightful times were walking through eucalyptus and oak groves with the rich earthy fresh smells.

Many of the country houses had these small elevated structures. I am told that they are for storing or drying unthreshed grain.

Lemons!

We had this small bird join us for lunch. It was wary, but still picked up crumbs of bread we would toss. The bread was still warm when we bought it yesterday. It's still very good with the hummus.