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This pin is not exactly correct, as travelpod couldn't find the Monasterio de Armenteira, and I'm not surprised. I am, however, completely surprised that I actually found it!!
The day began by leaving the central route and embarking on the "variante espiritual". This route follows the way that the remains of St James were carried in 44AD by his followers. The story says that they were said to be "led by angels and guided by a star".
It was by far the most remote walk to date. There were only the 5 of us and a woman from Italy. It was secluded and breathtaking. And ROUGH terrain, with a 700 meter climb thrown in for good measure. Ugh.
About 1/2 way to the overnight stop (the monastery), I was getting tired, and told the others to go on, and that I'd catch up. Just after this point, the arrows became few and far between, and at some intersections were non existent (I would have to try one way, and if I didn´t see another arrow in about 1/4 mile, I would try another until I found an arrow). At one point, I was certain I had missed the monastery, and began questioning my decision to tell others to go on.
Just then, exhausted and worried, the Camino delivered :) I saw a sign. It was clear as day (and about 10´x 20´and written in the sand). It was my own pack of angels who wrote a note in the sand which read, "go christy go! Buen Camino!" And a smily face. It was just what I needed. I chose that fork in the road, picked up the pace, and finally saw some buildings below me on the horizon - I had made it to the bottom!! Better yet, the group was waiting at the base of the hill in a bar, and when they saw me coming in my rain gear (did I mention it started pouring, too?) they ordered cold beers and brought one to me. Angels, indeed ;)
The albergue was a small schoolhouse, and held the 6 of us and one of Rolf's friends who drove to meet us. We had a great dinner and drank wine out of soup bowls (when in Rome...)
Tomorrow we head to the coast and a boat ride.
Heel pads? Pro: no more heel bone pain. Con: caused a blister on right heel - darn! I'd take heel pain over a blister any day of the week.... oh well...
Stats:
Start: Pontaverde, Spain (7:30am)
End: Monasterio de Armenteira, Spain (4:30pm)
18.34 miles (and 700 meters up!)
Blister count: 1
Ps. For some reason, the pictures for today are not in order - not sure what happened...
- comments
renee kubesh hope you don't mind...i've shared your blog link with a couple co-workers who recently said that they had talked about doing the camino some day. so your blog is making the rounds! for your next pilgrimage (yes, I said 'next'), how about the Coast to Coast (C2C) in England? or Ireland? perhaps I'm your support crew?
Julie You go girl! You are such an inspiration!!
Glenna The scenery and your pics get more and more beautiful. Thanks for taking so many and sharing!
Mary C Beautiful, amazing and inspiring. Will have a bowl of wine with you when you're home in the backwoods!
Gethyn Glad your new friends are watching out for you.
ray What a fantastic journey within a journey. Looks like an excellent day, thanks for sharing, stay strong!
Kathryn I love them already!!!!!!!
Kathryn breathtaking
Kathryn this is the most uplifting message. I wish I was there with you!