LIVE from the Camino Jensjaunt on the Portuguese Coastal

[Jensjaunt]

Day 0? I’m here and I start my slow coastal camino tomorrow! Feel blessed and recognize the privilege it is to be able to take this journey. Tomorrow a short walk to Matosinhos - just right for a walk in the rain! Am looking forward to being beside the sea, the waves and sounds will I hope kick start me info reflection mode. I have never been to Porto and it truly is a beautiful city worth a longer visit. The Cathedral was beautiful, as were the botanical gardens near the University! I saw a fair number of pilgrims milling about so it’s starting to get busy. On a guided walking trip around Porto ( worth it for me as a newbie) - of the 8 of us in the English language group, 4 were walking the camino! Here are a few fav pics! Bye for now!

 

[DenWhite]

Day 0? I’m here and I start my slow coastal camino tomorrow! Feel blessed and recognize the privilege it is to be able to take this journey. Tomorrow a short walk to Matosinhos - just right for a walk in the rain! Am looking forward to being beside the sea, the waves and sounds will I hope kick start me info reflection mode. I have never been to Porto and it truly is a beautiful city worth a longer visit. The Cathedral was beautiful, as were the botanical gardens near the University! I saw a fair number of pilgrims milling about so it’s starting to get busy. On a guided walking trip around Porto ( worth it for me as a newbie) - of the 8 of us in the English language group, 4 were walking the camino! Here are a few fav pics! Bye for now!

Might cross paths along the way.
Bomb Caminho

 

[Jensjaunt]

What a wonderful day walking by the sea! My backpack felt good, my dry bag with poncho strategically clipped to the outside was handy! My first stop was in a bakery cafe near the mouth of the river. I watched the colourful poncho geared pilgrims pass by - I counted around 25 in 30 minutes. Today I am seeing the Atlantic Ocean! There is something about the sea that makes me feel connected to humanity. Her rhythms remind me to be humble and grateful! The Matosinhos tourist bureau has a stamp and shared a brochure “ Hot spots between land and sea.” One listing is the large fibre art sculpture by Janet Echelman. A few years ago I had watched a wonderful TED talk she gave on inspiration - where she highlighted the art came to be, its meaning and shared photos of it being installed. Wonderful to see it live! Tomorrow more seaside - planning 15 km. Happy walking Jen Here are a few pics of the day

 

[DenWhite]

Might cross paths along the way.
Bomb Caminho

Bloody google auto spell, it needs a bomb.

 

[jungleboy]

Bloody google auto spell, it needs a bomb.

Bomb caminho should be the new greeting on all routes!

 

[DenWhite]

Bomb caminho should be the new greeting on all routes!

Need a bomb to go off to get moving for those early morning starts.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Jensjaunt, I'm loving the photos (and your positivity),
thank you for sharing!

'Bomb' Caminho

 

[senora1]

I’m behind you by a few weeks so really enjoying following your posts. Bomb Caminho

 

[Jensjaunt]

Need a bomb to go off to get moving for those early morning starts.

Yes! It’s different, or maybe I’m different? The cool sea breeze means starting at 9 is fine - no need to avoid the heat right now! I did bring a head light though

 

[Jensjaunt]

I’m behind you by a few weeks so really enjoying following your posts. Bomb Caminho

Thank you! It’s wonderful. Wishing you a great journey and wonderful experience!

 

[BRSmith13]

Hello! Well, Jen love your photos. We are in Vigo seeing lots of pilgrims. The weather yesterday and today is wonderful of course, we start tomorrow with the rain. Rethinking gear. The Decathalon store here in Vigo was OUT of anything Camino-based. Or cold weather gear. Not a hiking pole to be seen. Was directed to a great dept store in downtown called El Conte Inglés. The 5th floor had all things athletic. Including treking poles!
Safe travels. Buen Camino.

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 3 was another wonderful day spent along the coast. I planned a short day so I could meander and explore Vila do Conde which did not disappoint! The day included walking on boardwalks and some sand covered boardwalks ( slower going but not difficult) and cobblestone beach front paths. Not many water fountains but there were foot washing stations for beach goers to use! From the coast you turn right and go up river to the bridge to enter Vila do Conde, watch for the yellow arrow painted on a rock to direct you. I had to check the app as you walk thru thru a newly developing sub division - see one of my pics, yes I was going the right way! One thing that was a topic of discussion at the Albergue was pilgrim meals - we are walking at the coast thru holiday and beach resort towns so I have not seen them posted as in other Caminos however there have been daily specials or menus of the day that are very reasonable. Today as I waited for the Albergue to open I had one of my best meals to date - 15 euros for lunch of soup, bread, my choice of three tapas from a huge list and bottled water. Restaurant near the 11th century fort facing the boardwalk - something Iberica I believe? Tomorrow rain is predicted- so my big blue poncho will get an airing. I’ve moved my wool socks to the top of the pack in case a change is needed mid day! Wish me luck. Hope you enjoy some of the photos taken along the way - photo 2 is where I had to check that yes I was supposed to be walking thru the subdivision

 

[Jensjaunt]

Hello! Well, Jen love your photos. We are in Vigo seeing lots of pilgrims. The weather yesterday and today is wonderful of course, we start tomorrow with the rain. Rethinking gear. The Decathalon store here in Vigo was OUT of anything Camino-based. Or cold weather gear. Not a hiking pole to be seen. Was directed to a great dept store in downtown called El Conte Inglés. The 5th floor had all things athletic. Including treking poles!
Safe travels. Buen Camino.

Thank you! Are you excited? I will be thinking of you bothIt would not be a camino without a little rain - would it! I do my longest day tomorrow as well! 18km! Did I tell you my poles arrived! So I did not have to buy anything!

 

[Carla M.]

Day 3 was another wonderful day spent along the coast. I planned a short day so I could meander and explore Vila do Conde which did not disappoint! The day included walking on boardwalks and some sand covered boardwalks ( slower going but not difficult) and cobblestone beach front paths. Not many water fountains but there were foot washing stations for beach goers to use! From the coast you turn right and go up river to the bridge to enter Vila do Conde, watch for the yellow arrow painted on a rock to direct you. I had to check the app as you walk thru thru a newly developing sub division - see one of my pics, yes I was going the right way! One thing that was a topic of discussion at the Albergue was pilgrim meals - we are walking at the coast thru holiday and beach resort towns so I have not seen them posted as in other Caminos however there have been daily specials or menus of the day that are very reasonable. Today as I waited for the Albergue to open I had one of my best meals to date - 15 euros for lunch of soup, bread, my choice of three tapas from a huge list and bottled water. Restaurant near the 11th century fort facing the boardwalk - something Iberica I believe? Tomorrow rain is predicted- so my big blue poncho will get an airing. I’ve moved my wool socks to the top of the pack in case a change is needed mid day! Wish me luck. Hope you enjoy some of the photos taken along the way - photo 2 is where I had to check that yes I was supposed to be walking thru the subdivision

Thanks for sharing,
I was curious about the kind of shoes you are using for the sandy boardwalks.

 

[Jensjaunt]

The weather forecast was accurate- so all geared up for rain! A bit less meandering today as the distance was longer around 22 and it was raining for most of the day! Lovely how the camino provides - I had a wonderful walking partner today which made the time fly by, and the coffee stop seemed timed with when there was a heavier bit of rain. Today we were on the coast and there is the odd sign showing up. Great boardwalks to walk on and some sea, historic windmills and market gardens to look at! Today I am grateful for company, warm Hostal hosts and a day well walked. Tomorrow - shock- I am going off camino, taking the opportunity to visit Braga where I will take a rest day and explore!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Thanks for sharing,
I was curious about the kind of shoes you are using for the sandy boardwalks.

Hi Carla - I am walking in Hoka trail runners, wide and half a size larger. Even today with the rain they are doing well.

 

[dougfitz]

Tomorrow - shock- I am going off camino, taking the opportunity to visit Braga where I will take a rest day and explore!

Braga might not be on the Costal route, but it is on a caminho route just the same!! There appears to be three ways to go north:

• heading to Ponte de Lima and continuing on the Caminho Portuguese Central route
• joining up with the Ignacio Taverneiro, although that route might not be well defined on the Portuguese side of the border
• following Geira Arrieiros Road north to Santiago.

 

[BRSmith13]

The weather forecast was accurate- so all geared up for rain! A bit less meandering today as the distance was longer around 22 and it was raining for most of the day! Lovely how the camino provides - I had a wonderful walking partner today which made the time fly by, and the coffee stop seemed timed with when there was a heavier bit of rain. Today we were on the coast and there is the odd sign showing up. Great boardwalks to walk on and some sea, historic windmills and market gardens to look at! Today I am grateful for company, warm Hostal hosts and a day well walked. Tomorrow - shock- I am going off camino, taking the opportunity to visit Braga where I will take a rest day and explore!

We loved Braga! Have a great time. The rain here is forecast for the next 4-5 days. But more serious 1-2” per day. So we will take our time. Be careful

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 5 to Antas
After a day and night in wonderful Braga I took a cab back to Fao to rejoin the route. Seasides, sun, sand dunes and market gardens were along the path today. Walked the literal route - there are signs at the beach parking lots that mark your position, it’s interesting walking behind sand dunes and just hearing the sea! Some paths were just sand tracks, a few sections walking on the beach, so at times faith was needed I was going the right way. Brierley’s book map guided me showing that just past the lookout and at the campground is where I needed to walk inland 25 minutes to get to Antas which is on the coastal route. Sweet little bakery in Antas provided a wonderful afternoon coffee as the rain started. On the posted map was the reflection question I used today “You are here” to which I added, be present, be open and enjoy the day.

 

[Jensjaunt]

Braga might not be on the Costal route, but it is on a caminho route just the same!! There appears to be three ways to go north:

• heading to Ponte de Lima and continuing on the Caminho Portuguese Central route
• joining up with the Ignacio Taverneiro, although that route might not be well defined on the Portuguese side of the border
• following Geira Arrieiros Road north to Santiago.

Thanks Dougfitz! Due to time I cabbed to and from Braga from Fao - I did however get a Bom Jesus stamp! In future it would be great to walk to Ponte de Lima!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 6 to Viana do Castelo
It’s interesting how rain and being all wrapped up in your poncho helps me be more reflective. This camino and doing it solo is giving me time and space for reflection for which I am grateful. Today is the first day off alternative and Senda Litoral routes and on the coastal route where trail markings, shells and advertisements of Albergue’s and cafes where seen today. I felt comforted by seeing the many trail signs, so reflected today about what gives me comfort in my life and why. I also saw a few more pilgrims but not the wave I saw leaving Porto. I saw maybe 20 pilgrims today? Was a bit sloppy on the trail during the forest but still passable, with my tricky knee I take my time and hiking poles a real must! With the rain the river was magnificent and no trouble crossing the rio Nieve. Highlights of the day - having the Igreja Santiago de Castelo do Neiva open so I could visit the first church in Portugal dedicated to StJames - joining my footsteps to others who have gone before! Another highlight was found around 1.5 km later - a roadside donativo with seating areas out of the rain offering fruit, hard boiled eggs still warm, a kettle for tea, coffee brewed, a cooler with juices, and more - all on the honour system. It appeared just when I needed a break. Was mystical seeing the Cathedral shrouded in mist on the hill as I came into town. See you on the trail! Jen

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 7 to Vila Praia de Ancore
It’s wet and cool and my nose is telling me that I worked up a sweat under my poncho today! The hiking poles got good use today. Staying in an Albergue tonight that has all twin beds - yeah. I have been enjoying meeting people from all over the world. My informal tally is the largest number of pilgrims I have met so far are from Germany. I also met a mid size guided group travelling from South Africa. I met around 5 from the Chek Republic, same number from the U.S, a few from France, some fellow Canadians, two from Luxembourg, and one pilgrim from Sweden so far! Saw many more people today - a good 50 passed me as I go my turtle pace, all cheerful and wishing each other a good walk! Some pilgrims even made use of the swings along the beach despite the rain! Hope everyone is warm and dry tonight! Jen from Canada

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 8 to A Guarda
Walk, ferry, walk - relax or maybe squelch, slip and slide and then I’m here so poncho and shoes off Was a wet few hours of walking but greasing up my feet with my compede stick and wool socks are working with my Hoka trail runners!
Sad to say Adeus Portugal and at the same time happy to say Hola Espana ! It’s Sun so not much open on the route to the Ferry so had my first cafe con leche of the day in the first open cafe - which warmed body and soul! A guarda is a pretty town looks as if it was built around the harbour and the fort on the hill. Will find out more tomorrow when the tourist center is open! Here are some pics from the day- mist and rain did not give us that first glimpse of Spain but we knew it was there

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 9 to Oia
What a wonderful walking day! Blue sky, blue water and not a poncho to be seen! Walking to the sound of the waves, to the sound of bird song, listening to the sound of the earth beneath my feet, feeling connected. With my slow pace I often get passed and at times I find myself automatically speeding up. It makes me reflect on - how has competition affected my life? I feel blessed to have the time and space to ponder Q that come up as I walk. This helps me focus on who I wish to be now that I am retired, and getting rewired! Highlight from the day first Spanish Tortilla, and watching the fishermen fishing off the rocks.

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 10 to Baiona
Today was a longer day with even some elevation gain! Good to feel like the pilgrim legs are kicking in. We did see many pilgrims following the yellow bike path all the way to Baiona, we followed Wise pilgrim and Brierley blue route to climb. Nothing like climbing up along old Roman roads where you see the wheel ruts to help you feel a part of history! Dramatic views of the lighthouse. Today one main place to stop for coffee/early lunch - at the campground/caravan place had an accurate sign last stop till Baiona. Fair number of pilgrims were there. For those wondering about numbers the Pilgrim Inn from last night in Oia had free beds. Today I am thankful for my body how it can keep me moving over 7 hrs on the trail today. Tomorrow a day off to Explore Baiona!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Great to see you’ve got blue skies again, enjoy your zero tomorrow

 

[shwiway]

Hooray for good weather! Enjoying reading about your Camino and loving the photos. We’re planning a rest day in Baiona too so looking forward to reading what you get up to. Are you staying in the albergue?

 

[Jensjaunt]

Hooray for good weather! Enjoying reading about your Camino and loving the photos. We’re planning a rest day in Baiona too so looking forward to reading what you get up to. Are you staying in the albergue?

Hi shwiway -Thank you - am posting in hopes it helps others, as well it helps me recap the day. I actually stayed in a private room in a family run 8 room boutique hotel, a block from the beach and about a 20 min walk further from Baiona old town. Right on the coastal route - Casa do Marques - highly recommend. Included continental breakfast. On my past Camiño when I had a rest day sometimes the Albergue would want you to leave during the day and not be back till check in time. So I wanted flexibility

 

[Jensjaunt]

Rest day and Day 11 walking to Prieque to the small San Xurxo Albergue on the hill!
This is Spain - so my concerns of getting lost as I walk the alternative coast route and then go inland to the Albergue were for naught-as all well marked!
Had a wonderful day off in Baiona! If I were a sun worshipper this is the place! A few hardy souls out bathing! I walked the boardwalk, thru the old town, spent time in the cathedral and also walked the fort! I was staying about 20 min further on from old town. So my rest day I clocked around 13 km!
Today was a beautiful walking day! A short day to the newish, very clean municipal Albergue. 12 bunks and as well an overflow room w a further 12 or so mattresses on the floor -all taken! This is a beautiful part of Spain and shop keepers, restaurant owners and hosts are all so helpful and welcoming! I can not count the number of Buen Camino greetings I received, but know that each one lifted my heart. A lesson for me how could I live this spirit of hospitality back in Canada? Some photos from both days!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 11 photos

 

[grdemedeiros]

Rest day and Day 11 walking to Prieque to the small San Xurxo Albergue on the hill!
This is Spain - so my concerns of getting lost as I walk the alternative coast route and then go inland to the Albergue were for naught-as all well marked!
Had a wonderful day off in Baiona! If I were a sun worshipper this is the place! A few hardy souls out bathing! I walked the boardwalk, thru the old town, spent time in the cathedral and also walked the fort! I was staying about 20 min further on from old town. So my rest day I clocked around 13 km!
Today was a beautiful walking day! A short day to the newish, very clean municipal Albergue. 12 bunks and as well an overflow room w a further 12 or so mattresses on the floor -all taken! This is a beautiful part of Spain and shop keepers, restaurant owners and hosts are all so helpful and welcoming! I can not count the number of Buen Camino greetings I received, but know that each one lifted my heart. A lesson for me how could I live this spirit of hospitality back in Canada? Some photos from both days!

Thank you for your thoughtful notes! An idea about your hospitality question... in the US some people are Trail Angels for those hiking The Pacific Crest, The Continental Divide, and Appalachian Trails. (Leaving water & snacks at rest stops, offering rides into town for shopping, laundry or showers, etc.) Are there similar trails or opportunities in Canada?

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 12 walking to Vigo
Brierley lists 5 ways to walk into Vigo - we choose route 5 along the coast and level. Some markings but easy to navigate when you know to keep the ocean to your left! Coming into Cities means seeing more people. Many locals out enjoying the warm weather. Vigo is a vibrant town full of energy found a small restaurant serving late lunch meal of the day - fish again yeah! My pilgrim feet are feeling the effects of hot days and many days walking so not going too far from the accommodation tonight! A phrase that captures today’s walking experience was - oh we are here now! As Vigo seemed to surprise us being around one last beach corner. Today as I walked my thoughts were around my family and the support they give me to walk. Here are a few photos of the day - walk on everyone! ( And yes those are oranges growing in City boulevard trees! - how cool is that!)

 

[Jensjaunt]

Thank you for your thoughtful notes! An idea about your hospitality question... in the US some people are Trail Angels for those hiking The Pacific Crest, The Continental Divide, and Appalachian Trails. (Leaving water & snacks at rest stops, offering rides into town for shopping, laundry or showers, etc.) Are there similar trails or opportunities in Canada?

Thank you grdemedeiro for your response and idea! I will explore what might be around but at present I am not aware of longer trails that have that type of infrastructure near where I live. But maybe there is something like friends of the National Park or some organization that supports people outdoors …thanks for the idea! A friend of my husband did the Pacific crest trail a few years ago - that ends in Manning Park BC - the photos were inspiring !

 

[shwiway]

Hi shwiway -Thank you - am posting in hopes it helps others, as well it helps me recap the day. I actually stayed in a private room in a family run 8 room boutique hotel, a block from the beach and about a 20 min walk further from Baiona old town. Right on the coastal route - Casa do Marques - highly recommend. Included continental breakfast. On my past Camiño when I had a rest day sometimes the Albergue would want you to leave during the day and not be back till check in time. So I wanted flexibility

Thank you! Will definitely check out the accommodation as we were wondering how we’d have a rest day if staying in the albergue. Buen Camino!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 13 walking to Cesantes ( just past Redondela)
Followed the Brierley recomended way out of Vigo - up, up, up doing a bit of window shopping, seeing the locals going to the fresh fish markets early in the morning. Then walking on the sqwiggly line roads ( see photo) and up thru the forest. Today there was fog and possibly some smoke that kept things cool early in the morning but limited the harbour views. I’ll take the cool . There were more people around, met some fresh walkers who started in Vigo and some who came from the central route. Redondela was packed with pilgrims. Had a very pleasant walk with a young woman I met two days ago. I enjoy this aspect of the camino where we interact with people from different backgrounds and different generations! Today with the mist my reflection Q was - what in my life would benefit from blurring my focus so I could see and attend differently? Here are some photos from the day.

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 14 to Pontevedra
Summary another wonderful varied walking day. A few climbs, lovely town, a peaceful chapel and wonderful river walk and we are here! The walking poles got a good workout today as this day included walking up and down some steep paved sections, up what was today a stream bed - all doable. There were some wonderful views back to where we had come from - looking into the Ria de Vigo. As it was a Sunday I did not expect to have much open yet there were many cafes in Arcade as well as pop up cafes scattered in the woods. The lovely Capela da Sta. Marta - a peaceful place to gather my energy for the rest of the journey. I took the alternative or complementary river route into Pontevedra- there are two markers at the choice point. The river route was wonderful for me -a time and place with water running, wild flowering plants ( comfrey I think) and opportunity to meander slowly.
Today’s reflection was on looking back and remembering loved ones who have passed, considering how my past can enrich my present and future.
Tomorrow is a rest day in Pontevedra.

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 15 of walking! Began the Spiritual variant today! Walking to Combarro a short day, so I could explore. Sometimes the camino provides, as my short day helped me avoid most of the rain showers today! There were many pilgrims leaving Pontevedra this morning - as I followed I almost missed the left turn for the Spiritual variant (SV)but then I saw the sign! The apps and Google maps show some cafes on that side of the bridge if you are like me and hoped to stop for coffee know there was a “provisional camino” detour due to some road works so missed all of the business areas. The SV markers are more subtle so you need to watch for them - they may not be facing towards you but down the fork you need to follow. Today I stopped in to tour the wall mosaic depicting the camino Francis and chapel at the 12th century San Xoan Monasterio. Glancing up from the inner court yard you can see the wonderful shell carved into the bell tower. The largest shell I have seen! There is a small fee to tour but so worth it! Combarro with its old town, lovely harbour and graineries on the shore is a great stop for the night! Hope you enjoy the photos!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Wow, those SV marker's are excellent, are they all like that?

 

[Jensjaunt]

Wow, those SV marker's are excellent, are they all like that?

Hi Peterexpatkiwi - many are but they are small - and you need to read them to make sure you know what direction the arrow points. Sometimes they are not at a juncture but partway down the route. For example glancing at this one you would think you go straight but you do not! You go to the right.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Day 15 of walking! Began the Spiritual variant today! Walking to Combarro a short day, so I could explore. Sometimes the camino provides, as my short day helped me avoid most of the rain showers today! There were many pilgrims leaving Pontevedra this morning - as I followed I almost missed the left turn for the Spiritual variant (SV)but then I saw the sign! The apps and Google maps show some cafes on that side of the bridge if you are like me and hoped to stop for coffee know there was a “provisional camino” detour due to some road works so missed all of the business areas. The SV markers are more subtle so you need to watch for them - they may not be facing towards you but down the fork you need to follow. Today I stopped in to tour the wall mosaic depicting the camino Francis and chapel at the 12th century San Xoan Monasterio. Glancing up from the inner court yard you can see the wonderful shell carved into the bell tower. The largest shell I have seen! There is a small fee to tour but so worth it! Combarro with its old town, lovely harbour and graineries on the shore is a great stop for the night! Hope you enjoy the photos!

I know exactly what you mean about almost missing the SV sign to turn left. We walked this route last year and like you were among many pilgrims leaving Pontevedra that morning. Well, perhaps because I was chatting a bit too much with new friends, we missed the turn. Realizing this about a mile up the trail, we reversed our course to backtrack and to make the turn toward Combarro. I remember saying to myself, how could I miss such an obvious sign? Oh well, a bit delayed, but on to Combarro and then up and over to Armenteria . If I were to do this route again, I would do as you are and take a short day and stay in Combarro. Looked like a lovely town. Enjoy your next two days on the SV. They’re great! We were lucky enough to stay at the Monestario. A real highlight of our Camino. Love your posts and pics!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day16/17 to Armenteira and Os Casantos
Continuing on the Spiritual variant - walking up up up and having beautiful views of the estuary with the dark clouds as contrast! Enjoying the short downpour huddled in a bus shelter and starting off again when it’s just drizzle - thank you atlas poncho for keeping me and my pack dry! The downhill into Armenteira is a bit rocky and slippery so you need your hiking poles for stability! You arrive in Armenteira right at the impressive monastery. The SV goes right by and then we go to the right keeping the stream to the left. The rain has made the stream bank full making the stone and water walk by the old mills wonderful. One tricky bit navigating was when you get to the road and cross by Peneira cafe/bar you need to walk thru their gravel parking lot before you see signs directing you to go thru the underpass. The cafe staff gave directions to confused pilgrims! Today I so in awe of the beauty and power of the water I did not meditate on any Q. I am realizing that time is coming to integrate what I have been experiencing as my walking journey is nearing its end. Here are some photos of note!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Hi Peterexpatkiwi - many are but they are small - and you need to read them to make sure you know what direction the arrow points. Sometimes they are not at a juncture but partway down the route. For example glancing at this one you would think you go straight but you do not! You go to the right.

Wow, they’re not so easy to see, I really had to search in your photo to find it

 

[Jensjaunt]

Wow, they’re not so easy to see, I really had to search in your photo to find it

I know - they are beautiful and elegant but can blend in a bit, so far I only went off path twice and both times locals directed me back!

 

[Frankybaby66]

Might cross paths along the way.
Bomb Caminho

We all have bad days, but 'Bomb Camino' seems a bit of an over - reaction!

 

[Jensjaunt]

I know exactly what you mean about almost missing the SV sign to turn left. We walked this route last year and like you were among many pilgrims leaving Pontevedra that morning. Well, perhaps because I was chatting a bit too much with new friends, we missed the turn. Realizing this about a mile up the trail, we reversed our course to backtrack and to make the turn toward Combarro. I remember saying to myself, how could I miss such an obvious sign? Oh well, a bit delayed, but on to Combarro and then up and over to Armenteria . If I were to do this route again, I would do as you are and take a short day and stay in Combarro. Looked like a lovely town. Enjoy your next two days on the SV. They’re great! We were lucky enough to stay at the Monestario. A real highlight of our Camino. Love your posts and pics!

Thank you for sharing it’s hard sometimes not going with the flow as so many went right. I also find myself speeding up when walking around younger pilgrims!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 18 walk to Vilanova de Arousa
If todays walk was a movie the trailer would show idealic river walk, dew covered vines, pilgrim contemplating life, aggressive dog blocking the path, local hero helping pilgrim continue their journey with a safe arrival to the harbour town.
With over 1000 Camino km walked this was my first negative dog encounter. I like dogs but this one did not like me. My camino angel was the local man who I asked for help so he walked with me to the turn point talking loudly and sternly to growling, lunging teeth bearing dog. ( which was not his!)
So that got my heart and legs going so it was an easy climb through the Eucalyptus forest. Just before the forest I saw this amazing new to me bird - I looked it up and it’s native I think to Spain the Goldfinch or Carduelis with distinctive head crest and black and white markings. Today for the rest of my walk I meditated on the kindness of this stranger and asked for blessings to be sent his way. Vilanova de Arousa has a large fleet of colourful fishing boats with many shellfish farms in the surrounding waters. Here are some photos of the day( no I did not take a photo of the dog!)

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 19 boat to Pontecesures and short walk to Padron
Attached as one of the photos is the bird I saw yesterday— and a name correction it’s called a Hoopoe! Today the boat trip was packed with pilgrims. I could not believe there were so many in the city! The journey in the drizzling rain was with captain Santiago. Padron is a charming older city with a buzz of energy about it! With the short day boat ride half a day enabled me to see the town and go to the church of Santiago and the lovely city gardens. Today I did some journaling and captured some insights. I am feeling a little melancholy that this journey is coming to an end but a pilgrimage has a beginning and an end to the physical walk, the internal musings I know will continue! Here are a few photos including one from online I found of the bird!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 20 to O Milladoiro
Walking in a sea of pilgrims was the start of my day - my guess 90% are walking all the way through to Santiago today. My turtle pace means 18km is great for me - as I started walking from Padron at 8:15 and arrived in the Albergue at 3:30. My ankle is speaking to me saying thank you for the stops today along the way and for the short 7.3km day tomorrow! One benefit of being a slower walker is many people pass you and eventually you have stretches of the trail to yourself. I noticed today my mood lifted when I started walking. Walking thru small hamlets and villages where if you look closely you see rock walls are opportunities for plants to find an home and chickens come to greet you! Late lunch was a surprise as the food truck at Casa Aldea da Pedreira was cooking up yummy smelling hamburgers and I needed a break and protein. Today while walking I meditated on what supports and grounds me on this walk and in life - in addition to my feet, legs and poles . Here are some photos of the day!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Day 21 - to Santiago
This will be my last live on the camino post as I have arrived! As of 5:30 this eve - I am one of 1800 pilgrims that arrived today in Santiago. It was a great walk in after I got on the trail! I made the rookie mistake of following the pilgrims in front and walked down hill into Milladoiro instead of just turning left! Even though you are walking through suburbs it’s pretty and it’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you get a glimpse of the cathedral thru the city streets! Found a great place for my morning cafe and watched the pilgrims come in - the outdoor Parador cafe. Today I am letting it soak in, visited pilgrim house to use the quiet space to do some journaling. I enjoyed the Camino Portuguese - it was what I had imagined it would be - more reflective and an inward journey versus the Francis was more me and the external world. I am glad they are different and unique and am so thankful that I am able to walk them. In closing - a shout out to forum hosts, content providers and question askers - the info on the forum proved invaluable to me. It has also been a way for me to reflect and share. Blessings be fellow pilgrims - A few closing photos - see you on the trail sometime Jen from Canada

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks for posting for the benefit of us armchair pilgrims, I've enjoyed following you. Not only have your posts been entertaining but some of your photos are excellent. I shall miss your reports!

 

[Jensjaunt]

Thanks for posting for the benefit of us armchair pilgrims, I've enjoyed following you. Not only have your posts been entertaining but some of your photos are excellent. I shall miss your reports!

Thank you for your kind words! I’ll be back to being an armchair pilgrim shortly! It’s amazing what good quality pictures our iPhones take now! Bye for now Jen from