LIVE from the Camino Héctor Walked His Way-Successfully!

[HBS60]

Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela: 8.8 miles, 14.1 Km*

* longer than expected because of trying to find the Monte do Gozo statues in the fog.

Well, I did it! I walked EVERY SINGLE STEP from St Jean Pied-De-Port to Santiago de Compostela in 6 weeks, starting on Sunday, August 11, ending on Sunday, September 22, the last day of summer and the first day of fall, hopefully also the first day for a new season in my life.

My last day in the Camino started ordinarily enough, waking up, applying antichafing cream to my feet to prevent blisters, leaving my big backpack to be picked up for transport. Although sleepy, I made a speaking video trying to collect my thoughts.

The lady at the hotel bar told me last night that the bar would open at 6 AM and I was happy about the prospect of coffee and a tortilla to get me started. Only problem was that the kitchen wouldn’t open until 8 PM…at least I was able to get coffee and a donut. I went to the gas station across the street and they also had junk food. At least I knew my walk today wouldn’t be long.

I set out and other than a fairly steep uphill, it was fairly easy terrain. The fog reminded me of my day walking from Orisson to Roncesvalles, how ethereal but challenging it was back then. It felt like an appropriate bookend to my Camino. I felt confident walking even if I was alone, felt more solid and toughened.

I found a town with an open bar, but no tortilla, meat or protein, so I had a Tarta de Santiago (almond cake) plus coffee, and resumed walking. It wasn’t a pretty walk, as we were on a grimy, industrial area, and the fog helped conceal the ugliness. I was concerned that the fog would hamper the view from Monte Do Gozo, a spot where two pilgrim statues are able to see the Santiago Cathedral from a distance, after a long walk.

Eventually I arrived at Monte do Gozo, and for the life of me I couldn’t find the statues. At this point a Spaniard from Tenerife (Canary Islands) was walking by, and we tried to find the statues, while engaging in conversation. Eventually, after much searching and asking someone that seemed to be in a tour group, we found them. Although we couldn’t see Santiago because of the fog, we took selfies with the statues.

We hung around, talking animately, trying to find our way back to the trail. We finally found it, and as we were entering the outskirts of Santiago, we stopped at a place to have something to eat. I had my first churros con chocolate I’ve had dinner e being in Spain (I can’t remember what he had).

We resumed our walk, and it was soon obvious we were getting close. After a wrong turn, we knew to follow the crowd, and as we were almost there, the cathedral bells started chiming loudly, and I heard the bagpiper greeting us.

I totally lost it in the best way possible.

I had arrived

I actually walked the entire distance from SJPDP to SDC, every single step of the way. The sounds of the bagpipe plus the cathedral bells is something I’ll never forget, I get goosebumps thinking about it.

It was almost noon, and we tried to get to the Pilgrim mass, but the line was huge, so after a while we decided to forget it and find the pilgrim office to get our Compostelas certifying that we’ve done the Camino. As we are searching, a man called Luca from Italy, whom I met in Trabadelo, spots me, comes to me and gave me a wonderful hug. It was a great joyful moment.

My Tenerife friend and I went on to the Pilgrims office, got our Compostelas, and then we had lunch. I had to find my Albergue which unfortunately is 1.6 Km away by the train station. He accompanied me for part of the way then bid goodbye as he had to find his albergue.

I’m now settled in, doing laundry, will head to downtown later, trying to think what I’ll do for the next couple of days. I have stuff to pick up that I brought but didn’t need for my walk, and I depending on the weather I’ll try to get a bus trip to Fisterre and Muxía on the coast.

I have already made arrangements for my train trip to Madrid, an overnight stay, and then my flight home. I hope for the next two days I get to savor the experience I just lived.

I’m extremely grateful for all the encouragement and support I’ve got as I’ve been sharing my journey. It was very difficult but it helped so much that I knew I had so many people rooting for me.

Thanks for staying with me!

FB link with pics and videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/naaTvRqHhv5MRsoA/?mibextid=WC7FNe

 

[HBS60]

Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela: 8.8 miles, 14.1 Km*

* longer than expected because of trying to find the Monte do Gozo statues in the fog.

Well, I did it! I walked EVERY SINGLE STEP from St Jean Pied-De-Port to Santiago de Compostela in 6 weeks, starting on Sunday, August 11, ending on Sunday, September 22, the last day of summer and the first day of fall, hopefully also the first day for a new season in my life.

My last day in the Camino started ordinarily enough, waking up, applying antichafing cream to my feet to prevent blisters, leaving my big backpack to be picked up for transport. Although sleepy, I made a speaking video trying to collect my thoughts.

The lady at the hotel bar told me last night that the bar would open at 6 AM and I was happy about the prospect of coffee and a tortilla to get me started. Only problem was that the kitchen wouldn’t open until 8 PM…at least I was able to get coffee and a donut. I went to the gas station across the street and they also had junk food. At least I knew my walk today wouldn’t be long.

I set out and other than a fairly steep uphill, it was fairly easy terrain. The fog reminded me of my day walking from Orisson to Roncesvalles, how ethereal but challenging it was back then. It felt like an appropriate bookend to my Camino. I felt confident walking even if I was alone, felt more solid and toughened.

I found a town with an open bar, but no tortilla, meat or protein, so I had a Tarta de Santiago (almond cake) plus coffee, and resumed walking. It wasn’t a pretty walk, as we were on a grimy, industrial area, and the fog helped conceal the ugliness. I was concerned that the fog would hamper the view from Monte Do Gozo, a spot where two pilgrim statues are able to see the Santiago Cathedral from a distance, after a long walk.

Eventually I arrived at Monte do Gozo, and for the life of me I couldn’t find the statues. At this point a Spaniard from Tenerife (Canary Islands) was walking by, and we tried to find the statues, while engaging in conversation. Eventually, after much searching and asking someone that seemed to be in a tour group, we found them. Although we couldn’t see Santiago because of the fog, we took selfies with the statues.

We hung around, talking animately, trying to find our way back to the trail. We finally found it, and as we were entering the outskirts of Santiago, we stopped at a place to have something to eat. I had my first churros con chocolate I’ve had dinner e being in Spain (I can’t remember what he had).

We resumed our walk, and it was soon obvious we were getting close. After a wrong turn, we knew to follow the crowd, and as we were almost there, the cathedral bells started chiming loudly, and I heard the bagpiper greeting us.

I totally lost it in the best way possible.

I had arrived

I actually walked the entire distance from SJPDP to SDC, every single step of the way. The sounds of the bagpipe plus the cathedral bells is something I’ll never forget, I get goosebumps thinking about it.

It was almost noon, and we tried to get to the Pilgrim mass, but the line was huge, so after a while we decided to forget it and find the pilgrim office to get our Compostelas certifying that we’ve done the Camino. As we are searching, a man called Luca from Italy, whom I met in Trabadelo, spots me, comes to me and gave me a wonderful hug. It was a great joyful moment.

My Tenerife friend and I went on to the Pilgrims office, got our Compostelas, and then we had lunch. I had to find my Albergue which unfortunately is 1.6 Km away by the train station. He accompanied me for part of the way then bid goodbye as he had to find his albergue.

I’m now settled in, doing laundry, will head to downtown later, trying to think what I’ll do for the next couple of days. I have stuff to pick up that I brought but didn’t need for my walk, and I depending on the weather I’ll try to get a bus trip to Fisterre and Muxía on the coast.

I have already made arrangements for my train trip to Madrid, an overnight stay, and then my flight home. I hope for the next two days I get to savor the experience I just lived.

I’m extremely grateful for all the encouragement and support I’ve got as I’ve been sharing my journey. It was very difficult but it helped so much that I knew I had so many people rooting for me.

Thanks for staying with me!

FB link with pics and videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/naaTvRqHhv5MRsoA/?mibextid=WC7FNe

I forgot to copy and paste the URL from my FB, fixed now.

 

[naplesdon]

Beware of the weather forecast for the next few days!!!!

 

[dbier]

You know...I've been through Monte de Gozo twice. Still haven't seen the statues...never could find them.

Let a flow state take you tomorrow. Go to Pilgrim House, to Mass, to the Pilgrim's Office, and/ or through the Museum, if you wish. Buy a ticket for a Portico tour. Or go to the St Francis church near the Pilgrim's Office, and obtain their certificate. Or grab a café con Leche near the Plaza. I almost guarantee you'll meet people there.

Or all or none of the above.

I found myself in that flow state that I mention the day after my arrival. I had several encounters where I felt powerfully pulled to minister to others, and did so.

Remain open, and celebrate! You did this!

 

[HBS60]

I made sure to stop at Ivar’s and say hi!

 

[HBS60]

Beware of the weather forecast for the next few days!!!!

Yep, it doesn’t look good. I’ll skip the Muxia-Fisterre thing, also because I’m bone-tired and don’t have the energy for a day trip, but would love to come back some day and visit. Today the weather looks decent, so I’ve been shopping and doing a little exploring. Went to the morning Pilgrim mass, visited Ivar, shopped for souvenirs, and stopped at The Pilgrims house, they have a debriefing at 4 pm. I’m definitely on decompression mode…

 

[bestfootforward]

Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela: 8.8 miles, 14.1 Km*

* longer than expected because of trying to find the Monte do Gozo statues in the fog.

Well, I did it! I walked EVERY SINGLE STEP from St Jean Pied-De-Port to Santiago de Compostela in 6 weeks, starting on Sunday, August 11, ending on Sunday, September 22, the last day of summer and the first day of fall, hopefully also the first day for a new season in my life.

My last day in the Camino started ordinarily enough, waking up, applying antichafing cream to my feet to prevent blisters, leaving my big backpack to be picked up for transport. Although sleepy, I made a speaking video trying to collect my thoughts.

The lady at the hotel bar told me last night that the bar would open at 6 AM and I was happy about the prospect of coffee and a tortilla to get me started. Only problem was that the kitchen wouldn’t open until 8 PM…at least I was able to get coffee and a donut. I went to the gas station across the street and they also had junk food. At least I knew my walk today wouldn’t be long.

I set out and other than a fairly steep uphill, it was fairly easy terrain. The fog reminded me of my day walking from Orisson to Roncesvalles, how ethereal but challenging it was back then. It felt like an appropriate bookend to my Camino. I felt confident walking even if I was alone, felt more solid and toughened.

I found a town with an open bar, but no tortilla, meat or protein, so I had a Tarta de Santiago (almond cake) plus coffee, and resumed walking. It wasn’t a pretty walk, as we were on a grimy, industrial area, and the fog helped conceal the ugliness. I was concerned that the fog would hamper the view from Monte Do Gozo, a spot where two pilgrim statues are able to see the Santiago Cathedral from a distance, after a long walk.

Eventually I arrived at Monte do Gozo, and for the life of me I couldn’t find the statues. At this point a Spaniard from Tenerife (Canary Islands) was walking by, and we tried to find the statues, while engaging in conversation. Eventually, after much searching and asking someone that seemed to be in a tour group, we found them. Although we couldn’t see Santiago because of the fog, we took selfies with the statues.

We hung around, talking animately, trying to find our way back to the trail. We finally found it, and as we were entering the outskirts of Santiago, we stopped at a place to have something to eat. I had my first churros con chocolate I’ve had dinner e being in Spain (I can’t remember what he had).

We resumed our walk, and it was soon obvious we were getting close. After a wrong turn, we knew to follow the crowd, and as we were almost there, the cathedral bells started chiming loudly, and I heard the bagpiper greeting us.

I totally lost it in the best way possible.

I had arrived

I actually walked the entire distance from SJPDP to SDC, every single step of the way. The sounds of the bagpipe plus the cathedral bells is something I’ll never forget, I get goosebumps thinking about it.

It was almost noon, and we tried to get to the Pilgrim mass, but the line was huge, so after a while we decided to forget it and find the pilgrim office to get our Compostelas certifying that we’ve done the Camino. As we are searching, a man called Luca from Italy, whom I met in Trabadelo, spots me, comes to me and gave me a wonderful hug. It was a great joyful moment.

My Tenerife friend and I went on to the Pilgrims office, got our Compostelas, and then we had lunch. I had to find my Albergue which unfortunately is 1.6 Km away by the train station. He accompanied me for part of the way then bid goodbye as he had to find his albergue.

I’m now settled in, doing laundry, will head to downtown later, trying to think what I’ll do for the next couple of days. I have stuff to pick up that I brought but didn’t need for my walk, and I depending on the weather I’ll try to get a bus trip to Fisterre and Muxía on the coast.

I have already made arrangements for my train trip to Madrid, an overnight stay, and then my flight home. I hope for the next two days I get to savor the experience I just lived.

I’m extremely grateful for all the encouragement and support I’ve got as I’ve been sharing my journey. It was very difficult but it helped so much that I knew I had so many people rooting for me.

Thanks for staying with me!

FB link with pics and videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/naaTvRqHhv5MRsoA/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Thanks for sharing your excellent adventure with us all Hector. It's been awesome. All the best and enjoy your life's new season.

 

[jfgough]

Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela: 8.8 miles, 14.1 Km*

* longer than expected because of trying to find the Monte do Gozo statues in the fog.

Well, I did it! I walked EVERY SINGLE STEP from St Jean Pied-De-Port to Santiago de Compostela in 6 weeks, starting on Sunday, August 11, ending on Sunday, September 22, the last day of summer and the first day of fall, hopefully also the first day for a new season in my life.

My last day in the Camino started ordinarily enough, waking up, applying antichafing cream to my feet to prevent blisters, leaving my big backpack to be picked up for transport. Although sleepy, I made a speaking video trying to collect my thoughts.

The lady at the hotel bar told me last night that the bar would open at 6 AM and I was happy about the prospect of coffee and a tortilla to get me started. Only problem was that the kitchen wouldn’t open until 8 PM…at least I was able to get coffee and a donut. I went to the gas station across the street and they also had junk food. At least I knew my walk today wouldn’t be long.

I set out and other than a fairly steep uphill, it was fairly easy terrain. The fog reminded me of my day walking from Orisson to Roncesvalles, how ethereal but challenging it was back then. It felt like an appropriate bookend to my Camino. I felt confident walking even if I was alone, felt more solid and toughened.

I found a town with an open bar, but no tortilla, meat or protein, so I had a Tarta de Santiago (almond cake) plus coffee, and resumed walking. It wasn’t a pretty walk, as we were on a grimy, industrial area, and the fog helped conceal the ugliness. I was concerned that the fog would hamper the view from Monte Do Gozo, a spot where two pilgrim statues are able to see the Santiago Cathedral from a distance, after a long walk.

Eventually I arrived at Monte do Gozo, and for the life of me I couldn’t find the statues. At this point a Spaniard from Tenerife (Canary Islands) was walking by, and we tried to find the statues, while engaging in conversation. Eventually, after much searching and asking someone that seemed to be in a tour group, we found them. Although we couldn’t see Santiago because of the fog, we took selfies with the statues.

We hung around, talking animately, trying to find our way back to the trail. We finally found it, and as we were entering the outskirts of Santiago, we stopped at a place to have something to eat. I had my first churros con chocolate I’ve had dinner e being in Spain (I can’t remember what he had).

We resumed our walk, and it was soon obvious we were getting close. After a wrong turn, we knew to follow the crowd, and as we were almost there, the cathedral bells started chiming loudly, and I heard the bagpiper greeting us.

I totally lost it in the best way possible.

I had arrived

I actually walked the entire distance from SJPDP to SDC, every single step of the way. The sounds of the bagpipe plus the cathedral bells is something I’ll never forget, I get goosebumps thinking about it.

It was almost noon, and we tried to get to the Pilgrim mass, but the line was huge, so after a while we decided to forget it and find the pilgrim office to get our Compostelas certifying that we’ve done the Camino. As we are searching, a man called Luca from Italy, whom I met in Trabadelo, spots me, comes to me and gave me a wonderful hug. It was a great joyful moment.

My Tenerife friend and I went on to the Pilgrims office, got our Compostelas, and then we had lunch. I had to find my Albergue which unfortunately is 1.6 Km away by the train station. He accompanied me for part of the way then bid goodbye as he had to find his albergue.

I’m now settled in, doing laundry, will head to downtown later, trying to think what I’ll do for the next couple of days. I have stuff to pick up that I brought but didn’t need for my walk, and I depending on the weather I’ll try to get a bus trip to Fisterre and Muxía on the coast.

I have already made arrangements for my train trip to Madrid, an overnight stay, and then my flight home. I hope for the next two days I get to savor the experience I just lived.

I’m extremely grateful for all the encouragement and support I’ve got as I’ve been sharing my journey. It was very difficult but it helped so much that I knew I had so many people rooting for me.

Thanks for staying with me!

FB link with pics and videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/naaTvRqHhv5MRsoA/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Bravo Hector! I have followed you on your journey and it brought back incredible memories from my Camino Frances last year.
I completed the Camino Portuguese this September and then the Camino Finisterre. All the while I revelled in your adventures on the Frances.
Buen Camino and safe travels home.

 

[Theatregal]

Joyous! Congratulations Hector!!

 

[LSab]

Congratulations Hector! Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey! You are a Camino star!! I hope you carry Buen Camino through the journeys that await you in life.

 

[JulieandPeter]

Thank you!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

You know...I've been through Monte de Gozo twice. Still haven't seen the statues...never could find them.

I missed them in 2015 on my first Camino. Eventually someone on the forum posted a simple little map on how to find them so when I returned in 2017 with my sons and daughter-in-law it was a special moment as I'd always thought the statues looked awesome in pictures.

 

[CWBuff]

You know...I've been through Monte de Gozo twice. Still haven't seen the statues...never could find them.

I missed them in 2015 on my first Camino. Eventually someone on the forum posted a simple little map on how to find them so when I returned in 2017 with my sons and daughter-in-law it was a special moment as I'd always thought the statues looked awesome in pictures.

Yeah you gots to go a bit of ways "into the park" to get to them....

 

[HBS60]

Santiago de Compostela, decompression day 1

I woke up early as usual, but savored not having to rush packing my stuff or having to walk anywhere. Still, I really couldn’t go back to sleep, so I eventually got up and headed to town. I’m very close to the intermodal bus/train station, and the bus station has a very good cafeteria so I got my usual choices. Then I went around the station because there’s some major construction going on and it’s not very clear how to get to the train terminals. I’d rather figure this out now and not on Wednesday morning when I’m lugging all my heavy stuff. I have a huge duffel bag that can accommodate everything but I’ll probably wear my big backpack, put the smaller one in the duffel bag and when I get to the train station, put the big one inside so it’s just one piece of luggage.

Once I got a sense of how to get there, I started to head out when I ran into my Tenerife friend from yesterday. He was headed to Fisterra to spend a couple days, which is a great thing I wish I would do, but I’m simply too tired to think about it. We hugged and bade each other goodbye.

Then I walked to the Cathedral, which is about a mile (1.6 Km away), I wad just thinking of looking around inside, but I happened to arrive in time for the morning Pilgrims mass. It was a beautiful service, in Spanish, and I was transported to that first Pilgrim mass in SJPDP in what seems years ago. While I do have my disagreements with the church on many issues, I can’t help but be moved by the beautiful liturgy, the music, the art, all motivated by devotion.

I got to see the Botafumeiro swing, it was practically over my head. They only swing it on certain holy days but sometimes a person or group will pay for it, and I felt fortunate to see this as I wasn’t really expecting it. What more could I want?

After the service, I went down to a cellar where a silver coffin that reportedly had St James’ body is on display. Then a stair leads up to the statue of the apostle, where I got the opportunity to hug him from behind as has been the custom. I got to experience the whole thing.

Then I went shopping for souvenirs, and I also paid a visit to Ivar, It was a great meeting.

As I headed back to my albergue, I passed by The Pilgrim House, a beautiful place where you could rest, meditate, decompress, write, read, and process the Camino experience. I hung out there for a while, but they had a debriefing session in the afternoon so I decided to return later.

I headed back to the albergue, and someone was cooking a batch of lentil soup and I was invited to participate in the community lunch. It was absolutely delicious. I showered, took a nap, then headed back to just hang around the Pilgrim House. They have a nice living room, kitchen, a reading room and a garden, and you can chat with the staff.

I started the debriefing session just myself and a staff member, and I’m glad how supportive and non judgmental he was, just giving me space to talk. I’ve been aware of how much emotional energy I’ve been carrying, and how during the Camino I was not just burning calories, but emotions. Then an Ecuadorian married couple joined in, we shared our feelings and emotions, it did feel therapeutic.

Afterwards I headed back to the Praza do Obradoiro to hang around, to listen to the bagpiper as pilgrims and tourists continued to pour in. I was also wishing to run into any of the great people I’ve met during this journey, but that was not to be. It was a lonely feeling but I understand that some connections are not meant to be permanent. Then I remembered the words by Gabriel García Márquez: “No llores porque terminó, sonríe porque sucedió”. (Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened). Wise words that I’ll need to remember the next several days…

Fb link with pics: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/u4iD4bXdTLgNmpus/?mibextid=WC7FNe