Padron

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.....Camino 7-2011:December 10, 2011







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December 10, 2011


I am slowly walking towards the Portuguese border to join Bill, my husband, for a holiday. Hence for me this Galician section of the Camino Portuguese is in reverse as pilgrims usually walk to Santiago. To go backward is more complicated than one might think; since this path is hardly well marked, searching for the famous yellow arrows now pointing opposite my direction isn't easy. Viewed backwards the arrows resemble anchors. Thus it's all been a bit of a treasure hunt!

Today's walk of 23 km crossed much of old and new suburbia plus a few vegetable gardens to finally arrive at Padron where Santiago's stone boat is said to have originally landed. The albergue although a handsomely renovated stone townhouse, had little heat and no blankets. Thus I wore my hat to bed.


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Caldas de Reis

Camino Gazetteer
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.....Camino 7-2011:December 11, 2011







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December 11, 2011


This morning when I had breakfast the barmaid, fascinated by my stories and age, asked to take a picture of me and add some bio info for her bar's web page. Next came a long cold slog through much foggy forest to finally reach Caldas das Reis, a Roman thermal town. Much was closed for siesta; I was pooped and could neither find the tourist office nor the albergue. Asking at the local police station pointed me in the right direction for the albergue which was next to the thermal fountain. Without heat it does have plenty of hot water. Naturally.


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Pontevedra

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.....Camino 7-2011:December 12, 2011







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December 12, 2011


Today after a happy hour of walking on the path, in dense fog, I lost it and had to nervously walk along highway verges to finally arrive at bustling Pontevedra. This handsome albergue is new with wonderful HEAT. What a treat for the one other pilgrim and me! While I was en route a car stopped and the driver said to me in French that he had seen my photo on a Facebook page! He and his companion were both Amigos of the way; their car trunk was full of info about Portuguese camino routes which he happily gave me. Such is the power of publicity!


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Redondela

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.....Camino 7-2011:December 13, 2011







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December 13, 2011


In constant rain I walked on to Redondela mostly on highway verges. Nothing like giant trucks whizzing past to make one move fast! What a mess! Since I was truly soaked upon arrival at the very comfortable albergue, the cozy heat, hot shower and sophisticated accommodations are most welcome. This is a nice renovation using stone, wood, and black tile.
Going to sleep early since I am exhausted. Only one other pilgrim, a baker from southern France.


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O Porrino

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.....Camino 7-2011:December 14, 2011







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December 14, 2011


Although today was generally dry and walking to O Porrino much more comfortable, it still was not easy due to missing markers. Did 15 km. A nice Swiss pilgrim is also here. He and I compared notes about the route up to Santiago and down to Tui.


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Tui

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.....Camino 7-2011:December 15, 2011







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December 15, 2004


And today through the last downpours, following muddy forest paths and urban sidewalks I FINALLY reached Tui! Across the River Minho lies Portugal. What a journey this has been. Now I am back inside my Narnia wardrobe. It is time for me to rejoin Bill for my other life, our life together. ULTREIA!


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