Day 11 Redondela to Pontevedra 20.1 Km You knew it was inevitable—RAIN! Just a mist or a drip all morning. You could hear the flapping of the rain gear as pilgrims went between ponchos on or ponchos off. There are many more pilgrims now as the central and coastal Portuguese routes have merged. Young and old were puffing as they conquered the first very tough nine km this morning. Ray snapped a picture of the elevation map when we were partway through. The dark clouds enhanced the atmosphere as pilgrims passed over a medieval Ponte Sampaio. On a historical note, the Spanish defeated Napoleon (France) in 1809 on this exact bridge. On a lighter note, the rain also brought out the frogs. As you pass through the old villages you often see abandoned laundries. The townsfolk, probably women, would gather here to wash their laundry. Now you just see still green water and hear ribbit, ribbit. It was a day of pilgrims looking after each other. When I stopped to change the bandages on my feet within seconds another pilgrim stopped to ask if I had enough supplies. One pilgrim stopped beside the road, unable to go on. Immediately a group gathered. They spoke different languages but had some English in common. “Let my friend help..she’s a nurse”, one offered. The saying is “The Camino Provides”. As things get tougher it becomes even more important to support each other. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. Day 12 Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis 23 km I never imagined a life walking under vineyard trellises in Spain, but that was our day. A little longer than yesterday, but a little easier and powerfully beautiful. Yesterday evening in Pontevedra we visited Igrexa da Virxe Peregrina which roughly translates church of the pilgrim virgin. The church is circular and very unique in appearance. Since the late 1700’s they have dressed the Virgin Mary statue up in a cape and a pilgrim’s hat. She has ten different outfits that they cycle through. To each their own—Meaningful for some, but not my thing. In contrast, early this morning we passed Santa Marie de Alba. We could hear the sound of mass so we slipped in. There were only six parishioners and one other pilgrim. The father noticed us at the back and asked in Spanish if we wished to receive a pilgrim’s blessing. I didn’t have to be asked twice—I can use all the blessings I can get😄 He asked me where I was from and then placed his hands on my head and prayed for my walk, my heart, and my life. I was so moved by this moment. We ate at the hostel tonight because the lunch break was exciting enough. We stopped at a small roadside cafe where many were ordering Chorizo Inferno. Your dish has sausage on a little spit and they set your meal on fire! We did a walk around Caldas de Reis to find the thermal baths. They are supposed to have healing properties so I made sure I gave my feet a good soak. Did you notice our snazzy new yellow safety vests? The Guardia Civil was handing them out free to pilgrims in the square. Lots of pilgrims—lots of cars. We are staying safe out there. You are always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
20 Comments
NPW7
5/11/2023 06:03:51 am
How did your feet feel after the bath that you got I hope they feel better. They seem like they might have felt better.
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:35:04 am
Spa waters, almost anywhere in the world are credited with healing. Diane’s feet are getting a bit better, either healing or toughening up.
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Brynlee Kelsey
5/11/2023 09:08:29 am
Was the water deep enough to swim in?
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:38:15 am
The hot water entered at one end and ran out the other. It was about 30 cm deep when we were there. A local came by and indicated that it shou have been a little deeper. Some pilgrims visited later and found it almost empty.
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Makayla and Alexis
5/11/2023 09:10:48 am
What did you mean by “spit” in your food
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:40:08 am
sausage on a little spit“
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NPWAMHH7
5/11/2023 09:11:55 am
The village sounds like it would have been a lively place. I hope the person who couldn’t walk more is okay now. I hope you guys get sunshine tomorrow!
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:43:47 am
Mostly sunshine today. We were under an umbrella at a cafe during the brief rain.
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Hailey, Autumn and Kinzie W7
5/11/2023 09:15:53 am
What’s your favourite view/place so far?
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:58:00 am
Favorite is so hard to pick. That said I really enjoyed the days walking along the coast. I loved watching the waves. At the campground I spent a long time down on the rocks just sitting and watching.
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NPW Alec and Alex
5/11/2023 09:16:55 am
What is the money for in the hole?
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Diane
5/12/2023 06:13:07 am
Little offerings for good luck.
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NPWS7JM
5/11/2023 09:17:46 am
Was the bathwater warm and did it feel nice?
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:51:20 am
It felt great.
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MLW7
5/11/2023 09:18:46 am
What did you guys get at the cafe?
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:49:01 am
We stop at a cafe a couple times a day. Café con leche Is my standard order. That is coffee with milk. Just ordering coffee gets you an Espresso. The cafe con leche is an Espresso with equal amount of hot frothed milk.
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Blake
5/11/2023 09:20:42 am
Do you think someone could swim in the water
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Ray
5/12/2023 05:41:17 am
Not deep enough. Most just put their feet in the warm water.
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Ava
5/16/2023 07:56:09 am
Do you think that they clean it out or they just have it filtered ?
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Diane
5/17/2023 12:58:34 am
There is on input and output spout so the water kind of flows through. There is no garbage around but I’m not thinking they actually clean or filter it. If you stood up the bottom was sort of slimy.
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