Day 13 Caldas de Reis to Padrón 18.6 km In Portugal, it was windmill after windmill. In Galicia, it’s one hórreo after another. These traditional corncribs or granaries were used for centuries as storage. Like the windmills, I’m not sure how many are still used. We saw a particularly large one yesterday that looked like it might have been repurposed into an Airbnb. Today we got our Pedronia. Something we didn’t know we wanted/needed until our hostelier told us where to get it. We thought Padrón was most famous for peppers, but low and behold it has a rock of religious significance. The claim is that when the body of St. James arrived in Spain the boat he arrived on was tied up to this exact rock. Once you walk here and know this, the municipality gives you a certificate. This considerable piece of carved granite (167 centimetres high) sits under the altar in the church of Santiago in Padron. Originally it served as an altar in ceremonies dedicated to the god Neptune and those ancient inscriptions can still be seen. It was “Christianized” with the addition of an engraved cross. Again, repurposing of something no longer used. Just random, but today I met a pilgrim whose brother used to work at the Listowel Co-op. Small world. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. Day 14 Padrón to Milladoiro 18.1 km The historic district we have been walking through in Spain is called Galicia. As we walk we see graffiti reminding us that many Galicians do not consider themselves part of Spain. They are right to believe that culturally they have many differences. This area has Celtic roots. So, it is no surprise that we encountered a bagpiper along the road welcoming pilgrims. We are now very close to Santiago. As “great” as it was to hear the bagpipes, that wasn’t today’s most memorable musical moment. We entered the Church of our Lady of Slavery in Cruces to get our pilgrim's stamp. As is our custom we sat for a moment of reflection. Another pilgrim, just across from us, pulled a wooden flute from his backpack. Quietly he began to play a haunting melody. There wasn’t another sound as his offering filled the cupola of the sanctuary. Blessed. Tonight we are in a hostel with dormitories. There are 12 bunks (24 beds) in our room. I think I will sleep with music softly playing on my headset because surely there will be at least one snorer. Tomorrow Santiago. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
14 Comments
Brynlee,Kelsey and molly
5/16/2023 07:03:57 am
The food looks super good and everything looks so fun and enjoyable. Also did you go in the stone house and what’s that little looking chicken house thing on the house.
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:08:40 am
I think you are referring to one of the corn cribs.
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Maya, Angle
5/16/2023 07:08:54 am
How are your legs feeling from all of the walking and are you feeling better
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:03:08 am
I’m much much better. I don’t like to complain too much because doing this walk was my choice, but the feet are bad. They are bandaged in six places and I can no longer wear shoes due to swelling. I bought these Birkenstock kind of things that seem to work. And airplane security confiscated my walking pole (which is probably fair), that said…all worth it.
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Makayla and Alexis
5/16/2023 07:09:15 am
How old is that rock
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:07:22 am
Actual age of the rock? But I do know that it has been used for Christian purposes for 2000 ish years and was inscribed by the Romans before that.
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Kinzie, Autumn, Hailey W7
5/16/2023 07:10:58 am
Are your legs starting to feel sore or some mild pains in your leg after walking so much?
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:12:11 am
My legs don’t hurt as much as my feet.I don’t like to complain too much because doing this walk was my choice, but the feet are bad. They are bandaged in six places and I can no longer wear shoes due to swelling. I bought these Birkenstock kind of things that seem to work. And airplane security confiscated my walking pole (which is probably fair), that said…all worth it.
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NpwS7JM
5/16/2023 07:16:05 am
Do you know exactly how many windmills you saw?
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:11:07 am
We saw about three a day in Portugal, but Ray goggled it and apparently there is only one working ancient windmill in Portugal and it isn’t on the part we walked☹️
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MLW7
5/16/2023 07:23:30 am
What is a Pedronia?
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:13:23 am
A certificate that proves you have visited the rock and learned its history.
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NPW Alec and Alex
5/16/2023 07:28:04 am
How long did you guys sleep for…………???????.??
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Diane
5/17/2023 01:15:07 am
I had someone snoring on the bunks on either side of me. I slept with my earbuds in all night. Not the best nights sleep….not the worst.
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Ray&Diane
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