Santiago de Compostela

 

Lots of pilgrims walking into Santiago de Compostela today, Sunday.

All ages, groups, solo walkers, bicigrinos, hobblers, limpers - lots of bandages on feet and knees but as most peregrinos walk into the plaza there is a sense of relief and celebration - they have reached the end of their journey as they walk into the magnificent plaza in front of the cathedral.

The first time we were here 10 years ago the outside of the cathedral was covered in scaffolding as restoration was underway. Last time we were here the inside of the  cathedral was being restored and today it was lovely to see it all finished, hopefully good for another 200 or so years.

The old town was alive with energy and people - families lunching, tourists celebrating, pilgrims farewelling walking buddies - it was all go.

The historic buildings in the old town are terrific.

Also some fantastic modern architecture - the bibliotheca on the outskirts of town is worth a visit, just a short easy bus ride and you can wander through the modern designed buildings.

I found my favorite doorknocker.

Hasta luego amigos x

Vilanova de Arousa to Pontcesures

Managed to get some pics of the fabulous public sculptures before we had to board the boat for the last leg of our trail today.

 The last stage of the Espiritual Variant Camino de Portuguese is by boat up the Ria Ulla to the little village of Pontecesures. The river journey follows the path of St James as he made his way to Padron and then on to Santiago de Compostela. 

112 peregrinos we're on the boat today and  most pilgrims will have walked on to Padron, staying the night there and making for Santiago de Compostela tomorrow. Great little earner for the boat company each summer @  €23 pp. They provide refreshments and a bit of local history as you go.

We have walked the Camino Portuguese a few years back and don't want to repeat the Padron to SDC stage again.

We  opted to take the train from Pontecesures to Santiago de Compostela. We still have memories of staying in Pension Flavia at Padron - we won't be repeating that again - lovely spot but hopeless plumbing🙂

We were assured the boat left at  11:30 a.m,  the journey was 1 hour - so plenty of time for the 1:39pm - 34 minutes versus 2 days walking! 

Problemo - the boat didn't leave until 12:00 noon - we were still chugging up the ria at 1:30pm - our train would be missed. Oh well, when in Spain go with the flow. Next train 4:45pm -no problemo. 

We had a gorgeous journey out of Vilanova de Arousa harbor and up towards the Ria Ulla. Great to see the muscle farms up close.

It was lovely watching the scenery change as we moved up the river - gorgeous water meadows and waterfowl - very pretty. 

There are many cruceiros marking the route of St James

We arrived at Pontecesures - a gritty little river town where industry has grown up over the years maximising  the water source of the river. It was a shame about the factory opposite the barco estacion belching steam on an industrial scale - it could be a very pretty spot but we didn't dilly dally as it was stinking hot - 33°!

We picked up some groceries to take to Santiago de Compostela as tomorrow, Sunday, all the supermarkets are closed. We found a little local bar and had lunch, a cold beer and waited it out to the 4:45 p.m. train.

Nice to be staying at Los Abitos again, we have stayed here on three occasions in Santiago de Compostela. It's a little bit out from the old town but the hotel runs a shuttle into the old town and we like having the quietness, plus it's a lovely hotel with a big swimming pool where we can relax for a few days.