So as any good Camino should start or end today’s journey begins in the square in front of Saint James cathedral in Santiago de Compestella. A far cry from what it looked like in May of 17 after I completed my first Camino of 125k from Portugal as shown below.
I recall arriving, dead tired after walking 28 miles in two days, feet aching lurching into the square and seeing the above…..I burst out laughing! Of course! Why not have the infinite powers tweak me with their sense of humor and have the cathedral under construction when I arrived 😂.
This time the day was beautiful and the structure was beautiful though the interior now looks like the exterior as the renovation effort has moved inside. Just for the record these are some photos of the interior in 17.
So our intrepid little band of three left the square and after a short way entered into the first of the trail system.
And this is a good opportunity to introduce you to my good friends Mike and Melanie Salvino.
As well as the requisite, but not so dashing photo of your truly 😊
The trail climbed out of the river valley and soon gave us an excellent view of the cathedral spires.
As we moved down the trail we could here cannon fire in the distance not sure why but you could tell the crews we’re getting tired as there was more time between rounds fired.
As we continued down the trail we came across one of many hórreos which are common in Galacia.
We took a break at a tavern because my right knee was starting to give me trouble. There was a nice view from our table.
We then started up our long climb of the day 675 feet over 1.6 kilometers or right at a mile or roughly a 13% grade. It went up
And up
And up
And back down to one of the prettiest towns on the trek, Ponte Meceira. Ponte Meceira has a lovely waterfall and large Roman bridge. As shown below.
My damn knee was done so we took a cab to the hotel. More tomorrow. If anyone has a cure for runners knee that does not involve rest let me know as I soldier on.
Lou Hikes? 