Today's walk was a short but steep 800-foot climb to O'Cebreiro and into the region of Galicia. Here is the home of Iglesia de Santa Maria Real, dating from the 9th century and the oldest existing church associated directly with the Camino Santiago. The church also marks the resting place of Don Elias Valina Sampedro, a parish priest who did so much to preserve the integrity of the pilgrim way and introduced the idea of marking the route with the familiar yellow arrows.
There was definitely a chill in the air with expected temperatures reaching the low 60's. My feet had comfortably settled into a routine long ago and were ready for any terrain. I was crossing into new territory and starting the final stage of the Camino. The day provided a wonderful preview of the intimate pastures and lush countryside distinctive of the Galician region.
We also experienced a drastic change in weather that is so typical of Galicia. The clash between the westerly winds coming across the Atlantic and the Galician mountains creates frequent rain showers and thick mountain fog. As we climbed through periods of sunshine and rain, we stopped to make several wardrobe adjustments. There were even times when we disappeared in the fog . . .
Even under a layer of fog, I managed to explore the small town of O'Cebreiro and make my way up the stairs to my room at the end of yet another good day.
~ Buen Camino, Carol ~
Sweetheart,
ReplyDeleteYou are a real trouper or I guess now a "pilgrim". This has been a very long journey and I am so happy you have been able to have this experience. After tomorrow I will have only one more row of numbers to cross off on my calendar meaning you will return home in a week and I am very much looking forward to your return. Your photos and description of your adventure continue to be inspiring and I look forward to each one. Enjoy the final week and remain safe.
Your Hubby
Your pictures are beautiful and loving reading and catching up on your journey. Cannot wait to hear all about it at Thanksgiving. Love you grandma!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the temperature? How are the feet now? Love the photos! So proud of you! Hugs😘😘
ReplyDeleteTo Pilgrim Carol, Wife, Grandma, Mother, Sister, Daughter, and Friend:
ReplyDeleteAt least one person who relates to you in each of these roles has participated in your blog, sending you much love. You sparkle. Your light shines through from your quaint little room at the top of the stairs. . . because you're you!
Love, Suzetta XXXOOO
love the local ladies saying as you walk by"look at that small muscular woman".No thought at all of a zipper.
ReplyDeleteSweetheart,
ReplyDeleteI just received a very nice note from John and I thought I would share it with you. -
"I think Carol Ann is absolutely savoring every moment of her adventure. She has settled into a rhythm and has found balance within all of the elements -- Spiritual, difficult, easy, timing, appreciation, anticipation, challenge, renewal, friends and many more. GOOD FOR THE EMPRESS!!!!"
Well said. Thought you would appreciate these words.
Your Hubby
Dear pilgrim, the first two photos are breathtaking! I agree with John - you do seem to be savor if every moment. But after all, that's how you have lived your entire life!
ReplyDeleteYour energy and enthusiasm has always been contagious for everyone around you. Love you Carol. Always have. Deb
Auntie Carol,
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful and the blog post perfectly desribes the lush images you posted. I can't believe you are cruising through this Camino to the final days, what a huge accomplishment. I think of you all the time when my feet are tired at the end of a long day at work and it give me a little extra push :) I love and miss you very much!
Xoxoxo,
Sasperella