the snail, slimier
too, or so some surmise.
The Galician slugs are pretty large, and all seem to be making their way to Santiago!
Sarah also started at fairly snail's pace this morning, still a bit troubled by an inflamed tendon in the ankle. After walking for a while in hope of 'warming up' she finally took an Ibuprofen and the day continued much more comfortably!
Last night we enjoyed one of specialties of the region, Pimientos de Padron (peppers from Padron), and their home town was our destination for this day's stage. It would be great to have you here to share these, Ken, this shot is for you.
The walking was again superb - cloudless blue skies, warm autumn light and fresh bright air, mostly on woodland paths and rural lanes.
We were amazed, this close to Santiago, how tranquil it felt. Even when we passed clusters of fellow pilgrims, the atmosphere was peaceful.
You often see the remnants of jet streams in the sky over western Spain - they were clear and dramatic this morning.
Pumpkins scattered through nearby fields.
The harvest is abundant and it gave rise to a haiku each.
T'is the season of
mellow fruitfulness; time
to savour sweet fare.
Season of mellow
fruitfulness - ripe chestnuts
hail our ending way.
We passed through some wonderful sections of forest as we slowly descended to Padron.
As we approached the outskirts of the town, the tempo seemed to increase significantly, the sights, speed and noise of this busy area confronting us somewhat.
Padron isn't the most inspiring place we've stayed, but we have landed in the best albergue we've ever been in. It is clean, tidy and really well designed for pilgrim needs - run by a youngish brother and sister who are also friendly and helpful. We hope they do well.
Though small, Padron is significant in the Santiago story, being the place where St James supposedly came ashore to preach the gospel in Spain. This is why his body was returned via here after his death. And, so it has drawn pilgrims and minstrels ever since...
This afternoon, we walked up to the cross which marks the spot he first preached. Apparently not many pilgrims visit this place, and when we saw the number of stairs we understood why!
Those who have the guidebook will recognise this picture from the front cover!
The statue, set among striking granite boulders, faces towards Santiago, our destination tomorrow.
We had a number of comments about one of the bridge photos from our walk into Pontevedra. Reflecting on your comments, we composed yet another haiku!!
Transitions expose our
frailty, like slats on
a rickety old bridge.
So we stand poised on the brink of another transition, as we come to the end of this stage of our pilgrimage tomorrow.
Buen camino,
Neil and Sarah
Thanks for the photograph of the pimentos de Padrón! I drooled on my keyboard. So delicious!
ReplyDeleteYou're feeling something as the end of the journey looms. I can tell because there are so many haiku today. And then a few days on the Camino in France? Or did I misunderstand Geoff's post?
Enjoy your evening. I hope it involves more peppers!
¡Buen Camino!
Ken
How lovely to have had such a peaceful day...I am glad for you - and glad you were kind to your sore ankle Sarah - do keep that up!!
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard to believe you are almost 'there' ... but as arriving was never your agenda, the destination was never your goal, I can imagine the mixed feelings arising that this particular journey is coming to an end. You have had such a feast for the senses, a rich and beautiful walking of the way, so many experiences to integrate... May you find gentle and helpful ways to be with the endings, in-betweens and beginnings of the next few days. Love Karina