2022 Sunday, Oct 16

Caldas des Reis to Padron

We started before the sun was up since we wanted to see a couple of things on our way out of town and we would be walking to the important town of Padron.

Padron is where James the Apostle preached on the hill above the river. After he was martyred in Jerusalem, his body was returned by boat up the Rio Ulla before finally being interred in Santiago.

Hiking 14.91 miles 8:24 am to 6:09 pm. 1143 feet elevation change. 16.0 total miles for the day. Rain, heavy at times.

We actually arrived earlier in town but elected to try to see some sites before going to our hotel that was again situated off the Camino. We briefly saw friends Jerry, Cathy, and Camille from Washington state. As we were heading out, we were pleased to run into Peter and Sarah from Oregon, who invited us to have coffee with them and catch up.

2022   Spain   Camino Portuguese

Click to view the video of the day’s activities: https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqDgQ2omL6

Caldas de Reis church dedicated to pilgrim Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury
The parish church in Caldas de Reis is dedicated to Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who made his Camino trek three years before he was assassinated in 1170.
archbishop insignia on church in Caldas des Reis
Doors to the church with insignia. Wish they were open!
Caldas de Reis is known for thermal springs
Caldas de Reis is known for thermal springs. Richard checked—yes, about bathtub temperature.
Caldas de Reis is known for thermal springs
Pilgrims used to soak their feet in the thermal fountain, but no more.
Caldas de Reis
There was some sort of festival this weekend in town, but we missed the festivities. I don’t know if the hats are just art or if they are related to the weekend.
chapel outside Caldas de Reis
This little chapel on the way out of town recognizes the town’s patron saint, San Roque.
Caldas de Reis chapel dedicated to San Roque
Note the dog and his injured knee. He also has standard pilgrim garb.
mileage marker from Caldas de Reis to Santiago
Today’s Santiago countdown: 44.27 kilometers to go.
The church in Carracedo
The church in Carracedo was just finishing Sunday services when we were walking past. Since so many churches are closed, we peeked inside and got a credentials stamp.
The church in Carracedo
More rain
More rain! We took a momentary break under an awning by the river.
bridge over Río Ulla into Padron
The bridge over Río Ulla into Padron.
The Fountain of Carmen in Padron
The Fountain of Carmen dates from 1577.
The Fountain of Carmen in Padron
Atop the fountain is the image of James the Apostle baptizing Queen Lupa with water in a scallop shell.
The Fountain of Carmen in Padron - body of St. James
Also on the fountain: an image of the martyred apostle’s body between returned to Padron by his followers.
The Convent of Carmen in Padron
The Convent of Carmen is perched on the hill behind the fountain. Nothing was open, but there is a lovely courtyard from which to view the city.
stairs leading to the Monte Santiaguiño where the apostle James began preaching
Some of the many stairs leading to the Monte Santiaguiño where the apostle James began preaching.
Monte Santiaguiño - the preaching spot
Monte Santiaguiño statues among the rocks. In olden days, pilgrims would walk the steps and rocks on their knees.
St. James the preacher
St. James and some of the many gifts and messages from pilgrims.
St. James the preacher
St. James baptism image
There is a nearby chapel (closed) with another baptism image.
fountain under chapel where St. James hid
This fountain flows from an area below the chapel. The place behind the grate is a cave where the apostle hid from pursuers and is now identified with forgiveness from sins. For centuries, pilgrims have drunk and washed in the water.

Comments:

Ann Prazza So exciting! You’re almost there! 2022/10/17

Reply Arrived. Will post more tomorrow. 2022/10/17