2022 Monday, Oct 17

Padron to Santiago de Compostela

The goal for the day was to reach Santiago de Compostela—and we made it!

For our journey beginning September 13 in Lisbon, ending October 17 in Santiago de Compostela: 35 days (including rest days), 396.35 miles hiking the Camino (approximately 634 kilometers) and 27,576 feet elevation gain.

The forecast was for rain all day starting at Padron, and the forecasters weren’t wrong by much. Since the Padron church was closed on Sunday as we went through, we decided to wait until it opened at 10 am on Monday as it is important to the story of Santiago.

18.23 miles 9:51 am to 8:21 pm; 1754 feet elevation gain. Total miles for the day: 19.3.

2022   Spain   Camino Portuguese

Click the link to view the video:https://www.relive.cc/view/vNOP4rGKo2O

Altar of the Iglesia de Santiago in Padron
The altar of the Iglesia de Santiago in Padron has a wonderful image of Santiago Peregrino. The church is Romanesque and dates back to the time when nearby Iria Flavia was the seat of the bishops of Galicia.
supposed mooring post where St. James tied his boat when he came to preach at Padron
Below the altar is the supposed original stone from which the town takes its name. One legend is that this is the mooring post to which James the Apostle tied his boat when he came to preach.
St. James the Moorslayer
There are usually three representations of Santiago: the Apostle, the Peregrino (pilgrim), and the Moorslayer. This representation shows the Moorslayer on a white horse with infidels at the horse’s feet.
San Roque, patron saint of Peregrinos
San Roque is also represented with pilgrim garb. He is patron saint of Peregrinos.
Padron to Santiago -- last day is 25,690 km
Leaving Padron—just over 25 kilometers to reach Santiago.
Santa Maria de Iria, in Iris Flavia, an ancient Roman site near Padron
Iris Flavia is an ancient Roman site, and home of this Romanesque church of Santa Maria de Iria (closed when we passed by).
shells cover the side of this house near Santiago de Compostela
This house along the Camino had one side completely covered by shells.
another rainly path through a town
Richard is set for the rain: gaiters over his boots, rain pants, and a poncho. Note that he has a pouch over his left hand to try to keep his watch dry. Apple watches do not like to get wet.
Woody the Woodpecker poncho on a pilgrim
We were passed by this pilgrim with a Woody Woodpecker poncho.
another rainy day
Back on a woodland trail and it’s still raining.
rain poncho over the pack--a hunchback
The best protection we can get is the hood up and pack protected with its own cover as well as the poncho.
first view of the Cathedral spires in Santiago de Compostela
As we walk into the outskirts of Santiago, we get our first glimpse of the cathedral spires. The two spires are just to the left of the four buildings in the upper right hand corner of this picture. We’re still quite a ways away.
artwork of the Cathedral entrance on the way to Santiago de Compostela
Roadside art.
artwork on the way to Santiago de Compostela
More roadside art. This one celebrates diversity of the crowd on the Camino.
bridge outside Santiago de Compostela
Last river crossing before Santiago. It’s a nice mix of a medieval bridge and an updated road.
last trails i the suburbs of Santiago di Compostela
Rain has stopped and we are enjoying walking with locals and their personal trainers (dogs).
Arrived at St. James Cathedral!
We made it! A Dutch tourist volunteered to take our picture. People could see from our clothing and packs that we were just arriving. As we wound through the streets, pilgrims were cheering us on with “You’re almost there! Just a bit further down this street.” When we arrived in the square in front of the cathedral, we were being congratulated by strangers and enjoyed giddy excitement taking pictures and talking to folks.
dusk at St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
One last picture of the cathedral as the lights are starting to come on. Time to head to the hotel for some dinner and rest.

Comments:

Ann Prazza: An amazing accomplishment! I’m so in awe of you youngsters! 2022/10/18

Reply I’m very happy to have made it. Young is not exactly how I feel, but the body has amazing resiliency. It’s been great to see the cathedral after its cleaning and renovation. 2022/10/17

Jim Constantin: Congratulations pilgrims. Quite a journey. Jim 2022/10/19

Reply It has been quite a journey! Like last time, there is a sense of accomplishment and joy but also a feeling of calm. We’re so grateful you got us started with these treks (although I’m not considering anything else for a while!) 2022/10/19

Faye Chapman: Congrats!!!! 2022/10/19

Reply Thanks! It feels like an accomplishment. 2022/10/19

Dan Hendry: Bravo! What great fortitude to complete the journey once again! We loved our 3 days in Santiago and felt the spirituality in everything we took in around us. Will have to experience it through you and your wonderful commentary and pictures this time. Proud of you both.
Dan 2022/10/19

Reply Thanks, Dan. I wish we had allowed a little more time in Santiago. However, the journey was certainly leading up to how it felt in the city. The pilgrim museum is outstanding so I hope you also got to visit there. 2022/10/19

 

Wanda Penner:: A majestic cathedral indeed! 2022/10/19

Steve (Liverpool): Hello, I have checked your blog every few days waiting for this post, congratulations! It was wonderful to meet the both of you. I am happy we got to walk together, even if it was only briefly. I adore the photograph of all of us meeting on the trail.

Buen Camino!  2022/10/21

 

Reply Hello Steve!!! So glad you commented. When did you get to Santiago?
Our dinner for the five of us with the crazy taxi lady was also a highlight. Of course, your photobomb picture with Helena was the best!
We wish you all the best with this next stage of life and you are welcome to visit us in the US.
We’re still hoping to see your pictures, and hear more about your adventures.
Buen Camino and Bom viagge.  /jan and Richard  2022/10/21

Karen Magovern: Congratulations! You are amazing! Loved following you all the way…great photos and dialog! Safe travels home! 2022/10/28

Reply Thanks Karen. You have always set the bar pretty high!. 2022/10/29

 

Curt Carlson: Congrats! See you soon in Kim’s class? 2022/11/05

Reply Hoping the weather holds so we can be there on Tuesday. I need it!!. 2022/11/05