Distance: 32.2 Kms Elevation G/L meters: 426:(515) Cumulative Information Planned Distance: 318 Kms Actual Distance: 331.3 Kms Actual/Planned Distance: 104.2 Strava Link for Day 12 |
No not a typo…some of you reading this are likely thinking “I knew they would walk it in!” 😊 We walked 32.2kms today and are in Santiago de Compostela having walked an average of 30.8 kms daily for the past 4 days. This was not the plan as the day started however…
4th time walking into Santiago de Compostela…sure feels great!
This morning started with a firm plan to stick to the plan 20km today and 10 tomorrow early morning.
Interestingly the highlights focus on a few new pilgrim meetings…something I did not expect at this late stage.
- Jasmine from England who is walking a Camino for the first time from Sarria ~ 100kms to earn a Compostela. She is recently retired and was to walk with a friend who had to bow out. Jasmine just decided to strike out on her own…use baggage services and walk 10-15kms per day! Kudos to her as she is clearly enjoying the experience!
Early morning photos
Next had a chance to talk to Peter from Kamloops BC. Peter is
Leaving lunch Paulo and I were walking together and I said something like “we have a very good plan 20 km today…10 tomorrow”…then “geez we are walking well…Andrew is going all way!”…then “I am sure Santiago de Compostela is fully booked…right?”
Paulo “you want to go to Santiago de Compostela today right!” Me “Would be cool 😎 “. A couple of minutes later Paulo “they have a room at the San Martin Hospederia…do we go?” Me big smile “let’s do it”.
The rest of the way was an absolute joy…Santiago de Compostela is awaiting. Later met Anna from Germany who we also met during the day and walked with Anna and Andrew through the tunnel to the sound of bagpipes into the square…an incredible place! Cannot properly describe the feeling after a long walk!
Now we have a full day in Santiago de Compostela tomorrow…no walking, pilgrim mass at 12:00…will I see the Botufumeiro a 4th time?…obtain our Compostela’s…do a little shopping…hopefully see some Camino Norte friends walking in. Interestingly Nancy my sister in law has friends who should be arriving tomorrow from the Camino Portuguese…would be nice to meet them!
I will likely publish a wrap up blogpost before leaving Saturday morning at 9:00 leaving for Porto for a couple of nights before coming home 🥰
This has been a really fun Camino walk!
Before some final pictures for the day something a little different!
Funny for the day
Blogposts can’t all be about the day’s walk. Sometimes a little break is needed and a good long time (he is older than me 🙂) friend Cal who has sent some creative funny emails over the various long walks has done it again.
Cal has a PHD in something esoteric like “Object oriented blah blah”, an author of multiple AI themed books, a country homesteader with many stories of fending off wildlife, university professor, father of 3 daughters (like me 🙂), pretend golfer (like me) and worst of all former System Architect! I include his email with Cal’s permission.
I will only add one thing. My brother Marc and I hiked a 3 day backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies many years ago. Yea we came across bear 💩 on the trail. We had freeze dried foods with us…we almost starved after the first day 🤣 looking for berries to eat etc. So I would MUCH rather walk and eat well then not walk and eat freeze dried food. 😳
“Algunos consejos tardíos
HI GUY, (Why do I feel I should shout? Because you're far away? Because of your age? In case it's a poor Internet connection in the wilderness?) 🤷🏼
I had a sudden revelation this morning. As I was reading your daily confession of your latest mad exploit, I remembered that I hadn't passed on my words of wisdom before your departure. So, here's my rather late advice...
There's an easier way than walking to travel through distant lands .
And, of course, I'm not simply offering Googled, untested advice. I'm speaking from recent, extensive experience. Several weeks ago, we made an extraordinary, 14-day journey all the way to Calgary and back using some amazing, new technology we acquired. It's called a "travel trailer". More specifically, ours is a luxurious, 2025, 17-foot ProLite Classic trailer, snugly equipped with a queen-size bed, kitchen, dinette, bathroom and shower. And we pulled it with our 2024 Toyota Sienna, often referred to as a "vehicle". Very little walking was required. Oh, well. It's too late now.
I will admit to one downside, however. Our method of transport was not accompanied by the 5-star meals that you and Paulo seem to be enjoying. To keep our trailer weight and meal prep effort to a minimum, we even packed and ate a sample of freeze-dried, hiking food. You know, the kind I would expect outdoor folks like you would be consuming. Ours was crème brulé - just add water, stir, and wait a few minutes. Mighty fine. Be sure to ask for it tomorrow evening.
I sincerely apologize for not telling you of these modern innovations prior to you, yet again, embarking on a walk for massive distances through wild and dangerous territory in a foreign land, daily having to listen to the walking woes of other, vehicle-and-trailer-deprived travellers.
Oh well, take care and try to enjoy yourself, regardless.
Cal”
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