Arzua to Pedrouzo Day 8 on the Camino

We leave our beautiful country manor house this morning around 9:00 to head back to Arzua to resume our walk. We always start the next day exactly where we leave off even when we stay a little off of the beaten path of the Camino. Our guides make certain we are fulfilling the full intent and rules of “The Way”, especially during the last 100 km. There are no shortcuts at this point and no one would ever wish at this point to not fulfill those requirements.

The day is simply the best of the last week. We are again greeted with the morning sun. It feels so good as it warms your back in the cool morning air. I think everyone knows we are getting close and the emotions are starting to run high. I know my thoughts have run through every facet of my life. The good, the sad, the happy, the memorable, the kids, the grand-kids, the friends both new and life long, and those you love and those who made a difference in your life. It seems the Camino makes you think how very fortunate you are and what a gift it has been to share in this experience. Every thought conjures up an emotional state. I don’t know what it is, but you now understand how great life truly is. It tells you what you already know, but now it just brings it to some kind of spiritual fruition.

We pass through three and four house villages and wonder how they ever began and why they still even exist. We pass several alberques and refugios (hostels) for the weary pilgrims to spend their last night or two in ,who are also contemplating what soon lies ahead. The pilgrims are now much more in number, and you again pass by those you have met over the past days and begin to know bits and pieces of their story as well. Even that emotion stirs you more now because you all feel the same solidarity. You also question yourself why this particular experience has now captured your soul and your being. I suppose it’s just the magic of the Camino and what it does to each person. It is hard to put into any words that make any real sense.

We travel about 10 miles and are treated again by our guides to another of their gourmet picnic lunches consisting of a fresh fruit medley, a blue cheese, pear and walnut salad, local cheeses, a Galician type of salami, a wonderful pate on a simple bread cracker and of course a white Albarino wine.. This gets better and better. Why would you not want to do the Camino with this group with these wonderful little touches.

This evening we are transported to the Pazo De Andeade, a palace built in the eighteenth century by a Galician Nobleman and one which has been in the same family for 15 generations. The grounds are exquisite, stately, completely restored in 1995, and hosts a multitude of amenities such as a restaurant, a lounge, a library, its own chapel, outdoor sitting areas, and the private residence of the ancestral family. We are privileged to be domiciled in this natural, cultural, and architectural masterpiece. I will add pictures of this in the near future for you to enjoy as well.

Dinner was again a culinary work of art prepared and served by descendants of the original family. We were also treated to a mini concert by a quartet of Spanish musicians playing the Music of the Camino. Awesome!!!

Tomorrow we prepare for our final walk of 12 miles or 20 km. I am sure it is going to be a very tough day in many regards. I hope to share with you that last days walk (tomorrow) and our triumphant entrance into Santiago. I now must prepare for that walk by getting some much needed rest.

Buenos Noches and Buen Camino…
Dave and Judy