Day 22 (2021-Nov-10) – Pontevedra ->> Padron [46 Km, 62 542 steps]
#1milhaodepassos #onemillionstepshike Day 22 Pontevedra -》Padron. The queen stage combines 2 original steps: the first one up to Caldas del Rey and the second from there to Padron. I want to push as much as I can and after 3 weeks of this, I feel quite confident to pull these ones together. During the morning I came across some pilgrims, mostly Spanish, but also Americans. In the afternoon, as I left Caldas by 1PM, all pilgrims had already left or arrived at their dailly stage, meaning I had the path all to myself. The path was mainly flat, with a few climbs and downhills. Crossed blooming woods, water running everywhere and fantastic landscapes kept me company. Thankfully another day without incidents. 10 hours after the departure, I reached Padron. Another stayed at a Dream Team organized hotel and this time I resisted the urge to stay put. I got myself set with the daily routine and hit the road to grab a bite. A rich soup called Caldo Galego and octopus looked as the perfect combo. As I set myself to rest, I fought some resistance going to sleep mainly due to the upcoming closure of the adventure, but tiredness quickly won that battle… #tchauaíócatano
Getting close
Getting close
Another amazing day break
Another amazing day break
Paths through the woods that look like tunnels
Paths through the woods that look like tunnels
Just a nice view
Just a nice view
STOP complaining
STOP complaining
Mushrooms were always around
Mushrooms were always around
Again a fantastic path through the woods
Again a fantastic path through the woods
Crystal clear water streams
Crystal clear water streams
Caldo galego
Caldo galego
Pulpo, that's how octopus is called around here
Pulpo, that's how octopus is called around here
Day 23 (2021-Nov-11) – Padron ->> Santiago [34 Km, 45 168 steps]
#1milhaodepassos #onemillionstepshike day 23 – Padron -》Santiago. My phone was telling me it was 6ºC outside. Daylight wasn’ yet visible, but it was time to have some breakfast, pack everything up and hit the road, trying to take it as just another day and not THE day. As I leave the hotel, the azure blue announces the rise of our favorite star, but there was still time for my much needed coffee. After that, the initial 6 Km flew by, without any special highlights and close to a busy road. I have few options to get the required 2 stamps of the day, so when an arrow came up pointing to a coffee shop with stamps, I didn’t say no. Had my second shot and lost my mind over a chocolate Napolitana. Up ahead the trail becomes more interesting, delving through woods and finally, when 10Km are left to go, the climbing up starts, but not nearly as hard as the descents that came between them. As the cathedral bells were hitting 2PM, I stepped into the destination plaza in a storm of emotions that I believe are expected at the culmination of any big adventure. I went into the pilgrim’s office to get the compostela and ensured my presence at the pilgrim’s mass, with the added feeling of happening at S. Martinho’s day. I’ve completed the main part of the adventure on 11-Nov (11)-21, dipping my whiskers in a 1906 beer. I intend to get back home by 12-11-21, another symbol in an already symbolism-and-spirituality-packed journey. I share once again my daily wishes: health and peace to all that wish us well. I’ll share some statistics later this week. Regarding the most prominent question “And now what..??”, it ‘s just one more left unanswered. The end (?) #tchauaíócatano
Arriving to Santiago cathedral
Arriving to Santiago cathedral
Day 24 (2021-Nov-12) – Santiago ->> Queijas
#1milhaodepassos #onemillionstepshike – The end (?). I just want to share I am back home. It was a long and exhausting journey back, packed inside a bus, 3 different trains and a final Uber ride. The epic journey is now over, at least the physical one. Others will hopefully follow. Health and peace for all of you that provided your continued support and energizing messages. #tchauaíócatano