May 8, 2024
Another good place to stay, this time along the water. Here we are on the balcony of our apartamente smiling at Garry and Chess, our dear new Camino friends from England who are staying on the floor below. You meet so many people from all over the world. There are always a few that are very special. Hearts bond quickly on the Camino.
The next morning we took a boat along the Rio Ulla to Pontecesures, a little port near Padron. From there, Santiago is just 16 miles. We lucked out by getting tickets for the 9:30 boat instead of the 7am. We were the envy of the other pilgrims who like to take a slow morning. Well, our boat got cancelled so we were on the 7am. No more gloating. We had to drag ourselves out early.
The boat was full of pilgrims. Some were sleeping but mostly there was excitement in the air. The boat was a tefreshing change from walking and we were getting so close to Santiago. The Variante Espiritual ends in Padron and connects with the Portuguese Central route, now one route leading to Santiago. The Variante Espiritual was probably the most beautiful part of this Camino. Also known as the “Route of Stone and Water.”
Along the river are 14 stone crosses. Here are the three most significant ones
Oh, and can you figure out how too run this washer? This was our evening’s entertainment. Try to turn it on, try everything. Then just pull up a chair and warch to see if it will eventually start to fill with water, and perhaps even spin.
It would have been quicker to use this tried and true method of washing.
Joy McGinnis - Camino de Santiago 