What a day, what a day! So much to talk about as we near our pilgrimage destination. We started our day at 6:45… Having not been bothered one bit by the gaggle of urchins that invaded our Albergue! ( they were taken out at 9 pm as Dan and I were arriving back from dinner and touring something in the town! ). We were asleep by the time they returned!  Nonetheless we were tired at the start!

The discussion today began with “my Camino” versus “the Other Camino”… I’ve been taking lots of pics, and generally they are of the beauty that I find around me… I’d like to introduce you to the “other” Camino… But to be honest, I must say I had lots of beauty pics as well!!! Here’s a taste of our reality…

 Leaving Palas de Rei doesn’t look like the palace of a king, but then again it was named for a Vidigoth king who reigned in the 7 Th century… Not much left!!!

This walkway was crossing a new highway going in… An underpass for the camino path was under construction…  

Then we contend with a class of Spanish students  from Stuttgart here to learn Spanish… Whenever they passed us, they were speaking German… Lisa and I did our best to teach them Buen Camino to mixed success!!!

But the day was amazing inspire of touches of modern day reality!  We had an amazing breakfast at an Albergue just outside of Palas de Rei… In retrospect, I wish we had stayed here!

Feeling fulfilled and energized we hit the amazing old tracks of the Camino.

   Soon, my feet told me it was time for another break, and who should we find but Alan, sitting in wait… Much to our delight!  We were greeted with wonderful hugs, and decided to not only walk today together, but our Fellowship has been formed for our entry into Santiago!

Together we walked the rest of the way today.  Our adventure took us to Melide where we stopped at Exequiel to sample some of the famous Galatian Pulpo (Octopus). Absolutely amazing!

     It was an incredibly important day, as we soon crossed the 50 km mark going into Santiago!

Just after this enormous event we entered the local church of Santa Maria and with Alan’s leadership, Lisa, Alan and I sung “He who would be valiant” a pilgrims hymn.  It was a magical moment which we hope to repeat in more churches along the way.

The afternoon was long… Much up and down. I took another champagne day (without backpack) but it’s back to slogging it tomorrow!  We crossed many streams and rivers and the scenery continued to be lush and breathtaking.

    At long last we arrived in Ribardiso.  While the day was long  (about 28 km) it was invigorating!  We had reunited with Alan and were planning the last 48 hours of our journey together.  There can’t be more joy that sharing a grand accomplishment surrounded by people you dearly love…
Ribadiso is a lovely village, and our Albergue, while sleeping about 20+ to a room is beautiful… But of course after a long days hike, it’s time for a drink, so off to get bar we went!  You can tell its rural when chickens come to visit at your table!!!

The young hen was not the only surprise left in the day… We had just ordered our second when out of the bar walked our dear Sandra!!! Omg, what a wonderful, joyous surprise!!!

 Sandra was  back on the Camino, walking the last 112 km… She is only doing 10-15 km per day, but that should get her to Santiago a day or two after us… We will be sure to give her a Royal welcome when she arrives!!!
Well everyone, it’s been a long day and time for sleep!  Until tomorrow and we come within one sleep of Santiago!!!