Arzúa to O'Pedrouzo, 12.84 miles
My albergue didn't serve breakfast until 8:00 this morning, so it was about 8:45 before I began walking—a very late start for me. I've gotten into the habit of checking the day's route elevation on my Buen Camino app before I leave every morning so I know what to expect for the walk ahead. Today was just gentle and easy ups and downs.
Again, the influx of new pilgrims—who I've learned to identify by their clean shoes and still creased ponchos—are plentiful. There are so many, however, that I find it's taking away from my internal peacefulness. After tomorrow's walk though, I will continue on and they will all be leaving, so I'll be back to my quiet sense of peace.
I continue to make friends every day. I had dinner with two previously unknown women tonight, one from New Zealand and the other from London. I've walked with a man from the Netherlands four days in a row now—we don't plan it but our paths keep crossing.
Tomorrow I arrive in Santiago—it's a big day and I'm quite ready for it. Technology has now invaded the Camino, and in order to get your Compostela you have to sign up online which then generates a QR code. Once you arrive at the pilgrims office you scan your QR code somewhere and then you're assigned a time to get your Compostela. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.
And if I'm lucky I will also be able to see the Botafumeiro while I'm there. It is considered a symbol of both the cathedral and the city. The Botafumeiro is especially celebrated for its swinging motion during the Pilgrim's Mass and other solemn dates, where it can reach speeds of about 60 km/h. This ritual has been taking place since at least the 12th century. It is not something done every day but I think it would be amazing to see.
I plan on leaving early tomorrow morning—before daylight—as I think it's going to be very crowded and busy in Santiago. My walk is 12 miles so I hope to be there between 11:00-12:00.
I didn't take many pictures today as everything was pretty much looking the same to me. But tomorrow there will be plenty. Although, as I was just looking at my photos for today, I forgot about the three horsemen. They were in uniform of some sort which made them look very official. I asked one of them who they were and what they were doing on the Camino but he didn't speak English so they remain a mystery.
Buen Camino
