The End of the Camino

Jerry's favorite saying..."wonder where that trail goes"?

 Our adventure on the camino has come to a close amid mixed emotions.  Excitement for sure, a huge sense of accomplishment but also a certain sadness to see it come to an end.  After so many days, there is a routine that develops and it is a bit unsettling to not have that to rely on.  That feeling lasted all of a couple of hours as we reminded ourselves that we have a couple of weeks in Spain still and so many more things to see and do.  Just not the camino. So for now we will hang up the backpacks and boots/sandals until the next adventure. Loved having all of you following us and will see you all soon! 


None the worse for wear...us too!

I wore these 95% of the time and my little guy
rode along the entire way



Practical Tips from the Camino

Couple of important observations along the way:

Since most of Europe is on an energy conservation program, a great deal of the lighting is set on a timer/motion sensor switch.  Therefore, it is essential that you locate the light switch/motion sensor (sometimes the same switch but not always) and the toilet paper before you shut the door to the restroom.  Not certain who decides the length of time, but I thought I had found the record at 36 seconds, until  yesterday when one was set at 12 seconds.  And of course, the restroom rarely has a window for light.  Cannot tell you how silly you feel waving your arms every few seconds to get the light to come back on.  Stairways and halls are also on the same system!

Also, it is important to remember when staying in smaller hotels, particularly those in older buildings, that they may not have a lift.  What we would normally refer to as the first floor is known here as "0".  Therefore, if your room is on the second floor, you actually have to haul your stuff up two flights of stairs...not one!

No Camino Portuguese

After slogging through several days of drizzle to downpours, we decided to abort our Camino Portuguese.  We were here several years ago at this same time of year and had the same weather chase us out so maybe this just isn’t the time of year for Portugal.  Interesting, while here we did find a small corner of the world that doesn't have a clue about WIFI or internet.  Strange that even college age young people looked at us with the strangest expressions when we asked about it.  Even in the two places that professed to have it, the connection was so weak that it was of no practical use.  Hence, no posts on the blog just a couple of photos along the way.

Many of the buildings use these
beautiful blue tiles - azulejos

Bookstore in Porto

The Livraria Lello, is supposedly the most beautiful book store in the world and it certainly lived up to that reputation. The inscription on the doorway marks its beginning as 1881.  They do not allow photos so I found a couple on the internet just so you could appreciate the gorgeous interior.  Never mind the thousands of books!

A Toast to my Classmates

Sending a toast to my classmates from Prosser (Washington) High School who are gathering this evening to renew old friendships, catch up on each other lives and just enjoy each others company. As the Statler Brothers said "The class of (supply the year) had it's dreams.  Oh, we all thought we'd change the world with our great works and deeds. Or maybe we just thought the world would change to fit our needs. The class of (?) had it's dreams.  But living life day to day is never like it seems.  Things get complicated when you get past eighteen.  But the class of (?) had it's dreams. We sincerely hope that each and everyone has been able to fulfill most of their dreams...with enough time to fulfill the remaining.  Have a fabulous evening!  See you all next time!

Off to Porto

We are repacking for the trip in the morning to Porto, Portugal and the start of the Camino Portugal.
We will be trekking from Porto back to Santiago....remember all caminos lead to Santiago.  Note that all the items in the photos belong to Jerry and that little square of white sheet you see is what he left for me!  He swears he is going to lighten his load....so let's see "How does he do it?"  Stay tuned! (of course the luggage is staying here until our return)

 

Note there are items laying in the hallway as well!!

Pilgrims along the Way

Pilgrims have been depicted in so many different and unique

ways.  Here are a few of the ones that we noted along the way. Hope you enjoy the artistic creativity as much as we did.