Nearly to Santiago

O Pedrouzo. Oct 13

About 19 km to go. 

 Pulpos in Melide

Yesterday we had breakfast, lunch and dinner on pulpos, the regional method of preparing octopus. We have been walking in the rain for two days. We had a lovely albergue last night and also tonight. We are tired of living from a backpack, walking in rain and being cold. 

We are excited to be nearing the completion of our journey. We are looking forward to seeing our family and friends. And to be warm. 

A few snapshots of the past couple of days...

 Sunday farmers market in Melide

 Horreos are everywhere and are used to store grain and smoked meat. 

Falling apart structures. And a twee bit of blue sky. 

It all seemed so big, back in April when we made the decision to make this pilgrimage. Our walking around in Kapoho, John's weight loss, the planning, and the not so much planning, all seemed so amazing. Something to accomplish for ourselves, individually, as a couple, as Christians and as pilgrims. Now, as I sit in my bunk, 19 km away from Santiago, I'm near tears. Tears of joy, thanks and happiness. We have some injuries that may haunt us for the rest of our lives. We have souls that have been shaped by this journey, by the people we've met, by the emotions we've shared with one another and with God. The churches, masses and blessings have formed in me a new view of myself and of the world I live in. 

The miles have built us up and have broken us down. We have stayed healthy and have had guardian angels all of the way. All of the possibilities for injury, on slippery, wet paths, dodging traffic, falling or tripping, we have avoided. Guardian angels, indeed, seem to have been our companions since we met and they have certainly made they presence known in these past seven weeks since we left home.