Camino Sunrise

What a special birthday!

• Flowers and chocolates from John awaiting me in the room.
• Birthday messages from children and grandchildren
• Cheek kisses and a hug AND chocolate cake with candles from Ruben
• Special attention from my favorite bartender-waiter for dinner last night and lunch today
• A leisurely walk-about on a sunny Day.
  Clean clothes! Thanks for the blue bag loan, Dana!

The 30 Km pilgrimage on the El Camino de San Antonio Missions + the 70 Km pilgrimage from A Coruña, Spain to Santiago de Compostela meet the 100 Km requirement to receive the Compostela.

A beautiful walk in the woods to Santiago. And I met up with the young woman from Berlin (Remember: I am her hero which makes her my favorite pilgrim on this Camino.) I have her picture.
I arrived in Santiago early afternoon. The volunteer at the pilgrim office was totally baffled with the certificate from San Antonio. I think she just eventually took my word for it. I was ready to direct her to information, but there were many pilgrims- so she just moved me along.

I’ve posted a video of my approach to the cathedral- the bagpiper is in his full glory.

Twelve miles today. I’ve learned my outside limit these days is ten miles. The last two miles were a struggle. But I’ll barely remember it tomorrow. We live in the moment here on the Camino. Without even trying.
Pilgrims today:
Two young woman from Italy who were having to walk a 32 Km day to get to an Albergue with two beds available.
A young woman from Berlin who declared me her hero. She’s my new favorite pilgrim! Simone Grosdidier, I told her how you led me astray. I also mentioned that I’m easily led.
Another couple from Germany.
And others.
They all look after me. If I’ve stopped for a stand-up rest, they make sure I’m ok.

Not so much road walking today. Shaded woodlands or at least a natural surface path next to a road.

My lodging last night was 6-7 Km from where I stopped on the Camino, but the host picked me up. This morning I realized that I was then only about 3 Km from tonight’s lodging, so today was a day of rest. Tomorrow, about 11 miles with a couple of good ups and downs. Photo is where I am for the night in A Rua. Very fancy for a Camino night. A special treat. https://casadonamaria.es/

September 30

My lodging last night was 6-7 Km from where I stopped on the Camino, but the host picked me up. This morning I realized that I was then only about 3 Km from tonight’s lodging, so today was a day of rest. Tomorrow, about 11 miles with a couple of good ups and downs. Photo is where I am for the night in A Rua. Very fancy for a Camino night. A special treat. https://casadonamaria.es/

This is where the routes from A Coruña and from Ferrol converge and become a single route into Santiago de Compostela.

Pretty sure Casa Graña is the only place to eat (where I had the Pilgrim Meal), but maybe one more. No stores or mercados.

The Church of San Lorenzo de Bruma and its cemetery is next to Casa Graña.

I didn’t bring a guidebook with me, but I found this info on the web.

Dating back to the late Gothic style, it is part of the Pilgrims’ Hospital, as the Way of St. James passes through this parish. The church has a triumphal arch that is now hidden by a false ceiling. The cemetery is located next door.

Oh! And there was an horrero on the property.

These are a set menu of three courses + a drink. The drink can be coffee, tea, beer, wine, or water. For instance, if you select wine for your drink and then say you want water, then you’ll pay extra for the water. Probably the same price as a glass of wine. Maybe two euros.

On today’s menu:
First course – Galician soup or pasta salad
Second course – Chicken or pork
Third course – Dessert: ice cream bar, yogurt, custard, and something else I’ve forgotten.
Bread and French fries – everywhere and always.
Price – €10 (about $11.70)
I chose
Galician soup (potatoes, white beans)
Chicken (baked to perfection)
Custard (yum! With a sprinkle of nutmeg)

This is probably the lowest price I’ll see. In 2021 I think Pilgrim meals were typically €13 -€15. But they put a carafe of wine on the table so a person could drink themselves under said table if they chose.

I promise not to post every French fry I’m served on this Camino. I’ll do this food post and one more – anyway, that’s my goal!

This is a plate of common Galician meal items. Notice the numbers on each item. I’ve explained them by number.

1. Galician chorizo – Galician chorizo (chourizo galego) is a traditional Spanish sausage made in Galicia, known for its distinctive smoky, slightly spicy flavor, and is a staple in Galician cooking.
2. San Simón da Costa cheese (Queixo de San Simón da Costa) is a traditional smoked cow’s milk cheese from Galicia, specifically the Terra Chá region in the province of Lugo. It’s one of Galicia’s most distinctive
   cheeses, known for its mild smoky flavor and unique teardrop shape.

It has PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, which means it must be produced in a specific way and in this particular region to carry the name.

3. Jamón Serrano is a dry-cured hind leg of the pig, aged anywhere from 7 months to several years. It has a rich, savory, sometimes nutty flavor.

It is often served very thinly sliced at room temperature and is common on tapas boards or on bread.

4. Tetilla cheese (Queso Tetilla) is known for its smooth, creamy texture, mild buttery flavor, and its distinctive cone-like shape that resembles a small breast — which is why it’s called tetilla, meaning “little breast” in Spanish.

This cheese has PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, so it must be produced in Galicia following specific traditional methods.

5. Lacón – A traditional Spanish pork product, especially popular in Galicia and other northern regions of Spain. It refers to the front leg or shoulder of the pig (as opposed to jamón, which comes from the hind leg) and is typically cured or smoked.
6. Galician tuna pie (empanada gallega de atún) is a savory pastry dish known for its flaky crust and hearty filling. It’s a classic food for picnics, festivals, and gatherings because it can be served warm or at room temperature and travels well.

And here is my pack.