we took a couple of extra days in Arzua to plan some of our time in Spain and to meet up with our new friends Tony and Lisa
since we have family meeting us, we thought it might be advantageous to outline some of the other things we’d like to do in Spain and send off some communications to those that are meeting this year to offer some options and begin the planning process; advantageous to get this done before we complete the Camino and start the next step of our Spanish adventure.
The days off provided a great opportunity to collect their thoughts and to do something which we promised each other we wouldn’t do until we approach the final days of the Camino – discuss the personal impact this trip on the Camino has had on us and what the Pilgrimage meant to us personally and as partners in life. Perhaps we will share some of those thoughts on a future post.
6 NOVEMBER
I think it was our fifth straight day of rain and we began hitting more big towns, industrial areas, less history in architecture.
As we hike this section, the trails began to fill with hikers who are starting the trail for a short experience on the Camino, as well as those whose trails from Portugal and other parts of Spain, merged on the final few kilometers to Santiago
Not sure why, but this fella followed me along the fence line like a long lost friend 🙂
One of the many huge puddles accumulated during the multiple day rain storms that we had to navigate around to avoid walking miles in wet socks
7 NOVEMBER- OUR LAST DAY ON THE CAMINO
Pilgrim is filing into the church to get their last stamp before and then their Camino in Santiago
Marco has created numerous wax seals to represent the Camino, which are used in numerous ways by Pilgrims. We decided to have him add one of his seals to each of our Pilgrims passports.
we have leapfroged with this group for the better part of 100 miles on the Camino and arrived in Santiago on the same day together
Less Woodland trails and more asphalt and concrete as we entered Santiago
Today we finished one of the toughest challenges I have ever faced.
When we decided to walk the Camino de Santiago, we knew it would be a challenge, but it was that and more. Just under 500 miles of official pilgrimage plus the side trips to take pictures of historic sites, architecture, shrines, etc. Challenge doesn’t accurately describe the endeavor.
Having completed it we have been told that  some people have asked how do you verify that you’ve actually walked the route.
Although I kind of find it insulting that it would be asked there actually is a process.
Each stage of the Camino has specific places that have Camino authorize stamps. You get a “passport“ prior to starting the Camino and then as you go through each town, you get stamps on the passport showing that you’ve been there.
Upon arriving in Santiago, you have to go to the official office and present your passport. They then review it, sign off on it and authorize the issuance of your certificate.
They actually provide two certificates. One is in the original Latin and the other is in Spanish.
The one with our names and in English shows the official total 779 km or 484 miles it was easily another 40 miles or so of visiting the churches, etc.
Below are copies of what we received from the Pilgrims office today; one challenge behind us and we’re already planning what’s next
There will probably be some follow up posts over the next few days and we will check back to the blog to answer any questions that followers might have
Buen Camino
Brenda and Ken
