Dos Camino

I walked from Santiago de Compostela to Muxia/Finisterra, then Porto to Santiago on the Camino Portuguese Coastal. Read more

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Day 23
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 8:35 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 251 m
Spain Armenteira 42.468272, -8.74154742°28’6” N 8°44’30” W
Camino Portuguese Day 13
October 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Yesterday afternoon we were watching what looked like a tractor inspection in the parking lot by the albergue. All small tractors, not like the big ones at home.

Then we went to a Pilgrim Blessing at the Monastery. I read this story in my guidebook:

“The Cistercian monastery was founded by a knight called Ero in the 12th century. According to a popular legend, Ero went for a walk in the woods one day and came upon a bird singing so beautifully that he fell into a trance which lasted for 300 years. The monastery was abandoned in 1837; restoration began in 1963, and in 1989 Cistercian nuns moved in.”

The nuns we saw ranged in age from about 25 to 85. It was a nice service with the nuns singing and then saying the blessing in several languages.

We got some more sugar packet wisdom this morning. I took a screenshot of the google translation.

Here’s what the guide book says about today’s walk:

“This is a stunning stage that follows the Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua (‘stone and water route’), passing 51 ancient mills and cascading falls. It then accompanies the River Umia, passing albariño grapevines and fields before reaching the Ría de Arousa and Vilanova de Arousa.Read more
TravelerGotta love Einstein 🙃
10/4/22Reply
TravelerSmart guy.
10/4/22Reply
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Day 23
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 9:29 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 242 m
Spain Armenteira 42.468197, -8.74348342°28’6” N 8°44’37” W
Ruta de la Piedra y del Agua
October 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Such a beautiful path. It was quite magical, very lush and peaceful. The only noise was the birds and the water. Many waterfalls, ruins of old mills, and nice soft trail.
TravelerGorgeous!
10/4/22Reply
Travelerpaths like these were among my favorites...the scent of eucalyptus, birdsong, gurgling streams...beautiful photos
10/4/22Reply
TravelerYes, for sure. And this is the best of the best of paths.
10/4/22Reply
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Day 23
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 9:51 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 51 m
Spain Arroyo de San Martín 42.48915, -8.75290542°29’21” N 8°45’10” W
Aldea Labrega
October 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
We came up to a Spanish man who was quite excited for us to make a short detour to this special place. He even took my walking stick and drew a map in the dirt.

It was quite a special display, a little like some fairy tale where everyone was enchanted and turned to stone.Read more
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Day 23
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 1:58 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 45 m
Spain Arroyo de San Martín 42.492245, -8.75704542°29’32” N 8°45’25” W
Barrantes to Vilanova de Arousa
October 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
The first half of the day was fabulous, first on the Ruta de Piedra y Agua, then beside the Rio Umia - all on dirt trails. So lovely and mostly downhill. Also alongside many vineyards.

But because we took our time and a lot of photos, our progress was slower than usual, so by the time we got to our destination we were knackered (Camino term).Read more
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Day 24
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 7:24 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Spain Porto Deportivo Vilanova de Arousa 42.564113, -8.82933342°33’51” N 8°49’46” W
Camino Portuguese Day 14
October 5, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Last evening we tried to find dinner at 6:30. Restaurants here start at 8:00. This route is becoming busier for pilgrims but they are still not catering to pilgrims. We joined 2 fellows, one from Belgium and one from France, and ordered some tapas. Very tasty. Plus some local vino, which was very good.

This morning we got an early start.

From my guidebook:
“There are two options for this stage: one is to take the boat along the maritime Translatio route, believed to be what the boat carrying St James’ body and his disciples sailed along in AD44. Along the way, pass mussel farms, 17 stone crosses and the ruins of Torres de Oeste, before disembarking in Pontecesures and following the Central Camino for the remaining 2.2km to Padrón. The alternative is to walk, mainly along roads and a few dirt paths for the first 19km before joining scenic riverside boardwalks by the River Ulla for 3.5km then moving inland through hamlets to reach the River Ulla again in Pontecesures.”

We chose the boat ride. It was lovely. And so much easier! ⛴Read more
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Day 24
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 8:24 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Spain Con do Fuciño do Porco 42.569845, -8.83834542°34’11” N 8°50’18” W
Vilanova de Arousa to Padrón
October 5, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
We received café and pastries on the boat, which was nice.

Along the way we saw the Mussel farms, the Cruceiros, the Torres, and lots of fishermen. It was a foggy morning, with the fog clinging to the hilltops like cotton candy.Read more
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Day 24
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 3:46 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Spain Río Rois 42.776969, -8.65474842°46’37” N 8°39’17” W
Padrón to Escravitude
October 5, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
We arrived in Padrón at about 10:00, had some café, took care of some business at an ATM and a Farmacia.

We visited the church there, dedicated to Santiago. It houses the Roman ‘pedron’ stone, which is said to have moored the stone boat which carried St James to Spain. Also a statue of St James the Moor Killer. As well as the pilgrim history, James was said to appear during a battle to help the Christians overcome the Moors.

We walked on out of Padrón, along the highway, then turned in past farms and villages. Then found our albergue, which is a beautiful renovated building.Read more
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Day 25
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 8:13 AM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 24 m
Spain Río Rois 42.77705, -8.6547242°46’37” N 8°39’17” W
Camino Portuguese Day 15
October 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
For our last night on the Camino we had a true pilgrim experience. There was a shared guest meal, which was fabulous! This included a three course meal, vino and bread, and liqueur following. There was a traditional Galician drink, home brewed by a neighbour, and a coffee and a cream liqueur, which made a tasty café con leche. Yes, I was a bit tipsy.

This wonderful meal was paired with amazing conversation of the Canadians, the Germans, the Kiwi, and the South Africans; as well as our host - a Mexican who has lived in Canada and Europe before settling in Spain with his Spanish wife.

To complete the pilgrim experience, the large Portuguese man in the bunk above me snored like a freight train. Even with my ear plugs it was very loud. Somehow I did get enough sleep. 😴

Many people do this Camino in 12
days, but I had a couple of short days, a
rest day, and the Spiritual Variant. So
on my 15th day, I walk into Santiago.Read more
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Day 25
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:21 AM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 245 m
Spain Praza do Obradoiro 42.880465, -8.5456942°52’50” N 8°32’44” W
Escravitude to Milladoiro
October 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
We started our walk with a visit to a church, then walked past farms, cute puppies, a small horreo, a replica of the stone from Padrón, a Samurai-themed yard, and some lovely green forest trails.
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Day 25
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 1:05 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 286 m
Spain Parque de Bonaval 42.884273, -8.54015342°53’3” N 8°32’25” W
Milladoiro to Santiago de Compostela
October 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
I felt great today, very strong. And Sharon’s feet felt a bit better today. She had thought to take a cab part way, but was able to walk the entire distance.

There is an alternate route entering Santiago, which is a bit longer but supposedly along a river. We miscalculated - we got the extra distance but no river. 😐

But we finally arrived, saw the Cathedral, then went to the Pilgrim Office to get our Compostela - that prized certificate indicating that we are successful pilgrims. It only took about 30 minutes of waiting.Read more
TravelerCongratulations 🎊 to you both!
10/7/22Reply
TravelerThanks
10/19/22Reply
TravelerWell done!
10/7/22Reply
TravelerThank you
10/19/22Reply
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Day 25
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 5:50 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 245 m
Spain Praza do Obradoiro 42.880508, -8.54568342°52’50” N 8°32’44” W
Santiago de Compostela
October 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
This phase of my journey is nearly at an end. We had lunch and cerveza 🍺, then checked in to the hostal (back to where I stayed on the very first night). After a shower we headed out to explore a bit.

First we stopped in a couple of shops (Sharon has room in her pack to fill), then went to see the Cathedral.

Next we grabbed a seat in the Praza Quintana, behind the Cathedral, and enjoyed a vino and shared a plate of Galician style pulpo 🐙 - yes, octopus.

Then we went back into the Cathedral to wait for mass. We wanted to be able to have a seat.Read more
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Day 25
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 8:14 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 245 m
Spain Praza do Obradoiro 42.880455, -8.54569242°52’50” N 8°32’44” W
Santiago at night
October 6, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
We got a lovely surprise during the mass. They swung the botafumeiro! For those who don’t know, here is the Wikipedia definition:

“The Botafumeiro (Galician for 'smoke expeller') is a famous thurible in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Incense is burned in this swinging metal container, or censer.”

The story is that the incense helped to camouflage the stench of the ancient pilgrims. Unlike us, they did not have access to a daily shower.

The botafumeiro is typically swung once a week. But additional times are added if a sponsor pays 300€. It takes several men to swing it. We were seated a ways back, so not a great view, but you get the idea. It is very dramatic. If you want a better view, watch the movie ‘The Way’ - Emilio Estévez is part of the crew swinging the botafumeiro.

After mass, we wandered a bit, enjoyed some helado, and got some great photos of the Cathedral at night.Read more
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Day 26
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9:01 AM
⛅ 8 °C
Altitude: 73 m
France Paris Nord 48.87972, 2.35588348°52’47” N 2°21’21” E
SCQ to CDG
October 7, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
I am on the move again today. First, the 6A bus to the Aeropuerto (1€ and a bus stop just around the corner from the hostal).

From the Paris airport I took a train to Gare du Nord, which is almost across the street from my hotel.

I chose a hotel instead of a hostel in Paris because the hostels are quite expensive. This hotel is almost like a Camino hostal. The main floor looks like it used to be a restaurant. Family-run, they were eating dinner together when I came in in the evening. And a cat having its dinner as well.Read more
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Day 26
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 3:28 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 78 m
France Paris Nord 48.879779, 2.35534848°52’47” N 2°21’19” E
Paris Part 1
October 7, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
I only have one day in Paris, so I went for a long walk.

I started at Montmartre, and the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral. Very much uphill. The Cathedral is beautiful, but what was outside was unexpected.

There was a Fete des Vendages, a bit like Taste of Edmonton or Heritage Festival, but this is París! Booth after booth of wine, beer, food, and more. And street vendors with their miniature Tour d’Eiffels and other collectibles.Read more
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Day 26
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 9:47 PM
🌙 14 °C
Altitude: 78 m
France Paris Nord 48.879821, 2.35534848°52’47” N 2°21’19” E
Paris Part 2
October 7, 2022 in France ⋅ 🌙 14 °C
Did I mention that the walk to Sacre-Coeur was all uphill? I couldn’t find the funicular so I walked up the steps.

Next I had registered for a free walking tour. The start point was only one hour away walking, so I walked. At least it was all downhill.

We met at the Place du Trocadero, and I was the only customer! Unlike Porto, where there were about 15 of us. So I got a private tour by Eloísa, who is from the Philippines but is living in Paris more than ten years.

It was a lovely tour, lots of views of the Eiffel Tower, we walked along the Seine, through the grounds of the Louvre, across a few bridges. She pointed out many monuments and buildings, and talked about the life in Paris. There is a pedestrian area along the river where many people run, walk, play sports, and just sit. And at night the miniature Eiffel Towers of the street vendors light up, almost like the original.

Paris is excited to host the Olympics in 2024, so they are making repairs to the Eiffel Tower (scaffolding), and other parts of the city.

There are your boats on the Seine, restaurants everywhere. The city is so busy. It is Friday evening, but so many people eating out! Do they ever eat at home? Paris is an expensive place to live.

After the tour I found some food, then walked back to the hotel. So I walked as much as a Camino day 😎.Read more
TravelerSo, if you could sum up the walk (sans Paris) in a paragraph, what would it say? Did it change you? What was the most striking thing you learned?
10/8/22Reply
TravelerWonderful day in Paris. I can only imagine what Paris (France in general) will be like in 2024 with both The Tour and an almost as big event as the Olympics. 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️😀
10/8/22Reply
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Day 27
Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:29 AM
⛅ 15 °C
Altitude: 56 m
France Paris 04 Ancien - Quartier Saint-Honoré 48.86113, 2.34399248°51’40” N 2°20’38” E
ORY to LAX
October 8, 2022 in France ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
I am glad I did the walking tour yesterday, I feel like I saw a lot of Paris for the short time I am here. It is really just a stop between flights.

This morning I relaxed over a nice petit-déjeuner at Café Limonade. Then I finished packing, charged up my phone, and headed out to the airport.

It was actually very easy to get to Orly Airport from my location. A train from Gare du Nord, then the Orly-Val (like an LRT shuttle train) to the airport. The only source of confusion was that they switched platforms at Gare du Nord for the train to the airport.

Boarding the plane I was asked for my vaccine record for the first time. But - no masking required on the flight! It was a bit strange, but I was happy not to mask for the eleven hour flight.

I don’t have much to say about the flight. It was long.Read more
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Day 28
Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 8:44 AM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 697 m
United States Spring Valley 36.099966, -115.21823736°5’60” N 115°13’6” W
LAX to LAS
October 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
I stayed last night at a hostel in Santa Monica. I was hoping for more time near the ocean, but I didn’t have much time really. Just a quick walk along the Ocean Drive after supper. It looks like a very nice area. Maybe another time.

This morning I arrived in Las Vegas, finally reunited with Greg. Now we have a week together here before I finally go home.Read more
TravelerEnjoy! Quite a contrast Camino to Vegas, have fun
10/9/22Reply
TravelerFor sure! Total different world.
10/9/22Reply
TravelerQuite the journey!
10/9/22Reply
TravelerYes, I am a bit lacking in sleep today.
10/9/22Reply
We are glad you are back safely. [Ruth]
10/10/22Reply
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Day 28
Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 10:12 AM
☀️ 25 °C
Altitude: 666 m
United States Bracken 36.10084, -115.18987236°6’3” N 115°11’24” W
2
Las Vegas Day 1
October 9, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
I arrived mid morning and got an Uber to our accommodation. Greg had checked in yesterday, so he met me in the lobby.

We walked over to the Black Bear Diner for lunch, and picked up some groceries (not much, mostly breakfast food).

We are staying off the Strip, but there are hourly shuttles. So we went to the Strip and walked from the Tropicana to Treasure Island. With lots of stops along the way. It looks like a few of the older spots between the MGM Grand and the Planet Hollywood are going to be demolished. I wonder what they will build?

I was pretty tired, so we did not stay out late.Read more
Traveler Not quite the same.
10/10/22Reply
TravelerThat’s for sure.
10/10/22Reply
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Day 29
Monday, October 10, 2022 at 3:22 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 703 m
United States Spring Valley 36.099758, -115.21880336°5’59” N 115°13’8” W
Las Vegas Day 2
October 10, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Today we went to the Premium Outlet Mall for a bit of shopping. There seems to be fewer stores and the mall seems a bit rundown now. But we bought a few things and headed back to our place to relax in the pool.

Then we went back to the Black Bear Diner as their menu included a turkey dinner, and it is Canadian Thanksgiving today. Sadly there was no turkey available so we were forced to have fried chicken. Also very good.Read more
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Day 30
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 9:15 AM
☀️ 24 °C
Altitude: 676 m
United States Bracken 36.102111, -115.20225336°6’8” N 115°12’8” W
Las Vegas Day 3 - Part 1
October 11, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
This morning I went for a walk to Charlie Frías Park. It is a grass field surrounded by a trail, and to the side is a playground, tennis court and even a small labyrinth. It’s like a bit of peace in the Vegas craziness.

Then we headed over to the strip and caught the ‘Deuce’ bus going north. We got off at Fremont Street, walked around, had a lunch at the Container Park, and back to Fremont to wander through shops and casinos. We even gambled a little, before having dinner in the Four Queens. Greg was eligible for a free birthday meal there.Read more
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Day 30
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 9:26 PM
🌙 24 °C
Altitude: 704 m
United States Bracken 36.099514, -115.21798736°5’58” N 115°13’5” W
Las Vegas Day 3 - Part 2
October 11, 2022 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
On the way back from Fremont we got off the bus at the Bellagio so we could watch the water show.

Then we walked through Caesar’s and over to the Mirage to catch the shuttle back ‘home.’
TravelerGlad to see "we" walked.
10/12/22Reply
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Day 31
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
☀️ 30 °C
Altitude: 697 m
United States Spring Valley 36.099911, -115.21860136°5’60” N 115°13’7” W
2
Las Vegas Day 4
October 12, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
I went for a walk in a different direction this morning and found a kind of trail we don’t have at home. A ‘Wash Trail’ - I guess the closest at home would be the storm overflow lakes.

Today we went to The Orleans, which is an older hotel/casino just down the road. This resort has a bowling alley, an arena, and a movie theatre; as well as casino, restaurants, etc. We decided to see a movie today: Amsterdam.

Then we went back to the Strip and walked from Mandalay Bay to The Mirage, where we caught the shuttle back to our place.Read more
Traveler Just like in Florida. 🙃
10/13/22Reply
TravelerFor sure.
10/13/22Reply
TravelerHotels in Vegas are unbelievable! I haven’t been for several years so probably getting time to go check it out again.
10/14/22Reply
TravelerYes, there are a few new ones now.
10/14/22Reply
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Day 32
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:40 AM
☀️ 26 °C
Altitude: 640 m
United States Stardust Helispot 36.124533, -115.16995336°7’28” N 115°10’12” W
Las Vegas Day 5
October 13, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C
We went to a show today - the Drag Queen Brunch at Señor Frog’s, Treasure Island. It was quite a show.

Then we went for a little walk. We checked out the newest mega-resort/hotel/casino on the strip: Resorts World, a Hilton property. It is huge, of course, and loaded with tech. The whole outside of the hotel is a screen for ads, and inside is a huge cool bubble that is animated.

It was interesting to see the Sahara, as we stayed there once. Now they are celebrating a 70th birthday.

We rode the monorail from the Sahara to the MGM Grand, and found the shuttle back to our resort.

After some pool time, we picked up supper at a food truck.Read more
TravelerSounds like a full day. I wouldn't spend my entertainment money on a drag show though. ☹️
10/14/22Reply
TravelerHey, we got brunch as well 😜
10/15/22Reply
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Day 33
Friday, October 14, 2022 at 5:32 PM
☀️ 32 °C
Altitude: 626 m
United States Paradise 36.113056, -115.16373336°6’47” N 115°9’49” W
Las Vegas Day 6
October 14, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
We spent part of the day relaxing at the pool. Then went to Ellis Island (that’s a hotel/casino off the strip), for some gambling (not much) and a BBQ rib dinner. Too much food.

So we went for a walk, got a street drink, watched the volcano and called it a night.Read more
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Day 34
Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 12:28 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 650 m
United States The Park 36.101242, -115.17240336°6’4” N 115°10’21” W
Las Vegas Day 7
October 15, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
This is our last day in Vegas. We packed up, stored our luggage and took the shuttle to the strip.

We had one beer left, it is nice to be able to drink on the sidewalk.

Today was just another walk along Las Vegas Blvd. We finished off with a slushy drink, then returned to pick up our luggage. 🧳🎒Read more
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