Camino Finisterre: Day 1

Distance: 21 KM (13 miles)

Weather: cloudy with intermittent rain, 46-57°

Time on trail: 6 hours 10 minutes including all breaks & stops

Yesterday, I was extremely tired once we reached our hotel around 1:30 pm. At that moment, I wasn’t so sure I’d be up to do 4 more days on the trail.

However, after an afternoon nap & a good night’s sleep, I was once again ready to go.

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast along with our new German friend who was staying in the same hotel.

We learned that she had walked the Camino many times & had done different routes. The Camino Primitivo was her favorite; but, she also enjoyed the Camino Portugues which follows a coastal route. Good food for thought if we decide to walk another Camino.

On Tuesday, she decided to take advantage of the nice weather & walked a double leg all the way into Santiago arriving in the early evening. So, on Wednesday morning, she was among the first pilgrims in line at the pilgrim office.

For many years, the 1st ten pilgrims in line each morning to pick up their completion certificate have been offered a free lunch at the Hostal Reís Católicos (oldest hotel in the world.) She said it was very nice.

Capitalizing on the nicer weather this morning, we snapped few pictures around the cathedral before heading on our way.

I wasn’t sure if we would still have the yellow arrows guiding us to Finisterre; but, thankful we do, along with the ubiquitous KM markers.

Our last view of Santiago with the cathedral dominating the skyline.

On our way again.

There are very few bars on this Camino. You have to hope to find one open that is used more by the locals than pilgrims. This one came along at the perfect time.

We saw very few pilgrims/hikers today; but, to our great surprise, this young Korean man was on his way to Finisterre. We have seen him off & on during the entire trek.

It was great to see him again & finally learn his name.

After a long steady climb, we found this nice spot in the eucalyptus woods to enjoy our lunch.

Other sights along the way.

We crossed a very old stone bridge at Ponte Maceira which was built in the 14th Century & refurbished in the 18th Century.

A Spanish village.

Tomorrow is our last very long hike. We plan to start earlier & take more breaks. Forecast is for rain all day. Unfortunately, there will be few places along the route, possibly with a bar where I can enjoy a break for a cafe con leche.

Count down:

3 days to Finisterre