One Last Longing Glance at the Ocean...
- hollandauctions
- Oct 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Today is a day I have not lbeen l4ooking forward to for a while... It will be the last time I see the ocean, until I reach Finisterre... But, what a spectacular send-off I get! It is one of the best coastal walks of the entire camino .
Leaving La Caridad, these recycling bins pop up, and i love them!
The day starts with some nice woodsy trails...
Little things like this really let you know the locals are into the camino as well, and so many people stop to wish Buen Camino!
A church along the way...
I would have thought I would see more castles in Spain, like this old Castillo...
And then suddenly, I'm back at the ocean...
... amd loving it..
The next two hours, I am in my glory, as scenery after scenery reveals itself...
Everywhere you turn is stunning, and I know this was the right route to take...
It's hard to explain, but the ground seems to vibrate with the footsteps of human history this area has seen....
Spectacular...
The views are breathtaking...
... and go on and on...
I get in on the action..
And the hits just keep coming...
Gorged on seacoast views, I begin to walk inland, and am greeted by these stone houses...
... and am immediately entranced...
A quaint stream, with two goats the only living souls I see...
This person follows me everywhere...
And happily, back to the sea...
... of which I cannot get enough. .
My happy place...
Endless wonder...
The church of San Estaban in Tapias de Casariego, right before I cross the border into Galicia, and arrive at my destination of Ribadeo...
I'm going to guess and say, Saint Steven...
One last beach before I say goodbye yo the ocean...
A little stream that empties into the ocean...
Still a few kilometers to go... The day was super windy, and at least three times I went to take step and was blown backwards... Also, at one point, the sunglasses on my head were lifted off by the wind, carried into the air, and landed so far back in a farmers field I had no chance of finding them...
15 of the most terrifying minutes of my life... The bridge to Ribadeo is 612 metres of insanity... The walkway is just wide enough for one person, and the wind was howling between 80 and 100 kms per hour when I crossed... On at least 4 occasions, I had to crouch down as I was certain I was about to be lifted in the air like my sunglasses, and imminent death was to follow.... I swear I could feel the bridge swaying, and every time a truck flew by, the whole bridge would shake in a very violent, unsettling manner... My original intention was to film the cross over, but there was no way I could have held on to that phone all the way...
I've made it to the province of Galicia, the last of the provinces on this camino...
Tonight, I am dining at a restaurant that specializes in pig..
I start with Pulpo a Feira, or octopus cooked like at the fair, traditionally served on a wood platter with potato...
Then I am anxious to try something I have seen on several menus... Secreto de Cerdo, or Secret of the Pig... it is the meat from the underarm of the pig, and it is delicious, but also very fatty, so much so i have a hard time finishing the plate, and take about a third of it home with me...
Dessert is another cheese flan... a bit overcooked, if I'm being honest...
Dry aged meats at the front of the restaurant, waiting for some lucky person..
Distance walked today 28 kms...
TOTAL DISTANCE TRAVELLED SO FAR- 715 KMS
Greetings, Lawrence! Long time no watch!
Some people binge on episodes of 'The Office', but not me.
I just returned from an 8-day fall foliage road trip (sans my travel buddy, the amazing Andrea) that included disconnecting, so what a joy it's been this morning to view your progression in one fell swoop.
As always, the photos and footage sparkle. You've a poetic eye that seems to capture the essence of the places you've traveled. It's truly an honour to "join" you on this remarkable journey.
You've been an inspiration to me. I experienced a number of rain showers during my trip that, in the past, might have kept me indoors. However, thinking of your commitment to walk so many…
Too bad about your sunglasses disappearing into a distant farmer's field.
I once had my shades slide off my head into the ocean while on a whale watching cruise off the coast of Newfoundland.
I often imagined some tuna swimming about wearing them. So I know how you feel. BTW...what ever happened to that lovely new Tilley you packed at the onset?
I don't recall seeing you wear it in any of your pics.
The allure of the ocean is primordial for many of us. It stirs something deep inside that nourishes the soul. It is irreplaceable and you will miss it as you travel inland and eventually back to your home in the southern great lakes district.
So great…