Mary Petrie Real Estate Coldwell Banker Bain

I love the early evening light as I close in on my time in Porto. It was the perfect city for a respite from walking 15 days, 132.5 miles on the Camino. Tired feet, tired body but that is outweighed by the people that were part of my journey, the beautiful countryside and an open heart to take it all in. A lifetime of memories in that journey!❤️

The sea is within sight!

Not a bad view for my last lunch in Porto!

It’s hard to put days 9 and 10 into words, they were filled with so many emotions. Tired but exhilarated, sadness and joy, tears, lots of tears. Although I only walked 104.5 miles compared to those who walked from Saint Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago, 500+ miles, it was a milestone for me. Turning the corner into the square to get my first look at the cathedral, tears stared glowing and I really don’t know why.
I met pilgrims from around the world, hearing their stories, how many blisters they’ve had, along with countless reasons why they were there.
It opened my heart more than I had imagined and I will work to carry it and the lessons I learned with me always.

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Hola! It’s been 7 days, 79 miles and two more days before Santiago. It continues to amaze me. I’ve met people from around the world seeking out what the Camino will bring to them. It’s incredible to hear their stories, share their tears, sometimes grief and other times, joy. I’m sharing some of my journey in photos.

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It was a long, rainy day with many more pilgrims walking (we were told this would happen near Sarria as it’s 100 miles from Santiago which is a required credential to get your certificate). We would let the masses pass us so that we could better enjoy the peace and solitude of the gorgeous surroundings. I did half of the days mileage, 7.7 miles as my hips are still unhappy about the earlier long descent. We are closing in to Santiago, just three more days.

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Today may not have been my best mileage day but the giggles and laughter were priceless! Meet my new friends, Carolyn and Sam from Australia (thank you Beth for the introduction).
I learned the proper way to walk with sticks (less pain in my hips on descents), I was gifted sticks, I learned how one uses a small bouquet of flowers as a microphone, I learned how to read kilometers correctly, shared life stories, the loss of loved ones, the blessings of grandchildren and the gift of laughter with no conditions. Thank you loves, you have enriched my life!❤️

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Today was a much appreciated rest day, spent leisurely finishing a book and enjoying a fabulous meal at Cinza e Lume. The photos in the foyer were taken with the chef and part of the cast for the film The Eternals. It was the best day of rest I could hope for, tomorrow begins Day 5 of my journey.

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Hola, Happy 4th of July! I arrived in Ponferrada at 10:30 p.m on Saturday evening. It was a long two days of travel and I was happy to have made it to my destinations before meeting Beth on 7/2 there. Beth arrived at 8:30 p.m. after walking 23 miles over 12 hours navigating some challenging terrain. I was elated to see her. That’s where my Camino officially started.
7/3/24
Ponferrada to Villa Franco de Bierzo, 15.9 miles, 11 hours. One cannot prepare for the difference in altitude (Seattle at sea level) to Ponferrada, 1785’ above sea level. It was gorgeous as you’ll see, we ran into many pilgrims that Beth met along the way. There are many small villages along the way. It was a hot day, mid 80’s, slow and go especially on ascents. We walked 15.9 miles in 11 hours. My body is slowly adjusting to the altitude and heat.
7/4/24 Villa Franca de Bierzo to O Cebreiro. It was another hot day, plan was to walk together until the big ascent.
We enjoyed lunch together at the 10 mile mark. Beth was to continue on and meet me at our destination. Her feet, blisters and heat got the best of her, she took a taxi after 2 hours. She was disappointed but knew if she finished she may not walk tomorrow or the next day.
We’re relaxing after showers and deciding where we’ll dine. Here are a few highlights of my trip thus far.

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What a lovely day on Vashon visiting 5 area gardens. The tide was way out so we got to enjoy seeing loads of people out with their shovels digging for geoduck. The flora and fauna were amazing. Beauty from incredible cloud formations to osprey carrying its feast to dissecting a large pine cone to release its pine nuts. A full day of outdoor eye candy!

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