Neil-Allan Walsh on the Camino "Ultrea et Suseia"

Wishing all fellow pilgrims a Blessed Christmas !

As the planning starts for two Camino’s next year, I just realised I have walked over 1500km in total on the Camino over the last 4 years.

These beauties arrived a few days ago, next year I am planning to walk two Camino’s.

Should have been dinner for two.

Loitering without intent, one of the joys once you have completed your Camino is to have time just to wonder the streets of the old city of Santiago.

Two weeks back from the Camino today, this pic a silhouette of a pilgrim on the wall of the cathedral, a kind reminder that the spirit of the Camino lives on long after you have completed the road.

If you can’t walk or cycle there is always horseback! Group of pilgrims arriving of horse this morning!

And so this year’s Camino comes to an end, the Camino is not just a walk, it’s a prayer, it’s a meditation, it’s reflection and so much more.

The last stop before we enter Santiago tomorrow, going to give it an early start as the weather is getting warmer!

Yesterdays walk

Yesterday’s episode

Yesterday I prayed like David I lift my eyes to the hills…. But once I got to the top it was worth it!

Today was a marathon, 36km but I am still smiling!

Yesterday’s crossing from Portugal to Spain 5 minutes on a speed boat and a hour ahead in time. yesterday I did laundry, washing line was in the shade so packing a lot of damp clothes in my bag this morning, might have to re wash all this afternoon! That’s part of the life on the Camino.

Left this morning in the rain, walked most of the day along the coastline, thankful the rain subsided, now on the boarder with Spain 🇪🇸, will cross by boat in the morning, back on the top bunk but I have a little curtain for privacy or to keep the snoring in or out! If you not comfortable being with yourself don’t walk the coastal route! Bon Caminho 🇵🇹

Few pictures of yesterday’s Corpus Christi celebration

Today was a real joy to walk, away from the boardwalk along the beach and through small villages, forest and finally a few hills. It’s bank holiday not much open raining heavy so could not find room in the albergue as most pilgrims are staying in town rather to get wet, found a hotel that did not breaking the bank tomorrow is the last day in Portugal before crossing into Spain!

Today’s photo bom,

Day one 33km and still smiling! Porto to Vila do Conde

Arrived safely in Porto, picked my credential from the cathedral, now loitering without intent.

And so the journey begins

Packing complete, 7kg , travelling to Porto tomorrow to start my Portuguese Camino on Tuesday! Bom Camino

Walking through the Holy Door for the last time, saying a prayer at the relics of St James! For all that was , for all that’s now and for all that is to come!

Day 33 , after the last 20km we arrived in Santiago, our pilgrimage to Compostela completed, now we start our next journey carrying in our hearts and lives the experience of this one! The Camino provided.

Day 32 , arrived in O Pedrouzo, tomorrow we will arrive in Santiago, after 790km, blisters and a few tears , going to bed tonight with mix emotions! Thankful, grateful and hopeful!

Day 31, two more walking days left, but today was tough, 30kms of rolling hills and a few very steep inclines, and the heat is back. Maybe it’s the Camino trying to keep me focus. It was a good food day , octopus in Meleide and a ice cold beer in Arzua! Buen Camino

Day 30, 3 more days to go the Camino is now a very different place, there are hundreds if not a thousand pilgrims on the way. Finding a place to sleep in a albergue now real challenge. Booking ahead is now a necessity , today we covered 26km but will do 30km tomorrow as the town we wanted to stop in is fully booked. But as they say the Camino will provide. Listening to a Brazilian snoring at top decibels will hopefully get some sleep tonight!

Day 29 arrived at Portomarin, there are now hundreds of new pilgrims on the road. It’s as if the Camino is slowly bursting the bauble in which we have been living and a gentle reminder that we will be returning to the real world soon! On the plus side loads of delicious seafood to be had!

Day 27 / 28
Villafranca to La Faba to Sarria, after the thunder storm of the day before we crossed into Galicia, above the clouds with great vistas. The Camino are now getting very busy we are 114km from Santiago the end is in sight but until the the Camino continues!

Day 26, another 26km, thunder and lightning ⛈ very frightening, 160km to go! Just realised that we are walking a marathon every 2days. Beun Camino!

Day 25 arrived Villafranca Del Bierzo, Less then 180km to go, the heat has returned so hydration very important. Many new faces on the Camino but always great to see a familiar face!. Just a few random pictures of today and yesterday.

At the foot of the cross, I placed my stone and remembered my departed friend Antón, prayed for those who has asked for my prayers, and hopefully leave behind my on failures and disappointments! In a place soaked with prayers of thousands of pilgrims before me.

Day 23 we arrived in Foncebadon the rocky paths the hills and mountains are back , small little street production at the end of the day great distraction for the tired legs!

Day 22, we arrived in Astorga, we starting to count down, high light of the day visiting David’s stall in the middle of nowhere.

Day 21 , Villa Mazarife, ding the laundry is part of the daily task on the Camino! Thankful to be sleeping in our brothers house tonight!

Day 20, Arrived in Leon a shorter day then usual only 18km but it doubles as a rest day. The Meseta is now behind us but the hills and mountains returns. More pilgrims expected on the Camino as many starts in Lèon. Blisters now under control, I hope ! The Camino continues.

Day 19 , life on the Camino for most pilgrims are really basic, after 26km walking all you need is a bed, warm shower and a simple pilgrims meal. And of course all you need you carry on your backpack supported by your wallet. Beun Camino