penultimate day…

Today started with one of the best breakfasts we’ve had while walking this Camino… thick slices of freshly toasted bread, freshly squeezed orange juice, yogurt,  croissants, a platter of jamon and cheese, and melon. Condiments … butter, jams and pureed tomato which you could spread on your bread. Our hosts were attentive to our every need, asking from time to time if everything was alright and if we needed any more of anything. Our stay at this Quinta was also one of the best… we were made to feel very welcome, part of the family … with mum, dad and hostess each spending time with us. We were even sent off with a complimentary picnic lunch … we needed to eat as we were walking so much.

Like previous mornings the fog surrounded us giving trees, houses, animals and people a ghostly appearance. It was so thick in places we could almost lose each other. The sun though was quite hot and soon the fog had all but disappeared giving way to a glorious summer day. Intense blue sky, searing, scorching, blinding light reflecting off white stone paths and concrete buildings followed by dark, leafy, tree-lined paths. Our steps a little lighter and faster at the prospect of being so near the end.

Each corner, each marker brought the kilometres down. And, almost subconsciously we slowed down, stopped a little more often to take another photo. All three of us wanted these moments to last a little bit longer… and at the same time can’t wait for tomorrow when we walk into Santiago.