Garry & Joyce Travel El Camino de Santiago: 2016

A final day in Ireland. Day 21.

June 7-8, 2016

Kildare

Gravity bar at Guinness

We took a tram from Red Cow this morning to James hospital then walked to Guinness. At airport waiting for gate & US pre-clearance to open. We are already thru security.

We got through US pre-clearance, might not have to go through the long passport lines. Scanned faces, filed declaration forms, etc. That would be cool. JFK has always been long wait. Waiting on plane then we will be waiting on train.

Worst thing about getting on an American flight and looking at the passengers hoping most of them aren't sitting next to you.

WELCOME HOME!!

8km of shopping. Day 20.

June 6, 2016

We made Mass today, but couldn't get a seat. Did get communion and lucked out as they swing the Fumatoria.

Emilio was one of the monks working the incenser.

Mom had no trouble walking today taking me shopping. I am exhausted.

Kind of scary music. Was twice as loud when it finished.

At last, in a bizarre world of Coke

First course, cooked meats?

Entrada selection

Second course ensalada & omlet

Everything in the old town or center city are on medieval curved streets with everything in what we would consider alley ways. No sidewalks, but cars still occasionally slowly drive by.

Asparagus blanco

I think we walked 8km today, but ended up at the same place.

The omelette are huevos con queso y patatas

Small vino bottle in Spain

Third round is pork ribs and fries. I told mom to quit eating so much pan. Retirement sucks.

The entire way, we were not able to eat the amount of calories we burned. Not so much of a problem now. Tomorrow we are taking the Sheehys out in Kildare.

Santiago cake & ice cream for postre and we are done. Literally.

Joyce: We did not walk that far to shop. Dad just hates shopping. Only found one shirt that will do for now. Miss US stores.

Garry: 8km minimum. At least I didn't have to carry her backpack.

They don't use a lot of drywall here.

Santiago de Compostela. Day 19.

June 6, 2016

Things have changed the last few days since the 100k group joined in Sarria. Pizza & burgers, souvenir stands, most people don't have backpacks or little ones. We don't spend time alone anymore. But we have 8.1 miles in, only 4.3 to Santiago at 10:00 am.

Breakfast with 4.3 miles from Santiago

Scott: What no Pepsi chairs?

Garry: Pepsi got kicked out of Spain.

Waiting in line at Pilgrims office to get Compostella.

Well we are in Santiago, get Compostella, find hotel then the Correos to get our stuff. Mass tomorrow.

Joyce: Got caught in small rain storm on final walk here. by cathedral Irish couple leaving mass. Meeting with them at 7:00 for supper. Also hugged young Danish couple when got here. I'd like a picture of them too.

They got here a lot faster than we did.

Getting closer

Dad is next pilgrim to get a certificate

The official office

Chapel inside the building

More steps. For arriving and leaving the office.

Garry: Going out with the Irish couple at 7:00, still need to get package we mailed ahead. We are planning on Mass tomorrow, touring and a little shopping. I might get a haircut and get rid of my 'pilgrim' beard.

Joyce: We did it! Yes!! Resting at the hotel. 225 miles across Spain.

Garry: 255 miles Joyce.

Chrystal: She didn't remember those 30.

Heavy Celtic heritage in Galicia

This is in front and connected to our room in Santiago

This makes the walk all worthwhile. Already had 2 scoops chocolate & strawberry sugar cone.

Joyce: Dad wants me to walk the Vol State walk across TN now. I'd rather eat ice cream and elevate my feet.

Garry: Found the Correos office and collected our mail. Nothing left but Mass, tour and shop. Didn't find a barber shop. Took a while to find hotel. Waas a lot easier in towns with populations of 42.

Aimee: Why does mom's certificate read Tudocum M. Price? Or Judocum? A Spanish version of Joyce?

Garry: The religious compedtella is in Latin. Other in Spanish. Judocum.

Aimee: Yours said Garry.

Garry: Different worker or its Latin for "Garry"

Gross toes and not much more. The Penultimate Day 18.

June 5, 2016

The Casa Tia Dolores, strong Celtic background, Irish music & bagpipes

I found my bring home beer bottle; Peregrina Beer

I need to find a Farmacia for Epsom salts or something. Mom has a very painful toe. Was doing so well and now struggling on 11.9 mile day. I carried both packs a couple miles and helped but still painful. 12 or less miles to Santiago.

Staying in Arca.

Joyce: I am soaking my two little toes. Have always cleaned and wrapped, just got worse. Definitely the weakest link. Dad will carry all my stuff tomorrow. I want to be able to walk around Santiago.

After sticking with a needle and soaking. Darn! So sore.

Garry: Coming back soon I have more compeed, Try it out tonight.

Getting a Superburger con queso, bacon, cebolla, huevos & chips. Getting re-adjusted to American food.

Azura yesterday, famous Spanish lady

I bought mom a tube of suck-it-up for the last day.

Joyce: Eating out with cervaza - beer. Should save for tomorrow. I can do it, but dang toes are sore. I will need walking feet to finally buy souvenirs and new outfit for Ireland.

Garry: Dos cerveza por Joyce.

Less than a marathon to go. Day 17.

June 4, 2016

We are in Arzua. We have 39km to go, only 24.2 miles. I think we should send our bags ahead and jog in to Santiago tomorrow.

We are not doing that. Looks like 11.8 miles tomorrow staying in Arca and 12.4 on Wednesday in Santiago. I think we have 368km in (227.5 miles)

Irish friends, the Sheehys, from Kilarney

Melide

Money

Melide Church

Another stream crossing

Foleys from Florida

Finally found the Eucalyptus trees

Got my 199EU hotel in Dublin cancelled. Saves a little money

We leave room, have a beer, then go look around, but everything is closed because it is Siesta time.

Joyce: Feet are resting, restaurants open at 7:30. If only we had English speaking TV, I could get a nap in.