FOUR DAYS TO SANTIAGO

1 October 2023, Camino 3, Day 32

Portomarin to Palais de Rei

Full disclosure: I am not walking to Palais de Rei today. Yesterday was a very tough day. The walk itself was not too bad but the heat was brutal. In addition walking into Portomarin is a very steep downhill followed by a very steep up hill.

Not only is one faced with these steps but the town is a constant incline throughout. I made it to within 30 feet of our hotel when I absolutely had to take off my pack and sit and…well…I fainted. I’m ok. Some cold water on my face and to drink revived me. And here is where I want to talk about the kindness of people on the camino. The owner of the hotel came out offering all kinds of assistance, including calling an ambulance. Later she called to ask how I was and her husband (a doctor) asked some questions to get the full picture of the situation and told us to call at anytime if things got bad. Later one of the other residents stopped by at the owner’s request to lay eyes on me and report back. I felt very cared for.

The pilgrims office requires two stamps per day for the last 100 km as additional proof of having walked them. Only after that proof will they issue a Pilgrim’s Compostela.

So I’m sure you’ve already noticed that I’m taking a taxi and therefore I am not walking today. I’m really not all that fussed about getting a third compostela. However I want to frame my pilgrim’s credential (passport) and I would like to have the final Pilgrims’ stamp from Santiago. So yes, I’m going to lie in front of God and everybody in the pilgrim’s office about today. I’m relying of the grace of God and not God’s judgment.

Buen Camino

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