The BUTAFUMEIRO (incensory) and the TIRABOLEIROS (incense carriers robed in red). The magnificent scene of the smoking, swinging incensory during the Pilgrim’s Mass in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is forever etched in my memory.
Many come to Santiago de Compostela and consider this the highlight of their trip. I admit it’s quite a spectacle. And a fitting end to a 113km camino desde Sarria in Lugo. Many others walked longer distances — a few limping along with blistered feet, wind- and sun-burned, some a few kilos lighter. Me? Not a kilo lighter. But I may have developed leg muscles and swollen feet from all the walking. As well as sunspots across my face. I now realize they’re not big issues with me.
What are the big issues then? The distance — how can I forget the day we walked 32.6 kms? And the weather. I don’t mind if it’s cold or sunny. But it’s a pain to get in and out of poncho raincoats! Many times too I’d put on the poncho before my backpack — which meant I had to redo everything so the backpack stays covered by the poncho. The mud? I don’t mind, except when it’s slippery. The uphill climbs…. Oh Lord. Thirty years of smoking took its toll. I felt like a really really old lady — hunchbacked and all with a backpack and poncho — with every step I took on steep inclines. Yet still, no big issues. Amused myself enough on those climbs. Happy thoughts!
Go slow. Listen to the birds. Feel the sweet, moist smell of the forests. Mind the yellow arrows. Let Maryanne entertain you with her lovely singing voice. Be impressed with 70+ y.o. Herta’s camino pace — slow, deliberate and sure. Catch the funny exchange between buddies Carole and Helen. These 2 kept me amused often enough. May and Beth will keep you distracted from the muscle pains as they regale you with many interesting and funny stories. Such good walking companions! When Ann W and Sue wait up at the bend for you, and ask how you’re doing, you feel touched by the kindness. And how inspiring to find a mother-daughter team walking with you. Ann C and Missy make me consider another camino with my grandchildren. That is, if I can keep myself in good shape like Herta! And Chus. What would we do without young, lovely Chus? Thank you all, witches. I mean, ladies. Missing you all already!
So, my camino ends for now. But the memories linger. We made it!
DAY 1: https://marilil.wordpress.com/2015/05/03/my-camino-switching-off-for-a-week/
DAY 2: https://marilil.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/day-2-a-very-wet-camino/
DAY 3: https://marilil.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/day-3-camino-back-into-the-woods/
DAY 4: https://marilil.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/my-camino-day-4-the-best/
DAY 5: https://marilil.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/camino-day-5-can-you-believe-it/
DAY 6: https://marilil.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/my-camino-its-over-but-not-really/
Witches away!
lifeisacelebration 
Thanks for sharing your experiences during your camino. I did it vicariously through you. I can almost smell the rain and the scents of the countryside through your description. I felt the emotions running through you specially when you reached the Cathedral. Felt refreshed looking at your pictures. Am hoping to do it with the family.
Thank you, Maricel. I hope you get to do this together with your family someday.
You did well on this walk, considering your age and lack of prior physical conditioning. I am impressed.