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Our overnight in Padrón was most enjoyable. This is a sleepy little town on the Sar River. As we were now just a day out of Santiago, many Camino friends were also spending the night. Enjoying an afternoon beer with them on one of the restaurant terraces is what the Camino is all about. We spent the night at the Albergue Corredoiras. This was one of the newer albergues that we stayed in and one of the few that actually accepted credit cards. Along with only four other pilgrims, we pretty much had the albergue to ourselves. Walking off seasons has its perks! We also treated ourselves to pulpo, octopus, for the last time on this trip. Delicious! Between the convent and the church, there is a great deal of history or lore associated with Saint James in Padrón. 

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Unfortunately, I didn't get the name of this tapas bar in Santiago, but it's on Rua Franca just a block from the cathedral. In fact, you walk right past it on the Caminho Portugués just steps from the end of your journey. There is no shortage of good food in Spain and Portugal, but tapas bars are a favorite of mine. This bar was a particularly good one based on the number of tasty choices they offered as well as judging by the large crowd and its popularity. While sitting at the bar, while also enjoying some excellent red wine, we met an Englishman who had just completed the CF by bicycle. Meeting interesting people along The Way seems to be a daily occurrence and one of the great reasons to be here in the first place. ¡Buen provecho!

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Images of Saint James can be found along the length of the Camino. None, however, are probably better know nor capture the sense of "the pilgrim" better than this one found on the backside of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The afternoon light brings new life into the historic statue. From the hat, the staff, and the cape, one gazes upon him and better understands the journey just completed.

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The Backpack! Perhaps the singe most recognizable symbol of the pilgrim. For this Camino, we both used Osprey backpacks. Nancy the Sirrus (pictured) and for me, the Stratos. Both are 35L packs and just the right size! We noticed many pilgrims along The Way with much larger packs carrying much more gear than we were. After my first Camino last year, I knew that I wanted to reduce the weight I carried. We ended up with a total weight of just 6.25 kg and that included our water. What a joy it was carrying a light pack! Check out our March 16 entry for a detailed gear list. To walk far, carry less!

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On the outskirts of Pontevedra, we were struck by this mural which was also part of the cafe/bar of the same name. From doing a Google search, I can tell you that there are numerous Casa Pepes in Spain. But, from a tired pilgrim's point of view, look at the symbolism in this mural: the scallop shell, the staff, a grizzly old peregrino (Santiago himself), the cathedral, and, of course, a pint of Spain own lager, Estrella Galicia. If our hiking day hadn't been almost over, this would definitely have been a place to take a break and rest for awhile.

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A rainy morning in Portugal, but that's just part of the Camino experience. Our four days of light, early spring rain was not an inconvenience at all. In fact, it made for slightly cooler temperatures and pleasant walking conditions. The cobblestones get a bit slippery, but that just part of the charm walking this section of the Camino in Portugal. Little was needed other than a rain jacket and backpack cover. By the time we reached Tui, Spain, the sun had returned along with much warmer temperatures. 

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We had just crossed the river into Spain and were at our destination Tui where we'd spend the night at the Albergue El Camino in the heart of the medieval part of the city. We were the only two that night in our 6-bed dorm room. Time to look for some food! A number of places were closed that night, but we found the most charming wine bar just around the corner from where we were staying, the Santi Amen. There, as a fairly heavy rain came down, we enjoyed this plate of Spanish ham and cheese as well as a couple glasses of well-earned red wine. Throughout Spain and Portugal, the food was world-class! Buen provecho!