June 2015 – Kyle Martin

19 June, 2015

Back in Santiago for 24 hours before flying home, time enough to visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela officially the end of our Camino de Santiago. Took some time to look inside the cathedral and well worth the 500 mile walk.

Would have been nice to get a good photo of the cathedral but no luck, too many people and too much scaffolding to get a decent shot from Praza do Obradoiro, so took a G&T view instead.

17 June, 2015

Lazy late breakfast at Bar A Galeria, the coolest bar in Finisterre. Can’t think of a better way to start the day.

16 June, 2015

In Finisterre for 3 days R&R. Last time I was here was back in August 2013 when I’d cycled from Lalin via Saltiago on stage 4 of my Vuelta ride.

Took a walk up to Faro de Finisterre, the end of the known world and the westernmost point of continental Europe – except it’s not.

Bumped into Truro Will and he sent me photo of my late boots and gloves – made him smile when he saw them on the wall just outside Santiago.

15 June, 2015

Day 32 on the Camino de Santiago and after a final 12 miles, and close to 500 miles walking the Way, we arrived in Santiago de Compostela. Coincidentally today is the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

And with a little over 3 miles remaining I finally bid a fond farewell to my worn out boots and gloves. I loved those boots. Had them for more than 15 years. And a month on the Camino killed them.

14 June, 2015

Day 31 on the Camino de Santiago and a mere 12 miles walked to Pedrouzo-Arca. Not sure what thoughts are running around Kay’s head but for me, towards the end of the day near Alto de Santa Irene, there was a lovely wooded section. And it struck me that this time tomorrow we’ll be in Santiago de Compostela and it will all be over. Feelings of sadness and relief in equal measure.

13 June, 2015

Day 30 on the Camino de Santiago and today was a truly peaceful 18 miles of undulating woodland pathways to Arzua.

Some consider me to be determined, others single-minded – or perhaps I’m just pig-headed? Probably all three but you should ask Kay after a month walking the Way with me.

12 June, 2015

Day 29 on the Camino de Santiago and our final week walking the Way. Just another day on the Camino except the countdown has started and after today’s 15 miles to Palas de Rei we’re only 2 or 3 days away from Santiago de Compostela.

11 June, 2015

Day 28 on the Camino de Santiago and so glad to see Kay smiling again. Although her blisters are still uncomfortable the rest she’s had over the last few days might just be enough to see her through to the end. And after today’s 14 miles to Portomarin it feels like the end is in sight.

Church of San Xoan of Portomarin – an unusual temple-fortress because it’s designed to be both a church and a castle.

10 June, 2015

Day 27 on the Camino de Santiago and this is a happy day because the team is back together. During the last four days on the Camino I’ve hiked from Astorga to Sarria, up and over mountains, and covered 92.5 miles. Unreal. This morning I walked the final 17 miles into Sarria and if I was in any doubt whether I was in Galacia, then the horreo on my way down from Alto do Poio confirmed it.

Nice view from my bedroom window in Sarria. Shame those bells went off on the hour, every hour.

9 June, 2015

Day 26 on the Camino de Santiago and less walking the Way, more like hiking the Way. Today I left Castilla y León and crossed into Galicia and I have to say some of the tracks were quite rough. I know for sure Kay wouldn’t have enjoyed the climb over the 1,337m Alto do Poio. I’m loving the terrain though and managed to cover another 26 miles on my way to Fonfria.

8 June, 2015

Day 25 on the Camino de Santiago and another 19 miles clocked up on my way to Villafranca del Bierzo. Well on course to meet Kay in Sarria in a couple of days time.

7 June, 2015

Day 24 on the Camino de Santiago and a sad, sad day today. Kay’s blisters aren’t getting any better and need a few days to recover. But we have a plan. Kay is going to bus it to Sarria and over the next 4 days and 3 nights I’m going to hoof it something in region of 95 miles and meet her there.

And the first of those 4 days was quite literally a marathon and some more. After an early start I was yomping today rather than walking and managed to cover 30 miles from Astorga to Molinseca where my reward was…

6 June, 2015

Day 23 on the Camino de Santiago and unfortunately, if we’re going to make it to Santiago, it’s looking like Kay is going to have to spend a few days off her feet. Despite today being only a 13 mile walk to Astorga it took all of her will and fight to make it and I just can’t see her walking tomorrow.

Fortunately Astorga is an interesting place, a medieval walled town and a busy little hub for pilgrims. There’s plenty to keep us occupied if we need to stay a few days including the Episcopal Palace and Gothic Astorga Cathedral.

5 June, 2015

Day 22 on the Camino de Santiago and we’re back on the Way. It’s the start of our fourth week and today was a long and emotional day. Kay’s blisters are becoming a real concern and the 20 miles we walked from Leon to Villar de Mazarife and on to Villavante only compounded the problem.

4 June, 2015

Day 21 on the Camino de Santiago was a day off the Way. Time to break the monotony of walking although we still spent the day wandering around the city, including Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral, also called The House of Light.

3 June, 2015

Day 20 on the Camino de Santiago and after 12 miles and almost 300 miles walking the Way we arrived in Leon. And the first person I meet is Elvis – Kings of Leon.

2 June, 2015

Day 19 on the Camino de Santiago was a monster marathon 23 miles to Mansilla de las Mulas. It was a tricky one today because this area is a bit remote with places to stop few and far between. For sure the mileage took its toll on Kay today but on the plus side we’re only 12 miles from Leon and another well earned rest day.