Day 18-
After my left knee turned a bit "wonky" yesterday after what seemed a never ending downhill on a smooth lane with no traffic into Ponte Ulla at a 10% grade, then up the other side as far as EiravedraI, I was disappointed to possibly consider taking a bus or taxi into Santiago today. We had stayed at Pension Residential Victoria and the bus stop was across the street which was very tempting...but no.
The walk was considered relatively easy on Gronze and helped me make my decision to attempt it. My son wrapped my knee area with an Ace bandage he had brought and I managed to walk the final 20k into Santiago. It was a nice change of pace to walk into the city with this new direction; the only negative being all of the uphill on the way to the cathedral the last several kilometers. I was thankful there were no streambeds with precarious rocks to navigate today and I managed quite well.
Here are a few pictures from today. I enjoyed the many newer, colorful homes on the outskirts of Santiago and their attractive landscapes.
Since I've been posting a few photos of dogs; here is a favorite from today, and some pretty, colorful chickens.
As we entered the city streets from the country I got excited and for no special reason another song came to me from my youth. I turned on my phone and the volume way up and I sang along with this fun song! Sorry, I hope I don't offend as it's not spiritual.
We are staying at a great apartment, only about a block or two north of the cathedral, "Rua Numa Travesta". We do enjoy apartments when staying two or more nights in one location because we have more time to enjoy the space and do a little cooking; tomorrow eggs for breakfast.
Other less expensive places we have stayed at in the past and loved in Santiago were already fully booked, even as far back as last December.
I was early for my meet-up with forum member and virtual friend,
@JennyH94 at the Pilgrim office where she volunteers, so I stepped in and within five minutes had my Compostela and distance certificate. I was not even sure I wanted to get one, but it is a nice momento and glad I did.
Jenny and I shared a nice meal at a favorite, inexpensive restaurant near the Pilgrim office and chatted for an hour or two. It is always nice to meet some of the forum regulars and she is a doll.
I have tomorrow to mull around the city and visit a few favorite areas and things to do. I have done the cathedral rooftop tour twice and am always interested in tower tours. The tower was finally opened last year, but I had no opportunity to do it, but not wanting to aggravate my knee I will pass again this time.
On Monday we leave for Segovia by train for a short vacay day, then on to Madrid to fly home.
Thank you to all who have followed along, and I hope my ramblings and pictures have helped others who may be contemplating walking the Sanabres.