Hello Chris and Ursula, how did your camino go? Were the conditions ok-I heard that the storms caused some damage in the winter. And did you meet other people?
Thanks for all the replies and greetings.
We had a wonderful experience of the Camino Ingles and we recommend it for anyone who has limited time.
We found the days a bit of a challenge and had not realised the landscape is such a rolling topography and this meant that some sections where quite steep both up and down, but this meant fabulous views and the countryside is very beautiful.
The highlight for us was the hospitality of the Galician locals, They understand what it is to welcome strangers and they have perfected the Art over many centuries.
The Camino Ingles is becomming more popular now that other routes become very crowded and although most of the Albergues where busy we never had a problem finding a bed anywhere and we did not book anything in advance.
Day One. We flew from Barcelona to Santiago de Compestella early in the morning and then caught a bus from the Bus station to Ferrol.
We had a little difficulty finding the tourist office but finally got our first Sello and head to the Port and start our walk around the harbour to Neda.
The Albergue at Neda is located in a public park and right next to the water has a nice outlook and very good facilities.
There is a Cafe bus next to the Albergue and you got the Key from the friendly cafe host.
Day Two. Head out early today to Minos winding around the harbour then over and down to Pontedeume, we stopped for a coffee at the beach and enjoyed the view for a while then continued around and over the bridge (so many big fish), and then on up the hill. Great view from the top and stopped for lunch on the way down the other side before heading on to Minos and the Albergue for the night.
Day Three. Head out early and have a day of ups and downs to Betanzos where we stop for a coffee by the river and then then up through a busy market in the centre and continue with the up and down through to Presedo. (We consider this to be our hardest day and there was nowhere to buy anything after Betanzos so it is wise to stock up before leaving Betanzos.)
Day Four. With the assistance of our Camino friends we met at Minos we ordered Burgers completo x4 for our meal at Presedo and also for lunch in case there was no cafe on the way today. This proved a good move as we where early going past the bar Julia which was not open when we passed. (no morning coffee today!)
We stopped at the Church on the way up the hill and made use of the Toilet and water before the long climb up.
We found that this was not as difficult as we had expected and this was probably due to being early in the morning when it was cool and we were fresh from a good rest. The climb was rather gentle and continuous to Bruma and we arrived earlier than expected and had a pleasant wait beside the stream in front of the Albergue before our host arrived.
We went out for lunch to a very nice restaraunt that was about 15 minutes walk from the Albergue and enjoyed the best menu-del dia we would have on the trip. This same restaurant does a meal delivery service to the Albergue for the evening meal and it was very good value.
Our host in Bruma was a delight and he spent the entire afternoon and evening tending to the needs of the Pilgrims as they arrived and then prepared the dining room for the evening meal, not leaving till late in the evening. (The dedication of the hospitalero's is humbling and made the Camino very special for us)
Day Five. Head out early with all the other pilgrims for the Hike through to Siqueiro which was a long straight forward walk winding through the forest and a long straight stretch through a very hot afternoon for us today. Arrived in Siqueiro and look for accomodation which we found by chance. We stayed in a new hostel that is more like a hotel with en-suite and enjoyed a night in our own room for a change.
Day Six. Head out after breakfast coffee and croisant with our Camino friends from Minos and walk together for the day all the way to Santiago.
we arrived just before mid day and did not have to look for accomodation as we were immediately approached by a soft spoken older gentleman who asked if we required accomodation as he had rooms in an apartment available.
Another chance meeting and a very comfortable room with en-suite and use of Kitchen was provided for us all for the price of a hostel bed and this around the corner from the Cathedral in the centre. (Another example of wonderful Galician hospitality )
We spent the rest of the day enjoying Santiago and all it has to offer.
We spent the next day enjoying Santiago and attended the Pilgrim mass and enjoyed the atmosphere of a City that is experiencing a celebration by Pilgrims every day.
Our first Camino completed or perhaps more truthfully our Camino continues ...
Chris and Ursula Hight
Dunedin, New Zealand
