LIVE from the Camino @Gerardum’s Variante Espiritual

My wife and I are on day 2 of the Variante Espiritual del Camino Portugues, and being on “the Way” is bringing back fond memories of when we completed the Coastal Route last summer. Thankfully, we haven’t been rain on too much as was forecasted and we’ve seen more pilgrims than expected. I’ll be posting many more photos as a media input at the conclusion of this most memorable adventure…

Just completed day 4 where I couldn’t post yesterday due to a really slow WIFI and no hot spot. Yesterday was pretty nice going down the mountain from Armentair with lots of greener, then it rained some. Today was along the coast and tomorrow on to Padron and then the final destination - Santiago…

Rolled into Padron today to which completes the Variante Espiritual del Camino Portugues portion of this Camino endeavor. My wife, Penny, and I will complete the final stage tomorrow into Santiago on the Central Route that will mark the end of this pilgrimage. After having done both the Central Route and the Variante Espiritual I would recommend doing the Central Route of the two. Though, rather than taking a boat taxi from Vilanova de Arousa to Padron, we opted to trek along the coast, whereas many people opt for the boat ride as a nice way to relax prior to the final stage into Santiago. I’m glad to have done both routes but found that the Central Route has more interesting sights, and a certain feel of being on a Camino pilgrimage. There’s also more cafes, grocery markets and restaurants along the Central way. Of course there were many moments and people that I interacted with on the Variante Espiritual Camino whose memory will stay with me for years to come. Buen Camino…

Made it to Santiago yesterday to conclude what has been a memorable experience. The trek was a challenge even though it was just over 110 KM, and I have so much respect for pilgrims that complete one of the weeks long Caminos. I’ll post a number of photos as a media entry of some of the more interesting sights along the way. This is my second Camino and it’s unknown when I’ll be back again, though I hope to return someday. Buen Camino…

Gerardum (Gerry) said:

Made it to Santiago yesterday to conclude what has been a memorable experience. The trek was a challenge even though it was just over 110 KM, and I have so much respect for pilgrims that complete one of the weeks long Caminos. I’ll post a number of photos as a media entry of some of the more interesting sights along the way. This is my second Camino and it’s unknown when I’ll be back again, though I hope to return someday. Buen Camino…

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I wanted to add one last entry to put closer to this most memorable adventure. My wife and I stayed a night in the beautiful city of Porto, and stopped at Fatima on our way back to our villa in the Algrave at the south coast of Portugal. We did find a Camino Shell direction marker at the Porto Cathedral that wasn’t there last summer. Though, unless you’re just passing through Porto I would suggest starting the Costal Camino going in the direction of the painted arrow towards the river and head west, then turn north at the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is really nice and it‘s near impossible to get misdirected. I was curious about Fatima as it’s also a pilgrimage that follows some of the Portuguese Camino but in the opposite direction, and found that the Bisilica is a huge site. Also a quite memorable visit for those of the Christian faith. Our next grand hiking adventure will be in April or May on the Dingle Trail in Ireland. Buen Camino and happy trails to you…