Thank you all for the comments and encouragement posted on my blog. This is the first time my blog has allowed this. I finally figured it out. I am not exactly a computer whiz. I have trouble downloading the photos, writing the blog, getting my supplies, eating dinner, and getting ready for the next day, among many other things. I struggle to get to bed at a reasonable time. The past two nights, it has been close to midnight. And of course, it is an early wake-up for me. I wish I had time to fully reply to all your questions and comments, but I do read your posts.
The third day of hiking is always the hardest for me. My muscles are sore and I am tired. I would like to throw my backpack off a cliff along with my boots. I am already tired of cheese and bread, bread and cheese out of my pack. Other than those complaints, I am having a great time. LOL! The weather was slightly overcast but not rainy, which was a blessing. It has been quite warm here - almost 70 degrees, which is hot for hiking.
I am getting closer to the Compostela de Santiago because there are more and more references to Peregrinos.
I peeped through the fence at this abandoned mansion. Quite a stunner. There must be a story. There’s always a story.
Took a much-needed Coke Zero break at this little cafe.
I don’t know what this pastry is called, but it had a peach filling and was quite tasty. I was at about the 8-mile mark, and it really hit the spot. I needed a sugar boost.
For all my horsey friends.
The sign said, "The Church was built between 1906 and 1914, replacing the previous one, today called 'Old Church'. It has a neoclassical style single nave, facing east to west, with a curved and tiled
façade in shades of blue and white, topped by a bell tower in the center. A doorway in a bow shape, topped by a rectangular stained glass window, crowned by a clock on the bell floor and onion dome protected by balustrade and vases, finished by a cross on an acroterium. The main door is flanked by two stained-glass windows, each one topped by tile panels representing a fishing scene on the left side, alluding to St. Peter
(the fisherman), and St. Bartholomew on the right side, the patron saint. The altarpieces, the modern high altar in marble and granite, and the polychrome coffered ceiling stand out, where the life of St. Bartholomew is narrated.
The Altar.
Although I am not Catholic ( Merry Methodist), I find the Saints fascinating. The parish community of Mar venerates one of the first Apostles, Saint Bartholomew. The legend of having been skinned alive - an execution ordered by a mysterious Armenian king - first appears in the 13th century. However, an alternative version claims that Saint Bartholomew was beheaded. Traditionally, artists prefer to represent Saint Bartholomew holding his own skin and a large knife. (YUK!) Although being universally overspread, this belief is not yet proven. Nonetheless, it explains the reason why SaintBartholomew is presented as the patron saint of those workers who deal with skin and leather: tanners, butchers, or even bookbinders. Saint Bartholomew is also associated with some medical conditions, being the patron saint against epilepsy, stutter, mutism, and gout, particularly in children. Annually, on 24 August, in this church, at Mar, a multisecular feast (called Romaria) is celebrated to honor Saint Bartholomew. The promise involves a ritual: the offer of a black chicken, three walking tours around the church, the passage under Saint Bartholomew's carriage, and the "holy bath" in the sea."
This is the first time I have ever seen it as “Bom Camino.”
Trail - Woohoo.
I had to cross this narrow little bridge with no rails.
I had to scramble over some rocks that, in places, were a bigger step than my short legs could traverse without sitting down and reaching a foothold.
This cat looks just like our Buddy, who probably raided some trash before we gave him the good life.
Pilgrims left special prayers and tokens beside this Santiago. I was tempted to leave the pin on my backpack that says, “I did not vote for him,” because I am tired of Europeans approaching me with concern about our current president. (no haters, please). Just so you know - I am NOT a liberal.
What a trip this mega grocery store was. The line for an in-person cashier was about fifty carts long, so I decided to use the self-serve. Of course, I couldn’t read a dang thing that it said. I had my supplies on the wrong side, and it kept rejecting my scans. Then I couldn’t figure out how to make it accept my credit card, and it was a card-only line. Lastly, I couldn’t get the gate to open and let me out. I didn’t know you had to scan your receipt for the gate to open. Several nice customers assisted me. I did not represent the
U. S. in a flattering manner.
I was really hungry when I went to the grocery store, and I didn’t want junk food and didn’t want to ruin my dinner. I bought some hummus and carrot sticks plus tomatoes, cheese, and sunscreen. I wasn’t sure what Beterraba meant, but I went for it. They were out of the regular hummus.
Judging by the bright color, I guessed it was beet, which it was, and it was excellent. It didn’t taste like beets, which I like; it just tasted like regular hummus.
I just can’t resist these beautiful salads.
I had lots of choices, but I chose the Hake au Gratin. Hake is such a mild fish, and this was cooked to perfection, moist, succulent, and topped with buttery crumbs. It was accompanied by a medley of green vegetables. The hushpuppy-looking roll is Rollinhos de Frango Recheados com Alheira, translated as chicken rolls stuffed with Alheira sausage. Crisp on the outside and stuffed with an unctuous combination of sausage and herbs.
I took a tiny piece of cheesecake, New York Style, topped with raspberries. Lip-smacking wonderful.
And then I was a bad girl - chocolate mousse that would compete with the best French mousse, chocolate on steroids.
So I am over-tired, stuffed, and all-around a happy camper.
Sweet dreams until mañana.
