13/04/2025
Camino day 9: Padrón to Santiago, 28km (mostly uphill; in the rain)
It was, to be honest, a slog. But it was great to read the milestones and know that the distance stated was my distance for the day, and their steadily reducing number meant I was getting closer. It meant the last five km was mentally easier, despite being physically knackered.
Between the (rather fancy) hotel meals and encounters on the path, I ran into many of the people I'd met in previous days. The five Canadian women (early 60s?) who walked in twos or threes, and regrouped in the evening; the German mother-daughter (65?/21?) pair who insisted on second breakfast, elevenses, early lunch, late lunch, etc; the group of Irish women (early 30s?) who were walking the last three days as part of an extended weekend; the five German lads, one of whom was walking in one runner and one open-heeled sandal, due to bruising (and missing his wife, according to his mate). Thankfully, I didn't re-encounter the several large groups, who block the path while talking loudly and utterly oblivious to anyone or anything but themselves. I also saw the two Australian women, who were slightly less frosty, and the lovely American woman who invited herself to join me for dinner in Baiona, having recognised me from our hotel that morning.
The day started damp - that fine drizzle which is annoying most of the time, but is actually perfect for walking if you overheat like me - and had eased by midday. At which point it started raining. Which is also when we started climbing, gradually but relentlessly.
Unsure how long I'd need to wait for my certificates, I went directly to the pilgrim's office, assuming I'd have to wait an hour or more, and could find a bathroom, and even go to my hotel between times. In fact my wait was under five minutes - my wait as the cashier was longer!
I was too sore, physically and mentally spent, to do much last night, hence the late update. I'll post more on the dos and don'ts, and an overall perspective in the next day or two.
