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Cheerful Kevin – Cheerful Priests

The path took the pilgrims through forests of oak, pine and eucalyptus with rustic bridges crossing rivers and streams.

At Boente the pilgrims came across this lovely church dedicated to St James, which they were fortunately able to visit

A wayside bar appropriately named for Santiago

Pat, Susan, Melrose & David

Claire in the sunshine

Debbie our ever present walking holiday rep with Fr Martin

Group photo at Arzua

Day Five (Thursday 16 February)

Arzua to O Pedrouso – 13 miles

Having climbed steadily up from Arzua the pilgrims were treated again to wonderful views of the Galician countryside

This milestone reassured us that there were only 32 Kms to go. Francine thinking of a lift?

Francine, Claire, Fr James, Anne, Sue and Mary arrive at O Pedrouzo after what felt like a very long and arduous day’s walking

But, dinner at O Pedrouzo showed everyone at their best again, with remarkable signs of cheerfulness and joy. David is snapped here being encouraged with a friendly kiss from the affectionate waitress

Day Six (Friday 17 February)

O Pedrouzo to Santiago – 11 miles

Having been so far behind on the previous day Francine and Graham, after a rapid breakfast, set out at dawn from O Pedrouzo on the last day into Santiago. Despite their early start, and missing morning prayers, it was not long before they were overtaken by the ever-youthful, fleet-footed Serena

Essential rest before the last push to Santiago

Margaret & Joe pausing on the way down into Santiago .. First Sight of the Cathedral. Nearly There Anne!

There was a definte spring in the step as the group pushed on through the narrow streets of the old town of Santiago. It was as if the horse could sense the closeness of his stable.

Paul and friends striding up towards the Cathedral

Arrival at the Cathedral in Glorious Afternoon Sunshine

The High Altar in the Cathedral

Saint Mary Salome, wife of Zebedee and Mother of St James & St John

A Side Altar

Saint James in the costume of a Pilgrim

Final Dinner at a Pulperia in Santiago

Roisin presenting small tokens of appreciation from the Pilgrims to Fr James and Fr Martin

Debbie was also presented with a small pilgrim’s shell necklace

Day Seven (Saturday 18 February)

Santiago to Brentwood – 732 miles by plane and bus!

The final day began with Mass in a side chapel of the Cathedral dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. After the simplicity of the Masses celebrated along the way in sometimes noisy restaurants and small hotels, the contrast with the grandeur and solemnity of both the Cathedral chapel and the fine vestments was striking.

Fr Martin and some of the other Pilgrims with their all important Compostela Certificates proving their completion of the Camino

Oh My Feet!

Despite the physical trials and tribulations, the whole Pilgrimage was considered an enormous and spiritually uplifting success by the pilgrims, inspired and supported as we were by Fr Martin and Fr James.

To both of them we offer our sincerest love and gratitude.