We had a trip by vehicle scheduled to Finisterre... which is considered the 'end of the Camino' also. All very confusing, but it is the case. Santiago de Compostela is considered the end of the Camino, however, the official 'markers' and some traditions say Finisterre, and the marker there shows 000 KM. The End of the World is the Atlantic Ocean. There is your history lesson for the day!
We traveled through a couple towns, visited some falls and even saw pilgrims hiking to the 'end' of the trail. It's about 90 more KM to Finisterre and would an additional 3 -4 days if one was hiking. Oh, and we got a bridge picture in Pontemaceira!
Our first stop was Pontemaceira... lots of low clouds and fortunately, no mist as we had earlier when we left out digs. Very green, smells fresh and reminds us of the Northwet(west)...
Stopped for some cafe con leche... nummy with a sweet treat on the side in Muras. The town spills into the bay, filled with boats. Also, clamming here close to shore, where you see women harvesting them... hard labor for sure. Further out there were flosting 'islands' manmade where Mussels were raised and harvested (that way they don't touch the bottom...)
Visited some falls that were at one time closed to the public as the state built an electrical plant next to them, in Pontemaceira. The plant was closed down as a result of ecological concerns and debates with the public and the government. Guess that is happening all over the world where overzealous harnessing of nature is showing the effects on Mother Earth and her critters.
On to the end of the world... Finisterre! Jerry said he was glad we were in a van and he didn't have to walk anymore! He did pose at the final marker. At the top, we had lots of photo ops and topped it off with a cerveza con limon (beer and lemonade, aka Shandy in the states), quite satisfying. Headed back down to the town and had lunch.
Back in a van to travel to Muxia, very pretty, still low clouds. It'a filled with beautiful rock formations and is often referred to as "Stone Boat" as they named certain rock formations as part of a ship (rudder, sail, etc... really had to use your imagination).
In 2002, there was an oil spill, 62000 tons worth. The country and many more work together to clean it up. Took years, and now there is a memorial dedicated to the clean up crews. Also, a pretty cool church there (as usual)... had a fire many years ago and has been repaired/furbished.
Headed back home and actually snoozed a bit (was a 60 minute drive). We had arranged to have dinner with one of Jer's travel mates at the beginning of the trip, Hannah, from Germany, who he met the second day traveling. She had hooked up with a couple more pilgrims. Nice meal, and we were ready to get back to our room when we were done. 6 miles of walking with little sleep, and guess what... I SLEPT GREAT! PTL!
Those little dots are women harvesting clams
Floating platforms for growing mussels
One pilgrim left his shoes... he/she was DONE!
Monument
Do you see the rudder below? It's the sorta L shape rock
Notice all the ships inside the church here...
Hannah next to Jerry...
Beautiful photos! Most of my friends who have done the Camino also "ended" at the cathedral in Santiago. One who did walk it said next time she'd end in Santiago--heehee! Travel on....
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