Day 8 - A Fonsagrada to O Cadavo (Baleira)

Our pilgrimage day began in fine form today.  Last night was a full moon, and so we began walking at 7:45 am with the sun rising behind and the full moon ahead.  

 

If you'll notice the windmills on the ridge, note that we get to climb that ridge, arriving around noon.

There is a ruined pilgrim hostel, which we are informed was built by Peter the Cruel in 1360.  In all events, this is the pass and the windmill ridge, at about 3517 ft elevation.  We were hoping for another rock wall on which to offer Mass.  This was granted to us.   We had a pair of pilgrims from the Canary Islands and another couple from Israel join us.  Msgr. S., with help from the flock, got out a nice Spanish homily.

The hiking and scenery continued to be beautiful and amazing.

However, lest you come to believe that all was sunshine and scenery, the Camino stuck three significant climbs in along the way.  The first we expected as long.  Then came two sharp climbs that made us visit about the steps to Shelob's lair!  We wouldn't have been surprised to see a large spider appear and take one of us out! 🕷️

On the bright side, before the 2nd 'stair,' a household had a free will lemonade shrine.  It was delightful and appreciated.

Finally, as we have grown accustomed to, the Camino manages, almost without fail, to descend first before putting a final climb before our stop for the night.   

So, here is what we saw at 4:15pm, after hiking since 7:45pm.  Our nightly lodging only came after descending the far side of this slope!

Tomorrow, I am certain we'll cross the next windmill ridge.

The town where we stay tonight is called O Cadabo.   I fear that both of us were singing, to the tune of 'O Clementine,' songs about our cadavers at the end of the pilgrimage day.

Final statistics:  15.2 miles hiked.  During that time we climbed 2,950 feet and descended 3,680 feet.  

From now on, we should have less ascent and descent.  But tomorrow's hike is 18.9 miles!

St. James, pray for us!