Villanova de Arousa to Padron (27Sept2019)

I took a rest day of sorts today. The last two days I have sensed a growing need for a smaller walking day in my feet and shins. The Spiritual Variant on this part of the Camino offers two ways from V.d.A. to Padron - one is a 36km walk (27 of which is along the road) and the other is by boat that follows 12 crosses that guided boats with pilgrims into Padron for their journey to Santiago. I chose the boat. Along the way we saw dolphins swimming, tower ruins built to protect and to warn villagers of invaders, and much wonderful wildlife. Some of the pilgrims with whom I am traveling will walk to Santiago tomorrow - so this is their final night on the camino. We have planned to have a meal together to share our experiences. I do not plan to arrive in Santiago until Monday, because I have some different walking plans. There is a monastery about 5km away that offers pilgrims a place for prayer, reflection, and a shared meal. I will try to stay there tomorrow, and then on Sunday I will walk to a town part way to Santiago to spend another day and evening reflecting upon this journey - and hopefully getting some more writing done. I hope to arrive in Santiago on Monday for the Noon Pilgrims’ Mass. The physical journey is almost completed, but the inward one looks to go deeper these next few days, and I am not sure what I will find. I look forward to it with hope! Until next time, Ultreia (e suseia) Dan