Tonight, Sunday, is my last night in the Polska nation! What a great experience, full of blessings, the past 4+ days have been. Warsaw, Krakow and Wadowice are unique and interesting/exciting cities. Lots to do and each with its own charm/beauty, especially the first two. It helped that the weather was very good in Warsaw and the last day and a half in Krakow. Makes it much easier to walk around and enjoy the sights. The energy of the city is heightened with large numbers of people out in the public squares.

Warsaw is amazing in the sense that it had to be rebuilt after the Uprising of August 1 – October 2, 1944. In retaliation the Nazis razed the city. It was rebuilt to try and recapture the city as it was before the destruction, and they did a phenomenal job! The Uprising Museum is very informative with interactive elements – outstanding for history buffs! People are very proud of their city and extremely helpful! The food and drink is delicious!

My Camino friend Adam took me to a local place for dinner and it was nice seeing him again!

From Warsaw it was off to Częstochowa and the monastery at Jasna Gora. This is where the famous icon the Black Madonna, Our Lady of Częstochowa, is kept.

The icon is only displayed at certain times after Mass and then is covered up. It really is stunning to be in the chapel! The grounds of the monastery are beautiful, but again it was raining off and on so I wasn’t able to really appreciate it.

From there is was on to Krakow, arriving too late to try and go into the city. My hotel is about 10 kms from the city centre.

There is much to do around this city.

Saturday started early with a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Very surreal experience. It was heightened by the fact it rained/drizzled the whole time I was there, 4+ hrs. It is difficult to understand that the sole purpose of the place’s existence was to murder people!!

From the town of Oswiecim the Polish leg of the adventure moved on to the town of Wadowice, birth place of Saint John Paul the Great. Didn’t explore the city much, you guessed it, the rain. But I did go through the JP II museum, which is the building/apartment that the former pope lived his first 18 years of life. The museum is really well done as it traces his life from birth to death with various artifacts from the saint’s life and the use of modern technology. Well worth the time!

The weather really improved as I made my way back into Krakow so I decided to drive into the old town area. What a beautiful city! Something for everyone, restaurants, architecture, huge squares and outdoor markets.

I even saw a band singing Happy Birthday to Leanna.

Took advantage of the lack of rain today, Sunday, and decided to walk to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and then into the old town. This Sanctuary is really quite special as it is focused on the message the world needs most at this point history – Jesus’ love and gift of mercy for humanity and our need for them! It is all connected to Jesus’ revelations/relationship with Saint Faustina, who died in 1938.

Krakow really is a beautiful city. If the weather is cooperative it is easy and enjoyable to walk around. Even those who hope to tap into tourists’ generosity are straight forward!

Well, I leave the country of pierogies tomorrow and go to the country of knedliki and my dad’s home village, Vnorovy. But not before I stop at the town of Wieliczka and it’s salt mines. Looking forward to this and the next few days with family.

Please continue to pray for me as I drive around.

Any special prayer requests?

Not sure why, but I have been having difficulties with the blog site. I can’t seem to upload any visuals so this is just text and covers a couple of days.

Sunday – Well, the morning view from my mountain retreat of last night was well worth the “blessings “ of last night’s journey to Posada Torcaz!

The town of Potes is really nice. It was the end point of a 28 km run this morning so there was lots of energy on the place! It was kinda neat to see the spectators supporting the runners as they completed the race.

What was interesting was finding out that Potes was a town on the Camino North. I was able to get another stamp on my credential!

Today was a day of relaxation and making my way back to Santiago. Again the drive back west towards took me through the Picos de Europa mountain range.

Decided to make my way to a couple of seaside towns people suggested I should visit. The first one was Cudillero. An old fishing community which has become a very popular tourist spot for the Spanish and other Europeans.

Ended up having a homemade lunch of salami sandwiches and a coke on the break wall looking out across the Atlantic.

From there I went over to another coastal town, Luarca. Hard to find parking for the car so I decided to not stay there. Ended up in a pretty nice place in a town called Navia. The price was reasonable because it was the last Sunday night in September and not many people were there. I’m sure it cost $150/night during the June-August period.

Monday

Slowly made my way back to Santiago area. Drove through some towns/villages that are a part of the Camino North. It was nice speaking with pilgrims in the couple of places I stopped. The major part of the day was rather boring, not unlike this post, as I spent most of the time in a sub par hotel room trying to figure out what I am going to do for the next two weeks.

Ended up driving out to the last small town I stayed in while completing the Camino, Arca O Pino, to attend Mass. It was a different feeling than when I was still a “pilgrim”. Seeing those that were on their last stage, their emotions, was odd.

Tuesday & Wednesday

A couple of long travel days. Tuesday was spent flying Santiago to London, 6 hr layover and then London to Prague. Things worked out get my rental car and eventually I go to my hotel by just after 23:00.

Arrived in Warsaw last night after a long day of driving. Stopped half way between Prague and Warsaw in city of Wroclaw – what was supposed to be a 4 hrs drive took me 6 as I got lost somewhere along the route and ended up driving through a number of small Czech and Polish villages. Felt like Vincent driving. Anyways, visited a museum Mark Zomer recommended and walked around the old town a bit but it was raining so I got back on the road after a couple of hours. Arrived in Warsaw around 8:30 and am looking for to seeing some sights and a special museum and meeting up with a friend I made on the Camino!

After yesterday, today was so different in many ways! Firstly, I stayed in a very nice hotel right off from the Cathedral in Santiago. A couple of English guys I had met on day 2 of the walk had what’s apped me earlier in the week that they had a room that had 3 beds, and I could take one if I wished. Once I realized I would be in Santiago by Friday, I took them up on the offer. Very “Camino-like” of them. John and Jim left by 6:30 and I tried sleeping in but I couldn’t fall back asleep. In fact, my body had me up by 5:30ish, normal time for the past month.

It was different not trying to be quiet as you packed up your backpack and got ready to leave before most people were awake.

Another difference was getting the opportunity to attend Mass in the morning, English in fact. It was another moving Mass! Before Mass I went back to the Cathedral to revisit the crypt of Santiago and “hug” the apostle – his statue which is behind the main alter (pics from yesterday).

Eventually I got a bus to the airport because I had booked a car for the next 3 days. God works in ways we don’t see or understand! On the bus I met Raymond, the Malaysian gentleman I had met during evening #1 dinner. He was flying home via Barcelona. Getting the car was filled with blessings! Firstly, the company’s office was off-site but the expected shuttle was nowhere in sight. After an hour I went back into the terminal, not sure how I was getting there, when who do I run into, Carlos and Michelle from London who themselves, off the cuff, decided that day to rent a car. Another time they came to my rescue. They drove me out to the rental place, which happened to be right bedside their hotel!!

More blessings awaited me as I wasn’t able to use my credit card to wave the insurance costs for the car. What seemed like a sweet deal of $13/day more than quadrupled! I really had to get the car as I wanted to drive about 4 hrs northeast of Santiago to visit a place called Monasterio Toribio. Oh well, it’s only $$$.

The drive up here was outstanding!! The highway goes through the mountains of Cantabria, lots of tunnels, and bridges which can stretch over a kilometre while spanning a valley! On the north side of the highway was the Cantabria Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The drive was stunning and I was able to only get small glimpses because I was driving and Leanna had told me to “keep my eyes on the road!”

Finally got to the monastery around 6:40, just in time for 7 pm Mass. It was held in a very small chapel with about 20 people in attendance. The monastery is famous for having the the largest relic of Christ’s cross, the Lignum Crucis. It is placed behind the small alter in the chapel.

The priest took the relic out and used it while giving us the final blessing at the end of Mass. Then, he laid it out and we were able to venerate it in whatever manner one wished – touch, kiss, etc!

Definitely a phenomenal day that started with a revisit to the crypt of one of the apostles, a man who knew Jesus, St. James, and ended with being in contact with a piece of the cross upon which hung the Saviour of the world!

And the blessings didn’t end there, oh no. I had left looking for a place to stay till I had arrived at the monastery, later evening. A woman there was very kind and helpful. She called the pilgrim’s albergue in Potes (10 minutes away) and arranged with the lady to meet me at the albergue after Mass. Well, the lady wasn’t there when I arrived and the place was closed! Like Mary and Joseph I had no place to sleep and it was getting dusk. Unlike the Holy Family, I was able to go on Bookings.com and find a place. It said it was 20 mins outside of town and had a mountain view. Sounded good so I booked it. Didn’t realize that mountain view meant it was located a Miami-like 20 minutes away, up in the mountains, which meant climbing up a multi switch-back road that I used only first and second gear to climb. Three quarters of the way up I encountered a five car backup because a farmer was moving his herd of cows up the road as well. Then to make matters even more interesting I could not see the sign for the place because it was too dark, missed it, had to try and double back in the dark on roads that barely allowed two cars to pass each other. FUN WOW!!

The interior of the place is quite nice, and has a rustic feel. A Mom and Pop place. I ended up ordering dinner which was really good as it wasn’t preprepared. The salad and homemade cheese cake were awesome!

Tomorrow’s supposed to be real nice weather-wise in this area so I hope to get an early morning mountain view picture. The town of Potes is packed because they have an annual popular marathon run through the valley and mountains. Might stick around for that but not sure. We’ll have to see what blessings are instore for me!

Really getting late and I’m whacked, so it’s off to bed. Please keep praying for me!

Any special prayer requests? Camino might be over but the pilgrimage is not.

Thirty-three days, 780 kms, 200+ hamlets/villages/towns/cities, countless piles of crap stepped in, much beer and wine, thousands of prayers and the loving grace of God later, and I made it!!

He definitely has a sense of humour. I always envisioned walking into the square in front of the Cathedral in the mid-morning with the sun shining. But, I have said that I prefer the overcast to walk in and haven’t minded the few days of blessings with light showers/drizzle. Well God said, you can have a morning walk of rain and drizzle and enter into the square soaking wet.

Arrived just after 10 in the morning. Got the above photo, and then went to get the final stamp on my Camino passport. Now that’s a process!! You are assigned a number and then 3+ hours later you go back to the office and get your stamp and compostela (certificate of completion).

It really is some what surreal being finished the Camino. One of those things you focus on for quite a while, work towards, even when in the midst of it you can’t see the end result, and then it’s completed. Couldn’t have done it without prayer and support from Leanna and my kids, family and friends, and mostly God’s grace!

In between I was able to go to the Pilgrim Mass at a nearby church. That was very special and moving. The amount of pilgrims, Catholics and not, together having some kind of connection/thanksgiving to God was special!

Once we got out of Mass the sun came out and the day turned beautiful. The square in front of the Cathedral became much livelier as more people came out and hung about.

With the poor weather before Mass I took the opportunity to go into the Cathedral and see what was available. You could visit St. James’ crypt and walk around a bit but there was scaffolding everywhere. I tried to get some photos of the main alter.

Most of the afternoon was spent walking within the area around the Cathedral. Like most religious place the area is saturated with stores selling all kinds of paraphernalia. There are a lot more beggars/panhandlers here – some are creative.

As well I was able to run into people I had met on day 2 of the walk, right up to the past week. A few ales were shared talking stories/experiences. That was very neat!

Tomorrow begins another part of the adventure as I have rented a car and hope to travel up to the northern part of the country for a couple of days. Excited to see what other blessings are in store.

Please continue to pray for me.

Any special prayer requests?

Not a lot to write about today as about half the walk was spent in the dark. Most of that time was spent with an older couple of pilgrims. sister and brother from around Buffalo. It was nice to have the company while trying to navigate the path at that time, really easy to get lost if you are not watching out and 3 sets of eyes are better than one.

No visuals today as the countryside was consistent with what it’s been the last couple of days. Did have a fox come out and run in front of us just as the light was getting strong. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my phone out quick enough to get a picture.

Arca O Pino is my last overnight stop before getting to Santiago tomorrow. My feelings are very mixed right now. I’m excited about completing the Camino but a little sad that it will be over. Another example of the Camino being a metaphor for life!

Not sure what to expect when I get there as the Cathedral is closed for renovations for the year 2021. So I won’t get to see the Botafumeiro swing back and forth, and the pilgrims Mass will be held in another church. Still excited!

Please continue to pray for me!

Any special prayer requests?

Another day began with a very brief blessing of water. It was only a very light mist and last maybe 30 minutes. After that the temperature hovered around 13 degrees with mostly overcast skies, a little sun in the early afternoon (maybe I can get a job broadcasting the weather when I get home).

The other day I mentioned how there was the old with the renovated. Today was no greater example of that. When entering the outskirts of the town of Melide I passed by an auto outlet store, then within a kilometre I went through an older village followed by the apartments of the town within a kilometre of that.

Staying in the town of Azura tonight. Looks like a decent place. It is bigger than a small town. But I will miss going through these smaller villages/hamlets.

God willing, only two days and less than 40 kms left til Santiago. Getting excited, not sure what to expect. However, the main Cathedral is closed so we won’t get the same experience as if the pilgrim Mass was held there. Nonetheless, excited about what it will be like entering the city.

Please keep praying for me!

Any special prayer requests?

Today began with the blessing of rain which, although not heavy, lasted for about 3 hours. It actually was pleasant. No real strong wind, just constant precipitation which ended with a mix of sun and clouds. As a result there really wasn’t much to see during the walk, just keep your head down and put one foot in front of the other.

Once the rain did stop I ended up having to share the road with others.

And others who were enjoying their breakfast.

Not much else happened after I arrived in Palas de Rei. The albergue has no utensils or plates, etc. so there was no sense in buying any food. This seems very common in the municipal albergues in Galatia! So it’s eating out again. Pete van Wiechen was right, you get tired of fried potatoes with each meal, and I like French fries! I guess the 1/2 to full bottle of wine they include with the meal helps wash them down. (Sharon,Tina?)

Probably best part of the day was the blessing it ended with, Mass.

Please keep praying for me, only 3 days (between 65 & 68 kms left) of walking left!

Any special prayer requests?

It seems as if things on the adventure are becoming common as I near the end. Waking up in the morning is as much a result of my alarm going off as it is hearing others’ alarms or them moving around.

Today’s walk began around 6:45 in the dark of the morning. I’ve come to realize that such an early start means you miss some interesting things to see as you walk. An example would be this tree I passed.

That being said, the very early morning starts afford some very tranquil and peaceful moments in prayer and reflection. And the first breaks of light provide beautiful views of the landscape.

Going through the countryside has got me wondering if my sense of smell is returning. If not then it must be tough on everyone else because going through the little hamlets sure has a strong stink. There are lots of little “pens” of cattle or pigs or …. It must be harvest time for many crops as seen in the small places.

At one point today I passed the less than 100 kms mark! It felt good knowing the finish line is in sight. Speaking of in sight, one often passes or sees these little chapels in the country. Many of them are not open and I don’t know if they are in use.

The weather was great walking conditions- cloud cover about 13 degrees, about an hour of minor sprinkles. However, they are good after you arrive at your destination around noon or one o’clock and can’t really enjoy going into the place. Oh well, can’t have it all. Calling for more of the same tomorrow

Lots of #blessings again today but they’re hard to explain in this format, Will explain when I get home. Please keep praying for me!

Any special prayer requests?

AaAmazingly, if God willing and things go according to plan, I can count on one hand the number of days of walking I have left to complete the Camino! Sarria is the starting point for many pilgrims as it is about 112 kms from Santiago. A person needs to have walked the last 100 kms of the Camino to receive their “compostela”. This is an official paper that recognizes you dud complete the required minimum amount of the walk.

Today’s walk was much like the past few days – through rolling countryside at 400-800 meters. Lots of cows, even shared the road with one. Tried to get a video but it didn’t come out. Did see a mother/child bonding moment.

Was a really good day for walking. Walked around Sarria a bit but it rained a bit. And, the albergue I’m in tonight is a monastery on the edge of town, up a hill, so I didn’t really feel like climbing more inclines like snake hill.

Not much else to add. Please continue to pray for me!! They are heard and answered as my health is doing very well!!

Any special prayer requests?

Today’s journey certainly was an adventure!! What started out as a 13 km plan ended up being a 33 km walk in the ….. mountains and hills of Castilla/Galicia.

Started out at about 6:45 with the idea of walking 13 kms, as the last 8 were a 600+ meter climb to just over 1300 meters, and staying the night in O Cebreiro. This is just past the border between Castilla and Galicia.

The countryside was stunning as the walk climbed elevation.

Well I got to this village just before 10 and there was nothing really to do. It appeared to be a recreated hamlet to attract tourists. It has been on the Camino route since the earliest times but with the resurrection of the Camino it has become a real tourist attraction with buses coming in for photo shots. Anyway, I couldn’t see spending all day there, it was calling for rain most of the day, so I pressed on. Body and legs took me another 20+ kma to this little village called Triacastela.

Shortly after I got out O Cebreiro it began to rain. In terms of weather one could say this was the worst day of the adventure. It rained or drizzled for most of the walk, but the sun did come out the last hour or so. However, I really enjoyed the time! The wind was predominantly at my back so the walking wasn’t too bad. And the sights were really neat.

Triacastela is another village trying to modernize and attract pilgrims to make it a stop along the way. Didn’t walk around much as the rain and/or drizzled continued shortly after I had settled in. The day ended on a high note with the opportunity to go to Mass.

Hard to believe this coming week will be the end of the Camino for me! Calling for rain for the next couple of days, pray the forecasts are wrong. Also, please keep praying for my health and stamina?

Any special prayer requests?