Continued from Bruma to Sigüeiro.

Santiago or bust! This was the seventh, and final, day of walking the Camino Inglés. And I was just getting warmed up! Until I have enough time off work to walk a longer Camino, these shorter variations satisfy the calling.

First stop, Restaurante Cortés, across the street from Pension Andaina. I sidled up to the bar and ordered a café con leche.  Sometimes you get a sweet treat when you order coffee, but this time it was warm churros and cake!

You need to get at least two stamps per day on your credential for the last 100 kms. No problemo! This is super easy and fun to do. Always get a stamp from where you spend the night, where you eat meals, and where you stop for rest breaks during your day’s walk.

It was another beautiful morning as I started my walk out of Sigüeiro.

I went inside this pretty church and said some prayers.

On the way out, I spotted a self-service stamp for credentials and prayer cards.

Beyond the church is a long, uphill stretch of gravel path through a pine forest.

 

Just when you really have to use a bathroom, the Camino usually provides a café where you can take care of business and order a second coffee.

I saw Nancy here, but since she left earlier than I, she was already on her way out when I arrived. We knew we’d see each other again throughout the day. Once again, I received generous free treats with my café con leche.

These are sweet indulgences that I never eat at home, but on the Camino I need the calories for fuel to walk. What I can’t finish, I bring with me in case I get hungry later on.

There is a section of the Camino alongside a highway, which you have to cross, so keep a lookout for arrows and cars.

After that, the Camino returns to a path in the forest. Whew!

Always look for the yellow arrows, on the ground, trees, or power poles.

There’s a big conference hotel right along the path that has a self-service stamp station and vending machines for those who want a quick break.

But there’s also a sign that beckons pilgrims into Hotel Castro, which has a cafeteria and nice bathrooms.

Sure enough, I saw Nancy again as she was heading out. We were like two ships passing in the night!

I had a nice conversation with Miguel, the manager of the hotel. He offered some tips on what to see and do in Santiago. Here’s a video.

 

Miguel gave me a tour of the hotel and showed me a room.

 

Hotel Castro is only about four miles to the Cathedral in Santiago, but if someone were to need a rest and would like to arrive in Santiago bright and early the next day, it could be a good option. There is a 20% pilgrim discount.

On my way back to the Camino, I took photos and video of the awesome mural of the Camino Inglés painted on the wall outside of the hotel.

 

Then, I entered the Bosque Encantado, Enchanted Forest.

The Enchanted Forest was pretty while it lasted. Suddenly, the Camino continues near a busy highway leading into Santiago de Compostela.

It was getting windy, and I thought I might lose my visor, so I put my Buff over my visor for a more secure fit.

I actually lost the arrows in the industrial section on the outskirts of Santiago.  Nancy was ahead of me and warned me about this in a text message.  I had to use Google maps to get me back on track. I was grateful to finally spot this arrow!

Then, I could see the towers of the cathedral in the distance.

I made it to Santiago in one piece. And so did the Italians!

Just a few mores steps to go!

Up next, arrival in Santiago.

All of my stages are linked on this page: Camino Inglés 2017.  There are more photos of my Camino Inglés on a Facebook album and Instagram.