Day 56 Outeira 25.05.23

All the king's horses and all the king's men, couldn’t get David to mend. Jenny delved deep into our first aid kit and dressed my heel in such a way that I was able to walk a little, but sparingly with a hobble. So I elected a taxi today to our penultimate destination. Hope rest helps the heel healing process. Luckily last night's accommodation had a lift and if we entered in the correct order and positioned our backpacks just so, we both fitted - barely. As long as we both breathed in for the duration. A relaxed breakfast with the Scottish group and a visual of the German couple heading forth. Gave me time to complete my blog.

Taxi at 1030 took us to our next accommodation, a smart looking pension, pristine inside with a small but adequate room and good size bathroom. Good size is measured by the ability to turn around in the shower without inadvertently switching off the water. Jenny went for a walk to explore the village but it was short lived. Although while out and about she did locate a pharmacy and managed to acquire padded silicone insoles with circular indentations for the heels of my boots. It might well be my saving grace to get me through our final walk tomorrow. It has taken weeks of effort to get here, don’t want to fail in sight of the finish line.

We determined to have lunch in lieu of a late 8 o'clock dinner and as I hobbled down the hall and out the entrance of the pension, I observed a significant amount of luggage stacked in both of these locations waiting for the owner pilgrims to arrive from their day's walk. One of a number of subtle little differences now that we are within the last 100 km of Santiago. Lunch was a pilgrim's meal which is featured in the photos below. Substantial servings and satisfactorily scrumptious. Jenny on the other hand opted for a single serving of salad as the vegetarian options were disappointingly limited.

Also, in the albergue in town is Isabelle, ready for her own eagerly anticipated arrival in Santiago. Having started from Seville simultaneously to ourselves (and she being the first person we met) it is most fitting to finish together as well. Planned accordingly! David from Melbourne is already there as of today, having picked up speed for his personal grand finale. About 17km to the cathedral in Santiago across rolling hills and bushland. Hoping for more downhill and gentle tracks. The heel pain has transitioned from excruciating to bearable if limping lightly. Confident Jenny’s preparations will pay dividends. Can you believe the trek is almost complete. May be timely, today here the pharmacy's electronic information board reported the temperature at 32C so the heat is coming, unsurprising with summer just one week away.

Just one...

3 course pilgrim meal with drink (wine or water), bread and dessert, cost 11 euros - this is first course

Pilgrim meal - this is 2nd course