Pantin Beach, Galicia

After the glorious weather of yesterday, the rain returned during the night. Around us in the hills we could hear the low rumblings of the thunder.  We'd planned to move today, but the thought of driving through yet more veils of rain didn't appeal. By ten, a decision had been made for us. The clouds parted and the warm lengthening sunlight lit the campsite. Right Margery. Head to A'Coruna. Back at home Angela uses the information leaflet on The Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse standing 55 meters high, constructed by the Romans in the 1st century as her bookmark. To her the iconic lighthouse at A'Coruna is a wonderful piece of Roman architecture. Since our last visit here she's always wanted to return.  A'Coruna was busy. The drive around the bay and along the seafront slow and congested. 

At the car park adjacent to the tower, much patience was required. All the van spots were taken, so we waited for a while for a car space. Some people gave up with waiting and parked on the hatched areas. Not a great idea they realized when returning to their vehicle they found a parking ticket on the windscreen.

We joined the stream of people who made their way up to the lighthouse. But the crowds didn't spoil our enjoyment. After lunch eaten in Margery, as we watched the coaches arrive and leave within fifteen minutes, we took the short walk to the giant granite sculptures, The Menhires Pola Paz.

They were fantastic. What really amazed us, was the fact the people on the coaches didn't take the twenty minutes return walk to see the stones. Our revisit to A'Coruna complete we set off towards tonight's stop just outside Ferrol, stopping along the way to stock up on food and refuel Marge. The beach stop however didn't do it for Angela. It felt a little remote, and the little parking area was used by the local fisherman, so it also didn't seem right to stay there. Now early evening, the temperature still 22c, we pressed on to the beach at Pantin. Having stayed before at this popular surfing beach, we knew we'd be alright there. So at eight o'clock after a long day, we settled in Margery for the evening. Later being lulled to sleep by the perpetual movement of the sea.

Santiago de Compostela. (Day 2)

After yesterday's washout of a day, today dawned dry and calm. The weather yesterday had been so terrible, it was beyond depressing. Ready early this morning, we decided to leave Margery at the aire whilst we took the thirty minutes walk down to the cathedral. Leaving early turned out to be a good move.

The queue to enter the cathedral wasn't too long. Seeing this iconic cathedral in real time was awe inspiring. Built in 1211, it stands 75 meters high. Words can not really describe how stunning it is, particularly on the inside. For Angela seeing the giant Botifumeiro, a giant incense burner was a dream come true.

(Second photo is a replica, the real one is swung around 10 times a year, though you can apply with a payment of 500 euros to have it swung for you).

Even though it wouldn't be swinging today, seeing it hanging in the cathedral was enough for her. Outside the cathedral we walked among dozens of pilgrims in the Plaza del Obradoiro. Some sat with their eyes shut. Others gazed at the cathedral with amazement, whilst most took selfies and group photos with people the'd met along the way who would probably now be friends for life. In a corner, home made walking sticks had been left by some of the pilgrims.

For us, that was the symbol of the journey. Last year we were so inspired at seeing the pilgrims set off it lit a fire within us. Being outside the cathedral today we felt walking the Camino de Santiago from Saint - Jean - Pied - de - Port might be something we could do. So our conversations now are about purchasing yet another lightweight tent, training, and how we'd return to England at the end. No mention yet of aging hip problems!

 All it sounds to us is an exciting challenge. But first there's plenty of research to be done. Watch this space. If we do this, we'll be taking you all along with us. As for the present time, we needed a shower. So we returned to Margery and took the four minute drive to the campsite. And after four weeks, we even treated ourselves to the use of a washing machine. Bliss! Us and our clothes clean, we walked back into Santiago at eight in the evening.

The town was bustling with Spanish, today is a holiday day here. We returned to the cathedral, the area around now quieter. Our day in Santiago had been wonderful, memorable and inspirational.