Lavacolla to Santiago

Shells even on the man hole covers.

LAVACOLLA TO SANTIAGO 

Only 10 km to go.

A bigger horreo.

The little church in Lavacolla that we started our last section on.

A colourful horreo to match the house.
More and more people as we get closer to Santiago and the path is easy.

There are many tree plantations in Galacia. The two most important species are the oak and the chestnut which are linked to traditional village life. The oak, known as a carballo, was a symbol of strength and many trees are over a hundred years old. Oaks are a source of wood and the acorn is food for the pigs. Today the oaks along the Camino provide shade for piligrims. The chestnut or the castineiro, was brought to Galacia by the Romans and were planted just outside the villages. Many are over 500 years old. They are an important food in people's diets. In fact, when they brought potatoes to Europe from North America, they were called earth chestnuts. They still play an important role in the economy as they are used raw, dried, as flour, cream and we saw many people picking chestnuts along the way.

Tree lined walkway.

Getting closer.

Another shrine but this one is female.

Shell design on the fence.

 This little chapel is at Monte del Gozo and they were trying to raise funds as there had been a burglary in August. I hung out here while Roz walked to the statues.

Roz out at the statues about 600m from the chapel.

The pilgrim statues. This is the point of the Camino where the French, Primitivo and Norte come together.

The first glimpse of the spires of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

We made it to the city. I was doing well until I came down the big hill into the city.

Wayside cross.

Roz notices this sculpture is a boot on a backpack.

Officially in the city.

Shells on the sidewalks.

We can see the spires.