Joanne described her walk along the 790 km (490 miles), Way of St. James. It is one of the most ancient and popular pilgrimage routes in the world. It takes pilgrims on a route across parts of France, Portugal and Spain and culminates in Santiago de Compostela in the north of Spain. The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is the reputed burial place of St. James, one of the apostles. It has been a place of pilgrimage on the Way of St. James since the Early Middle Ages and marks the end of the traditional route. The discovery of the Apostle James’s tomb in the 9th century turned Santiago into a major Christian pilgrimage site, leading to the construction of the famous Cathedral.
On Day 1, the scenery looked a bit like the Yorkshire countryside. Joanne remembered some memorable sunsets and also meeting a herd of cows with fearsome horns. Joanne said she speaks no Spanish and referred to the very helpful local people whom she met.
The accommodation or “refuges” along the way varied considerably. One was run by Italian monks; a “dormitory” with three tier bunks, (she had a middle one). One charged 5 euros per night, and another: “Pay if you can”; yet another had single rooms with baths. (100 euros). And some had rules eg: “No food in the dormitories”.
She showed us a photograph of her feet at the start of the walk, and another, taken at the end! She mentioned the Hospital La Grando en route, which catered for “limping” walkers, and now specialises in foot, knee and hip problems. Joanne lost a stone, but gained a certificate for her 37 days of walking along this iconic pilgrimage route. We enjoyed her talk and she was thanked by chairman, Geoff.
Sylvia Foxton