Camino del Norte Day 23

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We’re nearing the end of the walk, which has mixed emotions. Today we leave the Camino del Norte and join the French Camino in Arzúa, our home for tonight. We walked about 22km today from Sobrado dos Monxes. Last night we didn’t have Mass for Sunday as it was at 11 am, but we witnessed the monks in Sobrado do Vespers in their chapel in the evening, which was a memorable experience.

Interior of a chapel featuring a crucifix, religious icons, and an altar with lit candles, creating a serene atmosphere.
The monks chapel where we had Vespers

We had a rain forecast for the morning as we left Sobrado. The forecast wasn’t wrong. As we headed out, the clouds were very threatening, and the wind was howling. It wasn’t looking good. Thankfully the rain seemed to hold back for a while, and we only got a soaking for about 30 minutes of our walk. Once it had rained, the blue sky appeared, and we had a pleasant walk into Arzúa.

Street view with houses and a cloudy sky in Arzúa, showcasing the transition from Camino del Norte to the French Camino.
The threatening clouds as we head out of Sobrado
Silhouette of a building with twin towers, set against a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees.
Looking back to Sobrado and the cathedral spires
A scenic view of a quiet road lined with a stone wall and colorful mural, surrounded by trees and mountains under a cloudy sky.
The road out of Sobrado
A gravel path lined with tall eucalyptus trees and lush greenery on either side, leading towards a grassy field.
Walking through gum tree farms
A scenic view of a rural path surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a cloudy sky, featuring a Camino de Santiago marker along the path.
Clouds continue to threaten
Three hikers walking along a muddy trail surrounded by trees.
Ron, Alejandro and Vaughan ahead
A hiker walking along a quiet road lined with houses, some with green and pink facades, under a cloudy sky after light rain.
The blue skies begin to appear. A relief from the clouds
A quiet street in Arzúa with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds, showcasing modern buildings after rainfall.
A town we passed through
A person adjusting their shoe near a trail sign surrounded by autumn leaves and trees along a quiet road.
Our snack break, Ron pulls out his stash
Three hikers walking along a tree-lined road, with autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
Afternoon sun
A solitary person walking along a rain-soaked road surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Everything glistening with the recent rain
Directional signpost indicating routes to Arzúa and other locations, with a scenic view of rolling hills and clouds in the background.
Arzúa not far away
A scenic view of a winding road lined with trees and lush greenery, under a partly cloudy blue sky, representing the journey along the Camino del Norte.
Sun’s out!
A picturesque view of a narrow road stretching through green fields under a bright blue sky with clouds.
Passed through mostly farmland today
Three walkers on a rural road surrounded by eucalyptus trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.
A gum tree farm towering above us
A quiet street lined with trees showing autumn leaves, with parked cars on the left and a mostly clear sky.
Approaching the outskirts of Arzúa

So that is all there is today. The sad thing is that we met up with the French Way today in Arzúa, which means we’ve left the Camino del Norte and have two more days till we get to Santiago. Then it’s back to Barcelona and onto Sydney. I will be home by Saturday.

The French Way seems really busy, and we’ve already met quite a few pilgrims in Arzúa.

For a map of today’s walk, you’ll find it below.

Buen Camino! 😜

1 comment on “Camino del Norte Day 23”

  1. Thank you so much for postings and photos James!! Love every bit of it & that you bother doing it for us after a hard day’s walk. So glad that you have recovered to enjoy the Camino & formed friendships. Loved that the 4 amigos ended up in the monastery for the evening vespers. Loved their voices & singing, may the Lord keep you safe

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