Still receiving donations…thanks

Well folks, not written anything since I got back, was surprised to see that people are still reading my blog, it all seems so long ago now.  I find myself thinking back to my adventures on the walk and remembering the different places and characters.  I am still walking but just for fun, I am also cycling a lot too, and I have kept my fitness up.
When I came back Alice organised a great homecoming party to thank all my supporters, we had a good night and raised even more money, another £760 - to be honest I am waiting to hear from Alzheimer's Scotland how much exactly I have raised….so far and  I say so far because today my pal John gave me £350 which was raised at Betty Crookston's funeral.  I never met Betty but from what I hear she was a great character and well liked. She lived life to the full enjoying baking, playing bowls, dancing but most of all is remembered for her fun sense of humour and spent many happy times in Spain.  I appreciate Betty's friends and family making this very generous donation and I will send it in to add to the total raised from my walk.
By the way, I am planning a walk from Inverness to Bannockburn to coincide with the 700 anniversary celebrations leaving on the 12 June and arriving in Bannockburn on the 22 June, if anyone is interested in joining me, let me know!

Frank's Big Bash

It's great to be back.  Would love to catch up with everybody soon. Hope to see as many of you as possible, let me know if you  can make it.  Should be a good night.

Franks Big Bash!

Day 90....I've done it - yeehaw!

I left Azura this morning at 8, most of the others had already got up in the middle of the night and left at 3 am.  I had a great rest, best sleep I've had for weeks. There was a little light rain, but then the sun came through and I enjoyed walking through the woods and the villages.  I walked for 8 hours and arrived at Santiago de Compostela - a final 26 miles, another  marathon walk.  Walked to around the cathedral, but was asked to leave as I had my backpack on,not sure what I was might to do with it, it has all my belongings in it - but they don't allow backpacks in the cathedral.  I will get my certificate for completing the Camino tomorrow.

So that's it, I've done what I set out to do, I walked from Scotland to Spain - a final total of 1606 miles. Tonight in the albergue, I feel ancient amongst all these young travellers but the journey is now over for me.  I met loads of people from all over the world, I spoken to great characters, been shown lots of kindness - seen beautiful places but now I feel glad it is over, I am really looking forward to getting home.  

Thank you for all your support, and thank you for helping me raise money for Alzheimer's, there were times on the walk sometimes I wondered if I would make it, but I have. 

As my dad would say - Jawahula! 

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb (with lyrics)     

Day 89...one more day..

Walked from Ligonde to Arzua - 26 miles in total.  Felt a bit cold in the morning but it brightened up later and was warm and sunny for the rest of the day.  I am in the Galicia area and this is probably the nicest part of the camino, lovely green rolling hills, just like the Ochils at home.  It felt like an easy walk and I really enjoyed it.  I found a nice albergue for the night.  

Can't wait to get to Santiago tomorrow.....

Day 88......What's Italian for 'Shut Up'

Had a hell of a night in the albergue.  The heating was on and it was far too hot and uncomfortable.  Then to make matters worse a couple of Italians starting talking to each other when everyone was sleeping and then turned the lights on!!!  I saw red and roared a few choice words in their direction but apparently they didn't understand my Scottish! However, I think they may have got the jist. 
Despite all that, had a great walk again today - sunny and 16c, I enjoyed fantastic views of great countryside. Walked another miles to Ligonde.  I am wearing my crocs again to save my feet from any more pain. Feeling good now, knowing I'm nearly then - the homeward stretch....

Day 87 ...about 70 miles to go

Got walking about 7.30 this morning and left Alto de Poyo while it was still dark and foggy.  Had a great walk down the mountain and then the sun came out.  Stopped at a bar for  coffee and then stopped again for lunch - another spanish tortilla, it's ok but I'm looking forward to getting hame for some good scottish mince n tatties - can't beat it. Yum.

 

We seem to walk about the same distances everyday now about 25 miles and arrived in Sarria at 4.30.  Met up with my pal from Switzerland, Benno, our paths keep crossing now for the last two weeks.  Plan to get to Santiago by Sunday, I've checked in my flight.  Bonnie Scotland here I come.

Todays song is in memory of Davy McGarry 

Rod Stewart-Maggie May     

Day85/86...Welcome to the real Camino - Martin Sheen!

Monday

Left El Acebo and enjoyed a beautiful walk through the mountains to Ponferrada, stopped there for a sandwich at lunchtime. Then continued to walk to Villafranca del Bierzo and caught up with Eric and walked with him.  I walked for 26 miles today.  Spent the night in Galicia and enjoying the stunning scenery but it's really tough going now -  only 5 days to go - yeehaw!

Tuesday

Couldn't get reception yesterday to get my blog sent home.  Anyway another beautiful walking day, up high over the mountain about 1300 metres - fantastic views.  Walked from Villafranca del Bierzo and ended up with a good crowd for walking, John from USA, Lorenzo from Italy, Jack from New Zealand, Karen from England and Taz, funnily enough from Australia.  It was quite warm today about 17c, really pleasant walking weather. Our wee group are all staying in the same albergue at Alto de Poyo, which is right at the top of the mountain in the clouds. 
 Managed another 23 miles today, and my feet are so sore now, can't imagine ever having pain free feet again.  It's funny that in the Martin Sheen film, 'The Way' nobody ever has sore feet and yet in the real Camino - it's the biggest challenge to overcome.