Because of a strong tailwind, we arrived an hour early and Manolo was waiting for us.  After a four hour-drive. we arrived at the Parador in Villafranca.  After settling in our rooms, we went on a walking tour of the town, visiting some very old church’s and a hospital (a place where the pilgrims spend the night).

After a little rest, we went to Colegita Santa Maria, where Fr. Moises and Fr. Manuel con-celebrated Mass for the pilgrims and the local folks.  After that we had dinner at the Meson Don Nacho.  The food and wine was excellent!

After dinner we headed back to the Parador to sleep and prepare for Tuesday’s adventures.

On Tuesday, the day started early with breakfast at the Parador, and a special Mass and Morning Prayer at the Anunciada convent with the nun’s.  They are celebrating their 400th year.  Fr. Thomas invited Fr. Moises and Fr. Manuel to join him concelebrating the Mass, marking the beginning of a Jubilee year.

After Mass we left for O’cebrieo, were we encountered a foot or so of snow.  Someone directed Manolo to park the van in an uncleared parking area, which led to a major saga getting the van un-stuck.

Back down the mountain, we tried once again to visit the Monastery at Samos, and once again they were closed (something we have encountered for many years!).  After some coffee, we headed to Sarria where we began our pilgrimage.

It was a short walk today, just 3km (1.8 miles), to get us ready for tomorrow.  Except for the rain, cloudy skies, cold temperature, and snow, the weather has been great.

We returned to the Parador and finished off the day with a marvelous dinner.

We met at noon in the parking lot of St. Jude Church where out private van picked us up to take us to Atlanta airport.  After departing we traveled a full block before turning around to give Becky the car keys which Karl tried to take to Spain.  We departed a second time and made it three blocks before we stopped at Arby’s where we got lunch (the driver was starting to get nervous).

Arriving in Atlanta, Sky Priority was quick and hassle free.  We then went to the store to purchase some items we left behind.

Our next stop was the Sky Lounge where we enjoyed snacks and drinks while waiting for our flight.  We leave for Spain at 5:30 pm and arrive in Madrid at 8:30 am local time.  Where our long-time friend and driver Manolo will meet us to take us to our Camino starting point, Villafranca.

This is Karl’s 13th trip to the Camino.  It is the 4th for Deacons Brian and Butch, and the 1st for Fathers Manuel and Moises,

Fr. Moises, Fr. Manuel, deacons Brian and Butch… and me! We depart October 28. Becky and Beverly will join us in Madrid after we hike the Camino.

Today we drove from Santo Domingo de Calzado to Madrid. We bid farewell to our friend Manolo, and after checking in to the Ritz, we went to the Plaza Mayor for lunch. After perusing the coin and religious articles shops, we returned to our hotel. Early tomorrow Bob, Brian and Butch return to the States, while Karl will remain behind to vacation with his wife and Julie who will arrive tomorrow. At the close of the day we enjoyed sharing memories while relaxing with drinks in the lounge at the historic Five Star Ritz Hotel.

Our last day on the Camino began in Najera and ended in San Domingo de Calzada. The weather was perfect! We are staying in the San Bernardo Parador which is excellent. After Mass at the Church of the Assumption, we settled in for a meal at the Los Caballeros restaurant. We said farewell to the friends we made on the Camino and prepared to head for Madrid in the morning. God has been so good to us!