Day 7 - Melide to Santiago

Day 7 - Melide to Santiago

(Sept. 24, 1999 to Oct 10, 1999)
by J. Gaerlan

Gaerlan Custom Cycles

www.gaerlan.com

Day 7 - Melide to Santiago - about 50km - about 4 stars

Our 2 star hostal in Melide

This is the final day of riding. Staying at the same hotel is a group of Spanish and Portugese riders we met previously in O'Cebreiro. We are all destined for Santiago today.

The roads out are on paved rolling highways. After passing by the town of Arzua for the last stamp, we head on to Santiago.

The Camino again veers off the main highway though lovely local dirt roads.

At about 17 km from Santiago - at the airport turnoff, the Camino veers parallel to the first superhighway we see since Leon. No bikes or walkers on the superhighway. The road is well marked so going into the off limit superhighway is unlikely. Being the last day and with under 10 miles to Santiago, half of us decide to take the Camino footpath faithfully. Even if we walk our bikes, we can get to Santiago before nightfall.

The last major town before Santiago is Monte Del Gozo (Mountain of Joy). On top of a scenic hill is a modern statue honoring the pilgrim. From this vantage point, we see the towers of Santiago. It does indeed bring joy to see church towers of Santiago!

Entering Santiago is a bit confusing. The yellow arrow disappears for awhile. We enter the city through a long cobblestone road sometimes against opposing one way traffic. Our final destination is Plaza de Obradoiro, in front of the Santiago cathedral. Pilgrims sit in front of the cathedral admiring its grand beauty. It is also a good place to meet fellow pilgrims arriving.

Day 6
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Day 7 - Melide to Santiago - about 50km - about 4 stars
Our 2 star hostal in Melide	This is the final day of riding. Staying at the same hotel is a group of Spanish and Portugese riders we met previously in O'Cebreiro. We are all destined for Santiago today.
The roads out are on paved rolling highways. After passing by the town of Arzua for the last stamp, we head on to Santiago.
	The Camino again veers off the main highway though lovely local dirt roads.
At about 17 km from Santiago - at the airport turnoff, the Camino veers parallel to the first superhighway we see since Leon. No bikes or walkers on the superhighway. The road is well marked so going into the off limit superhighway is unlikely. Being the last day and with under 10 miles to Santiago, half of us decide to take the Camino footpath faithfully. Even if we walk our bikes, we can get to Santiago before nightfall.
The last major town before Santiago is Monte Del Gozo (Mountain of Joy). On top of a scenic hill is a modern statue honoring the pilgrim. From this vantage point, we see the towers of Santiago. It does indeed bring joy to see church towers of Santiago!
	Entering Santiago is a bit confusing. The yellow arrow disappears for awhile. We enter the city through a long cobblestone road sometimes against opposing one way traffic. Our final destination is Plaza de Obradoiro, in front of the Santiago cathedral. Pilgrims sit in front of the cathedral admiring its grand beauty. It is also a good place to meet fellow pilgrims arriving.
Day 6 RETURN TO MAIN PAGE