Leaving Cazo Santa Maria Hospederia in Azrua was difficult this morning. We were so comfortable and treated so warmly, we could have stayed another day, but we are now getting so close to Santiago de Compostela with only 2 full walking days remaining. Today’s walk of 13 miles from Azrua to Rúa was full of anticipation as we near the end of the Camino.
Our beautiful Hospederia was a mile off the Camino, so the quiet morning walk back was a good way to warm up. After reaching the Camino, we were greeted by two nuns offering pilgrims credential stamps and blessings for the final portion of the journey. We took them up on it and enjoyed the short time we spent with the cute nuns. A few more minutes down the trek we entered a 12th century chapel, where we lit candles for loved ones and then began our full day of walking to Rúa.
On the trail today were lots tourist pilgrims in clean, bright outfits blocking the Camino. They travel in large groups, only aware of the people they’re with. Just try to interupt their conversations and squeeze past them, a near impossible task. That’s when I stop for a break, try to return to a place of peacefulness and return in the right frame of mind.
Usually when we walk into a town for an overnight, the first thing we do is look for the local grocer. They can range in size from someone operating a room of essentials out of their house to large grocery store chains. When we walked into Rúa, we only found a couple of old, quaint houses and a vending machine. We found our hotel, the third and last building in town, reminiscent of boy scout camp accommodations. The hotel had a cozy bar and restaurant, so we ordered some drinks and sat at our cabin most of the quiet and sunny afternoon. We couldn’t help but let our minds wander to the thoughts of tomorrow’s final walk into Santiago de Compostela. So many emotions and curiosities running through our heads.
Rick's Camino de Santiago 