Cee: Reaching the Ocean

The walk to the ocean town of Cee was warm and scenic. Even though we left Olveiroa before 6:30 the air already felt toasty. The trail continued to climb and gain elevation, and we walked mainly through pine forests before descending down to the coast.

The path wasn't far from the ridge line of wind power. Wind turbines are common in northern Spain. 

The only bar stop available on the path

To the right, Muxia -- to the left, Fisterre, where we're headed first.

Capilla da Nosa Senora das Neves is far from the madding crowd 

(if on foot).

The chapel included an outside spot where mementos had been left -- I didn't leave an ex-voto, however, because the last ones will be left in Muxia.

There was an unexpected refreshment stand set up along the route by an enterprising man -- unfortunately, the supply of KAS limon was gone. He only had hot tea left, which didn't sound appealing!

First glimpse of the ocean

On the left is pilgrim Lut who has been walking for 93 days from Belgium where she lives. Instead of carrying a pack, she's been pulling a cart with attached backpack. Tomorrow her epic journey ends when she reaches Fisterre.

Walkers we've spoken to this week have been expressing various emotions -- happiness, sadness, relief, or the uncertainty of going home. The Camino digs deep, and it can feel strange to come off the Road.

The steep descent

Cee lies below.

We met a costumed group on the way to our albergue.

Our albergue, A Casa da Fonte, was run by walkers whose Compostelas and credentials hung by the front desk. 

               
Doors and windows on our calle:

   

While walking down by the playa (beach), we ran into Steven, a walker originally from Florida whom we had met on the path several days ago. Steven now lives and teaches English in Madrid. He's trekked many Caminos and camps on the trail, sometimes sleeping in a hammock. His wife works for Iberia airlines, which allows him to fly very cheaply in his world travels. 

Shells found on the beach

The albergue offered a pilgrim meal. Seated from left to right -- Jane, Elise, Lut, Debby, Luis, myself, and Dad. Debby has been walking for 102 days -- she began from her home in Holland and will finish her long pilgrimage tomorrow in Fisterre. Luis is from Brazil and walked from St. Jean -- he mentioned seeing author Paulo Coelho on the path. A movie about Coelho's life is currently being filmed, and his popular book The Pilgrimage is about the Camino. Jane and Elise had been at Cruz de Ferro (the "Cross of Iron" near Foncebadon) during filming of a scene. 

At dinner we shared stories from our walks and plans for our return home. All but Dad and me will be traveling back either Monday or Tuesday. We'll continue onward to Muxia Monday and are now planning on walking from Fisterre to Muxia in one day, a 17 mile stretch. We'll get an early start and take our time for this final day of our Camino.