We were able to get our Credencial del Peregrino from Santiago before we left the states. This is the official credential that shows that we are walking the pilgrimage to Santiago. We will get this stamped along the way at cathedrals, hostels, and other points of interest. It is the proof of our journey for when we reach Santiago, In addition you must show the Credencial to get the cheap rates on rooms and meals. There are many places you cannot stay for the night without this. Also, showing this gets you a 10 euro dinner with unlimited wine.
The scallop shells are from Jacksonville Beach and will be hanging on the outside of our packs. The shell is a traditional symbol of a Camino pilgrim. The lines of the shell represent the many paths that lead to Santiago. In 2016 we bought shells in Spain, but this time we thought is made more sense to bring one from Florida.
We will get our first stamp at the Porto Cathedral and our last stamp at the Santiago Cathedral.
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| Credencial and scallop shells for our packs |
The packs are now ready and have room to spare to carry wine, bread, cheese, and chocolate for snacking. We somehow managed to drop our pack weight 2 pounds from the last trip. We are down to 12 pounds, and some of the items we will be wearing, so that will make the days easy.
As I said in an earlier post -- there are stores in Europe too.
Here are some of the hundreds of signs we saw in 2016 marking the way. There is a saying "No one ever made it to Santiago without the help of another". I think about all the volunteers that install and maintain these markers on thousands of miles of trails in western Europe that all lead to Santiago.
Buen Camino!
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| Camino trail markers |
