Sept 26: Galician corn cribs

There are a lot of farms in Galicia.  One of the distinguishing characteristics, though, versus other farms in Spain is they have built little elevated structures to store their corn in.  The following are some pictures that Linda has taken of some of the different corn cribs we've seen as we've been hiking in Galicia.  If you look closely, you'll notice there is a lip about one-third of the way up, just under the main structure that the corn is stored in.  This lip is to keep the rodents out (sort of like how some people put metal rims around their bird feeders to keep the squirrels from getting into the bird food).  As you can see, the structures are all very similar.  The main differentiation is how they decorate them, ie. their color, or the types of spikes they put on the top of each structure.  These corn cribs are so common that some people even use them for decoration.  We even saw one miniature corn crib where one half served as a mailbox and the other half for bread to be delivered in.

One other thing about hiking in Galicia: while we have definitely enjoyed all of the green and all of the trees, there is one drawback.... the smell.  I have mentioned before about all of the wonderful "presents" that the cows (and horses) have left along the Camino.  Well, they use the same dung to fertilize their fields.  So even if there is no caca on the path that we are walking on, if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, you still get a strong order of dung.  And if there isn't any dung, there is another smell that sometimes permeates the air: rotting fruit.  There have been a lot of apple and pear trees along the Camino in Galicia, and a lot of the fruit falls to the ground, where it begins to decompose.  And as you all know, the smell of decomposing fruit is not pleasant.  So again, while we have definitely enjoyed the change of scenery,the cooler hiking weather, and the clouds/fog, the smell is one other thing that will always stick in my mind about hiking through Galacia.

Speaking of hiking, it's hard to believe we only have 2 days left on the Camino.  As I near the end of this trip, it is with mixed emotions.  I am definitely looking forward to seeing family and friends again, and to sleeping in our own bed.  However, my body has gotten into a bit of a rythm, now that we have a routine and I have gotten over my physical issues.  It feels like I have finally learned to not be so focused on just reaching the next destination, but to also take the time to enjoy the scenery and appreciate other small things along the way.  And I have also enjoyed the quiet time for my brain when we are hiking, to contemplate whatever comes to mind.  It's also been fun exploring all of the history along the Camino, as well as meeting all of the people, and the camaraderie and caring among the fellow pilgrims.  I hope to carry some of these new habits and learnings going forward, and incorporate them into my life going forward, so I can to be more "in the present" and enjoy more what I have versus worrying about what I don't have, or worrying so much about the future.