Whilst lunatics such as myself might walk from central France, the Catholic Church requires only that one walks the last 100 km to Santiago to gain the 'Compostela' certificate.
I've been told that it's impossible to get a public service job without the Compostela. Rumour perhaps but the Camino is a real institution and the Church hugely powerful.
Whatever the reason, numbers on the Camino increase fourfold or more from Sarria and the new comers are all locals. Many are out of shape and jokes are made about catching buses and taxis. I have seen an amazing number of advertisements for taxi services!
The walk to Portomarin saw steady rain but the new comers kept up a constant barrage of conversation despite soggy sandshoes and shredded 5€ ponchos. They set a pretty reckless pace too and my efforts to outrun them largely failed. I expect alot of casualties.
The countryside is incredibly beautiful here and the closer one gets to Santiago, the more eucalyptus forests dominate which is, for me, a wonderful reminder of home.
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