Left O Pedrouza at 8:40. Arrived Santiago de Compostela at 5:30. 11.65 miles.
I forgot to post one of my favorite things about the Camino yesterday – the fresh water fountains along the way for pilgrims to fill water bottles. What a treat.
We really took our time today so that we could enjoy our last day on the Camino. We stopped a few times for refreshments and just soaked in what it means to be a Peregrino on the Camino. How lucky are we to be able to do this – not once, but four times. I do not take it for granted, and I know Caleb doesn’t either. We are truly blessed.
While I’m thinking of it – I thought I’d reached an age where this could be my last Camino. But hold on – met an 83 year old lovely woman from San Diego traveling on her own today, and it’s her second trip. I may have to rethink this age thing.
We lucked out again on the weather. Very moderate and plenty of shade. We still had lots of inclines, but having done four days of this, we managed.
This last day of the walk into Santiago is always busy. The cafes are mostly crowded but people are so friendly we didn’t mind waiting. At one stop there was a woman from Argentina who brought her violin along.
We had one of the best meals at lunch today. We arrived at a hotel that didn’t look too fancy but clearly more than just an ordinary restaurant. We decided to wait the half hour until they started serving lunch. We left about two hours later.
I thought a took a picture of our shared starter but I guess not. Cornets – mousse of tomato with cream cheese , foie gras, and lastly langostino and guacamole. Pure decadence.
We were full and a little sluggish after lunch, but put one foot in front of the other and kept on moving.
It’s a very popular event and they’re just getting started to prepare for it.
This is when we realize we’re nearly done. There’s a great sense of pride and accomplishment and a tiny bit of sadness because we know it’s coming to an end.
It’s hard to put into words. Explaining what it means to physically do this, and have the good fortune to spend time with Caleb, there are no words. I can’t stress enough how grateful I am to have had this experience.
When this started four years ago, I had planned just the one trip. Each year, we both wanted to come back. Now that we have all four of the official certificates, what’s next?
We did it.
We checked into the hotel first, washed our faces, and changed shoes in case you’re wondering. Always a relief to take your shoes off after a long day.
So that’s it for the Camino. Tomorrow we’re off to Florence. Until then…
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