Left O Pedrouza at 8:35. Arrived Santiago Compostela 12:45. 14.3 miles.
A joyous walk today in anticipation of completing a monumental journey. Pilgrims everywhere and all in great spirit. It was contagious.
Stopped for a quick drink, as we decided to wait and have lunch in Santiago.
First view of Santiago way in the background
There are so many people here. It is crowded, lively and touristy. We love it.
The cathedral is spectacular, of course.
We decided to check in at the hotel, get our certificates, then lunch. That turned out to be good planning. The certificate system is high tech and efficient. We got the regular one plus the mileage one since we took the longest route.
The mileage the certificate shows is 779 kilometers (484.05 miles). We actually logged 832.26 km (517.14 miles), but who’s counting? We got lost a couple of times plus our hotels were not always on the Camino so we walked a little bit more than should have.
Lunch and dinner were great. We sat in cafes and leisurely enjoyed our meals.
Waited 40 minutes for pilgrim mass to start. No seats available. Standing room only. Mass in Spanish. Sermon in Italian then a long one in Spanish. So tired of standing, but worth it. They don’t want people taking photos but many of us snuck in a couple.
Will we miss Spain? So many lovely memories. So many blisters. A trip of a lifetime.
To my family and friends who thought I was crazy for doing this – you were right; still crazy after all these years. However, I cannot express how much it has meant to both of us to get through what I can only describe as grueling but beautiful.
Sadly, these shoes must go. Shoes – you’ve been reliable, good friends. But we must say good bye. You did not make the cut for Paris.
Stay tuned for two days in Paris.
Or, if you opt out – thanks for joining our journey, and for all the encouragement. 💕😎🥾🥾
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