Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “WOW!” What a ride! – Hunter S. Thompson
And what a ride it was…we did it! We made it to Santiago…all seven of us together. ❤️ We are a worn out, bruised up and totally spent gang of misfits but what a wild ride. I’m not sure of the exact mileage but I personally walked, not including “shortcuts”, about 550 miles (901km). I think I’ll stop and take a rest for awhile.
The day was full of a wide range of emotions. Everyone was up early and out the door by 6:24am. The moon was still high in the sky and the forest was a little dark but we kept putting one foot in front of the other for the last 20km. We had a couple of breaks for coffee and the bathroom but other than that, we were walking…and walking together. We made it into town by noon and had to stop for the ritual toast to the Camino with a beer…grande. Then we made our way towards the cathedral. On our way we added Inge (the woman we met last night) on the way. Her husband Leo wasn’t there just yet so she walked in with us (he showed up shortly after and we got to meet him…lovely fellow). As we rounded the corner to enter the square you could feel the energy and excitement from all the other pilgrims who had previously arrived. It’s such a fun and exciting place. We all hugged and celebrated. We took photos and hugged some more. It’s a joyful occasion but also a deeply sentimental one as well. The feeling of accomplishment can be overwhelming. Tears can and will flow. We all know we’ve become part of a special club. It’s beautiful. Plus, you run into pilgrims you’ve met along the way but haven’t seen for awhile. We saw Larry from Oklahoma! It’s been weeks since I’ve seen him. That was a nice hug.
Since this ain’t my first rodeo I had gifts for each of my fellow pilgrims. I’ve gave all the girls matching shell bracelets (I don’t think I’ve mentioned it but the scallop shell is one of the symbols of the Camino). I gave Jakob a keychain with a shell as well. But I gave the most sentimental gift to Stephen…the pilgrim who has been with me (and annoying me) since day one. I gave him my red bandana. I washed it last night and didn’t use it today so it would be fresh and clean for him to wipe the tears away today…which he did. He’s a pretty sentimental old chap.
I love the photos we took as a group. They really reflect all of our personalities. I was even able to do the obligatory “jump” photo on a bad leg…which by the way hates me and has asked to part ways via amputation.
After we celebrated, we had business to take care of. We needed to get our Compostela’s. Which are written in Latin, including our names. Jakob and Caroline are leaving in the morning so today was their one shot to get it. We got it all lined out for pickup for a few hours later and went to check in at the hostel, shower and meet up again for Mass at the cathedral and dinner.
I’ve been wanting to see the Botafumeiro ceremony for years. So after walking three Camino’s and sitting through four Catholic Masses, I finally got to see it today and oh, was it glorious. Absolutely wonderful. I went early to chose my seat because I’ve watched this ceremony online several times to see where is the best place to sit. I was very happy with my choice. If you’d like to see the video, It is on Instagram @thewonderingwanderer.insta or Facebook at The Wondering Wandering. I apologize but it’s too large of a file to attach here.
After Mass, we went to a Chinese restaurant…Dora and Hyekyung got to pick the restaurant tonight. They did all the ordering so we had hot pots with delicious meats and veggies and some bubble tea. It was a fun way to end the day.
Today, I saw the youngest pilgrim I’ve ever seen. He was probably 5 and walking with his dad. I’m guessing they walked the last 100km together. I saw them at a café thumb wrestling. It was adorable.
There were so many pilgrims walking into Santiago today. Lots of color coded shirts and organized groups but many of us ragged thru hikers as well.
I’m going to miss my new Camino friends. We are an odd bag of mixed nuts but I think we add a little sunshine and spice to what would be a rather boring world without us. Thank you, Stephen, Dora, Jakob, Caroline, Hyekyung and Yunri for walking, eating, sleeping, talking (even sometimes in your sleep), and supporting/encouraging me on our Camino. You guys are the best! Thank you.
Okay, I’ve received several messages tonight of concern that I haven’t posted yet. Apologies I was celebrating and resting. But what this brings to my attention is, that YOU guys were right here with me for every step of The Way. Thank you so much to those of you who followed along, read every word, sent notes of encouragement and didn’t judge my many, many typos (I need an editor, STAT!). You guys are what kept me going. I made a promise to myself that I would write everyday of this Camino and because of you guys, I not only accomplished the goal of hiking the El Camino de Norte, but I successfully fulfilled my intention of writing in detail and hopefully authentically and with grace and humor about one of my most cherished adventures to date. So thank you and I love you guys. ❤️🙏
Finally, Buen Camino to all the pilgrims around the world, from the past, present and future. May your walk bring you peace, clarity, happiness, and love. ❤️
O Pedrouzo (Arca) – Santiago – 20.0km
Goodnight and much love from SANTIAGO! 🇪🇸 Buen Camino!
Final wrap-up video of the hike
