“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda to Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz
We reached the End of the World today, the ocean in Muxia. Okay, the true End of the World on the Camino is Finesterre but the movie The Way made Muxia popular so it counts too apparently. I went to Finesterre on my first Camino so I didn’t feel the need to go back…well actually I went there today on the bus but I didn’t get off at the stop. Pablo and Dora are hiking 30km tomorrow to visit Finesterre. So this is the end of the road for me.
I didn’t get emotional in Santiago this year or on any of my Caminos. I think I’m so physically tired by the end of them that I’m just relieved to stop walking. Today was different. Today, I was alone when I reached the ocean. I started this journey alone and I ended it alone. Which taught me, I can do anything! The other two times, I’ve been with people at the end and it’s a distraction. This offered some good reflection time. I’ve learned so much on this Camino. I know I grew on the other walks as well but this one had a huge impact. Like I’ve mentioned, I’m a late bloomer. It’s taken me a long time to understand myself and what I want in life. I’ve always been afraid to commit to anything (people, places, my career) because I love my freedom so much…and I think I was always concerned about letting people down or not being enough. I’m usually one foot out the door. Not in an disloyal way (I’m very good at long distance friendships) but now I understand that I don’t need to be afraid of commitment anymore. It will all be okay. I will always have choices and my voice matters. I also have some new goals in mind for my future which always gets me excited. I feel much more centered and secure within myself. All in all, this was an important decision to come back for one more hike. I’m proud of myself and I’m really hopeful and excited about the future.
Well, I have good news and sad news. The good news is, the swelling went down in my leg so I was able to walk 7km. I was missing my daily walk. Sad news, it swelled up again so I only was able to walk 7km. More sad news, today is the last and final day of hiking on this Camino. It’s officially over. 😔 Good news, it was absolutely gorgeous and no rain! The so-so news, I ran into a pilgrim today in Muxia who is a doctor. She is from New Zealand but lives in London. She was with her friend from France who lives in Fort Greene in Brooklyn, the neighborhood next to Park Slope where I used to live. ❤️ I love all these worldly people. I wish I had the guts to move to another country. Anyway, she asked to look at my leg, then she proceeded to twist, turn and PUSH on it. Oh my goodness, I wanted to scream it hurt so bad. She said, without an X-ray she can’t be 100% sure but she thinks I have a stress fracture and that I should stay off of it (no long distance walking) for six weeks to let it fully heal. She just met me so she doesn’t know my flow….I will rest and take care of it, but….I need to keep moving (whether by bus, train or car). The Aussies used to tell me I have “itchy feet.” I appreciated her “no x-ray” diagnosis and will do my best to not walk so much
I enjoyed walking with Dora and Pablo. The views were beautiful and the conversation is always fun with them. Dora got us to play a “yes or no” game. The category was movies. We had to ask only yes or no questions to try to figure out the title. It was fun but you really have to think about a movie people from three different countries (Spain, Taiwan and US) would have seen, otherwise, it’s pretty difficult. Winners were: Avatar, Gladiator, Kingsman, Lord of the Rings, etc.
We were teasing Pablo about having sexy legs and how he should use them to get us a taxi. See photo. They are nice, right? 😉 Ha!
It’s tradition to walk (or take a bus) to The End of the World – either Finesterre or Muxia and burn your clothes or leave your shoes. I’m leaving my shoes. This pair has actually completed two Caminos. Last year and this year. I did get new inserts but the tread was still good so I used them again. Goodbye, hiking boots. I’ll miss you. 🥾
After I finished watching the ocean waves (reflecting on my emotional journey) and eating some yogurt by the lighthouse, I stopped by a little tent from a local vendor selling handmade jewelry. Judith was a lovely woman and an artist. She had such a smile on her face and she told me the best story. She said she has walk one Camino and it changed the course of her life. She said that about five minutes after she arrived at the lighthouse, here in Muxia, she met a man and he is now her husband. She left everything in Barcelona to be with him and they are very happy together. Her eyes lit up just talking about it! I looked around and there was nobody in sight but us. I said, “Where’s mine? I want a fairytale romance at the end of the Camino too!” We laughed. And then she sold me a beautiful reddish handmade bracelet with rose quarts stones for good luck in love. ❤️
I celebrated the grand finale with some fresh scallops, Pimientos de Padrón and a beer. Cheers! 🍻
Highlight of the day: while we were eating dinner, Constantine and Lylou (the dog I love so dearly) walked by! Lylou was thrilled to see us but Constantine didn’t recognize me at first because my hair was down. I pulled it up and he smiled and gave me a kiss on each cheek – ahhh the French. Lylou had her head on my lap for a little bit and everyone at the table fed her a little bit off our plates. She was in heaven. I just love that dog. 🐾 ❤️
Thanks again to all the readers for continuing to follow along. I’m headed back to Santiago for two days to buy some regular clothes and mail my hiking gear home. Then I’m off to Portugal! ❤️🇵🇹
Onward and upward to the next adventure…
Goodnight and much love from Spain. 🇪🇸
