Day 24 - Heading home

We left Madrid early this morning,  and now we are in New York,  waiting to board our flight home to Phoenix. While I'm looking forward to getting home, it's hard to leave this Camino behind. But maybe that's the secret. Don't leave it behind. It's a part of me now, and what I experienced and will continue to learn from this trek will go on and on. I have a feeling that I'll be on the Camino again,  and I look forward to that! And for you, my friends and family, thank you for your words of support and encouragement! That meant a lot to me, and made some of those hard moments easier.  Buen Camino!

Day 22 - Finnesterre and Muxia

We took a tour out to Finnesterre (Lands End) and the town of Muxia. They are in the northwestern tip of Spain. A rainy, foggy day, but this trip was amazing! Great to see local villages, lighthouse towers built by the Romans, the Atlantic Ocean crashing ashore, and indulge in some delicious seafood for lunch. It is very hard to leave Santiago.  But today we take the high-speed train back to Madrid. Home on Saturday!

Day 21 - More Santiago

A bright, sunny day here! Went to the cathedral and attended the special Peregrino Mass, which included the giant butafumeiro. I have seldom been more moved and in complete awe of any event. I will never forget this day. Explored the cathedral afterwards, "head-butted" the Saint (that will take some explaining), and found it difficult to leave this place. I see why this cathedral has such a pull for so many people. Tomorrow...Finnesterre and Muxia!

Day 20 - SANTIAGO

After 16 days on the Camino, we walked into Santiago this morning! It is spectacular! The weather cooperated while we were hiking,  although it is raining again now. We have already been to the Pilgrim Office, presented our credentials, and now proudly hold a Compostela! It hasn't sunk in yet that I did this. I think over the next several days and weeks I will continue to extract more and more from the Camino experience.  It will impact the rest of my life. Right now, I'm just revelling in it!

Day 19 - Vilamaior

No thunder and lightening as was predicted, but the rain was certainly here. We are staying in Vilamaior, less than 6 miles from the Saint James Cathedral in Santiago. We should get there in very good time tomorrow. There may be more rain, but that poses no problem. I am filled with reflections and inspiration from this journey. I can only imagine how astounding it will be to stand in that cathedral and see the Camino from that vantage point. Until tomorrow...

Day 18 - Pedrouzo

The weather today was good - started out with thick fog, and until it became daylight, it was like hiking in the clouds. Very nice! We are 12 miles from Santiago.  That is so hard to believe. I'm so anxious to get there, but I don't want this to be over. They are predicting big storms with thunder and lightning tomorrow. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Keeping my fingers crossed for good hiking!

Day 17 - Arzua

We are taking these final days slowly, since our hotel (yes, a real  hotel!) in Santiago is not expecting us until Monday. We are less than 25 miles from Santiago. And going slower is feeling pretty good. After walking 175 miles, a more relaxed pace to the end is perfect. We plan to get to Santiago early Monday, and be able to make the Pilgrims Mass at noon. Today was sunny and perfect, as this whole experience seems.

Day 16 - Clear skies!

Even after getting off the trail early due to torrential rain yesterday and actually doing laundry in a real washer and dryer, my backpack and boots are still quite wet. Nothing quite like wet hiking boots in the morning. But the sun was out today, and the hiking was great, albeit there were slippery, muddy places to contend with. But the rewards were many, including hiking over medieval roads and bridges! And we are now in A Caruna, the Spanish state of Santiago. The waymarks have changed giving proof positive that we are close to the end of the Way of Saint James.

Day 15 - Noah, send the ark!

This is day three of rain. The first day was a soft rain, quite nice for hiking. Yesterday was a wind-driven sideways rain that let loose when we were on top of a high ridge. Chilled to the bone cold. Today was a downpour,  almost relentless.  I walked 14 miles on slippery rocks and slick trails, but in a way it was nice. Its warmer down at these elevations, and once wet, the rain doesn't pose much of a problem. Off the trail now, had a hot shower, and waiting for my Michigan and Australian Camino friends to show up. We hunkered down at the same aubergue last night, and plan to do so tonight as well. 40 miles to Santiago!!

Day 13 - Mercadoiro

Left Sarria this morning in sunshine, but it soon turned to a windy, rainy day. Which is a good thing. It's good to use the raingear you've carried halfway across Spain! Got off the trail early and gave our feet a well deserved rest. The rain kept coming harder. It was beautiful hiking on the cool, leaf-covered trails. Autumn has hit northern Spain.

Day 12 - Sarria

The hike here was one of the most beautiful hikes so far. Lots of gain and descent, but worth every step. A forest of heavy moss covered trees, mist over the valleys, fog, it had it all. Then you get to Sarria,  wind your way through town, and find six flights of steps between you and your bed for the night. The Camino has a twisted sense of humor.

Day 11 - Triacastela

Hiked down from O'Cebriero this morning. Passed the sculpture tribute to the peregrinos...a tall, impressive statue looking towards Santiago. Nice! During the day, I had to share the trail a few times with local cows. I definitely gave them the right of way! Tomorrow...Sarria!

Day 10 - O' Cebriero

It's much cooler at this elevation, and this is probably one of the most charming hamlets along the way so far. Very old and spectacular buildings and views as well.  Tomorrow we start down the mountain into Galicia. 

Camino Facts of Life

Here are some of the nitty-gritty parts of Camino life...stamps in your Camino credential, airing out your well-used boots, and laundry. Laundry everyday! Sometimes your wool socks don't get dry, so you have to put them over your trekking poles in the morning. It's a real fashion statement.