We only intended going to Arzua from Melide, only 14km, but another 15km to the next albergue...But when we arrived and it was only 10.30am, and it wasn´t raining, and all these new pilgrim albergues were on the unattractive main street, we decided to continue....
Spent the night in a pleasant pension at Brea. Real sheets but the snorer #2 from hell- and again a woman! But that left us in striking distance of Santiago.
Next morning it was very humid for our last start, and before long it had turned to constant rain - not hard rain mostly, but more than drizzle. By the time we were getting closer to Santiago, it was very misty in the rain, and you could hardly see ahead at all.
So that led to an easy decision: we stopped at Monte de Gozo, five km from the Cathedral. I had heard about this place and it sounded like army barracks, but it was actually very pleasant. It is all divided up into well separated cubicles with room for eight in each, and the hospitalero was very friendly. Lots of people we had seen on the way also stopped here... Big advantage..you can stay three nights, so we were able to make the last walk with only a day pack, and leave the big pack here at MdG, and come back on the bus!!!
This morning we left soon after 7am so we could get to the Cathedral Square while it was still quiet. We met several people we knew on the way...
Soon after 9am I found the Pilgrim´s Office and joined the queue to get my Compostelle. The French couple just ahead of me in the queue knew how far I had walked, and pushed me in ahead of them when it was their turn... The young woman who served me was very pleasant. All the people on the list just ahead of me were students who had started in Sarria. My two credentials were full on both sides and didn´t need much checking, and I now am the proud possessor of a Compostella with my name on it in Latin!
Went to the pilgrim Mass at 12...jam-packed.. and lots of people circulating while it was on..... young pilgrims were given some parts to play. Spied a man we had met sometime ago on the track... so lovely to see him again. He finished several days ago, but walked on to Finisterre. (I will take the bus on Monday!!) Had lunch with him and L and D. A celebration!
Woohoo! Congrats Kiwi! :)
ReplyDeleteHey You!!! Congratulations! Well done!!
ReplyDeleteWell done! Savour the moment,
ReplyDeleteAshley
Thank you all. It was an achievement... not sure how I ever imagined I could do it.... but I guess you just get in the groove and put on your shoes and pack and walk another 20km, and one day you reach the end! I feel very proud of myself... and loved being in the outdoors so much... even though my ankle muscles were complaining hard about the treatment in the last few weeks. They are already returning to normal I am glad to report!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I never had any doubts you'd do it though. This is a quick hi before we all head north to HB for most of the holidays. That's if the rough weather of late lets us cross the cook strait! Best wishes HBPS
ReplyDeleteEnhorobuena por tu camino/peregrinacion!
ReplyDeleteMgt N
Enhorobuena por tu Camino/peregrinacion!
ReplyDeleteMgt N
Well done Kiwi! I remember that cathedral, I was there in August 1976!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see that you made it Margaret. I enjoyed reading your blogs, since my body only made it to Burgos but I think my brain was still in Spain for about a week afterwards. It's also quite nice not having to pump Euros into the computer. Good to hear that Lynn and Denis made it, because when we last saw them it wasn't clear that Lynn's knee and feet were going to cooperate. I was impressed by all the little details that you noticed along the trail, as mentioned in your blogs. Maybe that's why Archie and I said (more than once) when we didn't know something "Let's ask Margaret, she'll know that one." Jenna made it back to NS yesterday, and is coming over for supper tonight . . so I'll hear a few more Camino stories.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your pilgrimage.
Bruce
Hey Congratulations from wintry Christchurch..Petra loved her postcard with the track maeked..we were Trish, Peter and myself were with you in spirit on Monday as we soaked in the Hanmer pools. Three of our children leave for their Sydney pilgrimage at the end of the week for worls youth day and we host two girls from Korea so life goes on..look forward to seeing you..Marina
ReplyDeleteHey Margaret, I finally manage to leave a message and in has several spelling mistakes!!!!Can't quite believe that you have reached the end. Are you still walking in spirit!!!! Will be in touch...Sounds like the companionship on the walk was great.. Marina
ReplyDeleteBruce...thanks for your congrats - you know what it was all about, carrying your pack for all thos days! And going to Burgos was a lot further than many we met at the end...lots and lots of Spanish students just doing 4-5 days from Sarria. I will never forget the beautiful weather we had crossing the Pyrenees, and that very special rainbow.
ReplyDeleteMarina... no I am not walking in spirit...my muscles want a wee break!!!! Hanmer sounds lovely for tired muscles!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am in Singapore for another 11 hours. A long trip home but I made it out of Paria!
I just read the news that there is flooding in the lower NI!!!!