23 km. Partly cloudy and cooler with a nice breeze most of the day, then sunny and warm the last two hours. The total ascents were not bad at 270m, but the two biggest climbs were just as I left Sobrado this morning and the last 1.5 km into Azrúa. Mental kickers, especially the latter, as the last couple of kilometers feel never-ending even on gentle terrain. But no matter. I made it and was grateful for the shorter distance today.
I walked solo all day, mostly on quiet roads. I did not see a single fellow pilgrim until I reached Arzúa. This could be because I left at almost 11 am this morning, ha. I know, I know… but after so many challenging days in a row I slept in a bit, had an amazing egg breakfast, then took a walk around the monastery before I set out. Plus, by now you know what I was thinking… the sun doesn’t set until 9:30! Once I did set out, I basked in the serenity, as I imagine tomorrow will be very different.
It is hard to believe I will arrive in Santiago in two days. I have heard and read of pilgrims having a whole range of feelings once they arrive. Pride, desire to celebrate, emptiness, serenity, fatigue, etc… Some feel less than they thought they would and others more. As my Camino guru Javi said in the early days, ‘Have no expectations. Just take what comes.’ (We were talking about climbs at the time, because I kept looking at the route profile desperately hoping the climb would end soon, ha.) I will wait and see. It doesn’t much matter, really, the journey has been everything I had hoped and more.
In the meantime, Mark will head to Santiago early tomorrow so I can soak up the time I have left, reflect, and enjoy my final experiences with fellow pilgrims. I am very curious to see what tomorrow will bring as we join the Camino Francés.
Photos from the day:
The theme of the rest of the day was solitary roads...
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