Day 40: Amenal to Santiago de Compostela

Arrived!

Final update:

16 km. Hilly but easy walking. You will all be impressed to know that I left early like the cool kids. I couldn’t sleep, so I got up, packed, and was out the door and walking by 7:15. And, because I was so early, my hotel was not ready to serve breakfast and I had to walk the first 5 km on an empty stomach. And, it poured. So I was wet, cold, and hungry. I was thinking, ‘See? That’s a lesson in why starting early is dumb.’ (Ha) But then, I came to a lovely little cafe serving eggs and bacon! And while there I had a fun conversation with three lively and warm pilgrims. And there was a church with an open door across the street. So instead I will say, The Camino provides. (Metaphor here, people.)

After fueling up, I walked the next 6 km fairly fast in the drizzle (last-stretch energy). Stopped again for a second coffee and my final chocolate croissant on the Camino, then slowed down to stroll my last 5 km in to Santiago de Compostela, arriving at noon. Mark was there for photos and hugs of congratulations.

I then set out to do the final Camino steps: 1) visit the cathedral, and 2) go to the pilgrims’ office to get the certificate of completion. Backpacks cannot be taken into the cathedral, so I dropped it in our room first. I didn’t change, though, as I decided I needed to keep my Camino clothes on until the steps were completed. Turns out, between completing the steps, having a last menu del día with Mark, and connecting with old Camino friends, I was out until evening!

In the morning, while I was still walking, both Eva (Day 22) and Jeff (Days 8 and 9) had texted me to say they were in Santiago and wanted to meet up when I arrived. Once there, Eva and I exchanged messages, but could not coordinate locations. Mark and I met Jeff at a bar in the afternoon and had a long catch up. Had a surprise meet-up with Sue and Dave (Days 8 and 9) at the pilgrims’ office, and we went to the cathedral together. Guillermo (Day 36) walked by while we were having a drink with Jeff, so I had a quick hug and photo with him. I exchanged text messages with other Camino friends not in Santiago, some of whom will arrive tomorrow. I hope to see some of them before I leave.

835* km. How do I feel? Content. Grateful. Proud. Fortunate. A bit sad it’s over. And…there is more, but I’m not sure I can describe it or have even processed it, yet. So we’ll leave it there.

I am signing off now. Thanks for walking with me. Sending my love out to you all. ❤️

More photos of the day:

One last fountain photo

One last forest path photo

First sighting

Just through the tunnel

Arrived

With my cheerleader

Altar of the cathedral

Cool organ pipes

Shell carved into cathedral facade

With Dave and Sue

With Jeff

With Guillermo

From our hotel window

*Apps and guides say 835 km, but my certificate says 828. You pick.