Rua-Pedrouzo-Labacolla-Monte de Gozo- Santiago de Compostela   Walk Day 35

12.4 miles, elevation 345′ 

Surreal! I do not walk tomorrow!!! I have arrived. I can’t wrap my mind around it yet; I made the trek. The trail filled up fast all day with peregrinos from all “Ways”. Met Giancarlo, a 28 year law student, who walked from Barcelona. He lead traditional Spanish songs along the trek. 

The town’s along the final day were not terribly impressive although there were creative crosses handmade and stuck in a fence that were interesting, notes and colorful graffiti tastefully done, and many concha markers painted and festive, and just a cool, worldly, peaceful vibe. Jerrie and Rene bought me a beer at a neat rustic cafe in the woods. Monica and Serena bought me a beer later in the day, and I touched bases with the 20 or so peregrinos I had walked with in the last 34 days. It was a road party.

It brought tears to my eyes when I said goodbye to people I had not known a few weeks ago. Serena and Monica and I have walked together the last few days and parting at the Cathedral was very difficult; sad and sentimental. They taught me so much. Serena’s feet were hamburger and all she could do was smile like a Cheshire Cat. Her attitude-absolutely priceless. Monica’s wit, wisdom and sense of humor often carried the day. The emotions that rose to the surface I have felt only one other time in my life and that was in Sri Lanka my next stop.

Santiango’s old town and the Cathedral plaza and museums and all the winding streets around it are definitely worth the price of admission: the walk, the pain, the suffering.  What a cool finale to an amazing time on the road.

         
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