My experience of actually walking the El Camino has come to an end! I arrived in Santiago this morning about 11:00...I had approximately 5 km = 3.2 miles to walk from Monte do Gozo. It was drizzling as we pilgrims were getting organized & ready to start this climatic phase in our journeys. By the time I got my pack delivered back to the bar at 8:30 it had stopped drizzling so I was able to remove poncho & enjoy the final steps. I was somewhat surprised to find myself alone on the trail much of the time.
A large sign as I was leaving Monte do Gozo area.
An interesting yard in passing!
A statue along the way.
The first really good view of Santiago. The path was actually more civilized than what I was expecting - not much industrial tho some lower economical housing.
At one point, the golden scallop shells appeared in the sidewalks - big yellow arrows aren't so prominent anymore so had to pay attention!
Another fun sculpture
Aha!!
Another sign of getting closer to the goal.
At one point Gail from Vancouver joined me on the walk into the center. It was nice to have another set of eyes looking for the waymarkers!
Housing
This shop was just too beautiful to pass up taking a photo though I found myself focused on the end/arrival.
But then I started seeing people I had previously met!! Here are Marcos & Antonino? From ??? I can't remember!!!
Is this St James Cathedral??? Not sure but feel soooo close!!
and then there was Johanna from one of the Scanadavian countries!! It is now 10:07 pm and my body is still on Albergue schedule so it is past bedtime!!! The joyous arrival at St James Cathedral will be documented another time. It was an experience I'll never forget and probably can't really find the words to describe but perhaps photos will help you understand the moment.
Yes, this is St James!
And yes, I did do it!!!
A large sign as I was leaving Monte do Gozo area.
An interesting yard in passing!
A statue along the way.
The first really good view of Santiago. The path was actually more civilized than what I was expecting - not much industrial tho some lower economical housing.
At one point, the golden scallop shells appeared in the sidewalks - big yellow arrows aren't so prominent anymore so had to pay attention!
Another fun sculpture
Aha!!
Another sign of getting closer to the goal.
At one point Gail from Vancouver joined me on the walk into the center. It was nice to have another set of eyes looking for the waymarkers!
Housing
This shop was just too beautiful to pass up taking a photo though I found myself focused on the end/arrival.
But then I started seeing people I had previously met!! Here are Marcos & Antonino? From ??? I can't remember!!!
and then there was Johanna from one of the Scanadavian countries!! It is now 10:07 pm and my body is still on Albergue schedule so it is past bedtime!!! The joyous arrival at St James Cathedral will be documented another time. It was an experience I'll never forget and probably can't really find the words to describe but perhaps photos will help you understand the moment. 
Yes, this is St James!
And yes, I did do it!!!
Wonderful! Can't wait to visit with you when you are back in Omaha:-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you and hear all about your experience! And pics!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually kind of tearing up, here. I'm so happy for you. What an accomplishment! And what memories you have to cherish. I hope I get to hear some of your tales first-hand sometime.
ReplyDelete