Well....I can't believe it but today I am walking 20 km to a wee hostel just about 3-4 km from the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Deb is planning on walking the last 4 km with me. She is heading out via taxi a little later.
Breakfast which includes these delicious pastries right out of the oven.
Yummy.
It is interesting that it takes me longer to walk 'Camino' kilometers than kilometers back home?
So...I am walking up to the last few today...it is pouring rain already...but I am determined and energized knowing I am getting so close.
A bucket list adventure....coming to an end.....feeling so exhilarated.
I came upon this incredible mural in the middle of nowhere.
On one side all the technology we have today....
....and on the other side this solo Camino walker in the peacefulness of nature.
The eucalyptus trees are more colourful in the rain.
Memorials.
While walking quietly along the path I heard a loud group of dogs before I saw them.
All of a sudden there were about 8 little beagles flying by me.
They are hunting and retrieving with their master. I heard a lot of gun fire today.
The hunters are out...so I made a lot of noise wherever I was.
The skies are completely opening up today.....It's a pilgrimage....it isn't suppose to be completely comfortable.
15 kilometer mark....I am going to keep going and stop a little later.
Feeling good.
I am starting to see more signs that Santiago isn't far now.
We actually walk along the fence that surrounds the airport during this part of the trek.
Beauty to behold...when you look up.
You must get two stamps everyday to qualify for the certificate at the end....so I usually try to get them from our hostel and then a church.
This church is beautiful...but no stamps.
Onward I go.
I spent about the last 5 kilometers talking and walking with a gentleman from London, Bernard. He was very interesting and we definitely had quite the conversation together.
We only separated when I realized I was close to Monte do Gozo. The 'Hill of Joy.' Usually you can get a glimpse of the Cathedral from here...but we are surrounded by mist and rain.
Unfortunately no view.
A 1000 year old church. It has been renovated many times but the original was on this site.
Pondering my journey and how grateful I am to have been able to get this far.
A impromptu memorial.
Pope John Paul II visited here in 1989.
The sculpture below commemorates that visit.
And this sculpture recognizes the sacrifice my wee feet made on this journey.
Big blisters on my heels....my bad. Other walkers said to put lots of vaseline on our feet before we got blisters...but I didn't do that.
Ouch....
Out to get food...I am starving.
Caught up with Debbie at the Hostel. It can sleep 400+ pilgrims.
She had just arrived also when I walked in the door completely drenched.
We shared an 8 bed door with Francois from France, and Kevin from England.
A starter with our drinks...roasted chestnuts.
Grilled veggies.....
....and my go to....calamari.
Delicious.
Hanging out with my gal on our last night before arriving in Santiago....
PRICELESS.
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