Santa Irene to Santiago - Made it!

I arrived in Santiago de Compostela early this afternoon, five weeks after leaving Bayonne.. Flooded pathways, covered with mud, blustery wind, and constant rain made this final stage a fitting conclusion to my Camino del Norte. It’s been tough at times- and today was certainly top three.

Santiago seemed a long way away this morning. While it wasn’t a long stage, it was cold dark and wet, very wet. Head light on again!

To complicate things, I had rough night with a tummy bug that’s been doing the rounds - plus last night’s ‘Ubereats delivery’ from a nearby bar was horrible- what I did manage to eat, came back in the early hours- which was a relief. Anyway I felt a little tired and weak when I shuffled off into the gloom around 7.30am. 

At the breakfast stop at O’ Pedrouzo, I had orange juice, camomile tea and a nurofen - what a combination - anyway it worked and my pace and energy began to come back.  

Eric had a similar night (and breakfast) and we.walked the rest of the Way together. Having each other’s suffering company was a welcome mutual support and it did have its lighter moments. The weather was so atrocious at times- all we could do is sing ‘Volare’ .

 

I stopped by a bar (closed today) at which  I had a delicious birthday breakfast over ten years ago. A lovely memory. 

With 10kms to go, the way became more populated as more crazy pilgrims splashed out of their albergues onto the path,

We needed sugar and water and stopped at a bar to have coke and a bit of Santiago tart. It was good!

I tried to take more shots but my phone kept spraying water at me

And then Santiago appeared (well sort of)

And it was into city streets.

It was fascinating meeting pilgrims from different routes to the Norte~ and saying variants on ‘well done’ to one another.

As we entered the old city, feelings of joy, relief and accomplishment flowed in no particular order.

You can see by the crowd- it wasn’t exactly a beach day.  So we headed straight to the Pilgrims Office to get certified with Compostelas.

I am staying at the Seminario Mayor right next to the cathedral. I have my own room and ensuite for the first time in weeks - heaven!

After getting settled I visited the cathedral. I lit candles for loved ones 

And immersed myself in the symbolism and drama of this sacred place

I plan on going to midday mass tomorrow and hope they swing this big incense burner.

On the way back from drinks this evening I thought I was seeing a ghostly pilgrim captured by the shadows around the cathedral.

Perhaps I was? 

Caminos are many things to many people. Over coming days and decades I’ll reflect on this one, and smile, and shake my head, and give thanks.

Thanks everyone for following me 🙏

Btw - my ukulele got a great workout and was always fun to have around.

Buen Camino everybody!