Salceda to Santiago de Compostela- Arrived!

Today I arrived at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. There was much celebration. Friends ahead of me friends behind me - we watched each other walk in - memories of steep climbs and descents, being alone, being together on the path - came flooding back. There was no need for words - just smiles and hugs, and plans to get together tonight.

Head light primed for an early start.

I organised with friends further along to meet them for breakfast - I had some kilometres to cover. It was dark.
Fortunately, I (sort of) knew the path. I had walked it in daylight - and in the rain and dark before. I stayed here once . . .

Years ago, a good friend came back to this place to see if I was alright. It was cold, dark and wet. I had been ill and he checked on me. We walked together to the Cathedral, even singing ‘Volare’ towards the end when I came good.
I made breakfast at O Pedrouzo- how wonderful! Everyone wished each other well- some I had seen each day, others not for ages.
After breakfast, we bid each other ‘Buen Camino’, and joined the Great Migration.
Before long, tranquility returned.
Even on this busy path, with only hours to go, there is solitude.
As well as opportunities to get a hand crafted wax stamp.
How Middle Ages is that!
I had a special birthday brunch here once. This morning there was a great vibe again - but sadly no chairs. 
So I settled for the classic combo, a little further on.

Then rain - it happens here - so on with my hobbit coat. Through the drizzle . . . The spires!

Monte do Gozo! Amigos -we are within sight!

Then down the hill and into the city.

And the old City.

And the Cathedral.

The Pilgrim Office experience was smooth.

I felt relief, joy and satisfaction on completing the Camino Primitivo.
So chilled on the Plaza do Obradoiro pavement in front of the cathedral for a while.
It was not long before Andrea and Leonardo joined me.
And we sang Bella Caio - as we had promised each other early in the Primitivo. 
And so this Camino comes to a close. 

From here, I will be doing some writing and joining in the Santiago Festival.  Next week I walk to Finisterre. No more posts for a while.

Bella Caio everyone!