Day 36 - Arca/O Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostella - 20 km
Today is the big day. The day we have waited for, dreamed of, yearned for over the last 36 days. Far before that, really, when the whole Camino thing was just an embryonic idea.
We got up at our usual 6:00, ate our snack, out the door before 7:00. We decided to treat ourselves, and really enjoy the last day, so we sent our bags ahead. This is a great service, and it is so nice to see our backpacks sitting at our accommodation when we arrive.
So it was literally just a walk on the park for about the first 10 km. The trail was mostly in the forest on dirt paths. So great. And the eucalyptus trees make the forest so fragrant. We kept taking deep breaths as we walked to lock in the good scent.
We stopped at a place called Amenal for a coffee, then went a bit further and had another short break at Vilamaior. Got an empanada for the road since we weren’t hungry yet.
As we came down a hill from Monte de Gozo we got a look at the Santiago Cathedral. It was still a long way away. After that we couldn’t see it until we arrived.
The last bit was city streets, then became narrower as we entered the historic area. Then we walked through an arch where a bagpiper piped us in towards the cathedral.
It was a little anticlimactic since we have seen so many cathedrals, but we did feel great for having achieved our goal!
High fives and a big hug - I just did the Camino de Santiago de Compostela with my daughter!! Yes!!
Next we found the Pilgrim Office so we could receive our Compostella certificate. We had to wait in line for about an hour, could have been worse. Now we’re officially done!
We found our Hostal, decent bedroom, twin beds, shared bath. The usual but a bit more expensive because this is Santiago and it’s 200 meters from the cathedral. It even has a little balcony.
Showers, laundry, didn’t rest much - off to find beer. We found a burger and hot dog place, very tasty. And yes they had beer. After filling up we checked out some souvenir shops. TONS of them here. To be expected, since no one wanted to make any purchases while walking and carrying everything.
Next we checked out the cathedral. We missed the mass as we opted to go to the pilgrim office instead. So we just wandered around at leisure. Great huge church. They are doing some restoration but still lots to see.
Next we stopped in at the information office to find out about buses to Finisterre. We just have to show up at the bus station by 8:30 tomorrow.
Then back to our room for a rest. We met some friends at 7:00 and went for a celebratory drink, then dinner and back to the pension for bed.
Today’s lesson: when you reach your goal - celebrate!
Cafe con leche and pastry 2.70€
Empanada 2€
Compostella certificate and tube 5€
Lunch 10€
Hostal 20€
Souvenirs 15€
Supper 15€
