0 km's to go. We're Here!
So we left Outeiro early this morning, actually 1 hour extra early as this was the weekend to turn the clocks back 1 hour. Santiago was a complete zoo as we entered. The plaza in front of the cathederal was packed with people. After talking with a few pilgrims who had been on the Camino France's, I am so glad that I wasn't on that trail this year. I was told that every albergue was packed all along that route. It's hard to explain the feeling of arriving, as those that have completed a Camino will know. You realize that it is the end of your journey, and you reflect on all the trials and tribulations, as well as all the people you have encountered during the journey. So for Paul, Cornelious, Peyta, Isabella, Janus, Juan, and Bernard. Thank you all so much for your companionship, wherever it was along this crazy route. Also many, many thanks to Alonso the Spanaird. He helped Chantal and I in so many ways all the way to Santiago. This was Alonso's sixth Camino. He is a true Camino gentleman. Also thanks to my cousin Chantal, for joining me on the Sanabres, and for adding to this blogs daily news. After pics in the plaza, we headed for the new pilgrims office, were Chantal and I received our compestella's. I also received a verification of distance walked. A total of 1037 km's. Along with these documents, I have also achieved an awesome Camino beard! Tonight we are in the same albergue that I stayed at in 2013. The San Lazaro albergue is an out of the way place that is a palace! Just 4 people there last night. My Tilley hat, guaranteed not to fade or fray, has faded and frayed. Yes, I have wore out a Tilley hat. I can exchange it for a new one when I get home. I wonder where it will go? Please stay tuned for tomorrow's last blog post! Terry Aujourd'hui, 17 km de dégustation à petites gorgées pour cette dernière journée de marche jusqu'à la Cathédrale. Journée magnifique et chaude... encore!!! Et 10 km de plus à circuler un peu partout dans la ville. Donc 27 km en tout et, j'avoue pour la première fois, j'ai vraiment les pieds comme des crêpes de sarrasin, bien plats, et à la compote de pomme! Ouch! J'ai mal aux pieds aujourd'hui: j'veux plus marcher! J'ai donc marché 380,9 km sur le Sentier de Sanabres en 17 jours, i.e. de Granja de Moreruela à Santiago. C'est un sentier vraiment très agréable, tranquille (pas trop fréquenté), campagne, montagnes, forêts et chiens! Je vous le recommande. Jusqu'à quelques km de Santiago, c'était encore la campagne avec ses coqs, chevaux et moutons. Peu à peu, nous nous sommes enfoncés dans la ville vers la Cathédrale. Quelle foule!!! En plus de tous les Peregrinos qui arrivaient de toutes les directions, il y avait ceux qui venaient d'assister à un marathon, en plus de la foule du dimanche ( jour de congé). Beaucoup de monde !!! Puis nous nous sommes dirigés vers ce bureau pour recevoir notre certificat de chemin de Compostelle ( voir la photo de Terry). En soirée, nous avons assisté à une messe pour les Peregrinos: à leur façon de marcher, on pouvait voir qui avait marché depuis des semaines. C'était bondé de monde. Une foule de gens venue de tous les coins du monde: moment de communion et de paix. Le prêtre aux fait une allocution en anglais pour tous les perigrinos présents. Et tout son discours en espagnol semblait empreint de sollicitude: j'aurais bien aimé tout comprendre. C'est la fin de cette partie de notre périple... Terry attend que je termine... donc à suivre demain. Buen Camino a ustedes! Chantal PS By the way Terry, I'm very glad I walked that part of the Camino with you, even if some days, you look like a grumpy man with a white beard and a worn out Tilly hat. Love, your cousin Chantal!
8 Comments
Ruth Ann McKenzie
10/31/2016 13:38:10
Congratulations, Terry. Loved reading your blogs every day and seeing your photos.
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Terry
10/31/2016 16:01:51
Thanks for following Ruth! Say hi to Joe for me. Hope that you are enjoying your new house.
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Joan
10/31/2016 14:47:26
Hi Terry, We've not met but I've come to your blog via Paul, who I met when I walked the Frances in 2013. It was a rainy day when I walked into Santiago on my own and was feeling all that one feels at that point in the journey. As I wandered around looking for my hotel, feeling lonely, who did I see but Paul in his bright green jacket. He came to visit me in Comox a couple of years ago and it was then I "met" you. Congratulations on completing your journey. Joan
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Terry
10/31/2016 15:59:42
Hi Joan! The Camino connects people in a great way. Thanks for following..
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Jeff Walker
11/7/2016 16:32:54
Way to go, Terry.
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Sylvia
11/7/2016 21:11:29
Congratulations Terry, I really enjoyed following your blog and seeing all your great photos. Have a safe journey home
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Terry
11/7/2016 21:16:16
Hey Sylvia,
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Bob Brine
11/8/2016 01:06:28
Congrats, TV -- very impressive doing this twice, esp. at your age, you old fart!!
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