We did it, after 8 days walking across Galicia we have a arrived at the provincial capital, Santiago de Compostela.
It was another predawn start, aiming to avoid crowds coming out of O Pedrouzo. The plan worked, we pretty much had the Camino to ourselves. The first 3km was mostly up hill that levels off until Monte do Gozo, when the route starts the descent into Santiago.
The obligatory picture of the 10km way marker was taken although it was a bit difficult getting a good one in the dark!
Around the 4km point we stopped for breakfast, the last one on ‘The Way’. From here it was a short kilometre to Monte do Gozo where we got our first look of the cathedral in the distance.
The descent to our destination began. The peaceful countryside gave way to the bustling streets of the city. The footpaths became evermore crowded as the tide of pilgrims flowed into Santiago.
The kilometres slipped by until the familiar sound of bagpipes heralding the cathedral square, was just around the corner.
We passed under the archway in to square, emotions flowing that our journey had come to its end. We hugged and congratulated each other. Pictures and messages sent to our friends and family to say we arrived.
Once we obtained our compostelas we headed to a little back street restaurant for some well deserved tortilla y potata and a beer; and of course, some Torta de Santiago!
Once booked into the Pension, first order of business was finding a laundromat. Then it was time to celebrate. We had a look around the cathedral and attended the pilgrims mass. However the Camino hadn’t finished with us, we got to see the botafumeiro swing!
It’s been another great experience on the Camino, and I managed to get everyone over the finishing line, just hope they will give me a 5 star rating on trip advisor!
Stu's Camino 