The plan was to arrive into Santiago on Saturday. I had to keep to the schedule to complete the Sanabrés within 14 days. I went ahead of my initial Camino companions at day 3 – perhaps I could have stuck with them?
We had breakfast at 8am, hitting the road 30mins later. It was mostly quiet country roads, passing through woodland and farming villages – pretty much what sums up Galicia.
Santiago day is always one of introspection, a day you tend to be with your own thoughts, reflecting on the journey you have undertaken. Today was no different. Although I set out with Matthew, we soon found ourselves walking alone but together – only a few metres apart.
The way markers were ticking down at an ever increasing pace. I was hurtling towards the cathedral.
But the solitude of the Sanabrés held on to the last possible moment. It went through the quiet suburbs of the city, before commencing a steep climb to the centre.
This entry route I had not walked before. It passed the statue of the first pilgrim, king Alfonso. It then ducked down familiar streets, passing the entrance to the cathedral with the horse fountain, then on to Plaza Obradoiro.
The completion of this Camino of solitude. I sat in the shade of the council buildings admiring the cathedral. Cooling down from the walk and taking stock of the is unique journey. The lessons learnt and experience gained.
Getting to the start of my join ended up being a challenge, having to adapt to a fluid situation. In the end it culminated in another magical walk on the way.
Stu's Camino 