O Pedrouzo - Santiago - 14 mls

After a night of torrential rain that thundered on the tent roof and crept in to soak the base of our packs, we got up early and were on the road by 7am. Firstly, to find a cafe for hot drinks and secondly to try and get ahead of the crowds.

Met 3 Korean girls in the cafe, they were walking the last 100km of the Camino Francais; the youngest (20yrs) announced she was looking forward to Santiago as she had had enough 😄!! When I told them we were walking the Camino Norte from San Sebastian, they stood up and shook my hand 🤣 - I felt so uplifted and a bit silly!! 🤪

It was lovely to walk through the mist and sunrise again. Much of the trail was through dense forests, so it was very quiet. Even as the number of walkers increased, the sounds were absorbed by the trees around us.

Of course, that didn't last, and by mid morning, the crowds were back, the roads opened up, and the excitement of finally reaching our collective destination was palpable.

We chatted with a Scottish couple, Lorna and Jim, who had walked the last 100km of the Francais. They hadn't bothered gathering stamps to gain a certificate - they wanted this to be a personal achievement. Another couple, Peter and Kate, from Surrey, had completed the last 100km of the Primitivo. They were sad they hadn't completed the whole route and are planning to come back next year to do the first part of the route. They were all amazed that we had completed the 500 miles of the Camino Norte (in 2 parts) as it is known to be the most difficult.

Arriving into Santiago was odd. You pass all the signs and entrance arches but still have 2 miles to go to get to the cathedral. They were the hardest of the whole Camino!!!

The arrival into Plaza do Obradoiro was so emotional that it is difficult to put into words. Pipers were playing in the background, pilgrims were lying on the floor or hugging or laughing or taking photos. A kids carousel playing upbeat music rotated in one corner and a bizarre, white, surface train stood waiting for passengers!! We were dazed for a moment and then realised we're were both tearful and elated and sad all in a turmoil of emotion. We hugged and cried and laughed :-

We are here!
We have done it!
Together!!Read more