Day 50: Tricase to Santa Maria di Leuca

Cliff and I headed out from Tricase at 7 am. Cliff sets a very good pace and we powered through the walk. We met up with Anne-Laure and Tony just over 3 km out of Santa Maria di Leuca and arrived at the Basilica just after 11:15 am, all together as planned (after an 18.1 km walk). I won't deny, some tears came to my eyes! We hugged, we smiled and we entered the Basilica to give thanks. Obtaining the testimonium was easy; we filled out the register, I was the 606 pilgrim to finish this year, and a lovely nun gave us our final stamp and completed our testimoniums for us. She was very meticulous about our names. I noticed, that of all the other pilgrims in the register (which started on May 5th), we were the only ones who had walked the Via Francigena. All the others had started in Lecce and walked what's called the Camino di Salento. We had a celebratory lunch and then went to our respective accommodations. I realised that I had lost my ear buds and, vaguely remembering hearing something fall as I was walking after we met up with Anne-Laure and Tony, I retraced my steps along the Way to be rewarded! The poor things, which were in a silicon pouch with my rosary beads (which are now all broken), had been run over by a car. They are battered, but are still working. What a blessing! Tonight, we had a delicious meal together as a final celebration as Anne-Laure and Tony are heading off tomorrow at 6:25 am. I feel very good - I made it!Read more