Camino Norte, Day 40 => Santiago

Made it to Santiago de Compostela!

After 14 miles. 1400’ ascent/descent we entered the Praza do Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to the sound of Galician bagpipes (gaita galega). We got our Compostela or Certificate of Completion in Latin and also a distance certification saying that we completed the Camino Norte (828 km, 500+ miles).

We did it for spiritual renewal, adventure, and a physical challenge. 40 days and 40 nights of hiking through quiet nature also helped put the fear and pain of cancer treatment behind us. It was one of the best things we have ever done together.

We went to the pilgrim mass at 7:30 pm. We arrived at 7:10 but the lines were already almost 2000 people long. Completely full cathedral and very little standing room. Interesting to be in church with people from all over the world (Europe, North/South America, AUS/NZ, some Asia and Middle East though not many from Africa)

We’ll spend tomorrow discovering Santiago before heading to the end of the earth at Finisterre and Muxia - but as Type 1 fun tourists this time who arrive by bus.Read more