Day 6 - the last bit to Santiago de Compostela

 What an end to the week. A short walk into Santiago from the hotel, south of Sigueiro. It was another cool blue-sky day as I put on my pack and started the last leg. The trail was fairly easy, and mostly avoided highways. During the past week we pilgrims have become accustomed to peace and quiet as we walked through woodland or quiet back roads. So any highway jars and irritates beyond belief.

I encountered lovely woodland and farm fields as the trail gently climbed. Jeremy and Marie caught up with me after a few kilometres, but I was walking quite slowly because of my painful toe so they went on. After a few hundred metres I came to a coffee stop, climbed the steps and found Jeremy and Marie had also stopped. We sat outside drinking coffee, and then Jevon and Fiona appeared. They had been pushing hard from their hotel in Sigueiro and had caught us quite early.

I continued walking and came to the Enchanted Forest sign, which I've seen in videos of this route. It's a lovely touch, and people were queuing up to take selfie.

Eventually, the trail became a modern industrial park, which was of course quiet on a Sunday. Given the short distance we needed to walk, it seemed to go on forever. But finally I came to the outskirts of town, and was passing areas of old housing. Down and down I dropped until I realised I was just a few hundred metres from the cathedral.

I walked down and into the tunnel that leads to the cathedral square, past a bagpipe player. I emerged into the warm sunshine and, avoiding looking directly at the cathedral, headed for the middle of the square. I turned to face the cathedral and dissolved into tears. The emotion was incredible, and I feel it still as I write these words. A kind pilgrim took photos for me, to avoid the difficulty of a good selfie. I sat and contemplated what I'd achieved, for some time.

Eventually, I got myself together and headed for my hotel and checked in. I messaged Jevon and he told me where he and Fiona were having a beer. I joined them, and experienced the proper tapas culture of the region - tapas comes free with your drink!

And then, as if scripted, Jeremy and Marie appeared. We spent a good couple of hours eating and drinking until they were able to check into their hotel.

I headed off to the Pilgrim Reception Office where I rapidly received my Compostela and certificate of distance. The emotion was still high, I found it hard to take with the kindly lady dealing with me. But finally my journey was done and I had my proof. I will treasure these documents, they are really precious to me.

This point to end today's tale. Tomorrow, I take a day trip to Fisterre.

Buen Camino