The last post

On Monday, the following my arrival in Santiago, I had booked a day trip to Fisterra and Muxia, the end of the world and a traditional journey for pilgrims. I met an American pilgrim, Rick, who hails from Virginia at the hotel and we discovered he was also taking the trip. Rick had walked from Sarria, the last 100km or so of the Camino Frances. So we travelled together and found many similarities in our lives and outlook on life.

The tour started by taking us to Pontemaceira, a scenic village crossed by the River Tambre. There we found a medieval bridge, stone mills, and granaries.

We moved on to the port of Muros for a coffee break. Next we visited the Hórreo de Carnota, a very large traditional Galician grain store. I had encountered a number of these along my walk to Santiago, but they were much smaller.

From here we made a brief stop at Ézaro Waterfall, which is the only waterfall in Europe that falls directly into the sea. This is one for me to revisit some day for a proper photography session.

We moved on the the town of Fisterra for lunch before getting to the iconic Fisterra lighthouse. This is a spectacular location, and is justifiably named as the end of the world.  

Our last stop was Muxia, at the northern tip of the cape to visit the Virxe da Barca Sanctuary, by the Atlantic Ocean. Also here are a monument and a beautiful old cross.  

Back in Santiago I met Jevon, Jeremy and Marie in the bar of their hotel, the parador in the cathedral plaza. Fiona was resting in their room. We may have indulged slightly too much, but I think our efforts of the past week more than justified it.

On Tuesday I ate a leisurely breakfast with Rick, who was departing that day. As I left the hotel to visit the cathedral I was hailed by Wilika who had been staying in my hotel. We grabbed a coffee and compared notes about our experiences since we last met, then headed into the cathedral. Wilika had a brief look and then had to leave the check out of the hotel. I stayed for the Pilgrim Mass which I didn't really understand, not being a Catholic, but it was very moving. I lit three candles for Betty, Jane's Pete, and all the others for whom we grieve.

I then indulged in some aimless souvenir shopping and lunch. My taxi collected me at 7am this morning, Wednesday, and delivered me safely to A Coruña airport following a mistaken drive by Santiago airport! No harm done. I checked in, got breakfast, went to the gate and found Jevon and Fiona - I'd forgotten they were on my flight. I'm writing this, listening to Vsn Morrison's Avalon Sunset - this album got me through some of the hardest sections of the walk. I prefer listening to nature, but sometimes music from inspirational people is needed.

As I write these last few sentences we are descending into Gatwick. In not many minutes this adventure will be over. But I already have some plans, so keep an eye out for more posts here.

ULTREIA and Buen Camino my friends.