The last day of the camino started at 6:45 am boarding the Pigrim Boat at Vilanova de Arausa to Pontecesures with a growing pilgrim family. Three guys from Cadiz, a region in Spain known for their humor, brought much energy and laughter as we were trying to wake up before sunrise. We exchanged the sagas of the soggy days, broken shoes and blisters and irony that the Monasteries of Poio and Armería where 5 star hotels that did not welcome pilgrims…. We enjoyed a guided boat tour of the 12 Via Crusis and rich camino history of the arrival of Saint James’ body. Though a bit worried about the 28 km ahead, I was so full of energy and good spirits that I kept breaking my walking records. I did most of the walk with Jose, a Pilgrim from Spain discovering his new body after losing almost 140 Kilos and 2 Portuguese pilgrims who at 68 were warming up for a longer camino to celebrate their 70’s! And RE: Myself reflecting that a year ago I had arrived with heavier baggage, a sexual assault at Caldas de Reis during the camino and looking for a more fulfilling job. Today was different I was arriving to Santiago full of gratitude for the strength and new opportunities this last year brought- a slow but steady process towards a trial with hopes to remove a rotten apple from the Camino and a new very exciting job. The family fortunately has been a steady support. I did a few more stops than usual because I’ve learned I enjoy the camino itself more than arriving at Santiago! Thanks for the reset of the Camino… I start my new life chapter renewed with energy, renewed inner peace and gratitude for this and the community that we meet along. Buen Camino-
PS two Camino nuggets. This is a photo of the towers that were used to blow smoke and signal the camino was safe and free of pirates/thieves so Pilgrims could make their way. And a photo of the rock (Perron) used to Anchor the boat carrying Santiago’s body which sits at Padrón- named for this pedron.