It’s over. 23 days of walking are behind me. I don’t have to wake to tomorrow, pack my bag, and head out for another 15 or 23 miles. I can just wake up and head to the bus station. Most people take a couple rest days on their Camino. Fortunately, I was able to do it without any.
Today I had fairly good weather. It only rained a couple times and briefly. It was a great walk with glimpses of the sea several times throughout the day. Not too many aggressive ups and the downs were gradual for the most part.
I got to town and ran into Maren. She has been recovering here following a quick trip to the hospital for some swelling in her legs and generally pushing herself too hard. I decided to stay in the albergue in town and go to Santiago tomorrow on the bus. From there I’ll decide to stay for a night, or go to Portugal tomorrow. Either way, I’m still getting up at 6 or so.
Once I checked into my albergue, I took a walk to the “End of the World ,” or the spit of land that juts out into the sea. It called that because prior to exploration, the Europeans believed this was as far a at they could go. Although I could have left my backpack at the albergue, I decided to take it with me. I didn’t want to finish my Camino without it. It would have felt like cheating.
I slung it on my back and headed out. It was another 45 minute walk out there, but the views were breathtaking. There is a lighthouse, hotel, and a bar on the point. I walked to the end, and descended the rocks to a point that had a natural seat. I sat, admired the rocks, water, waves, and sky. It was a dark sky infront of me as I sat down. If I didn’t have a picture of it to prove it, I wouldn’t say it, but the sky went from dark to blue as I sat there. That was the most fitting end to my Camino that I could ask for.
I walked back. With my backpack. It was the last significant distance that I’d carry it for a while.
The top bunk was mine. I hate top bunks. But I made the most of it. The hospitaleros are Italian and made some great carbonara pasta. It was a fun community meal but the wasn’t any wine. This albergue doesn’t allow alcohol. Too bad, it would have went well with the pasta. I think I’m going to go grab a glad or two at the bar down the street
Here are the pictures of my last walk:
