Santiago

I’m here! I honestly can’t believe it yet.

When I woke up this morning my first thought was about where I’ll hike today, then I realized that I’ve finished my Camino after 965 miles. I walked out to Plaza Obradoiro at dawn and gazed at the gorgeous Cathedral de Santiago.

The final few days have been filled with an air of celebration, so many folks approaching the city.

Here is 14 yr old Spanish Susan! She fell and scraped her knee so I stopped to provide antiseptic wipes and bandaids. She was hiking with her lovely family. I gave her a bracelet and told her that Susans are tough. Such a cutie!🇪🇸❤️

Quite a few pilgrims I’ve met along the way also finished their hike on July 4. Dan and Vivek invited a few of us to a celebratory tapas dinner and stroll around the plaza.

I’ve spent today relaxing, eating ice cream and watching pilgrims arrive in the plaza. I also had a lovely lunch with Sandra. I’m so glad she’s a California gal. Hopefully there will be more lunch chats in the future 😊

Tomorrow I fly home. I’m anxious to see Perry and all of my friends and family I’ve missed.

Final Camino Countdown:

Falls: 0!!! (Minus mud plops in France)

Blisters: 0 (They are now calluses.)

Clothes destroyed: 3 shirts, 1 pair of shoes, 8 socks

Tick bites: 1 (I brought antibiotics!)

Momentos: Lace curtains from a farmers market in France, two very special pendants given to me at the chapel in Le Puy and by Sister Ernestina.

Thank you for your well wishes, advice, and encouragement. I wouldn’t have dared to attempt this without the coaches, family, and dear friends who told me I could make it. I also had amazing training partners including Kelli and Hailey who got me in shape and started the journey with me. ❤️

Much love and thanks, everyone.

Buen Camino!