We had a nice evening and enjoyed watching the kids below do planned activities, one being to separate out and write a personal paper. Reminded me of Mrs. Cole’s 9th grade English class. What well behaved kids.

Anyway, we were excited and had planned to leave out early as there was a place that we could get breakfast at 7:00. Neither of us slept well. The one dream I remember very well was the answer I was looking for on the Camino. But that is best told over a few drinks.

So we left out by street light around 7:00 only to find all the kids having breakfast and hanging out in front of the building. Just a nice group of kids we we see through out the day. After breakfast we walked another 15 minutes by streetlights then it was time for headlamps. It would be another 45 minutes until daylight which is even longer when the path is in a forest. Walking with headlamps is like walking in the rain. It is exhilarating for about 10 minutes, and then it is just a pain in the ass. Eventually the sun gave enough light we could put them away.

It was a pretty walk, but long, with signs of our progress along the way.

We eventually arrived on the leading edge of the city and it was photo time.

So close yet so far away. It seemed like another three miles of urban hiking through construction and poorly marked streets. It must be another one of those laws of physics: the closer you get, the worse the markings. So when we finally approached what appeared to be the cathedral plaza, I was already fighting those inner demons telling me to be mad (part of that being a better man thing). When we walked through the arch and looked up to see the Cathedral and the image of St James, the emotions became overwhelming. I have to admit I wept. And I am not just talking a teat down the cheek, I’m talking about chest heaving sobs! That’s what a 49 days, 500 mile pilgrimage will do to you. I felt comforted when I turned to Becky and she was doing the same.

So now we had arrived and it was back to business. First, the treat I had mentioned. I booked us in the Paradores Hotel for two nights. We had EARNED it. Then it was off to get our Compostela. On the way we ran into one of our favorite couples from Germany on their way to meet up with other friends for drinks. They explained the process and would wait so we could all have drinks together.

The process went smooth and it was again time for the water works when I realized it was done. Fortunately the COVID mask hid my emotions. We then joined our friends on the plaza and the celebration was on.

So now we plan to have a low key evening and start our “vacation” in Spain tomorrow.