Day 38 Camino Ends Journey Continues
We took our last steps on the Camino de Santiago at about 10:00 am. There was only one step I held in greater awe- our first. Yesterday’s concern about the final day never materialized. With God’s Grace, we woke up predawn and made our way onto the trail in darkness but relative solitude. The trails were gentle soft paths that had both sun and shade. Our encounters with other Pilgrims were infrequent and never had more than a few folks clustered together. We started the day with an air of excitement and anticipation that carried us. We met up with some folks we’ve been seeing most of the Way. A seasoned veteran of many Caminos glowed with the same excitement. Today’s hike had that gentle flow of earlier days as we passed people conversing in so many different languages walking for many different reasons but we all had something in common- a good spirit helping us along. I felt immersed in the best of human nature. Negativity was hard to find. We came upon one woman we’ve walked and talked with most of the trip. She was so deep in thought she was oblivious to her surroundings. We said hello and you could see her come out of her thoughts and rejoin us for a bit. For me, I felt like my legs had a brain of their own as they just seemed to be cruising along with no help from me. Carla and I shared some thoughts as we prepared to enter the courtyard in front of the massive Cathedral de Santiago. Upon entering the square there were Pilgrims everywhere, hugging, high-fiving, waving, laughing, celebrating, photos and photos galore. Carla and I stood in the midst of this joyousness and just hugged for the longest time. It was a moment I had been waiting for. We made the Pilgrim Mass and even got a seat. The cathedral is beyond description. No picture or words can do it justice. The scale. The detail. The imagery. The essence. As you can imagine, it was quite a scene. We will return at a quieter time and try to take in all it has to offer. We are in a Parador in the same square as the cathedral and pampering starts with some fine dining tonight. I have wrapped up and stowed away the pants and shirt I’ve worn every day on the Camino. I know that sounds gross- trust me, it is. From the bottom of my heart, I am so filled with gratitude at the interest you’ve shown in our journey. Carla and my life’s journey continues and thankfully we have you all to be there with us.
