Day 35 - Arzua to Santiago!!!! - 24.23 miles

Wow!!! I did it!! I arrived in Santiago de Compostela today!!

My day started really early at 5:30am! This was one of the km signs I watched tick down all day. I spent a full 3 hours in the dark walking through the forest, but luckily there was one other guy walking at that time just further back. I was definitely happy when the sun started to come up after my coffee/breakfast break at 8am.

My coffee guy made this for me

I continued walking through tree lined paths, then arrived at my second stop with about 12 miles left. I got a coffee and had a protein bar then quickly headed back out. There were times when there were large packs of people such as church and school groups you had to navigate through and pass. I met an entire group from Chile and the guy at the front was carrying the Chilean flag - they were a very happy group! I met a lady from Denver and chatted with her for awhile. As we got closer to Santiago people seemed intent on just getting there. To be honest, my motivation was just to make it to my hotel and take my pack off. My hip bone was starting to burn (I had a mini towel resting under the hip strap for the last hour), my feet were really tired and I I was just placing one foot in front of the other by pure muscle memory at this point. I think the other day when I walked 29 miles, the second half was without my pack. Today was my full pack the entire time, and I really felt it! I will say that right when I seemed to be internally grumbling, I saw a very disabled young man walking with two canes dragging his feet behind him, so I felt like I shouldn't be complaining about any discomfort I was feeling. I said "Buen Camino" as I passed him and got the most cheery greeting back! My friend once asked "How many times do you think we will have said "Buen Camino" when we are finished witth the walk?

Last 6miles! Let’s do this thing!

I made it!!!

I got settled in my room at the hotel, took a shower, changed and headed out for lunch! Then I walked around looking at some of the shops and decided to go the the Pilgrim

Office and see about getting my Compostela Certificate. My friend J told me a few weeks ago to get on this website and "register" ahead of time for my certificate "time" based on the day I would finish. I did that and boy did it save time today. I walked right up to the front and the guy gave me a number, whereas those that hadn't done that still had to complete the form on their phone outside. I was ushered inside where I waited in a short, fast moving line to the registrars. Mine looked over my book of stamps and filled in the official Compostela with my name in Latin. Then he asked if I would like a more formal one in English for 3€ - heck yeah I did!!! I have to admit that I started to tear up at this point. It was a very emotional moment, and I felt so proud to be standing there having finished my personal pilgrimage. When I started the Camino Frances on September 2nd I hoped to finish, but so much can happen in that time. So many people leave with injuries, and I feel tremendously lucky to have had such a wonderful experience. It's also just the thought that some of these people became good friends, and we share a unique bond.

My faithful shoes go to the trash

My “I arrived” Lunch!

The best part of today is reuniting with Robert after 40 days (which includes travel and advance days in St. Jean Pied de Port. We will tour Santiago tomorrow and then we are off on a vacation to Porto and Lisbon, Portugal! I will post one final blog tomorrow with photos of Santiago.