We ate breakfast and were just finishing our last breakfast on the road, when a Brit, Emilia, with her labrador, Frankie, came in the restaurant. We spent some time chatting with her. She and Frankie also started in Roncesvalles. I asked about how difficult it must have been finding places to stay. She said she had to pay more than she wanted to in some places, but always had a warm and dry bed. And, Frankie has his own set of Pilgrim Credentials.
We checked the weather multiple times, on multiple different weather apps, and they were all different. Some said it would be raining when we left, some said not until later in the afternoon. So, we just dressed for the rain and said, “come what may”. We quickly removed our rain jackets when we realized it was not going to rain anytime soon. We were down to our rain pants and our t-shirts because it was so warm out. We didn’t see any rain until after we arrived, and ate lunch.
Our plan was to take photos at the milestone markers 20 km, 15 km, 10 km, etc. It was too dark out to see the 20 km marker. And we never saw the 15 km marker. Then they stopped altogether with the mileage on the markers. Grr.
The last 3 km was slogging thru the city, crossing walkways, and dodging traffic. When we arrived, wow, it was emotional. We were finally done. We had another peregrino take our photo. We checked into our 5* hotel, showered, and met Silvia for lunch. She’s been here a couple of days, and has decide to walk the rest of the way to Finisterre, which is another three days. Wow.
Our lunch was moderately better than what we have been having on our trips. We had a seafood platter with some salad. Meh. The original place we planned on going was, of course, closed for the next two days. Sigh. Tonight we celebrate at our hotel at the nice restaurant. And it was a delightful meal. Much better than we have had for the past couple of months, but still no quite what we are looking for.
On our second day in Santiago de Compostela, we had breakfast with Silvia and sent her off, in the rain, on her three day walk to Finisterre. Then we went to a lovely mass in English. There were 5 of us there, so the priest made the service very personal. He asked for a volunteer to read the Word of the Lord, so of course, I volunteered. He also asked if we would like to make known an intention or anyone to pray for. Bill said a lovely prayer about Dad, and he was included in the Mass as he watching down on us. Very moving.
After mass we went to the cathedral museum and all I can say is WOW. The master builder, Mateo, was amazing. But we are still disappointed that we can’t experience the normal pilgrim church service with the swinging of the botafumeiro.
Tomorrow I go back to London for a few days to see my husband. Yay! Then head back to Austin and Colorado to help my sister with Dad’s estate. There will be a lot to think about an process in the next few weeks. I’m sure there will be another entry after some time to reflect. And go over my recommendations on gear.
20 Oct 2020 ~ 32,428 steps ~ 13.5 miles ~ 62ºF ☁️
