Saying Buen Camino:

when I first started thinking about caminos I loved that people greeted each other with a Buen Camino, have a good way! It’s ONE of my favorite parts of the Camino, there are so many. It’s a little frustrating when people don’t respond. However there are some people who don’t know the tradition; others who may have chosen a silent retreat, I try to be gracious.

While in Muxia there were some pilgrims talking about how to get out of Muxia back to Finisterra. Clearly one set were taking the bus and one person was going to the church at the shore and then walking to Finisterra. I tried to engage by saying there was a cafe 8 kms between Muxia and Finisterra but got ignored.

The woman left to go to the church then walk to Finisterra. She said goodbye to the other pilgrims but totally ignored us. It really is fine. A reminder of life off the Camino. But when the group who were taking the bus did acknowledge us, I wished them Buen Camino. The man looked at me and said “oh we aren’t on camino anymore, we aren’t walking, we are taking the bus,” I replied, “oh, I think we always need to be wished a good journey! So Buen Camino!” He looked at me a bit confused. I hope I helped him to broaden his horizon.

The bus left at 6:15, so we had to be there at 6. Ticket holders got to board first. Fortunately there were enough seats for everyone to get a seat with only about 6 seats left. We stopped several times to take on more passengers. So it ended up being standing room only.

Noël and I both dozed throughout the bus ride. Again everything is catching up with us. And our bodies are taking advantage of the rest.

The rain is back in full force, welcome to Galicia some locals might say. But that’s how life is, right? Rain or shine you keep moving on.

Our friend Sam from the UK is here in Santiago de Compostela too. We had dinner with her the last two nights in Muxia and had a lovely time watching the sunset in Muxia. We mentioned a couple of pilgrims from Australia that we had dinner with three or four weeks ago, but hadn’t seen since Najera.

As Noël and I were walking to our accommodation if felt like we were swimming upstream through the pilgrims heading towards the cathedral. I spotted familiar faces! It was Angie and David from Australia!! How great to see them. Angie, David, Sam joined us for dinner. How fun.

In addition a good friend from college introduced me through facebook to a friend of hers who lives in Santiago de Compostela and we got to meet her as well. Thank you Patti, it was so nice to meet Clara!!

Tuesday will be our last day in Santiago de Compostela. What a journey!!

It’s interesting that the new normal for me is waking up at 5:30 with no alarm. I try to go back to sleep and sometimes I do. But the day starts…

We have enjoyed two full days of rest with walks along the ocean. Watching the waves crash on to the rocks, listening to the wind, waves and seagulls. The sun made a brief appearance today and that was good. Just a beautiful day.

So many pilgrims finding their way to this peaceful hamlet. There is good food, nice cafes, plenty of peace and quiet…exactly what a pilgrim needs and wants after a journey by foot where you contemplate and re-think life.

Tomorrow we head back to Santiago de Compostela for more reflection, worship and unpacking of emotions.

Buen Camino!

We started off around 6:30 and were stopped by some Spanish pilgrims who asked if we would take a photo of them in the early morning glow of sunrise by the ocean. It was really a beautiful morning

We had already talked about the emotions of this final day of walking on our big adventure. It has been just amazing. The weather, the people, the places, being with each other, sleeping in different beds, learning new technologies in the various places we stayed.

We experienced the highs and lows physically, mentally, and emotionally. It was spectacular.

And I won’t lie it has been exhausting. I was asked if I would do it again? “No. Well…maybe just differently.”

While walking this last day we both were feeling the physical wear and tear on our bodies. This last day wasn’t easy 28+ kms and over 600 meters/1968 feet elevation gain and the same for going down. The terrain at times was very rocky, other times the tree roots were sticking out of the ground. It meant being very careful with your steps and where you placed your feet. This isn’t new. But at the end the knees, feet, muscles all were ready to be finished and have a rest.

The vistas and views were spectacular. And coming to Muxia by foot was a beautiful conclusion to this amazing journey. I’m sure I will be reflecting in the days to come. We still have a few more travel days.

Thank you for the many encouraging words you have shared with us. We are very blessed to have such a large family!!! Thank you!!!!