Dave's Camino Blog: Winding down the Way...

Ok, I said there were no more passes but not being fully awake at 7am and the sun is just rising and you've had no breakfast; a 600' climb feels like a pass. I stopped after climbing for breakfast about 8 am at some small place in the mountains and had eggs and toast.

The tourists have arrived! The cathedral in Santiago issues certificates of completion of the Camino to those who do at least 100Km or about 62 miles. This means that the city Sarria is ground zero for tourist busses who drop tourist pilgrims off with day packs, transport their luggage to a hotel some number of miles away and sometimes even bus them to the next town after they have their stamp on their credential. It's a bit frustrating trying to finish the Camino among packs of these day trippers. I'm glad they are trying to have some kind of experience there, but trying to get by them in groups of 20-30 is hard for me as a biker but also for the experienced hikers who have done the whole thing. They kind of take over the Camino at places to eat and stay. Ok, enough whining...

I think there is a fair chance I will arrive tomorrow in Santiago about the time you all wake up Monday. It's not for sure, but I think it will happen. I'm ready. Last time I was really regretting the end, but having started in Le Puy with all the trials and tribulations, I can honestly say I'm ready to arrive. I'll keep you posted. There is a part that has some regrets of not connecting more with people this trip than last. I guess I was just dealing with my own stuff. I also regret not having more of a spiritual experience, but again maybe I got what I had hoped for; some physical and emotional healing from my accident.

Thanks for reading my daily bababling and for following on the trip with me. There were some dark moments in France after losing my group there and feeling pretty isolated in my daily hardship.

Buen Camino

Dave

Cows on the Camino