After a hard push today, we can actually see the Cathedral spires from our hillside perch outside of Santiago. Words cannot explain how this feels… But it’s simply overwhelming !! Tomorrow should be a short 3 miles and the Camino will be finished.
We had an interesting time tonight watching the European Cup Championship game with a roomful of people who really care about this . Apparently, this European Championship is equivalent to the Super Bowl and more important than the World Cup to these people . Who knew? In any case , it was great drama with a very vocal group of spectators sitting with us.
I received an important question the other day in the “reply” section that I want to address in the main body of the blog. It was a question concerning safety on the Camino. Is it safe to walk 500 miles across Spain? We saw nothing to indicate any safety concerns whatsoever. The Camino is considered a sacred road by the Spaniards and it is treated as such. Many women walk this alone. There is rarely a time on the route that you are not within voice range of another Pilgrim. Even in the mid sized cities that we crossed from border to border, we saw nothing to make us uncomfortable. It amazed us that in a country with an unemployment rate of over 20% that we never felt edgy at all… Never !!
Tomorrow should be a very big day… A one hour hike into town, a noon mass, and to collect our certificates for our completed Camino de Santiago.
Photo 1-2) odd statue we saw twice in Galicia. It consists of a tall pole with Christ on the cross on one side and with Mary with a sword at her chest on the backside of the cross
Photo 3) Twenty foot Pilgrim statues pointing to the Cathedral spires visible from our hillside as described above
gbiu1820's Blog 
Congratulations Gary!!! We have thoroughly enjoyed your blog. The trip looks amazing. Enjoy your celebration tomorrow at the finish!
Gary!! Yahoooo. I was away on my own journey (Sacramento…stop laughing) …and have not checked in. You are a champion….insert Queen song if you like….and I applaud you and all your fellow Trekkers. Cannot wait to hear all. Your blog was a tremendous hit in our household. Hugs and more hugs….while you are at it, hug your wife, too!
Hey! Talked to Joyce while she was waiting for her flight at LAX. Heard that you are officially done. Congrats! Now some relaxation. Enjoy!
Hi Gary and Scott! Congratulations on the completion of a major bucket list item and a journey you will never forget! We can’t wait to read the last blog of your journey. Hope the Pilgrim’s Mass was a very special end to your walk. Enjoy Paris!
Pingback: Day 36: Flying! – Palas de Rei to Arzua | Jen's Journey – Camino de Santiago 2013
Pingback: Day 37: The hill that earned its name – Arzua to Monte de Gozo | Jen's Journey – Camino de Santiago 2013