Chapter 31: Sarria and Beyond

Hi all! We’re still here, and we’re on the eve of our last Camino walk. We’ve missed a few days of posting due to the exhaustion and hectic nature that the last leg of this pilgrimage entails, but I’ll try to catch you all up quick!

Leaving Sarria was daunting. We have been absolutely inundated with fellow pilgrims overnight. For weeks and weeks we’ve been seeing the same familiar faces on the trail – suddenly our group of 45 pilgrims grew to 450 – or more. The Catholic Church only requires that the last 100 KM be walked to Santiago to get a certificate of completion; I don’t think us long haulers realized just how many fresh faces would start at KM 101. The volume has been jarring for us, and leads to harder walking days. Tighter quarters, packed trails, packed restaurants, lines for the rest rooms and lots of beginners. We’re trying to be patient but it’s hard when the end is in sight and we’ve been walking for so long. .

Regardless of the additional strain, we were so excited to see the marker for 100 KM to Santiago. Everyone stopped for a photo. We got a cool one of Gary too.

The walking past Sarria has been just beautiful, despite the exhaustion. Lush forests with canopy over the trails. Shade, water and towns every 2 or 3 km. We quickly came to understand how the last 5 days of walking is such a popular tourist spot for European family holiday…. It’s fairly easy terrain.

The first few mornings out of Sarria the trails were covered with a cool mist that just hung in the air until noon. It was great for walking, as it kept out that Spanish sun and made for some faster mornings.

Unfortunately that weather pattern didn’t hold – we’re back to the heat and sweat that Spain is famous for – and trust us when we say that the sun is Hot! At least it gives us opportunity for a great tan… and Cervezas!

It feels both sad and surreal that the walk is ending soon. There are so many oddities and small amazements every day that we don’t get a chance to record with pictures or by writing – things that have made this trip so spectacular and unforgettable.

Most days I’m trying to make a mental catalog of everything we’ve been through on the Camino. Remind myself not to forget, and hope I can hold onto everything. I can’t – No one could retain it all. But I think the major takeaways are the changing landscapes and the people we’ve been so lucky to meet. Walking over three mountain ranges. Through a prairie and a desert. Staying in communal lodging and some days enjoying the company, while other days just tolerating. Unpacking every night, and repacking every morning. Endless walking. And just knowing that we’re capable.

And here we are – in our last night at an Albergue. And the night before our last walk on the trail. We’re hitting the hay early to get a start before the sun. Tomorrow we will be in Santiago and our pilgrimage will be behind us. Please stay tuned for the last leg of our journey – we’re so excited to update you all with the finale! All our love. Becky and Blake.