Chapter 32: Santiago or Bust

800 Kilometres

36 Day of Walking

1.5 million steps

….and 18 blisters.

We cried walking into the square in front of KM 0 in Santiago. It was a pretty emotional scene. Pilgrims pouring in from the Camino, exhausted, sweaty and dusty. Lots of hugs and laughing and people pulling off their hiking boots for the last time. Cursing blisters and cuts and lost toenails. Blake was in tears, as was the group we travelled with. We’re so happy to have made it to the end – it feels like such an accomplishment.

Our last day of walking started out simple and early. We woke up at 5:30 and left the Albergue as soon as daylight hit to get the biggest jump on the day possible. The morning mist was back – almost like a last “Good Luck” from the Camino. It stuck around until late in the day, keeping us cool until about 11 AM. We walked through the final leg of forest – a mix of manure and Eucalyptus…. Not exactly a candle I would want, but an unforgettable smell none the less.

We got closer and closer – passing KM 13 and then 10. Probably the fastest walking day we’ve had – averaging just over 10 minutes a KM. Gary, Blake and I talking about the first thing we’d do when we got to Santiago, and plans for the first rest day in over a week. “Buying a clean T-shirt” and “Laundry” topped the list of must-do chores in the next 24 hours. I’ve never thought the idea of a clean shirt would be so motivating.

We met up with Katherine and Amy (young women who we knew from our first night on the Camino) and started walking into the outskirts of the city. The last 5 KM we walked in excited silence. We passed through the city streets and locals were so sweet and encouraging. “Keep going Pilgrams! You’re very close.”, “15 more minutes walking, you can do it!”. We heard the bagpipes in Santiago square get louder and louder as we walked on…

And then suddenly we turned a corner and we had made it.

We took pictures, exchanged hugs and stood in awe in front of the church. There were hundreds of people in the courtyards; pilgrim’s, locals, tourists, and school kids on field trips. It was loud and busy and hot, and felt like a celebration. the exhaustion set in, so we quickly walked down the block, lined up for our official certificate of completion from the Catholic Church, and dipped back to our hotel…. No more Albergue’s for us. Real sheets tonight.

It’s difficult to put into words what this walk meant to me, and Blake still maintains that he’s not exactly sure what his motivation was. Although the walk itself was voluntary, we really did suffer and push through a lot of pain (physical and emotional) to get to the end. A little bit of growth and a lot of discipline went into completing this Camino – and we’ve made so many friends along the way. We so proud to say we were able to complete the full walk – it’s one of those experiences we’ll remember forever.

And now? We’ll keep updating as long as we’re in Europe, but not as frequently. Tomorrow, Blake and I are going to the North West coast of Spain (about an hour drive) with some friends. We’re going to hike out to the most Westerly lighthouse, jump into the Atlantic Ocean, and spend the night reminiscing with friends. After that – we will see! Something sunny and warm.. and probably not as much walking.

Love you all, and thank you for following along. All our love – Becky and Blake.