In Spain: Walking El Camino, part cinco

Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela!

As we departed for our last day on the trail, we had high spirits and full stomachs. It was a good feeling knowing that we started this journey as 10 strangers and finished as 10 people in one family. This journey has been filled with entertaining conversations such that the hills fly by and climbs seem like flat ground. By embarking on the Camino we not only had the experience of a lifetime, but in addition, we gained lifetime friends.

~Nick Meggesto

I am sad to say that today we finished our Camino. The journey started just as quickly as it ended. I feel like the past couple of days have melded into a blur of happy memories of long chats, great sights, and good food (especially the bread). And though I haven’t come to some great epiphany on this trip, I am proud of our group of new pilgrims. We were able to walk 115 km through rain, sleet, hail (and sunshine), and great physical pain. And through this experience we have all grown closer as a group. Each of us endured the same steep climbs and dramatic falls of the trails. We all have become stronger physically and mentally because of walking the Camino de Santiago together. We have accomplished a great feat, and I applaud all my fellow pilgrims. We did it!

~Sophia Silis

And we're off on our last day of "walking!"

Once again into a forest...

...on a crisp but sunny, thank goodness, Spanish morning.

And fittingly, walking the last day through
mud and water!

But we're all for one, one for all!

Max found a soccer ball. Go figure!

12.5 km to go! (And another stamp for our "passport!")

Our young men at our final lunch--another hearty one--
on the road. 

And our young women atop Monte do Gozo (Hill of Joy)
before our descent into Santiago de Compostela.

The city limits!

The old town center...almost there!

We made it! The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela,
the pot at the end of the Camino rainbow! And joy abounds!

Finally, enjoying the well-deserved treat of exploring
this lovely city. Ahhh...