All good things must come to an end!

Pedrouzo to Santiago de Compostela- Day 34 – 20 kms

One more day of throwing on the shoes, one more day of pole walking, one more day of meeting my Camino family along the way…and it’s been one of the best days!!!

Left at 6am and the troopers were out already…in the dark with phone lights and headlamps…I did neither, just tracked a headlamp guy through the dark forests until the sky lightened!

Gasping for my first coffee…6-7 kms in and the cafe was just opening – I was the first there and best coffee on the trail a far – San Pao… here I ran into my Korean Camino mate “Moon”

And got my only stamp for h the day at this little church…

With a shortish day … I trucked on, having already ascended the biggest hill … not to say there weren’t more but I think I am finally Camino fit! Just as it’s ending!

The day was very grey…overcast, or I was in the clouds! But a few forest walks and everyone with a purpose to reach the Compostela! The road was busy at times but I was well before the crowds…and some great peaceful times!

The eagle has almost landed!

Roses this area coming to an end…but gasping to bloom as Summer hits …the day was still grey…

Another village, another church… I had saved the last spot on my passport for the Compostela stamp…so no stopping here…

A studious wall art…actually sunglasses didn’t make an appearance today until later this arvo!

My shoes on their last journey … the Camino marker and tread bare Salomon’s!!! The cause of my latest round of blisters…

Tall trees keep hanging round …. Reaching for the sunshine! Out of luck today!

The shrines and memorials along the way…this one with a jeep addition!

And the boot…symbolises the pilgrims…the boots just keep on walking…as we have for 34 days!

Getting close to Santiago…and tent city set up for the campers…still a few kms out…

Reality hits, from country to city in one overbridge…followed by pavement pounding…the final straw for my Salomon’s and feet!!!

Still the pilgrims follow the path to the Compostela…

And the city arrives… A nice Japanese man taking everyone’s photo!…

Finally into the old city and through the tunnel, bagpiped in ….to

Compostela de Santiago! Made it team!

My Camino friend Mark, who arrived yesterday was waiting for me and several of my Camino buddies who had also just arrived today around 11am!!!

I met with an Australian lady for the first time today, who has been on the same path as me for the last five weeks…and we went off to get our certificate (Compostela)

Donation shrine!…where one unloads what they no longer need…

And these guys, Adrienne (Australian lady) and I went to the pilgrims shelter and donated our poles and I threw out my shoes!! They said they might check how good they are…I just said don’t get too close, they stink!! The young chap said “oh yeah!”

We took a midday beer and here are my final stamp book and compostela certificate …now some serious eating after seeing these legs in print!!!

I checked into my hotel – room with a view and balcony! Took a shower, flooded the bathroom, and went in search of a post office as it seems I have had something delivered here! As it turns out…my friend Trudi sent me some peanut slabs (my favourite chocolate) after google translations at the post office, it appears they have been stopped by Spanish customs and the rigmarole to get these cleared might be worth more than my cravings! I thank you for the thought!!…I’ll have to wait until I get home to savour these again! Some Spaniard will eat them and know how good “Whittaker’s” chocolate is!!

I then found my friend Steve (from England) …,

Pic from a few towns back…we had a drink and a couple of “special” coffees and now back for some R&R in room before catching up with whoever is in town!!!! Pilgrim Party??? Maybe!