THE END AND THE BEGINNING

Day 28
PADRON TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

26 Km’s for the final leg today meant we wanted to savour it, and absorb each and every step of our journey to the end.

Leaving the hotel well before sunrise, and bracing against the early morning nip, we moved through Padron, across the river to the town of Iria Flavia steeped in religious history. In the darkness, Linda was attracted by interesting sounds and activity emanating from a low key cafe on our route that drew her in.

On entering we met the most delightful and interesting proprietor full of life and gusto serving a bunch of Portuguese cyclists and having photos taken with them. The walls and roof of the cafe full of memorabilia left by pilgrims from all ends of the globe. Soon we were ripping off the SA flag from Linda’s backpack to present to him too! Up it went on the wall, pinned by him with great fanfare and pride, and before we knew it we too were behind the bar being kissed profusely and photos taken all around.

A quick expresso, (of course😜) and we left feeling so energized and upbeat from our interaction with this wonderful effervescent character, and this at the very start of our last day.

Inadvertently counting down the mileage markers, even though we didn’t intend too, we embraced every step we took until we arrived in Santiago de Compostela in the early afternoon.

Feeling overwhelmed is an understatement as we arrived in the Plaza del Obradoiro, with the Cathedral looming over us and dominating the square. After taking photos and just sitting, reflecting and taking it all in, we made our way to the Oficina de Acollida ao Peregrino, The Pilgrims reception office where we were greeted by an hour and a half queue to get our Compostela! We have officially completed our Camino with a distance of 675km.

What a privilege it has been to undertake this journey, and we would once again like to hugely thank each and every one of the donors who took the time and care to contribute to our Trekking4Trees cause. Our donation portal is still open until the end of October and all contributions are welcome.

We are humbled by your love, care and generosity, and this is not the end, but the beginning of Footsteps4thefuture’s contribution to the environment.

Yay for a sleepin tomorrow!