We started the day greeted by playful dogs of the manor who entertained us with their antics. We are excited because today we will reach Santiago! It’s only a 6.4 mile walk from where we left off yesterday but we’ll add more miles wandering around and sightseeing. There was a long incline up from Lavacolla 5 km to Monte de Gozo where we had our first view of the cathedral in the distance. Then we descended into Santiago to see main square and take photos in front of the cathedral. We started at 9:00 and arrived at Porto do Camino. Our guide Cesar collected our credentials and will apply for our Compostela for us. In the afternoon had free time and siesta until dinner at 8:30. Some in our group are leaving for other parts of Europe tonight and a few, like us, are staying an extra day to see Finisterre and Muxia. Since leaving Sarria on September 1, we walked 92.4 miles (148 km), but counting the walking we did in and out of León, we reached 100 miles today! For me it’s a a once in a lifetime achievement. I feel more connected to humanity and our common desire to meet God along the way, to share the struggles and rejoice when we help one another overcome whatever obstacles come along. Bob and Mary and Chang and I all arrived with smiles and thanksgiving. Tomorrow we will tour the Cathedral, visit the crypt of Saint James to leave our petitions, and attend the Pilgrim’s Mass.
