Day 29 - Arca do Pino to Santiago de Compostela (20.1 km)

Estoy Aqui. I am here.

Day 29 - Sunday 23 October. I arrived in Santiago at around 1.30 this afternoon, having walked up the hill and out of St Jean Pied de Port on Sunday 25 September.

The final stage into Santiago was a wild ride! Threatening skies as I set out, then high winds with branches falling in the forest followed by driving rain for the last few hours. It felt more like Armageddon than the peaceful pilgrimage of the previous 28 days. I wondered if somewhere, someone was keeping track and decided that this pilgrim had enjoyed far too many sunny days.

With only 20 kilometres to walk today, there was no need to rush. Unlike all the other days, I didn't need to look at my map to work out my progress, check where I might get to for lunch or whether I'd make it to my intended stop for the night. I just started walking and followed the markers - and a few other pilgrims - until I arrived wet, but not weary, in front of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela.

There's no fanfare here. No finish line. People just walking in on their own, like me, or in pairs or groups. Some go in to the Cathedral or directly to the pilgrims' office to receive their Compostela or just wander around the plaza. And today, with the wind and rain, the plaza was almost deserted.

It felt just right to me. If ever there was an experience that is all about the journey and not the destination - The Camino is it.

I'm not going to write much more tonight. The most important thing is to thank you all for being part of my Camino. Your enthusiasm and support and generous and encouraging words have made this experience much more special than I could ever have imagined. Muchas Gracias. Thank you.

But it's not over yet! I had thought if all went well I would walk The Camino in 30-32 days. And I allowed a few days' grace as well. So here I am on Day 29 and I have another 6 days before I fly back to London.

I have something in mind. In fact I've had it mind since before I left home. Gemma and Ross, I wonder if you recall I said to you the night before I left that I had 'something in my back pocket' which I would like to do if I had the time and energy. Well, it seems I do. And, people, there have been a few clues along the way and one of you has even posed the question in her comment. You know who you are!

Anyway, I'll decide tomorrow and I'll let you know. Whatever is in store these next few days, this won't be my last update. I hope you'll stick with me to see how it unfolds.

Buenas Noches

J x

P.S. Photos include one looking out of the window in my room. Nice view. Shame about the rain!