Day 7: Amenal to Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela – 14km – GParador Reyes* - Santiago

After the night in Amenal, our next point of interest is Lavacolla in the outskirts of Santiago, where pilgrims used to wash themselves in the river in preparation for their arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Rows of tall eucalyptus trees line the journey to Monte do Gozo (‘Mount of Joy’ 368m) and it is from here that we will catch our first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. Explore the City – Visit Pilgrim Mass (Optional).

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Day was just breaking as we met in front lawn of our last on the trail hotel. With the moon shining down we listened to Steve’s request that we not only consider the blessings that we have received from this experience, but also how we can use our experience to be a blessing to others. He also asked us to consider that as we walk the hallowed trail to the Santiago that has been traveled by millions of peregrinos over the last 1600 years, that we consider all ground to be hallowed.

We then took to the trail, the first 1.25 miles of which winded endlessly up the dusty road. At the top of the hill we all had our passports stamped with one of the wax stamps (with added scallop shell) and, for one of the first times, a small buying frenzy started. Our small buying spree was sufficient enough for Manual to be the recipient of a free Camino-Puerto Rico lapel pin.

The path then skirted the Santiago de Compostela airport and down to a church in San Paio. The very lovely inn there had the welcoming title of Last 12 K guest house. Some more up then down lead us to our coffee stop for the day in Lavacolla. We have certainly learned how to Camino with stamping, quick ordering, lining up effectively for the facilities and, a new twist, preparing half a sandwich breakfast to be consumed with our coffee/beverage. After a visit to the local Camino church and obligatory passport stamping we soon arrived at the 10 K meter marker. Group photos were taken.

Hopes were high to see the spires of the Cathedral but we had another sometimes steep and exceedingly long climb to the San Marcos church, stamping ensued. But we finally had our glimpse of our final destination on the Monte de Gozo, aka mountain of joy. While most returned to the path our group headed over to nearby statues of peregrinos pointing the way to the Cathedral where we posed for group and couple/single shots.

Our last destination looked close but took over another hour and one-half to reach. But reach we did, arriving in the Cathedral square around 1:30 pm. Pictures taken. A short walk later we came to our lunch stop Restaurante Entre Ruas. Beers, water and a delicious selection of seafood, salads, and tortillas were consumed. Checking into our parador hotel right on Cathedral square was our next agenda item. Some relaxed, some viewed the Cathedral and we met in small groups at 6:30 to happy hour or attend the peregrino mass at the Cathedral. Meanwhile, Manuel was converting our passports into certificates of completion. We said goodbye to Manuel during our 4 course dinner in the hotel.

The Camino is over for our group, but the memories and blessings will stay with us forever. This peregrino is grateful for the hike, companionship, the reflective prompts, the laughter and the resiliency of body and mind to complete the journey.

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Benson