Wait just a minute! I thought the Frances Route was 500 miles? Well in fact it is 485 miles so yes, we shorted it just a bit. Oh boy, so does that mean we need to start all over?!?! Please don’t tell George because I’m sure he’ll have us going back from the start and redoing it. NOT! There is something wrong with my math so I’m just going to say all miles were covered, but maybe 27.2. Fair enough.

Lucky for us, our final day on the trail was a sunshiny kind of day. What a blessing! For my faithful followers, you may remember last year when we arrived in Santiago, it was pouring down cats and dogs! Not this go-around. Just a picture perfect day in paradise.

We had a great breakfast made especially for us. It’s a family run business, created in memory of Grandma Amiuka. Now Mom, Sister and Neice run the place and they can cook. George filled up on one of everything. I did much the same. Heaven knows we will be burning it off on our Forestall March to Santiago.

Once outside the confines of our little piece of paradise, the birds were singing, and the streets were empty. Maybe we were late to the party as we didn’t see but just a few pilgrims. It took us half a mile to intersect the trail and then, the flood gates opened up. There were gourds of people walking.

The trail was much like the past few days. Lots of trees guarding us and eucalyptus leaves littering the ground But the one thing that was missing? Everyone seemed a bit subdued. I know for myself, there was much reflection on the past five weeks. The miles we have covered, the sights we have shared and the people we have met along the way.

The one thing that wasn’t missing this morning was the hills. George had read the description and said it was only 300-400 feet of elevation change. The first climb was well over 400’. Hey, where did you find those stats on this mornings elevation profile? He read it aloud and that’s when I understood. It’s meters not feet, crazy! So this was just the warm up.

There were vendors lining the road with all things Camino. Our first seller was wildling sticks and carving wooden shells. That was unique. I’m a sucker for a local artist creating something beautiful. So one wooden shell was bought, carefully wrapped up and placed in my pack.

Once atop the hill, another gentleman had Camino memorabilia. But what really caught my eye was the very official looking stamp with wax and a silver insignia. I stood in line and was thrilled to get this very special mark on my Pilgrims Passport. Now I only had two spaces left to fill my booklet. I left one spot for the church and one from the final authority of The Way, the Credential Officer.

With still another 6-7 miles to go, George and I decided it was time to stop at the Cafe. Being it was before 10AM, Cortado would be the normal choice but this was our last hoorah. What do you think? Beer it was! And to make matters worse or better depending on your perspective, half of the others were doing the same. We were ready to start celebrating now!

Walking into Santiago was a culmination of long sweaty days, many tough miles and total extreme exuberation. After stopping for our final coffee break on trail, George and I were like energized bunnies. We had seen many of our hiking buddies and planned to hook up with the rest this afternoon.

Around noon, we had our first glimpse of Santiago. It’s interesting because we were entering the city from a completely different direction and perspective, than last year. Before long, we landed atop the final hill that connected with the Friendship Trail. How appropriate. We saw a couple that we’ve been bumping into since Sarria. We all took pictures and continued down the long steep hill to Santiago. Before we knew it, we were entering the Cathedral Square with a Musician playing his Bagpipes. How appropriate is that!

Now what? We hugged, we cried, and we congratulated each other! Then we answered all the obligatory questions of the tourists about where we walked from, when we started and why would we do such a thing! Someone offered to take our picture and then, yes, we walked again, to the Compostela Office.

It’s impossible to put this all in words. To convey the sense of excitement, the accomplishment to have walked the Frances with my husband, and the relief that tomorrow I can throw away my thoroughly used and abused trail runners! George and I found a Bar and purchased a large foamy mug of Beer. And then we sat, for a very very long time.

The wonderful, supportive and caring people we met along the way, all gathered back at the Cathedral for a final group photo. It was somewhat melancholy in the sense that, we as a collective group, will never be together again. As we all gathered, there was laughter, celebration and just plain joy for what we had all overcome. I think of Mark and his extreme ankle injury before Leon. For Jay supporting and encouraging him throughout his journey. For Danny who hugged us so tight, and told us we were his dearest friends on this walk. Oinko and Roy who started only five days ago but who we have such a kindred friendship emerging. All the others, Mr Jansport Ken, Ellyssa and Cameron, the Three Musketeers from Arizona, my very first bunk mate Caroline and countless others. Gosh, I’ll miss these people the most! And to Sharon and Paul from Australia. I am still sporting da’ Koala Bear you bestowed upon me. Keep on trucking. You’ll be there in just another day or two.

After our photo, a few of us stopped for, yep you guessed it, one last beer. Then George and I had a lovely dinner of Lobster Paella with Oinko and Roy. We talked until the sun went down, which around these parts is darn late. And then George and I took a taxi back to our lovely room and packed for the long journey home. So as you guessed, this concludes the daily blog for the time being. But the ones who know me, and by this point you should, I’ll be back on another adventure before too long.

I cannot finish without acknowledging the fact that both George and I could’ve never completed this journey without the overwhelming presence of our Lord and Savior. I do not know where your walk with Jesus is or if you truly know Him like He knows you? But what I am absolutely certain of is that any personal goal or achievement has much to do with His paving the way, opening the doors and placing the passion on your heart.

Whatever route you have chosen, or walk you intend to embark on, just ask our Heavenly Father to be there with you. That is all He really wants. To be loved just as He loves. And isn’t that really what we desire?

So for now I’ll put up my pack, go home to my family and friends, and pray that God will continue transforming my heart. I can only imagine the plans He has and the trails that are waiting. May the love of God be with you and may you always feel His presence. Much love to you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your never ending prayers and support. Until I write again, happy trails.

For you are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14