Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela

We made it!! And it was a very moving experience walking in to Santiago together with our little band of companions from the Primitivo, as well as the hundreds of other pilgrims limping in on this sunny morning.

Last night, we shared a lovely communal meal prepared by Dione at the albergue in Lavacolla.

This morning we allowed ourselves a later start since we only had just over 10km to walk. Here we are at the 10km marker!

It was a gentle walk in. We passed a very dark pine plantation...

and joined the relaxed pilgrim throng headed towards the city.

We took a photo at this star in 2013, the first time we walked. Compostela means ‘field of stars’, so the star as well as the scallop shell is one of the key symbols of the city.

And there were various other celebratory markers on the way in.

Our first sighting of the Cathedral spire through the narrow streets.

We arrived in time for the pilgrim mass at noon. It was all in Spanish and the cathedral was crowded - but it was lovely to light a candle in thanksgiving for our journey and to share in the celebration of those present.

The famous botifumiero (massive incense burner) was lit at the end and swung across the congregation - about a 40m arc, pulled by a team of five and a huge rope and pulley system!

We mingled a little longer in the square outside.

Then it was time for lunch (Spanish time - 3pm!) at a tiny but traditional kitchen just outside the city centre.

This afternoon, we wandered a bit more in the old city. It feels such a privilege to have come to know this special place, and to have a real sense of connection.

Tomorrow we will take a rest day, as our feet and legs are in need of some recovery! It will be a joy to spend another day here. Then we’ll continue on our walk to Muxía on the coast (3 days). Again, thank you for following along and for your comments which encourage us and keep us connected.

Buen Camino, 

Neil and Sarah