So today is going to be out last day before we reach Santiago. It’s a strange sensation. Time seems to have done weird things on this trip. I feel like it was only yesterday that I was getting on the plane to Spain but when I think about the walk itself it seems like I have been doing it for years. Albergues that I think I stayed in a few days ago were actually weeks ago. People I’ve met that I feel like I’ve just said goodbye to have actually been back at home for a much longer time. 

Very odd feeling. 

Our day today would be an 18km hike to an albergue just outside of the city. We would then be left with a short 4.5km walk to the cathedral itself. We had decided to stay the night a bit further out so that we wouldn’t arrive in pain, knackered and sweaty. 

The albergue we were going to be staying at could house 996 people. 

I think they chose that number just to mess with people’s OCD. To be fair, if I owned the place, I would have added 5 more beds just to mess with people too 

This final section of the camino was rather lovely. Pretty much zero road walking, weather wasn’t too horrendous and the track took us through some pretty beautiful forests that were random and wild and not the regimented, efficient planting that humans are so good at.

We came across a really weird little stop where there was an information sign and some benches. Someone had put up a TV screen showing adverts just behind the sign and a fence and cut a couple of holes through the sign so you could see a bit of the TV. There was also weird music playing and a camera watching everything too. 

Not entirely sure what the hell that was all about but I quite liked the chaos of it all.

We proceeded through a forest that felt prehistoric. There were huge trees covered in a think layer of green moss and the air felt crisp and fresh. 

I made sure to hug a tree because I’m secretly a dirty hippy.

As we were walking I think I may have found my Spanish counterpart. If I lived on the Camino I would defo make my garden look like a weird penis.

10/10 sir.

We passed by a landmark on the way. It looked like this on the Google’s but typical smelly pilgrims had put rocks on the top (still not sure why they do that) and a load of tat round the bottom. 

(see next slide)

I get it, do something that’s special for you but know that once you’ve left your mark and wandered off then no one else cares. If you’re that fussed about it then chip a bit off and take it with you or put your own monolith up next to it. 

The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful until we got to the place just before Santiago that can keep 996 pilgrims in it. Eugh, imagine the stench! 

I know why they have set it out like this and it is practical and functional but it really looks like something out of a dystopian nightmare. Grey block buildings in regimented format. A bit grim to be honest.

But hey ho, it was a bed and it was warm and comfy. There was also a bar and a food hall there which was quite pleasant. They definitely capitalise on the pilgrims though. Drinks were twice the price of anywhere else. Food was cheap though. Swings and roundabouts I guess.

I’m off to bed now because I’m excited about tomorrow and finally getting to Santiago and seeing Jesus or whatever it is you do when you get there.

BUEN CAMINO