Quest Complete: Walk 490.3miles from St. Jean to Santiago

So I am here and I have done it. Not sure how I feel yet as I have not had time to let it all sink in, my head is crammed full of thoughts and I think I have been through every emotion possibly upon arriving here. So to fill you in on the last two days.

I last posted in Palas de Rei and the next day I walked 29miles to Arca do Pino. It was a very difficult walk as I already had the previous days 29miles in my bones. It was the hardest day yet actually but it was nice to finally have a hard time of it in a way, how can it be a pilgrimage without a bit of pain. The pain came from my aches just simply getting that bad, just tired jelly legs. Where my boots are degrading they have given me a blister on the heel of my right foot which means it hurts to set my foot down. After awhile of just setting my foot down and ignoring the pain I don't really feel it anymore but I kept catching myself subconsiously walking on the ball of my right foot. This is where the real pain came from as this seemed to really tire my right ankle and knee. My right calf was also in a bit of pain. I carried on, trying to use my foot properly but it was a losing battle as once I began to admire the scenery I started walking funny again.

So I borke my camera too. The previous night it managed to jump off the top of my bunk, suicidal I think. There is not a scratch on it but I think there is an internal break as it just wont capture images properly. I kept trying to be positive, telling myself that accidents happen, at least I still have all my images and at least I could still walk but really I was gutted. I bought a desposable camera to try and catalogue my entry into Santiago. Bag of sh*t. I missed so many good photo opportunities. I don't really remember much from that day, think I was just really in a negative place due to my camera and my troubles. I really wanted to just get to Santaigo and get home but it was hard to walk my usual pace so I had to settle for a slow crawl. I kept telling myself, "It doesn't matter how slow I go I will just walk until I get there and I will get there eventually". I didn't see much of the town as I went straight to the albergue and only left to go to the shop nextdoor. The bunk I was on was literally falling apart, I darent move on it.

So I woke up at 5am, the plan was to slip out quietly and avoid the crowds. It worked, too well actually. The first few hours were through some really dense eucalyptus forrests. They were pitch black and my torch was on its last legs. This was the creepiest part of the camino by far. Things falling off trees. Animals making noises. My eyes seeing things that weren't there. It was all fun though. After awhile my right leg started to give me some trouble again, becoming as hard as yesterday to walk. It also began to rain! I had gone all this way without a drop and now on my last day it rains. I would not be beaten. Overheating I took off my jumper and continued in a t-shirt, no need for my poncho. So finally I made it into Sandiago. Not sure if I am underwhelmed. In a way I guess I am as it is just another city to me, and the cathedral (Lichfield's impresses me more) is just another religious building. The mass was just another Spanish ceremony, with as far as I am concerned, odd traditions. That said, they swing a huge incense burner from the roof really high and fast, that was cool. I went to see St. James' casket after the mass and then I came here to look at flights. I have already grabbed my compestela (certificate) and I decided against Finisterre and Muxia. I am not sure when or how I am getting back yet but I am about to explore all options.

So I really need to think about it all really. The whole point of this pilgrimage was not religious or to get to Santiago, especially towards the end when it became a pilgrimage to get home. I could have been walking in any country and towards any end point, completely cliche but it really was the journey that I was interested in. The journey has mainly been a good one until these last two days, and it certainly hasn't been for nothing. I have grown as a person, not spiritually as many claim to but I am a more confident and strong person. The physical improvement can't be over looked either. I am not entirely sure what I was looking for with this trip, I didn't have a question which I sought an answer to. I think it was just an accessible way to travel. Now the reason behind this want to travel I guess comes down to wanting to 'find' myself who am i, what do I want etc and I think in that respect it has been a success. I have always known that I have these hidden depths that I only expose when I am good and ready but it is good to see how much I am capable of. I think I have changed for the better, maybe only slightly but there has been a change.

So would I do it again? He types as his right calf muscle throbs. I certianly would and I intend to, I was planning it yesterday to try and escape the pain. I think it will be a different trip though. Not one of solitute where I aim to improve myself as a person or to understand myself and what direction I should take with my life, but a more lighthearted one where I can go with a friend or my father (may have to wait until retirement kicks in for that) and not take it too seriously. I loved every minute of the camino, even these last two days, when I admit a little bit of cursing did slip out. I think next time I will try to stop and smell the roses a little more, that is something I have had highlighted to myself, my impatience. Once I wanted to be home I was unable to walk the short stages in my book and wait for it to arrive, I had to go out and get it. I think next time I will take some of home with me in the form of a friend and stay in contact with home more than just through a blog. I never knew I would be one to get homesick but I guess I am now, only after a month too but as I have said before walking everday really stretches time out. I barely rememeber home.

I am rambling now. I am sure I will post another one or two posts when I have had time to reflect more. I appreciate all of the help and support you have given me, especially these last few days.

Gutted my camera was unable to capture Santiago. I will have to scan the prints I get when I develop my disposeable.

I have learnt lots of little lessons and lots of things about myself. I think I need time to think and get my head clear now. I know, a camino would provide me with the perfect opportunity to clear my head. Back to St. Jean! Just kidding.