Oct 17-23 Alicante

What a great way to end a vacation after trekking 810km. Alicante is the best location in October. The weather is ideal mid-20s and it's still possible to swim in the ocean, and the reason there are so many tourists. While here Volvo was hosting a regatta and expo. There were many multi-million dollar boats in the harbour. The climate is the big attraction, as is the castle on the hilltop, the many restaurants and many trendy stores.

Amazing city!

Great art!

Beautiful harbour.

Wonderful beach, with the castle in the background 

Volvo regatta and expo

This person is being blown up by a jet of air.

Oct 16 Santiago

 A day to arrange our travel plans to Alicante and a last visit to Santiago.

Leaving Finisterre...sad time for Julie

Last day in Santiago. Rain...good time to leave.

Oct 14-15 Cabo Finisterre

Day 2, a visit to Cabo Finisterre. It was a short walk, 3km each way to "the end of the earth". I always thought the visit to Cabo was meant for pilgrims, but apparently not. There is a trail that goes alongside the road, and there were many tourists exploring this historic site. 

At Kilometre Zero

The lighthouse 

Big foghorns

My souvenir for reaching the end...810km later 

Oct 13 Finisterre 15km

I was still feeling weak, but decided to proceed to Finisterre. Bad decision, I should have rested for another day before proceeding. It was very painful for Julie to put up with my slow walk and many breaks. But eventually the trail made its way to the bay and we could see our destination. It was an awesome sight!  Along route we stopped at a cafe for drinks and ice cream. Eventually we made our way to our hotel which was in the town centre, and we had a top floor with a beautiful view of the harbour. Hence we decided to spend another day.

Finisterre in the distance

View from our room.

Oct 12 Cee 20km

We left Olveriroa in a thick fog, which eventually disappeared giving a bright sunny day. The walk was hilly travelling mainly through forests. We had a wonderful lunch before arriving to Cee. We knew today was a national holiday but it didn't clue in that all stores would be closed. But there were lots of restaurants to choose from. However, by 5pm it hit me. I'm not sure if I contacted a bug from another person. Julie was fine, but I could not leave the room. I was knocked out. 

Leaving town in the morning. The fog creating a spooky scene.

We took advantage of the notice and stopped at the bar for coffee, and Julie was able to enjoy the resident kittens.

Oct 11 Olveiroa 32km

This was a very difficult day, and the only reason we did not split this into two stages is because Julie refuses to sleep in a dorm with other people. She was tired after 25km and was prepared to call a taxi but I encouraged her to keep going. No pain, no gain does not apply. When a commitment is made it must be kept. We arrived at our destination at 6pm, and not much happening in the town, thank goodness because we were to tired and just wanted to have dinner and go to sleep.

The day's trek covered beautiful terrain, as can be seen from the pictures.

Leaving the walls of Negreira 

Julie is all alone on this stage.

These storage units are used for animal feed, such as corn.

Water reservoir for the region.

Oct 10 Negreira 22km

Call us crazy, but we are continuing our trek to Finisterre (the end of the world), another 100km. I met an Irish man who corrected me, that it is the end of the world when your pub runs out of beer.

Galicia is such a beautiful region and it reminds us so much of BC - with lush forests. Unfortunately it rains most of the time, but this year there is great weather (mid-20s). So off we went at 8:30am to begin our trek. 

There are far fewer people doing this stage and therefore there are no crowding issues for accommodations and cafes. Only the hardy (or the truly insane) do this. We've met a few insane people.

Leaving Santiago in the early morning...the cathedral in the background 

The outskirts of Santiago 

This cute little horse was able charm a pilgrim, who came back to give the miniature horse an apple.

Oct 9 Santiago 20km

We've been to Santiago 6 times, hence the awe is gone, but it is such a beautiful city with a huge religious significance. We know our way around the city and can often help lost or confused visitors. Today's trek would be the last for many pilgrims. It's always a time for joy and sadness. Many are glad to complete but sad to say goodbye to friends made along the way. We met many pilgrims in the cathedral square, and lots of hugs and photos.

The food in Santiago has a bigger presentation, compared to smaller towns

Many pilgrims dining together for the last time. The ladies on the far left and second from the right, we met regularly during out lunch or snack breaks.

Our Asian family on the Camino. We often met at lunch stops.

Pilgrim friends from UK

Santiago at sunset