DAY 32: O PEDROUZO TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (June 20)

 WE MADE IT INTO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA!!!! Yeah!!! Overall it was a solid walk. The weather was humid but tolerable. We sang at the Monte do Gozo, took pictures, and headed down the hill together for the Cathedral. About a half mile from our destination it began to rain, and rain, and rain, and pour down. When we got to the plaza in front of the Cathedral we were the only crazies there taking pictures. The other pilgrims had huddled in any space they could. Well, after 755 kilometers were prepped for most anything and just took it in stride. I am very glad to be here. It was a different feeling this time. Last time it was an emotional rollercoaster to enter the plaza having completed the Camino for the first time. This time I was more peaceful and grateful. The Camino is what you put into it. Some people do it with a religious/spiritual purpose. Others just to say that they did it. Like all things in life, you get what you put into the experience. I am grateful for the additional insights; the "tender mercies" discovered along the way as I witnessed the faith of priests and believers of all types.

The group at the Monte do Gozo (5 kilometers from the Cathedral)

Lizzy, Jannette, and me with Doug and Terri Weatherford (our co-operators on this adventure)

The same evening we attended the Pilgrim's Mass in the Cathedral. The highlight was that we were able to see the Botafumeiro swung. The huge incense burner has been clocked at 45 miles per hour as it crosses through the transept of the Cathedral: