Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Day 44: Santiago de Compostela to Negreira - 20.9KM

I nearly quit this morning as I was trudging out of Santiago, but a friend gave me a pep talk. I carried on. I could stop walking, but my ultimate goal was to make it to the sea, and I think I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t do it. As Santiago fades into the distance, I dream of coming over that last rise and glimpsing the ocean.



There was a steady rain for most of the day. I walked by myself except for the last little bit during which I talked with Adrienne, a Virginian. We discussed being 44 and working in higher ed.

The walk was pretty.  I usually try to be present to people who pass me while walking, but I listened to music all day and sang to myself.

The Finisterre Camino feels quieter and more contemplative.  People often keep to themselves.  I arranged to have dinner with a pilgrim who I had met very early on who was on his way back from Finisterre and MuxĂ­a.  Another returning pilgrim joined us. For the two of them, that was their last night before arriving in Santiago the second time, so we discussed a lot of big picture ideas about our own experiences about what we have learned over the past several weeks.

I have three more days of walking until I reach the sea.



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