After 14 days of cycling - 49 hours of saddle time, 735 km, 12,519 meters climbed - we arrived in Santiago de Compostela at mid-morning. Arrival was more emotional than I thought it would be. Aside from being physically challenged by the daily hill climbs, simply knowing that this has been a pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of people for centuries took its toll. Arriving in the square outside of the cathedral was somewhat anticlimactic. Somewhat like saying to yourself "ok, you're done ... next?". As we stood in line for two hours to have our credentials validated and receive our certificates, the look of joy (and relief) on the faces of those who completed the walk and the cycle was palpable. It's at that point when it hits you ... this is the CAMINO DE SANTIAGO and we are now in amongst an alumni with a shared experience.
Tomorrow we are off on a bus tour to Finesterre and the Costa del Morte for some well deserved R & R before heading back to Barcelona for a couple of days and then home.
We would be happy to share our experience and thoughts with anyone who is interested. While the Camino may not be everyone's idea of a great vacation, it will always stand out in my memory as a momentous achievement.
Ciao!
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