They saved the best till last….

Up and raring to go – well if you remember we have already walked the first 2 km 🙈 I’m lost for words really – ok, ok not normally associated with yours truly – but today has been very special, the best walk despite “ that” climb . That climb was a walk in the park – yes really it was – the miles just passed through the most beautiful countryside ….

We can post as many photos as we like on this blog – but what we can never do is bring you the sensual side of this . The eucalyptus forests continued all the way – and the smell is so beautiful, almost like walking with a jar of Vicks under your nose, but sweeter. The pine intermingled with the eucalyptus only serves to enhance the aroma. Then we have passed fields with fennel and what smells like the curry plant . This morning a lady was cutting the weeds with her scythe, and after we passed the smell of freshly chopped mint followed us up the hill. The salty smell of the sea is unmistakable but has been ever present on this last lap- last night I thought it was really windy because of the noise . The night couldn’t have been more still – the sound was the sound of the waves arriving on the shore and nearby rocks . These beautiful smells of course interspersed with those of the typical farmyard …..whether cow, horse or chicken ( in fairness we haven’t seen any pigs, and sheep tend not to cause too much of a whiff !!) All in all though every smell enhanced our journey today making it the best ever 🥰

So we were heading for Muxia – the end of a Camino from Santiago de Compostella for some . We had been advised to do the Camino Finisterre but then travel up the coast to Muxia which we have absolutely no regrets about . However I am now going to take you back to the film “The Way” – in remembrance of Alistair, we wanted to go to Finisterre and to follow in the footsteps of the group of friends ( as with many on the Camino you make friends as you go) who had decided when they arrived in Santiago after their pilgrimage from France , to go on to the coast . Now let me explain – timing in films bears no relationship to reality ! After Kathleen and I had completed our last Camino , I said to her “ We’ve got the afternoon free, let’s just walk to the coast.” Then I discovered that at best it would take at least 3 days – and as you now know it has taken us a hard 7 days …. More fool us thinking Michael Sheen and Co did what we did !!!!

Then another whoopsy- Kathleen and I went to Cape Finisterre and the Lighthouse there, and then down onto the rocks as they did in the film – and then my Dearly Beloved informed us they didn’t go to Finisterre at all, they went to Muxia, sending us photos from the end of the film to prove it …

So we had to find the church and we had to go to the rocks …..,,

Apologies should possibly have given a mascara warning there ….but onwards and yes, upwards 🥴🥴🥴 we went, leaving the rocks behind because in Muxia it is Fiesta time . Now you may not this but the Spanish grab any excuse to party and they know how to party!!🎉🎉 or more like 🍷🍷🍷🍶🍶🍶🍾🍾🍾🍻🍻🍻

Needless to say Dear Reader , Kathleen and I joined in , beer in hand dancing with the rest of them. What a fitting tribute to Alistair, who would have been the first on the dance floor – because he loved that sort of music, but then what am I saying, he was there with us , he has been, every step of The Way, Our Way.

So after 79 miles and more or less 174,051 steps we have completed our journey. Thank you for supporting us by reading this each day – we both feel so loved and supported by our families and friends whose encouragement has kept us going . A special mention for the DB who has watched every step we’ve taken ( and corrected us when we needed help) which has made us feel safe and secure along the way – thank you, you are a star ⭐️

The blog will continue we’ve got to get home yet and who knows what might happen between now and then !!!

This blog is dedicated to Alistair a most wonderful human being, soul mate , Dad , Pops and friend to so many . Thank you for inspiring me to take on the challenges of the Camino that I so wanted to try , and thank you for encouraging my special friend, your life partner, to do it with me .