Well, we made it. The pilgrimage ended much like it began, in pouring rain, thick fog, and about 50 degrees. There was very little jubilation in the square in front of the cathedral as the drenched pilgrims huddled under anything to get out of the rain.
As we appoached Santiago, we passed all the usual sights without seeing any of them. I know we went past the airport runway because I heard the jets landing. I saw the sign for Mont Gozo, the hill of joy where one can first see the spires of the cathedral, except no joy today, just fog. The good news was the terrible weather kept the arriving pilgrim numbers down, and we only had a 90 minute wait to get our Compostela.
We had heard about the strict scrutiny the volunteers sometimes enforce: where did you start, why is this place stamp missing, how did you get from here to there. We had none of that, which apparently is only for those who start in Sarria or ask for a distancia which elaborates exactly how far you walked. We just got the gratis Compostela provided by the Cathedral. It took all of 4 minutes to fill out the form and received the printed certificate.
I want to thank everyone who followed along on this adventure, especially those who prayed us forward, because Lord knows we needed it. I will have some more about the Cathedral and Santiago tomorrow, then a quick recap of thoughts which occured to me along the way, and finally a longer bit of advice for aspiring pilgrims. And we still have Fatima and Lisbon to visit!
Congratulations for staying the course and completing the journey! It has been interesting to follow along with you.
Congratulations just doesn’t seem to be enough said, especially with all you two have gone through! We are so proud of you and continue to pray for a safe return!
Pat and Judy, congratulations! When you get to Fatima ask our lady how long it will take for America to come back to Christ. Last time she was here, she warned us of a long time for Russia to come back, but it was worth the wait.
Barry
Please continue your blog as I would love to see Fatima!!
Wilco!
P.S. I have been sharing your blog with Claudia Graul….she too has enjoyed it!
Tell her hello! She is not on FaceBook, is she?
Wow! You did it. I was wondering if you are available this weekend to hike a segment of the Appalachian Trail with me?
God bless you both.
All yours buddy (the AT, that is)!
To double down in Mike G: You did it! You trained for it, prayed about it, planned as much as you could, took surprises along the way with good humor and steadfastness, and enriched your lives (and souls) immeasurably–as well as ours, your faithful readers. I’ve known folks who have done segments over a couple years, but you’re the first to complete The Way in a season. Come home, sleep in your own bed, attend to sore feet, bruised knees, and oversized calluses…and do not accompany Mike to the AT!
Congratulations, you two road warriors! You have persevered through some pretty bad weather and trail conditions—way more challenging than my Camino! I hope you take satisfaction in your accomplishment and that you found spiritual nourishment along the journey despite its hardships.
Well done Patrick and Judy! You did it! We have prayed tor and with you along the route – may you find the hidden and mysteries of pilgrimage as the days go on and you reflect on the journey you took to heart. Gid reward you both.