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The End
I originally thought I wanted to end in Finisterre, but I’d started hearing about a place called Muxia my first few days on the Norte. I met a bikepacker on day 10 that was from Muxia, and he told me I should end there because it’s the most beautiful. I didn’t really think much more about it. Until, I was receiving my Compostela and the man helping me said it was just one more day of hiking to Muxia. Hm, I could extend my hike further and see this mystical Muxia place? Done. My understanding is that pilgrims who walked past Santiago and arrive to Finisterre or Muxia would burn their clothes symbolizing the end of their pilgrimage and beginning of their new life. While people don’t burn their clothes anymore (at least that I saw), it’s definitely a tradition to watch the final sunset on your Camino. I’d had a final sunset moment in Finisterre, but of course, I was going to have another in Muxia on my extra bonus day.
Bonus Episodes! Walking to Finisterre
Days: 41-44 Santiago de Compostela → Negreira → Olveiroa → Cee → Finisterre! After having taken a picture of my Hokas arriving to Santiago
Arrival to Santiago!
40 days ago, I walked out of Irún having just gotten my pilgrim passport and first stamp. I followed the yellow arrows out of town and into the woods and didn't look back. I had no idea what I was doing. I hadn’t really planned or done much research. I was still pretty heartbroken from my break-up. And, the Camino was my back-up plan to the AT. I knew I would make it to Santiago. I didn’t doubt that I could walk the entirety of the Camino del Norte, but I just hadn’t really thought about the end. I hadn't yet thought about what it would feel like to complete the Camino. I just wanted to hike. I think it’s a bit different for me (arriving in Santiago) because I knew from the beginning I wouldn’t be ending there. I knew I would want to continue past Santiago to Finisterre. Santiago is still a huge milestone: it's the Camino finish line. Either way, I know when I arrive tomorrow it will likely be emotional.
Embracing the Mystery of Life
I took an impromptu rest day in Vilalba. I’d developed some new blisters that were pretty painful and the place I was staying was comfortable with lots of restaurant options and a 5 minute walk to a Mercadona! I got a pizza from the restaurant under my accommodation for dinner and it was SO good. Exactly what I needed. Pesto, burrata, pistachios, and arugula–perfection.
Gorgeous, Green, Galicia!
Galicia is so green. I can’t get over it. I knew that’s what people said, but truly it’s just this magical green mossy forest. All of the stone walls, a lot of the trees, and even the trail is covered in moss and ivy. It’s like a fairy forest.
Today, I am Grateful for Rocks
We had a few minor water crossings today. I walked across fallen logs and rocks mostly, but lots of people took off their shoes to wade through or sacrificed their feet. I was so grateful for rocks today, honestly. I really kept thinking that: "thank you rock for being here between these mud patches." For the first time, it was nicer being on the trails with rocks <3 My shoes would have been so much more wet and muddy without them. Don't forget to thank the rocks for their service.
Halfway, You Say?
This marks the halfway point of what I plan to hike. The halfway point of the Camino del Norte (Irun to Santiago) was a few days ago, but I plan to hike a few more days afterwards to the coast. I’ve officially hit my half-mileage mark! Half amount of days I planned to hike has already passed too. How do you even measure a half with something like this? By any measurement, I’m midway if not a little more.
A Moment for the Mountains
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky leaving this morning. It gave me a clear view of the mountains and even snow capped ones in the distance. The trail is following a pedestrian greenway leaving Comillas. It’s a great morning to be walking. After about an hour, I stopped and put on some sunscreen as the sun came out over the mountains and I decided I’d listen to some music too. I put on Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s newest album from last summer Love Hate Music Box. I feel like I can sing most words of their other songs, so I was studying up a bit this morning and taking in the views.
Working on It
I slept super well in Santander after my near-20 mile day. I woke up with the sun to start my trek to Santillana del Mar. It was extremely cloudy and cold today. I was back to hiking in my pants and even a jacket. The clouds were giving the promise of rain at any moment, and I hoped it wasn’t until after I arrived at my destination.
Are There Ticks in Spain?
I’m wearing shorts again because it’s supposed to be quite warm, but I’ve walked through a ton of tall grass today. In the US, this would make me worried about ticks. Are there ticks in Spain? The options are: walk along the shoulder or the tiny path through the tall grass on the other side of the barrier. I was most nervous about ticks when preparing for the AT (more than snakes, bears, spiders, cold, rain). Tick bites just freak me out. I have my phone on airplane mode during the day, so I didn't Google it. I just hoped there are no ticks in Spain.
