I love that in Santiago de Compestela a hundreds of years old building can be the backdrop to a carnival.

So, I’m back doing the obligatory final pilgrim things like hugging Saint James,

admiring the As Marias sculpture, and eating great food.

As the last member of our Camino family strolls in to town, we pay homage to him.

In reality, I’ve just been delaying the inevitable… our final Camino family dinner. Come morning, we’ll head our separate ways. I’m not sure what that means for me yet but I’ll be sure to post it when I figure it out.

The sunrise for the trees… the morning has a different energy as there’s only 12 miles remaining.

At San Marcos, you get a sneak peak of the cathedral. It adds a little pep to each step.

Just a few miles later, despite the sign, it doesn’t really feel like you’ve arrived.

Until you do.

Or until you reunite with some of your Camino family. They are bittersweet moments.

After hugs, you attend the pilgrims’ mass and get lucky enough to see the botafumeiro in action.

Next, you pick up the Compestela.

Then wander and find your bed for the night.

And that’s a wrap.