We are here! Because of the collective energy of all the happy pilgrims on the trail today, walking was much easier. In fact, on today’s long steep climb to go around the airport, Melanie walked it in the same time that I did. Normally, she is faster than I am on the flat bits but this was Melanie’s breakout climb. I think we should do some more climbing ~ maybe in the Alps.
I heard a man at dinner last night say that the trail today was going to be boring and ugly. He was hitting on two Dutch women and he was making an uneducated guess. He was wrong. I thought about correcting him but I wasn’t supposed to be eavesdropping and, coincidentally, one of the women he was with was the woman who was very unhappy about Melanie clearing her plate of unfinished food earlier that day.
In iithe Plaza de Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral, we had a fantastic time just hanging out with fellow pilgrims, greeting out friends as they come in. A lot of tears and squeals of joy continued on for several hours. Later, at the pilgrims office, we collected our Compostelas in record time, under three minutes. 13 years ago, I recall waiting In a queue for hours.
Despite not needing to wake early tomorrow, I need sleep. Thank you to everyone who has provided support and encouragement, especially Alex, George, Leo and even baby Stella who all called just as we arrived at the Cathedral. Their timing was perfect, as was our whole day.
Peace y’all, until….?
The moon has a face and it smiles on the lake
And causes the ripples in time
I’m lucky to be here with someone I [love]
Who maketh my spirit to shine
~ still Warren Zevon, still playing in my head
Melanie & Michael Go Walking 
Congratulations Melanie and Michael! Well done! What an achievement! 🎉🍾🥂 I’m going to miss your daily stories and photos though. They’ve been so entertaining, as usual!
A wonderful last selection of photos as your last hurrah and lots of happy, smiling faces! Enjoy lots of great food and drinks to celebrate, you’ve earned them
Safe travels home and stay well. ✈️🎉🥰
Cheers Maggie.
Maggie Rikard-Bell Karijini Cattle Company 503 Boobalaga Rd Crookwell NSW 2583 Australia
maggie.rikardbell@gmail.com +61 (0)417 481 458
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Dear Melanie and Michael, Congrats on completing succesfully another camino. Thanks for sharing your experiences, I am going to miss my favourite morning read until your next camino. While following your progress the following quote came to mind: “We shall rise insensibly, and reach the tops of the everlasting hills, where the winds are cool and the sight is glorious”. (From the book ´When Breath Becomes Air´by Paul Kalanithi). Bless you, friends! Bram
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Wow, you are here. We’re here all day tomorrow if you fancy meeting up. Congratulations on another completed camino. Cheers, Maggie
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We are at the cathedral now, waiting for the noon mass. We are off the the airport around 4:30pm but if you have time for churros & chocolate or a glass of wine in between, we’d love to meet up.
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absolutely. Am just heading for the cathedral as it happens. Will look for you.
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We are on the Paradore side of the altar4th row. The church is filling up fast.
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absolutely. Am just heading for the cathedral as it happens. Will look for you.
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