Ending the hike, continuing the journey

So, we made it.  We walked into Santiago Friday afternoon with three of our friends and were greeted in the plaza by more friends that were waiting for us.  In turn, we greeted more that came in after us.  The plaza was full of other pilgrims doing the same.  As a matter of fact, over 3,000 pilgrims came in the same day we did. 

The journey was hard.  Including our few rest days, we averaged 15 miles per day for 38 days, with backpacks, mountains, a very severe rainstorm, heat, pain, fatigue, and unpleasant odors at times. We feel great though, way stronger than when we started.  Yet, we are happy that it is time to stop walking.

The two days in Santiago were a bittersweet time of celebrating then saying goodbye to so many friends that we have made along the way.  Without the relationships, the hike would only have been a hike.

Instead, it has been a life changing experience that we hope will give us long lasting effects.  We aren’t sure what all those effects are yet.  But we hope in the weeks to come we will be able to process what we have learned and what it will mean in our lives back home. Our pilgrimage is not done yet, and hopefully never will be.

And now, for some rest. We took a bus to the coast of Spain and, this time, only had to walk an hour and a half to our hotel!  We will spend two nights relaxing here before taking a bus, train, plane, and car back to our house.  Now that’s going to be a change of pace!  

Before we go, thanks to all who have been reading our blog, thinking and praying for us, and generally taking interest and support roles in our lives. We realize more than ever, that relationships like the ones we have with you are what make life good.

A special thank you to Terri and Laura who were a part of our Camino family, starting the first night in St. Jean Pied de Port.  And thank you to the many pilgrims we met and walked with, ate with, even partied with…(Sophie, Daniel, Claudie, Karen, Tim, Allie, Marie, Francis, and Renatta to name just a few!)

Also, thank you to Kay and Terry Shue for introducing us to this idea, and helping us every step of the way.  All your advice and support has been right on!

The general greeting with those you meet on the trail is “Buen Camino”, “Good Way” or “Good Path”…

Buen Camino to you all!
Eric and Jodi