16.6 Finally in Santiago!!!!

Well entered Santiago this afternoon!! So 440k done since we started from Leon on 28.5. A very pleasant 20k to finish off today but a heat wave has hit Galicia and temp started off at 16 and rose steadily upto 30+ by 4 this afternoon. Hotter weather predicted for tomorrow. It was nice because my previous 2 forays into Santiago had cloudy skies and rain. The view from Mont Gozo overlooking the city were spectacular.

A strange feeling being back but much more relaxed because we're staying 2 nights. We got our Compostelas (certificates confirming your effort) at the pilgrims office but we have decided to go to the Pilgrims Mass at 11 tomorrow.

If you haven't been, you start off at the top of Monte Gonzo, giddy with excitement but that disapates as you walk down and trek the extra 4k to get to the Cathedral. But that last few metres as you walk down the tunnel and end up in the square are very special. It makes the previous distance worth while. Last year, John and I had decided to carry on to the coast but not this year. We plan to bus to Porto on Wednesday for 4 days and then the same to Lisbon. Watch this space!!