Pair experience epic Camino walk

We then went to the credentials office and did the paper work. After a shower and a rest, it was out on the plazas for a celebration. We were so pleased to meet up with people with whom we had walked and shared dorms along the route. The myriad of languages was amazing to hear and there were groups of people from all over the world.

We attended mass in the cathedral the next day where they read out where the pilgrims had come from over the past 24 hours. There were quite a few South Africans mentioned. Some people then walk the 87km further to Finisterre which is what the Romans considered to be the end of the world. The 0.00km way marker is on the top of the hill on the peninsula in Finisterre,a small fishing village with a tiny harbour and beautiful white beaches with clear blue water.

There are regular buses to drop off pilgrims who walk the 3.6km up the hill to the lighthouse to see the most amazing sunset. The sun set at 10.17pm and then we had to walk back down the hill. It was worth it, but we were warned that even though it is very hot in Spain, it gets absolutely freezing up at the lighthouse.

Walking the Camino is a life-changing experience which gives one a totally different view of life. It is tough and at some stages you have to dig deep inside yourself to find the strength to carry on.

But life is like that.

THERE AT LAST: Liesl and Julie Bolze show their delight upon reaching their destination, the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, marking the end of their ‘Camino walk’