Hey all. Kate here. As I write this we are 40km out from Santiago. Today we are staying is Aruza which is where the Camino del Norte meets with the Camino Frances. That means a lot more pilgrims in one space.
In some ways I am not ready for the camino to be done. My feel FINALLY feel amazing. I can walk fast for long distances and I don’t have to stop to catch my breath on big hills. I feel strong and love to walk.
On the other hand I am ready to go home. It has been a long trip and I yearn for my own bed and a day to just relax.
Yesterday I took tome to process my feelings at one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. We stayed in Sobrado dos Moxes at the monastery Cistercian Order of the Close Observance (OCSO). . Part of this place was built in 952! Over the years parts were added but for around 200 years the land was seized from the monks and was left in disrepair. The monks now are trying to fix it up but, as you can see, the place is huge.
We stayed in the Pilgrim’s cloister and went to Vespers and Compline with the brothers. It was an amazing experience to be in such an old and sacred place. I know I will pray and give thanks in Santiago for this pilgimage but this felt like a time I could do so in a more quiet and intimate way.
Tomorrow we walk on 20km more. One day closer to the goal.