Day Ten - Santiago - Finisterre

Fantastic sleep in our room in the Eaves of the hotel!  To be honest when I woke the whole awesomeness of this trip left me feeling quite overwhelmed and a little tearful!  Happy tears not sad!  But it didn't last long, as we had decided to hire a car and take a trip out to Finistere. It is another glorious day, and we were relishing the thought of a day of sea air, beaches and the beautiful Atlantic sea!  We were not disappointed!  The temperature soared to nearly 30 degrees and it was wall to wall sunshine and wide blue skies!  Our first port of call was the harbour in Finstere with its colourful boats and harbour houses and buildings.  It was here we enjoyed our coffee break. Then a ride following the coast road, with stunning sea views up to the lighthouse.  We passed a Camino signpost with 0 Kms !  Finistere has become a place where many peregrinos continue their walk after reaching their goal of Santiago.  It is here where the tradition is to burn the clothes you have walked the way in, a symbol of not only ending the pilgrimage but all associated with the old life and to continue with the new.  We were quite amazed at all the stuff left.  Garments were  tied on to a huge mast making it look like a modern totem pole.  Trainers, boots, hats, sticks, clothing and so much more!  Here were several sites if blackened rock and soil, where fires had taken place.

We managed to dip our feet into the Atlantic, and stroll along the waters edge letting our tired feet soak up the refreshing warm waters!  We picked up shells (as if we need any more!) and sat on the white sand and enjoyed a picnic of cheese and ham rolls, (a kind of staple diet !!!  lol)   We drove round this picturesque coast, stopping for ice creams and long cold drinks.   Our coast ride took us  to pretty harbours, white sandy beaches, the blue Atlantic sea and even a waterfall!!

Back in Santiago we found somewhere to eat, and wandered the streets, enjoying the buskers, the tourist shops full of trinkets and kitsch, and went into the large square, when the sun was still shining on the ancient yellow stone brickwork of the enormous Cathedral. Peregrinos were arriving all the time, ecstatic to have made their goal!  Photos and dancing and congratulating each other!  :). Another day in this lovely place is nearly over!  Just time for a night cap and then to make sure our bags are packed for our trip to Burgos tomorrow.