Arzua a Santiago

Day 5 -- Arzua to Santiago

Day 5 is our final day on the Camino. We are scheduled to arrive in Santiago in the early afternoon. There is a heightened sense of excitement and anticipation as we all know we are very near to our destination. As we begin our day, we again have a choice -- ride on the road or ride on the Camino. No thought needed for me...three of us set out to ride the Camino. As soon as we set wheels on the Camino, there is a new energy in the air as everyone (all pilgrims -- peligrinos y bicigrinos) can sense the nearness of Santiago. Long journeys are coming to an end. Many of the pilgrims have traveled for more than 30 days (and over 850 kms), on foot or bike, to arrive in Santiago.

Today's ride was, again, one of joyful intentionality. We wound our way through forests and hills, up rocky roads, and down bumpy hills. With each pilgrim and passerby along the way, we exchanged a cheerful smile and excited "Buen Camino!" We passed through a forested lane full of handmade wooden crosses, made of twigs from the roadside. Each cross marked a prayer intention of a pilgrim.

After several hours of beautiful Camino riding, we came to the town of San Marco, and a gigantic monument to the pilgrims of the Camino. San Marco is an exciting and pivotal stop along the Camino...while standing at the hilltop monument, you catch your first glimpse of the spires of the Cathedral in Santiago. For the first time along your journey, you can actually SEE you final destination. You still have many miles to go, but you can SEE it. As pilgrims climbed to the top of the hill, people were filled with much jubilation...and some tears...as they gazed upon the towering spires of Santiago.

After a short stay at San Marco, we excitedly hit the trail again, knowing that we would soon be standing beneath those spires in the Plaza of Santiago. As we rode into town, a new sense of excitement filled the group. Almost there!!!!

As we wound through the busy streets of Santiago, on our way to the cathedral plaza, a new mood overtook the group. It became a quiet, reflective ride into Plaza de Santiago...journey's end. As we rode those final kilometers, I found myself reflecting on the past week's adventures -- the joys and the challenges, the highs and the lows, and gave great thanks for ALL. All of the people, all of the beauty, all of the emotions, all of the friends/family/community/ pilgrims who continue to support me, all of the people I met along the Camino, all of the blessings that are my life...ALL.

Catedral de Santiago towers over the plaza (it is massive!) welcoming the pilgrims at all hours of day and night. Pilgrims then enter the cathedral where the priests and bishop offer blessings and celebrate mass w pilgrims. Pilgrims bring their pilgrimage prayers & intentions to the cathedral to offer to God. Some carry the prayers of loved ones as well as their own, trusting that god will hear and answer them as they have completed their pilgrimage.

As we entered the Plaza de Santiago, we joined hundreds of other pilgrims gathering in the square and standing in awe of the towering spires of Catedral de Santiago. As we sat in the middle of the square, I prayed with the other pilgrims as I watched some gather with their companions, some kiss the ground, some collapse in tears of joy, and some sing in celebration of completing the journey. Many had traveled more than 850km and more than 30 days to get to Santiago, carrying all of their belongings with them. Through rain, sleet, sun, and heat. Over mountains and through valleys. Sleeping on cots, floors, or paths. As strong as my emotions were in that moment, I felt blessed to witness, share, and wonder at the emotions they felt as they entered the cathedral plaza. For me, there was great joy at having completed my journey. There was gratitude in my heart as I reflected on the journey of the past week. There was a little bit of sadness that the journey had ended. But mostly there was deep joy and inner peace in the connectedness I felt with my companions, my fellow pilgrims, and with my God, who is good and gracious in all things, who has blessed me with an amazing & beautiful life, and who speaks to me in the both the blustery blowing winds, and in the peaceful calm of rolling hills.

As I end my Camino journey, I send grateful blessings to each of you.

May you always hear the voice of God, and know that your voice is heard (even in the howling winds). May you find peace in your heart. May your days be filled with intentionality, recognizing the presence of God in all things. May your spirit soar with joy & laughter finding beauty in the small things around you. May you always be surrounded by loving companions to support you on your journey.

And may your life be one, great...Buen Camino!