Day 20

We started this morning with a nice walk in the woods. 

Then we moved into more open fields covered by a beautiful sky. 

Slowly but surely we were getting closer to the city. 15 km to go! 

As we got closer the number of pilgrims increased. 

But we just kept walking. 

Through towns. 

By fields. 

And trees. 

Eventually we got a peek of the city in the distance!

And then we entered the city. 

But we had to walk for nearly an hour to reach the cathedral. 

It was glorious when we did though. 

Mark watched my bag while I went in the cathedral briefly. 

Then we went around to the front. Of course the towers are covered in scaffolding because I don't know anyone who hates scaffolding more than I do. But that center part is still so beautiful. And it was more about the walk than the destination so it really didn't matter. 

It deserved a jump with my backpack on. 

It has been quite a journey so far. It's hard to believe that we've really the 300 miles to get here!

Next we picked up our Compostelas, the document that proves we did the camino. 

Then we found an albergue. This is the biggest one we have stayed in yet. 

And it has a decent view of the city. 

And no bunk beds! The luxury. 

We relaxed for a few minutes and then headed back to the cathedral to go in without our backpacks. 

We hugged the gold bust of St. James an paid our respects to his remains. 

The best close up I could get of his bust. 

We walked around the city for awhile. 

The old pilgrim's hospital turned fancy hotel:

We got some well-deserved ice cream. After 300 miles I think we deserved it. 

We had dinner too. Now we are headed back to the albergue for bed. Despite reaching Santiago our walk is not over. We are continuing on to Finisterre, the "end of the world."