Up early for the 8:00 a.m. bus to Finisterre, where pilgrims celebrate the end of their pilgrimage.
This was the third time I stepped on the same soil as pilgrims of long ago once stepped, but I didn’t burn my clothes. From last year’s journey to Finisterre:
“Yesterday, I spent a day and a night in Finisterre, The End of the World. This is the Costa da Morte, the wild and breathtaking Coast of Death that has claimed ships and the lives of sailors since maritime history was recorded and before, in legends and stories.
It is an age-old tradition for Pilgrims to go to Finisterre after arriving in Santiago de Compostela, the end of the land, where the sea begins.
In Pilgrim lore, we’ve heard that this is the final place many pilgrims walked to watch the sun disappear into the ocean, then burn their old clothes and toss out their boots. And begin anew. Some pilgrims walked to Muxia, instead, to carry out this ancient ritual.
Don’t try it, friends –it’s now illegal as one fire too many escaped pilgrims’ control. It’s no longer considered safe.”
To the End
We love the transportation options in Spain. We rode a bus for one euro each to The estación de autobus for the 9:00 a.m. departure, with three stops. Turned out, when we bought our tickets at the station, we found there was an 8:00 a.m. bus that was nonstop to Finisterre. But. . . the agent and I had a hard time communicating. This new time wasn’t on our schedule so we weren’t sure about this wonderful opportunity. He asked me if I want to go to Finisterre. Sí, I answered. He looked at me. Twice more. . . When I looked at my ticket down at the depot, it wasn’t to Finisterre, but to the stop kilometers before, the station at the town of CEE. Luckily I was allowed to board the Through Bus and we all arrived in Finisterre together. Sí, I didn’t go to Cee. I’m still working on improving my Spanish.
We arrived in the fishing village, ate breakfast at La Frontera, a favorite vegetarian restaurant, checked into our room, then set out for another walk. This time to The End of the World.
Marylee and I celebrated our Caminos at the zero maker in Finisterre.
Ultreia from the End of the World,
Irene
Such a wonderful experience. Thank you, my dear Cousin, for sharing it with those of us who cannot do this for ourselves.
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Hola, Irene,
You look very happy and healthy.
You will be on your way to Guatemala next. Another adventure. Seems you are enjoying the walking and the Camino. Good for you!!!
See you upon your return home. Diana
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Wow, mi amiga, you did it again. Huge sigh and thoughtful congratulations – so much to re-remember, ponder, turn over in your mind at some quiet day in the future. So many insights you’ve already shared. (P.s. BTW, that way the same route Amy was going to do this summer – another year?)
On Thu, Jun 28, 2018, 3:27 PM Walking through the ages wrote:
> Irene posted: ” Up early for the 8:00 a.m. bus to Finisterre, where > pilgrims celebrate the end of their pilgrimage. This was the third time I > stepped on the same soil as pilgrims of long ago once stepped, but I didn’t > burn my clothes. From last year’s journey to Finis” >
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I so enjoyed every post, every step you took. Being still house/yard bound for the most part, your walk, even so far from me, was a spiritual trip for me as well. That first photo in this post is stunning, powerful. So happy for you Irene!
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Wow. What a wonderful and amazing trek. I’ve loved all of the pics and great storytelling. Have a safe and relaxing trip home.
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Thank you for sharing so many beautiful photos and your adventures! You look so happy in the photo of you standing next to the stone ‘Camino’ pillar above the ocean! Safe journeys ahead, be well, and enjoy!
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Congratulations again! Your pictures are magnificent! And you look so beautiful and happy. I love your stories. Be well dear friend. I look forward to your next post.
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I hope this amazing journey has been truly restorative Irene. I hope your next journey this summer is experienced through these “lenses”
I love the photo of you at the journey’s physical end,
I know that on many levels it is a new beginning as well.
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love the bronze shoe – so symbolic and timeless.
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