Just finished packing up the panniers. Hopefully for the last time. Looking forward to today’s ride and most important to seeing the Cathederal in Santiago, our destination!
The day had its ‘ups and downs’ lots of shorter but steeper climbs and corresponding downs. One downhill in particular, into Outeiro, was incredibly steep. While the path had its slip sliding stoney gravel, mud and water holes in general it was a pleasure compared to yesterday- but then, just about anything would be.
We left Silleda to a cold misty dawn again.
The path this morning is generally pretty pleasant and we enjoy the peace of cycling alone through the countryside
There were a lot of twist and turns and John felt the need to check his direction notes.
We had a lot of climbing out of Silleda which also allowed for us to look down on the mist in the valley below.
On the other side was the construction for what looked like a rail line.
The first stage, while it had lots of steep climbing, especially entering Outerios went well, after yesterday it felt a bit of a luxury. Here we stopped at the last per rigging hostel before Santiago. We were now starting our last stage of the trip.
The hostel had its own Camino art.
The beginning of this last stage brought us through a large growth of eucalyptus trees.
I thought this was a particularly good example of some of the crucifix monuments you can see along the way
They often have the image of Mary on the obverse, as this one does
And finally we get our first distant glimpse of the spire of the Cathederal of Santiago, down in the bottom right of the picture. An emotional and exciting moment. We have almost completed.
Just before entering Santiago de Compostela our path takes us literally under a growth of grapes
Ant then our first real view of our destination
Finally, after fourteen days and almost 1000 km here we are in front of the Cathederal in Santiago de Compostela. We have completed our Camino de Santiago on schedule.
Now we have to clean up, line up for our certificates, return the bikes and get a drink!
VDLPbyBike 
YOU DID IT!! (I know you have another post already–but am excited for you with this one :D)
Also..you are both a lot browner than when you started–wow
Congratulations, many times over. What an amazing ride
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well done Dermot, many many compliments! 🙂 E’ stata una grande impresa
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Ciao Paola, e’ stata un viaggio fantastico anche ho riesco parlare dell’italiano con i nostri nuovi amici! Dermot
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Congratulations on reaching the objective of a long, hard slog across Spain, with lots of bad weather thrown at you, and some routes which seemed more suited to the hikers boots than the bikers wheels. Now you can let your hair down for a couple of days, and sleep the sleep of the saved ! Well done, I doubted that it was achievable in the time you gave it, but you have proved it is.
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So glad you had a slightly easier ride today even though lesser mortals might still have found it daunting, it must be an amazing feeling to finally see Santiago within reach, David and I are in awe and delighted that you made all your trials and tribulations so interesting for us to follow. Super Men!!
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Pauline
I was us who were delighted to have such a supportive group following our story and encouraging us along the way.
D
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Congrats!
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Thanks Steve. Looking forward to our Sat ride when I get back!
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