Finesterre on a beautiful day. Considered land's end hence the name and where the movie, The Way with Martin Sheen ended his Camino. If you want to know more about the Camino de Santiago, consider watching the movie.

Visiting my father's home village of Lira

I rented a car in Santiago and took a drive to my father's hometown of Lira, Galicia, Spain in hopes of trying to find and living relatives. Not an easy task as he died 40 years ago and nor records of his full name survived his emigration into the United States. In Spain, people keep many of their names and in order to facilitate my research, I would need at least one of more of his names including his mother's maiden name which I never knew. Nevertheless, it was quite enjoyable to walk around his village and continue on to Finesterre on a beautiful day. Thanks to one of the tour guides, Ana, from Fresco and one of the bus drivers who has family near Lira, we might continue the search.

Amenal to Santiago, Friday 30/9/16, 16kms.

The day we have been looking forward to. Finishing in Santiago de Compostela. We started with a significant uphill which works well for me but not others. Again, most of today is in shaded paths. We walk past the airport and continue to Lavacolla where the original pilgrims would disrobe and wash in the streams so that they arrived at the cathedral without body odor. No such requirements these days.
Lunch is at Monte do Gozo or Mount of Joy. It is a hill overlooking Santiago and where you catch the first glimpse of the cathedral.There is now a large monument that commemorates John Paul II's papacy.
I was really excite now and the aches and pains started to be ignored with the adrenal of finishing the famous pilgrimage with my fellow Fresco Tour walkers. We met up at the Porta do Camino so that we entered the square together. A very emotional time for us. We were all thankful to have finished. After a quick shower and change of clothes, we took our place in the cathedral seated in the transcript for the best viewing of the incense burner that is swung during the pilgrims mass. We arrived at 5 of a 7:30 mass so that we could have the best seats in the house. I brought my kindle so that I could use the time to read. The mass was inspiring and our last group dinner topped off a great camino.
We did have a two hour walking tour Saturday morning as part of our guided program. Saw the market which operates 6 days a week. People come for all there fresh food including produce, meats, cheeses, etc.

Arzua - Amenal, 29/9/16, 22 km
Today was my toughest day with 14 miles and lots of up and down. Nevertheless, I enjoyed all the sights including a brewpub that makes a microbrew dedicated to women pellegrinas. We past by Calle that is a picturesque village that combines traditional Galician architecture with the newer homes made of stone.
Santa Irene has a small 18th century chapel and fountain with purportedly curative waters.
Most of the walk was through tree lined paths which were quite beautiful. Unfortunately, these cumulative days of 12 plus miles have started to catch up and needed to take many Advil to finish today.