Finnisterre

Considered by many during medieval times to be the end of the world, Finnisterre is the western-most point in Europe, making it the boundary of known civilization until the discovery of the Americas by Columbus in 1492. It marks the true end of the Camino, the pilgrims no longer having anywhere more to continue their journey.
When we were there the ocean was a frothy grey, and the shoreline shrouded in fog.

Muxia at the End of the World

After arriving in Santiago de Campostela, we took part in all the rituals for arriving pilgrims. We visited the plaza in front of the cathedral. We stood before the Portico of Glory (though we could not place our hands on the stone as they are currently restoring it). We embraced the statue of Santiago and prayed at his tomb.

Then we went to Muxia, where it is said that the Virgin Mary appeared to Santiago and encouraged him to continue his work in Galicia. Muxia is a remarkable place, where the bedrock of the Earth slopes down to the sea and disappears into it's depths. At the same time, the waves come in again and again, as does the fog that shrouded the place when we visited. This was a day I will never forget.

That's Nico reflecting on the Way, and the scale of the place does remind you how small we humans are in the grand scheme of things.

Beautiful Pics

Contemplating Death as a Spiritual Practice

Just beyond the plaza with the Baroque cathedral and the neo-classical palace and the medieval hospital for pilgrims built by Isabel and Ferdinand lies the little parish church of San Fructoso. Anywhere else it could the center of attention, but here it is not even on the map. On one side is a little plaza with this little plague mounted to the wall. In case you come at night, there is a street light hanging directly overhead.

Setting Out on our Last Morning, the Sun at Our Backs.

Someone Has a Sense of Humor

Since our first day on the Way, we have seem marker after marker telling us how many more kilometers remain till we arrive in Campostela. 314, 298...this morning the first market said 18.5. Then as we were in the last stretch--maybe five kilometers out, we came across the beauty: The Way is infinite. It never ends.

Ancient Church

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