Thoughts from my Camino Frances Journey- Day 33 (Day 8 of Part 2)
Date: June 14, 2025 Saturday
Where did I begin today?
Santiago de Compostela -> Finisterre
Where will I stay this evening?
Santiago de Compostela (Hotel Montes)
How far have I come?
91km (54.8 miles) by bus
Ponte Maceira
photo credit: Becca Fussell
Grabbed breakfast at Hotel Montes around 8am, then met everyone in the square to walk to our bus at 8:15. The bus stopped in Ponte Maceira first, a very beautiful town on a river with a stone bridge and old mill. We spent about half an hour walking around, enjoying the scenery and taking pictures.
You could hear the rushing water under the mill
photo credit: Paul Mayer
Then we loaded back up onto the bus and continued to Finisterre which we reached at 10:45am. I understand why medieval pilgrims called it “the end of the earth” since the land ends in a gorgeous, rocky outcrop surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. I took a photo at the 0km sign, and got a stamp at the lighthouse restaurant. Then I used the rest of our time there to walk all around the outcrop, enjoying the magnificent view from every angle.
Made it to Finisterre
0km sign, the literal end of the road
Spectacular views all around
The lighthouse
It was a beautiful place to sit and think. I’ve always loved the ocean, and listening to the crashing waves far below was very tranquil after the emotional whirlwind of arriving in Santiago yesterday. With the entire Camino Frances behind me, I wanted to reflect on what the journey had taught me. I spend a month appreciating a simpler way of life, I pushed myself physically and spiritually, met strangers from around the world who became friends. I still had my rock that Dawn gave us in Sarria so I tried to reflect on what I could leave behind metaphorically before throwing it into the ocean.
Dave Dishman & me
Statue of a pilgrim’s boot
photo credit: Stephen Wright
photo credit: David Preston
“the end of the earth”
photo credit: Stephen Wright
At 12pm we reboarded the bus to eat lunch in a seaside village. Jen, Becca, Blakely, and I sat at an outdoor café near the harbor and ordered croquettes, tomato salad, pulpo (octopus), and a massive seafood paella. Everything was delicious! Afterwards, we walked around beach town, and went to an ice cream parlor where I got rum raisin ice cream. The whole group gathered at the bus at 3:30pm to return to Santiago de Compostela.
photo credit: Becca Fussell
Lunchtime in Finisterre
seafood paella
Back in Santiago, Blakely and I explored the cobblestone streets and went souvenir shopping. I bought small gifts for my family and friends including some locally made green pepper spread, chestnut honey, and playing cards. Jen also joined our shopping spree until around 6pm. When they decided to get some pre-dinner drinks, I went back to the hotel room to relax.
The whole group met up once more at 8pm in front of the Cathedral. For our final group dinner, we went to San Martin Pinario, a beautifully converted monastery. We were once again treated to an amazing meal: wine, fresh salad with a beautiful presentation, tender veal with potatoes and mushrooms, cheesecake/flan with peach chutney, and tea to finish the night. Everyone went around and shared how they felt about completing the Camino. We also thanked Dawn and Dave for organizing everything and creating this special experience. After dinner, everyone lingered to say goodbye.
Farewell Dinner (photo credit: David Preston)
Londa, me, Jen, and Jill (photo credit: Paul Mayer)
Earlier that day, I had convinced the “young group” to try Queimada with me, and had researched places in Santiago that said they served it. According to a book I read, Quemada is a traditional Galician punch that is set alight and there is sometimes a spell or ritual. Around 11pm, David & Jess, Becca, Blakely, Jen, and I walked to Rock Café O Cum but once we got there, the bartender told us they only did Queimada as a special “show” by appointment. I was disappointed, but we learned that a DJ started at midnight so we stayed since the vibe was good. Around 1am we left, some of them wanted to stay out and found another bar/night club but since that’s not really my scene, I went back to my hotel. By the time I had showered, packed, journaled, and researched some things to do tomorrow, I went to bed at 2:20am. Blakely made it safely back to our room at 3am.
Night on the town
