Published: 01.11.2023
Well, finally arrived. My watch somehow deleted the run, but now I have almost 60,000 steps and until shortly before the end it was almost 45km. It was definitely tiring today, but not physically, but mentally. I had booked the accommodation during the break today and this creates the pressure to make the journey. I didn't actually want to pre-book accommodation, but I brought one with me for tomorrow. I'm sure I'll make it by then and the accommodation is so nice and well-reviewed that I'd be upset if it was full. But for the following days I will only book on the respective day or use the public hostels where you cannot reserve. Back to the path: I met a few people towards the end, although many of them didn't have large backpacks with them. This means either you only hike for 1-2 days or you have your luggage sent from accommodation to accommodation. This is offered in many hostels and costs between €4-7. This is a good thing for people who cannot carry their luggage due to health reasons or for others who allow themselves this luxury. These people are called "Gucci pilgrims" by some and say that they are not real pilgrims, but I believe that everyone can walk the path as they wish. For me this is out of the question, except for health reasons. Otherwise I overtook a few pilgrims in the last 15 km, but since they all walked more slowly and I wanted to get to my destination quickly, it was just a greeting and a friendly "Buen camino". Because I walk relatively long stages, I always meet new people in the places or accommodations. And I like to walk alone at my own pace, although I think that I will walk the path with others for parts or even days. You can't plan something like that. When I still had 12km to go and it started to rain lightly, I wasn't in a good mood, but in the end you have no choice but to keep going. Or take a taxi or the bus. But then I passed two drinks machines that had been set up by locals for the pilgrims, where I got a Coke Zero for €1 and the next a coffee for €0.50. Both saved me and raised my spirits. It's exactly gestures like this that give you strength, that people offer it at more or less cost price, with kind sayings and seats. Also motivated are all the sayings that other pilgrims left on signs. Some make you positive and others thoughtful. In any case, I finally arrived at my hostel, where I was warmly welcomed by Puy, but there will be a separate post about the hostel. I'm going to go and see which shops are open for the holiday and eat something.