2022 Wednesday, Oct 19

Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre

We planned a bus trip from Santiago to Finisterre. In 2019, we walked from Santiago to Finisterre in four days; this bus trip took 2.5 hours (not an express bus).

7.9 miles for the day.  No video for the day (watch malfunction).

2022   Spain

altar of St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
Before leaving town, we took time for one more cathedral visit. The altarpiece shows all three images of the Saint: the Apostle, the Peregrino, and the Moorslayer.
the urn supposedly containing the ashes of St. James
The crypt below the altar contains the relics of the Saint.
bicyclist in a coastal town
Coastal towns along the bus ride.
bus ride on the way to Finisterra
Parroquial de Santa Maria da Vila de Fisterra
The Parroquial de Santa Maria da Vila de Fisterra is a 12th century church on the outskirts of town as you walk toward the lighthouse (Faro) at land’s end.
Parroquial de Santa Maria da Vila de Fisterra
The church was open with preparations for a pilgrim’s mass.
St. James statue in the nave of the Parroquial de Santa Maria da Vila de Fisterra
A statue of St. James is in the nave.
Father Amin at the church in Fisterra
A statue of a pilgrim walking to the Faro
After mass, we continued up to the lighthouse, about 3.5 kilometers, hoping to be there for sunset and before rain set in.
the walk up to the Faro
Arrived! Lands End.
The zero kilometer marker for the Faro counts down the distance from Santiago. No rain but the wind was fierce (thus our blowing hair).
No burning shoes
The lighthouse at Lands End cape
We beat sunset. Now to await sundown. The lighthouse is now a museum, but we were too late for that.
lighthouse (Faro) at Fisterra
While waiting, a group of mountain goats scampered up the cliff.
sun down at Finisterre
clouds at Finisterre
The clouds are beautiful but portend the storm coming.
end of the trail at Lands End
One more look at the zero kilometer marker.
Parroquial de Santa Maria da Vila de Fisterra lit at night
It was dark by the time we arrived back down the hill into town. The church is lit in color.
Richard's compostela from the Portuguese Camino
Richard’s Compostela.

Comments:

Jim Constantin: Congratulations on completing your convenience. 2022/10/20

Reply Thank you. I can’t figure out how to append a picture of Richard’s Compostela on this reply, so I’ll post it on Wednesday’s blog at the end. 2022/10/20

Wanda Penner: Somewhere on earth the sun always sets. You caught a beauty. 2022/10/20

Reply Thanks, Wanda. It’s another tradition that pilgrims try to catch the sunset, so we were pleased. The clouds were beautiful but we did have thunderstorms most of the night. 2022/10/20

Ann Prazza: Perfect photos for the end of your adventure! Very dramatic. What are the female figures to the left of the moon slayer figure in the church? Pete would be glad you got a blessing. 2022/10/20

Reply I think the figures you’re seeing may be angels. The altarpiece has a lot of them! Father Anil was one of those rare gifts since he was so personal and accessible. He even asked us to pray for him. I often think of Pete when we’re on the trail, because he would be ahead of us all! 2022/10/20