The end is so close now!
We had nearly twenty kilometers to walk today, and intimidation at the long walk added to the exhaustion I was feeling. Now that our last long walk is behind us, I feel nothing but excitement at finishing this adventure strong.
The long days are hard on us, but we worry about the girls most of all. Addie likes to take her time and smell the flowers (literally) and we feel a constant pressure to keep her moving in a forward direction, or keep her content to ride in the stroller. Eloise sleeps all day and then we run the risk of her being awake all night. Anything over 15 kilometers means we are going to be walking all day long.
Add to that the rain…
It rained all day today, and we struggled with wanting Addie to have fun and explore, and wanting to keep her warm and dry until nearer to the end of our walk.
We managed the balance, we made it to O Pedrouzo in good spirits, and we are glad for two short walks instead of one long walk to Santiago.
Addie has become a social butterfly out here, and she has started deciding to make friends on the trail on her own. Twice she found someone she wanted to talk to and just walked over and started talking.
“Mom, I’m walking with my friend,” she said, before going back to chatting away.
One woman was in a bit of a hurry and the other didn’t speak English, but Addie really tried to engage them. “There is a little baby in the stroller. Do you want to see it?”
Her confidence has blossomed out here. She loves meeting new people, and everyone has been so kind to her. One woman walked with a little bag of toys (presumably for any kids she encountered) and she saw Addie and opened the bag for her. Addie was thrilled to get to select a little toy truck.
We stopped for lunch at a beer garden along the way and we learned that barnacles are a Galician specialty. I’ll admit, neither of us were feeling brave enough to try one. Maybe if we come across them again…
Our albergue in O Pedrouzo is simple and clean. People keep congratulating us on Santiago tomorrow, but we broke our last 20k into two days, so we will arrive on June 2nd.
Tomorrow, we will take our time. Addie can play in the puddles and collect rocks.
20.9 kilometers to go!
When you left home almost 2 months ago, it seemed like forever that you would be be back. Now here you are, so close to your long planned and long awaited finish . So proud of your determination and so excited to hear how you are almost there. There are kind of no other words to say, although i can think of many. Cherish the last little bit. We are behind you all of the way.
You must feel so proud of all you have done on the past 41+ days.
You rock🤗
Wow the end is in sight ! you are all superstars to have made so far ! Enjoy the last part of the trail for great memories.
Hope your last 2 walks will be enjoyable and stress free. Dance a little, sing a little with Addie and shout out how happy you all are.
Hugs & kisses