Day 18: Last night on the Camino.

We walked 8 miles today in 4.5 hours. We have a very nice hotel in a small village 6 miles from Santiago...our final destination! (I'm doing the happy dance). 

We are sending BOTH packs on the taxi bag express tomorrow. Sam has finally agreed to send his forward because the cathedral in Santiago doesn't allow packs or poles. So we are planning on going to the 12:00 noon pilgrims mass so we have to stow the packs early. We are hoping that the noon mass does the ceremony of the swinging of the giant incense burner called "Botafumeiro". This ceremony was done in medieval times to fumigate the sweaty, stinky (and possibly disease-ridden) pilgrims. The ritual requires 6 attendants to perform it. It was shown in the movie "The Way". It looks cool. 

Resting by a stream today. Last quiet time before Santiago. Another gorgeous day. 

We are expecting large crowds as we enter the city tomorrow based on what we read in the guide book. Tour buses, tourists and pilgrims. The trail was the busiest that we have ever seen it. 

We are both excited and thankful that we have made it this far on the Camino safely and in good health. No blisters or limping!   We have seen so many walking wounded. Tonight's restaurant had a sign that said in 4 languages:  "Please Do Not Take Off Your Shoes!"  

Thanks for sending your positive energy to help us finish this Camino. We are very excited and happy!