Finisterre – Tash on The Way

The end of the world and of the blog

I left before the sun was up again this morning and I was straight into the forest. There was a time when I would have been too scared to walk into the dark, not anymore. After a couple of kilometres I was out and onto the road and it started raining. Somehow it felt right that there was some rain on my last day of walking. Luckily I wasn’t on the road for long. I was back on the dirt tracks and very quickly I had my first views to the ocean. But there was still a long way to go.

I had to walk for 13km before I would reach the coast and another 15km to the town of Finistère. As I got closer to the ocean the sky started to clear, the sun came out. Those last 15km were some of the hardest I’ve done. The terrain was easy but I was tired and I felt every step. I was slow.

When I arrived at Finistère I was able to leave my backpack before starting the final hike to the End of the World. Heading up that last hill was joyous. No tears this time. I was happy to be walking along the cliffs and getting so close to the end. The final kilometres were slow, but then, finally, I arrived at that 0km sign.

I have walked across an entire country, traversed the Pyrenees and a good part of France. I cannot believe that I have walked so far and seen and experienced so much. I am proud of what I’ve done and extremely grateful to have had the freedom to go on an adventure.

I am lucky to have crossed paths with the wonderful people who made my adventure so special. I have met many people and made many friends. But Karina, Annie, Donald, Andreas, Antonio, Wouter and Katia shared their strength with me and made sure I’d keep going when I had nothing left. There were turns and trials along the way that led me to each of them. I would not change a single thing.

And now it’s done and so am I. I’ve put down my backpack and unlaced my boots for the final time. It’s time to stop following those yellow arrows, I’ll have to work out where I’m going without them.

One more day

There was a big change in the weather overnight and I woke up to cold cloudy day. It was much easier to walk in. The first few kilometres was along the road, it would have been very tough in the afternoon heat yesterday. I was very glad I broke up the stage. But the road was long and I was tired. I think I’m ready to stop walking walking now.

After a short stop for second breakfast I was back on the road but I managed to pick up my pace a little bit. Not only was there Riad but I saw a lot of my old friend corn today. Luckily there were mountains on either side and it didn’t go for too long. Then I finally turned off the road and the last few kilometres were along a dirt track, up into the windmills and looking down into valleys and rivers. It was a pretty end to my second last day on the trail.

I’m in Logoso tonight, I have 28km to Finistère and to the finish line. It feels right that my last day will be a longer one.

Sunrise and heat

It was again dark when I started on my way this morning. After leaving Negreira there was an alternate path through the forest and off the road. Even though it was hard to see I thought it would be nicer to be off the concrete and next to the river. When I finally emerged from the forest I was treated to a stunning sunrise. There had been some light rain overnight and their were a few clouds remaining to decorate the sky.

It wasn’t long before it started getting hot. Really hot, Aussie summer style. After second breakfast the waking got tough and there was little shade to escape the sun. I’m glad I chose split today’s stage and break this final journey into for rather than three parts.

I’ve arrived in Santa Marina, a tiny hamlet where I’ll spend the night. It will be much cooler tomorrow but I’ll only walk 15km. I’ll be able to have a sleep in and a shorter day before my final push to the end.

Back on the way

It was a hot one today. I started walking well before first light to make the most of the cooler temperatures. Santiago felt very different in the early hours of the morning without the buzz of the tourists. Once I was out of the city I entered a very dark forest. I entered slowly and waited for my eyes to adjust. I could just make out the yellow arrows which continue to guide me along my way. I

It wasn’t long before I was out of the forest or until the sun came up. But I did struggle in the first 5km. The emotion of the last few days was weighing me down and I was missing the Primitivo crew. But after second breakfast and a few lovely messages from home I found my stride again. There were many pilgrims on the way, most with shiny new shoes and fresh bright sox.

I arrived in Negreira just after noon and before the intense afternoon heat had set in. Tomorrow will also be hot so I’ll have another short day