Day: July 11, 2026

Santiago

So, yesterday we walked into Santiago de Compostela and were awarded our 8th Compostela for walking the Camino Frances across Spain.

It was a particularly satisfying accomplishment in that Linda had her 81st birthday in Pamplona 46 days ago and Jim will celebrate his 80th birthday in 27 days. And in many ways, Camino 2026 was no more difficult and even seemed easier much of the time, than previous Caminos.

Today we slept in, having little else to do! We went next door to a bar and had a semi-typical breakfast to begin the transition to the real world.

We spent some time reflecting on how it felt ending our 45 day, 304 miles of walking. We are still processing that. What comes next with respect to the Camino, only time will tell.

Our focus by mid-day had shifted to the trip home over the next two days and making plans that allow for a smooth flow from Santiago hotel to train-to Madrid to Hotel in Madrid to Flight home.

We took a break at 2:00 to visit Linda’s favorite Santiago restaurant, Le Coq, for our main meal.

Crispy chicken on a stick, baby lettuce, goat cheese. cherry tomatoes, walnuts and a light balsamic dressing for Linda. Cajun spiced chicken breast, baby mixed lettuce. mozzarella cheese, avocado, orange, apple and a heavy balsamic vinaigrette. Our red wine (vino tinto) was a very nice house mencía.
For dessert we had a very light, warm chocolate brownie with an ice cream sidebar: chocolate for Jim, hazelnut for Linda.

The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to planning, organizing and repacking our stuff, napping and reducing our snack inventory.