We made it 24.1 km from Scala Hotel to Santiago Sept 29

Hola - after 12 days of walking - averaging 24 km/day - we made it to Santiago!!! We stayed at a very nice hotel last night -probably one of the nicest ones (had an outdoor pool etc.). Breakfast was included in our accommodations so heading downstairs to the buffet - oh my gosh!!! It was almost terrifying - all the people, no order, chaos - as everyone was trying to get their items and cafe con leche and sit down to eat. There were several bus tours staying at the hotel - so all of those folks had to eat and get on the bus by a certain time, we just wanted to eat and head out before the Peregrino masses from Padron and further were on the trail. We did not linger long and were on the trail by 7:35 am. The air was crisp, cool and moist again this morning, as we walked in the dark and the fog. We had walked 14 km (about 10:30) before the fog lifted. Most of the pathway skirted the main thoroughfares and kept us going through forested areas and on less travelled roads. As we arrived in Santiago, the sun was baring down on us - we were all thankful we had left early and walked when it was cooler. At about 1:00 pm, we arrived at "ground zero" and all of us planted one foot on the Camino shell. What a great sense of accomplishment - 12 days of walking, achy bodies, some blisters, popped knees and a few tumbles later, but we all made it. The look on people's faces when they saw the beautiful church was one of awe. The renovations to the front outside of the church had now been completed and it looks beautiful - the detail, the carvings are a must see!!!. We quickly found our hotel, checked in and handed in our stamped (passbooks) credentials so we could get our certificates and then toured around. We joined in the pilgrims' mass at 7, seeing many familiar faces of those we met along the way, everyone was happy to have arrived. Our group was particularly happy to have to seen the last of Dave's butt - not matter how much he tried to walk slowly and have others take the lead, it was not his nature to do so...so he was in front most of the time. We will put away of hiking poles, retire our backpacks and enjoy tomorrow (Sunday) without having to wake up early or have a particular destination for the day. We have made arrangements for a private roof tour of the cathedral after we take in a mass at noon. I wonder how we will manage without having another 24 km walk tomorrow - our feet and our bodies will be thanking us I am sure! Buenas noches, gracias and hasta luego! Till our next journey - where ever that will be.