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We past the place where the Muxia and Finisterre routes split and went on our journey, the sea inching closer

19.8 km

Olveiroa – Hospital – Crucero Marco do Couto – Nose Senora das Neves – Alto Cruceiro da Armada – Cee

Total distance (part 2) = 356 km

sam_1399-copy-copyMist and rain?  What is that?  Surprisingly, as the rain fell gently but persistently over the trails, it added to the experience of walking today.  And this was a surprise for walking in soggy boots and shorts was not normally my idea of fun.  It certainly took my mind off my hips and feet, more sore today than on other days from the long, fast walk yesterday.

From the village, the trail wound along a narrow, pitch black track.  We were completely alone at 6.30 am with only our head torches for company and the wind turbines.  Guided by the deep, whirring from above, we picked our way carefully along the path, glimpsing the steep drop into the valley below from time to time.  I was glad it wasn’t that evident!

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There were fish and whales everywhere

The sea was inching closer and as we rose and fell on windswept trails, we could almost taste the atlantic.

The path splits on this route and it was time to choose – Finisterre or Muxia?  But we had always decided Finisterre and turned left with the sweetness of a confectionery factory filling the air with candy.

Disappointment is all part of the Camino’s charm and as we stopped by a church, we were soon joined by the ‘crappy village’ peregrino from the day before.  He ranted and gesticulated at us, and eventually we worked out that he was annoyed because he had left his Credencial in the hotel.  ‘Sellos’ or stamps are still important to many on this stretch although I had decided not to be a stamp chaser beyond Santiago.  I had my Compostela and now I was just going for a walk.

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No words can describe this sight to a girl with the sea in her bones

And it was becoming very enjoyable, more enjoyable in the mists and rain, through the gorse and heather and pine which reminded me of a path at home.  Peace and tranquility (again) swelled within me, a feeling that this physical challenge has at times allowed me to welcome openly.

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We couldn’t see where we had been but it was very much in our hearts

Coming into Cee, it may not be the prettiest town that we have visited but it has the sea and for a coastal bred girl, the salt in the air, and the fishing boats anchored in the bay, I felt I had come home.  The sea is in my bones, in my heart and I could have remained in this spot forever.

We only have one more day to walk – only 14.5 km.  I am so proud of me, my achievement of what, tomorrow, will be 390 km.  I never thought that I would have the tenacity and resilience to do this and yet that is exactly what I have done over the last 14 days.