#9: Finistere: Kaia and Cruz to the End of the World!

40 Days to Santiago

45 Days to Finisterre

534 Miles / 868 Kilometers

*****

They trusted us. We never doubted them. Our kids instinctively understood that this was important for us to do as a family. They never said no. They never said they didn't want to do it. In fact, they didn't want it to end. Our fearless kids fell in step and walked every single mile across the entire country of Spain!

St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Finisterre, Spain

*****

 A few minutes into our walk to Finisterre, Parker and I knew we had all made the right decision to continue beyond Santiago de Compostela. Only 1% of pilgrims carry on to the end of the world (Finesterre in Latin is end of the earth). This route is unique in that it is the only Camino that starts in Santiago. Pagans once believed that the sun died at the edge of the world and made offerings along Costa da Morte (Coast of Death).

The last week of walking to Santiago was too hectic for reflection. But it was time to let go for a few days. We had to pause in making plans for the future so we could live in the moment and enjoy the final days of our walk.

*****

It was overcast and cool. As we walked out of Santiago, we walked through enchanted Eucalyptus forest, beautiful countryside, and medieval villages. Once again, it was just the four of us (for the most part). The Pilgrims we did meet were from one of five major routes to Santiago, not just the French Route. It was great to meet new people and hear new stories. Nele was our only close Camino friend who was also walking to the ocean. We enjoyed the company when we ran into her throughout the next four days.

As we walked through the changing landscape of dense forest to rolling open farmland, we felt the change in the air as we neared the ocean. Our days were easy and breezy. On day three, we caught our first glimpse of the ocean on the way to the little seaside town of Cee. Our legs were strong and our steps felt light in anticipation of our arrival at Finisterre.

*****

Walking the coastline on our last day was refreshing. Once you arrive at Finisterre, the end point is actually another 3km away. The walk from Finisterre proper to the light house is very popular. Once again, there were a lot of day walkers and bus groups doing the last 3km. We breezed by everyone and made the easy walk to our last mile marker. The ocean was completely calm. It was over cast and cool, not a ripple on the water. After an obligatory photo at 0.0km mile marker, we walked to the rocks at the edge of the world. We made it. They did it!

 

Before sunset, we met Nele and a few other pilgrims who were also gathered at the beach. One had walked from his home in Germany. Others had started in various cities along the way.  Everyone was thrilled to see the kids and were genuinely happy to see that "The Family" had completed the entire French Camino. We cheered the end of our Caminos, and together we watched the sun die at the Coast of Death. We didn't leave an offering, but we left with endless gratitude. It was a fitting end to our journey.

*****

Parker and I are so incredibly proud of Kaia and Cruz for their massive effort and positive attitude. Sure, there were a few moments of frustration throughout the last 45 days. Between every memorable moment, scenic photograph, and entertaining anecdote were the hundreds and hundreds of miles that they walked. They worked through it all and kept moving forward.

One of the things we're most proud of is that the kids inspired so many people we met along the way. On the Camino. we were known as "The Family".  The first week of our walk, a man caught up to us and we began chatting as we walked. He said, that he had heard about us, "The Family", from the nuns at Zabaldika Albergue.  He has an eight year old daughter and was very interested about our Camino. He said he wasn't sure if his daughter could do the Camino at such a young age.  But after seeing our kids and hearing our story, he said, that he will bring his daughter with him next year. We heard this over and over again from countless pilgrims. Many shared that after meeting us, they would love to do the walk with their kids or and grandkids someday.

One of Our Pilgrim Passports with 72 Stamps (1-2 stamps a day from France).

There are endless reasons that we wanted to begin our trip with this walk. We wanted to share with them the joys and benefits of long distance walking. We wanted to explore a new culture together as a family, speak a new language, meet new people, and try new food. We also wanted to teach them how to regulate their emotions and their bodies. This was about learning how to communicate clearly and effectively.  This was about perseverance and tenacity.

It's one thing to hope for all of these things but to actually see them grow stronger and more confidant every day was incredible. There are no words to fully express the true joy in witnessing our kids flourish and thrive before our eyes.

The Camino is the easiest walk physically and logistically that Parker and I have ever done. We've walked a ridiculous amount of miles pre-kids (thousands of miles and probably more than a year of our lives) mostly carrying all of our food and shelter. However, the challenge on this walk was obviously keeping our kids alive and healthy all while, hopefully, also having fun. We would be lying if we did not share that although the walk was not difficult for the two of us, it was a relief that we got our kids to the end in one piece. It was the perfect amount of time and miles for our family's first long-distance walk.

The biggest blessing we received from our Camino was our time together as a family. The last couple of days, we discussed our journey through Spain: the good and bad, the highs and lows. We were all happy with everything we had seen and done. Finally, we all felt ready for our walk to end and for our next adventure to begin.  The Camino truly brought us together and will always be part of our family story.

It was our first Camino, but it will not be our last. Buen Camino!

*****

Kaia and Cruz, 

Your dad and I hope you will look back with fond memories on our walk to Santiago de Compostela (and beyond). We continue this blog to record some of this journey for you.  

You have inspired so many of our friends and family who are following us on our journey, as well as many others we met throughout Spain. 

We hope you never forget that although this was a wonderful accomplishment as a family, you each made it to the end of the world with your own effort. We are impressed by your resiliency and tenacity. You are legends in our eyes!

All our Love, Mom and Dad