Day: 31
Date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023.
From: O Pedrouzo To: Santiago de Compostela
Distance (Planned): 19.9km Actual (Garmin): 20.6km Progress: 854/801km
Start Walking: 0539 End: 938am
Time: 3h59m
Ascent: 345m Descent: 369m
Terrain: Yet more undulation with plenty of hard surface, urban walking at the end.
Weather: Misty and cool to start, then humid. At least it was not raining!
Stayed At: Madrid – on my way home.
General Comments:
- A final terrible night’s sleep with loud chatterboxes, plastic rustlers, zipper uppers, and then snorers. I suspect my albergue days may be numbered.
- Hence, my early start in the dark. It was perfectly safe though as all I had to do was follow all the pilgrim head lamps in front of me. I was not the only early bird or insomniac.
- I charged along this morning with no breaks and no coffee. I just wanted to stand in front of the Cathedral and watch the parade of celebrating pilgrims enter the plaza. There was certainly a lot of them.
- Apologies for the quality of the photos. For those who have also walked to Santiago de Compostela, they will make more sense.
- It feels good to have finally arrived and completed yet another epic adventure in Spain. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to be able to undertake these sorts of capers as I know there are many people who would love to do something similar, but are prevented for a whole bunch of reasons. I am walking for you too.
A final Buen camino to you all. Thanks so much for your support, good wishes, likes and comments over the past month or so. It has been sincerely appreciated and I treasure the friendships I now have all over the World with people I have never met.
NB: Normal blog posting will now return to once per week, each Wednesday, so you can all breathe a sigh of relief. Phew!
Life...one big adventure 
Wohoo….Well done Mel. Now get your butt back here….oh maybe have a little rest first! XXXX
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Thanks, Dally. I’m on my way. I look forward to seeing you and hearing all your news. See you soon. Melxxx
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Congratulations!
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Many thanks! I should be celebrating, but that may have to wait until I get home. Have a good day, Mel.
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Well done Mel. 🎆🎇✨🎊 Never any doubt that you would finish this. What a star! So straight onto a flight home? Have a good journey and I shall look forward to following you around Alice 🤗
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Yes, no rest for the wicked and straight home to Winter! Apparently it was -5C at home this morning! You’ll have to wait a little for Alice as I am still playing catch up with Borneo. People will think I am never home.🤣
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I’ve been thinking about you all day! The Cathedral remains a beautiful sight – wow!
Thank you for letting me walk with you. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about everything you saw after each day’s walk. Safe journey back and rest well.
Maybe one day we can stay together in the Parador hotel in Santiago 😉. For the last time, Buen Camino Mel 👣.
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That was my pleasure. I know how much I enjoy reading other people’s posts about walking caminos, so I am glad I could bring back some happy memories for you. I look forward to sharing a glass of vino tinto with you in Santiago de Compostela one day. 🍷🍷Melx
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Great trip Mel. Quite varied. Varied in weather, terrain, pilgrims, accommodation and feelings! All expressed so well in your blog. Thanks for the posts and pictures. Have a safe journey home.
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Thanks so much, David. I often thought of you both as I walked, especially the fun and games we had on the via de la Plata. Hopefully your Camino plans are still on the drawing board?
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Congratulations!!
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Why, thanks! I’m not sure if I need congratulations or a good lie down! 😆😴
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Perhaps both!
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Good idea. 🙂
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Omg you’re in Madrid already! Wow. Lol you act as though we won’t miss you. Have loved checking my reader at the end of the day for your updates. so dear Mel thank you for sharing with us and we WILL miss you. Fly well. xx
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Thanks so much, Fran. I look forward to meeting in person one day, hopefully with our hiking boots on. Take care and walk strongly, Melx
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It will happen! 🥾🥾🥾🥾
Looks like you led a path of Aussies here – they are all over Europe now the school holidays have hit.
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I couldn’t believe how full all the flights were to/from Europe…the World is definitely on the move again.
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Fantastic effort, Mel! Congratulations 🤗🍾💚 Hopefully you can sleep on the way home. Lots of hugs waiting for you when you get back.
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Thanks, Jo. I look forward to some gentler walks in the next few weeks, but I may have to cut down on the cake intake! Big hugs to you too, Melx
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CONGRATULATIONS Mel, what an absolutely amazing achievement. Such an adventure and you are truly an admiration, I’ve loved following along.
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Thanks so much, Han. I look forward to catching up on your adventures too when I get home. Sorry, I haven’t been paying much attention of late. 😊
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Congratulations Mel, enjoy the trip home and the big welcome and hugs 🙂 Amazing feat.
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Thanks, Suzanne and thanks for all your support along the Way. Much appreciated. Melx
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It was a pleasure, Mel x
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And now I need to catch up on your doings too!
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No rush for that 🙂
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🤩
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Congratulations Mel… well done on another Camino adventure. I’m going to miss reading your blog each morning.
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Been thinking of you too! Congratulations, what an accomplishment! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your journey. Yes, some very cold mornings at home, but beautiful days too. Safe travels home Mel! 🏡
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Thanks so much for your patience with my daily ramblings. It will be nice to get back into my home and bed, even if the temperature will be dramatically different! ❄
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Thanks, Kay. So, it’s tag to you and now what is your next adventure? 😁
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Our Outback Adventure starts at the end of next week!
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Woo Hoo! Go West, young woman! 🌅🌅
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Safe travels home Mel. Thanks for taking us all along on your journey. Looking forward to your next one.
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and we both know, there will always be a ‘next one’! 😁🥾🥾✈✈🌍
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Congratulations Mel!!!
Thank you for sharing & carrying me with you in your heart through this amazing pilgrimage/ adventure
🥰🌹💫
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That’s my absolute pleasure, Rozanna. I can’t quite believe it is all over. I look forward to seeing you soon and having a good catch up. Big hugs, Melxx
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WOOT WOOT!!! Waving my pom poms for you! Congratulations and thanks for taking me along for the rid…er…walk. Looking forward to walking together for reals. 😁
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It will be here before we know it! Where has the year gone?
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Such an amazing adventure Mel! The journey and the endurance to achieve it is breathtaking! You should be very proud! Enjoy the reflection ….(and a good night’s sleep)!
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Thanks, Mark. It has been a fabulous adventure, but I am ready to hang the boots up for a bit or a least a long sit on the lounge. 😁
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Ta Da indeed! Congratulations Mel. Incredible achievement- yet again. I really don’t know how you do it. You’re amazing👏 Looking forward to the celebration drinks on your return. Safe travels home xx
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You’re on! Sounds like we need to schedule a long lunch or a girl’s night out! See you soon. Melxxx
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Congrats! Sounded like quite the experience! Maggie
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It certainly was and you look like you are enjoying equally wonderful experiences.
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Woohoo! Well done Mel! Will be happy to have you home safely. Look forward to a chat xx
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Yep, we better get a large coffee or wine before we sit down to make that phone call! Xx
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A hearty congratulations to you, Mel. We’ll done!
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Many thanks!
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Bravo !!!!!!!!!!! I always enjoy following people on the Camino as I am not there this year but hopefully next year it will be possible ! Take care and thanks for sharing ! ♥
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That’s my pleasure and thanks for all your comments and likes along the way. It is much appreciated. Mel
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Awesome achievement Mel! Brilliant blogging too. Don’t know how you managed to have the energy to type and download photos after all the walking you did each day. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy a well earned drink. Cheers, Mark
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Thanks, Mark. Yes, some days were tougher than others to find the energy to post, but I loved all the comments and support I received through the blog. It really helped on the harder days, knowing that I had a virtual cheer squad out there. Have a good day, Mel
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