The End Of Our Journey
As the old saying goes ” All good things must come to an end” Our journey’s official end came with our attendance of the Pilgrim’s mass at the Cathedral Of Santiago De Compostella. This HUGE cathedral was totally packed and a minimum of 200 or so, standing. Mostly pilgrims and many still with their backpacks and walking poles. A beautiful and very unique mass. Can you imagine the emotion of total strangers embracing each other during the giving of the sign of peace? Pilgrims from all parts of the world.
The mass ended with the famous and giant Butafumeiro (incense burner). They originally used this incense burner to deodorize the air! Imagine hundreds of pilgrims making the journey without the opportunity to bathe?! Today it symbolizes all of our prayers rising to heaven. You can see a video of it on YouTube.com at this address:
This is a must see. When we get home, we will upload the video that I took. Keep in mind, when you watch the video, we were seated in the first row facing the people hoisting the incense burner up. It went right over our heads! Awesome!
When we get home (after the jet lag) we will post some highlight photos. Now we close with some photos of the Parador we are staying at. For those of you that don’t know it, Paradors are historic buildings, owned, restored and converted into magnificent hotels by the Spanish government. This parador is called Hostal De Los Reyes Catolicos. It was originally a hospital for the pilgrims ending their journey here in Santiago De Compostella and was originally built in 1499.
Mike & Angie On The Camino de Santiago 
We enjoyed your daily postings. Now, it is time for my withdrawal! It will be strange not to see your postings and the many comments by all of your friends in my email! We look forward to talking to you and seeing you sometime this summer! Have a wonderful time in the remaining days of your trip. Thank you again, for the many prayers during your journey! We love you.
Love,
Mar
June 2, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Wow Mike and Angela I am speechless at such splendor ! What a wonderful reception for all you pilgrims! I can’t wait to see it all , What a wonderful journey for you and all of us following you! Thank you and God bless you . Have a wonderful trip back home and I am looking forward to seeing you after the jet lag!!!!! Love Mom
June 2, 2013 at 4:11 pm
It has been a joy to follow you along this journey!!! Cant wait to see you!!!
June 2, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Beautiful. You must be so proud of this accomplishment, I know that your friends and family, we are very proud of you. Can’t wait to see you.
June 2, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Hi we have missed you, but are so grateful for taking us along on your journey. We stand in awe of both of you for accomplishing this amazing task. We are so grateful for the time you put into keeping us posted of your travels.
Enjoy the rest of your days and we will see soon.
Love you both,
Gina and Marty
June 2, 2013 at 7:11 pm
We, too, will miss your blogs very much. What an unforgettable experience you have given yourselves and your friends. Safe travels home….
June 2, 2013 at 7:16 pm
I have enjoyed following you on this very special mission and want to thank you for making me a part of it. God is surely showering you with His special blessings. Congratulations and know you must feel so proud. Have a great trip home – will be wonderful being able to sleep in your own bed,
Much Love,
Ann
June 2, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Great pics of what must be an amazing hotel. Relieved, as always with your posts, to see a picture of the establishment’s watering hole. Safe travel home. You guys are truly inspiring. Cheers, Tom
June 2, 2013 at 8:44 pm
We will miss your daily adventures, but look forward to raising a glass of cheer to your safe return! Thank you for letting us be a part of your amazing journey.
Hugs,
Cynthia and Ted
June 3, 2013 at 5:28 am
Hi again Mike and Angela, I talked to Ron last night as I have kept him posted all along the ‘Walk” and he was very happy to hear you completed your journey safe and sound! He sends his love and congratulations and is looking forward to hear more when you get back home! See you soon, Love Mom
June 3, 2013 at 5:19 pm
We are so glad you were able to stay in the Parador…their breakfast is not to be missed either! The Pilgrim’s mass is jammed packed EVERY DAY….it is just unbelievable how many people do this pilgrimage! When we arrived, it was Pentecost, Friday, May 17 so they did an elaborate ceremony with the incense burner, but not at our Pilgrim’s mass the next day…apparently they only do this on special occasions.
You both can be so very, very proud of what you have accomplished….it is just unbelievable, but we will not suggest a hike up to McMinemy’s bench when you get home!! We can hardly wait to share notes…we are all so very fortunate to have had this experience. Love, Debbie & Alex
June 4, 2013 at 12:18 am
Hi Debbie, We are in Madrid waiting for our flight to Miami. Hope all is well with you and we hope Alex has recovered fully, Mike & Angie
“Mike & Angie
June 4, 2013 at 7:32 am