El fin de la terra  - martes el 27 del mayo

We had a very light breakfast and met Theo at the bus station for the trip to Cabo Fisterra, the cape at the end of the world. Although it is only 100 km (60 mi) from Santiago, the bus took almost 3 hours to get us there, the way being on twisty, small roads. The town is pretty much like most seaside towns - a little bit run down and a little bit beat up, but not too unattractive at that, and a couple of vistas are very beautiful.

The lighthouse at the very end of the cape is some 2 km from the town, and was not open, it not being tourist season yet, but it turned out to be an enjoyable walk - Stanley's ankle has continued to hurt, but to be not debilitating, and my wounds have mostly healed over. I can't speak to anything mystical about being there, but it did give a certain sense of closure to the entire walk - once we got back on the bus, I was heading HOME. Theo took things one step farther (literally) by actually wading in the ocean. Stanley walked across the cape and discovered a beautiful beach. I just sat, trying to make sense of a castellaņo version of a gallego poem that we had had read to us by its author.

The bus back left at 16:45, and the return took another 3 hours. To be sure, the scenery was nice, but I thought more than once, "if this is what a bus tour is like, only much longer, I really don't ever want to do one!"

We had a farewell supper with Theo and walked around just a bit more before turning in, bringing to a gratifying end the most protracted physical effort I have ever made, Philmont treks included, and without a doubt one of the most satisfying.

I am pleased to have been blessed with the opportunity to make these European walks, and have enjoyed each of them. My walking companions have been uniformly suited to my foibles, or at least tolerant of them, and that has definitely added to the experiences. Stanley is no exception. It would be hard to find anyone easier-going and more tolerant of circumstances.