The final stretch, 22.3kms

There was an edgy, nervous vibe in the Albergue in Arcos. Everyone laughed a little bit more, stayed awake a little bit longer and dinner has a sparky atmosphere.

Tomorrow would be D day. "Santiago Day".

Pilgrims had converged from many different Caminos, the man in the bed next to me was on his 8th Camino, this one was the Norte (North Way). Just like the scallop, whose ridges represent the differing ways to Santiago, all ways come together to the Santiago Cathedral.

Matt was keen to walk, and bolstered by codeine for his feet we made good time. I was pleased that we were not on roads, but the wide, easy path wound through gum forests, and tiny towns, consisting of a few old houses.

Even when the path skirted the Santiago airport we continued in bush with huge airliners roaring up off the runway.

Excitement drove everyone. A group of teenagers let off some loud firecrackers and whooped loudly while people clapped.

One small downer occurred at a cafe stop. The lady had put a lock on the toilets and the code for the lock was printed out on a docketwhen you bought something. Big signs said toilets were for paying customers only. I watched her turn away an older lady, who was obviously distressed, and my inner rebel came to the fore. I rushed outside with my docket to give to her, and the look on her face was worth it. She went straight back inside with obvious relief.

By early afternoon we came to the top of the last rise. Here was our first glimpse of Santiago. A huge motorway and a modern city. I searched for the Cathedral but could not see it. The path went down past a large park and a strange holiday camp, before crossing the river and heading up again along an avenue. Cars roared by. My legs were tired. But we pushed on with 3km to go through the city. Slowly the modern housing gave way to older apartments, and then to small laneway. We heard the Cathedral bells rolling 3pm. It must be close!

Down a long cobbled lane, through an ancient city gate and, pop, we had appeared in the square. The huge cathedral looked to our left, and a large civic building sat opposite.  The plaza was crammed, pilgrims everywhere, army, police, school groups, and hawkers all milling around.

There's no fanfare when you arrive. We had to ask our way to the Pilgrim Office,a short walk down some stairs. Then a line...which took an hour. Then a "credencial" with our names "latin"ified...mine became Annam, Matt became "Mattaeum" though google tells us it should be Matthaeus, weve had quite a laugh about that.

Outside we subsided into the nearest bar. Dinner. A drink. Entertainment from a great Danish lady (who had slept in a barn the night before).

Then a 2km walk to our hotel which almost killed me. We went via the Cathedral, which was packed and it put me off going to mass, so just some photos.

The end, for now. We do have plans for sightseeing...watch this space.