Arse Over Tea Kettle

1,225,945 steps over 800 kilometers and we have completed the Camino Frances at St. James Cathedral in Santiago. Having received my Compostela in recognition of the pilgrimage, it didn't seem possible that emotions could run higher. But the end of the journey was so overwhelming, I am emotionally exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

What a glorious way to wrap up my Camino - mass at St James Cathedral,  a Cantor being supported by the pipe organist, and last but not least, the botafumeiro. 

Being able to witness the botafumeiro is a gift.  It is not at every mass at the Cathedral but it was early this morning. 

As it swung overhead, billowing clouds of  incense smoke, I was overcome with awe and the enormity of the past six weeks.

One of the most famous symbols of the cathedral is the botafumeiro.  It is said to be the largest censer in the world. This massive incense burner is 1.5 metres and weighs 53 kilograms.  It swings from the central cupola.  It takes eight men, (tiraboleiros) to move it. It is suspended from a height of 20 metres and can reach speeds up to 68 km/h. This video is a little long (over 4 minutes)

Seriously. Wow.

The Cathedral is stunning. Simply stunning.

But it is not the standing structures that makes my pilgrimage so special. It is the people, the self reflection, and the gift to understand the goodness that is in all of us.

During my Camino, I fell. A lot. Many times. Literally, I went "arse over tea kettle" and on the edge of a cliff.

But, as in life all we can do is pick ourselves up, cleanup as best we can, and keep on.

Ken is now in Europe and we will be together again tomorrow. It's going to take a little while to process this journey. In the coming days, I will share pictures and thoughts. For now, I am eternally grateful for the prayers of friends and family - but most important - the love, support, and companionship of these brave and fierce women:

Thank you Margaret Ann O'Rourke, Jacinta Hughes, and Kathy McKeil.

Buen Camino from Santiago.