Today has been a languid day of rest -- no walking or destination. A short breakfast of leftover fruit in the albergue, then the pilgrim´s mass at Noon to see the swinging of the botofumeiro, check in and lunch at a budget hotel, rest in my room while watching Indiana Jones III dubbed in Spanish, now puttering around until dinner.  Final leave taking tomorrow when I fly to London in the morning.

After a full thirty three days, the journey has come to an end. Even walking down the street in my fleece and cargo pants, I felt more like a tourist than a pilgrim as I saw a steady stream of backpacks and poles eagerly making their way to the cathedral.  I´m in no hurry; I´m just killing time till I have a cheeseburger again and spend too much money in London.

Let me take this chance to say thanks to friends and family who not only supported and encouraged me before I left but were with me often along the way --

• My Mom never failed to leave encouraging comments here, and as countless memories from childhood flooded my mind on the camino, her presence was strong.
  

• My Dad, who is very unskilled in typing and email, followed my steps and checked in with me a lot. As I walked through mountains or past lakes, reminders of past vacations with him came to mind and heart often.
  

• My friend Jason was the first person to congratulate me or reassure me when I needed it. That´s the great blessing of a friend who knows you well. Plus, he took me to the airport and drove me around to buy gear. Can´t beat that.
  

• My grandparents came to mind a lot as I thought of trips with them to New Mexico and Colorado as a kid. My grandmother, a pro at email, also made sure I knew I was loved, loved, loved while on the way.
  

• My college fraternity brother, Daniel, followed the blog and always kept in touch to let me know the journey was a gift to him as well as to me.  It was like having him here.
  

• My friends Dustin and Ryan threw a big going away party before I left, including a collection of money. The overwhelming generosity of that gesture touched me deeply and has stayed with me. I have also thought of Dustin every time I heard the roncadores (snorers) in the albergue.  Trust me; Dustin is a pro.
  

• My priests, Nancy Lee and John, gave hours of counsel, encouragement, and love before I left. And they prayed for me while away. Every Sunday morning around Noon (6am in Washington) I thought of them faithfully waking up to give of themselves to our church and community. We are very, very lucky. I also thought of them when my pack was too heavy (NLJ) and when it rained (JFD). :)
  

• My spiritual director, Marc, was in mind often, but especially when I was at the lowest points and when I needed a presence to lean on, knowing it was sturdy and robust.
  

• My sisters, Stephanie and Laura, who sent me encouraging emails and who gave me the knife which I used many times for opening oranges or cutting blister pads.
  

• My friend, David, who took my mail while I was away. And, most importantly, who walked with me one day as I thought of how much I treasure his friendship -- especially vegan cupcakes and free places to stay in NY. :)
  

• My friend, Marco, whose apartment is always free, whose car is always available, and whose heart is always open. Thanks for the hospitality, and many, many times, I´ve had visions of a visit to Texas for bbq, steak, and Mexican.  Mmmmm.

• My friend and former seminary companion, Michael, who walked this way six years ago and who gave great advice.  He has also been very kind to pray for peace on my feet.

Friends and family and all those whose gracious presence surrounds and uplifts me, thank you, thank you, thank you.  What you have done and still do for me is amazing.  I am truly blessed. And on this first day off the camino, I rest in your love.