When we awoke and looked out the window this morning the mist level had risen from about our knees up to just over our heads. We thought about having a quick breakfast, being mountain goats again, and going back up to the lighthouse in the hope of the views being better. About two seconds later we decided, nah.
A long leisurely breakfast, at least by our standards, and the day was getting clearer with no rain. We could have caught an early bus but decided to stay and wander around the village until lunchtime. Finisterre is a delightful village. A large working fishing fleet, snorkelling, kayaking, nice sandy beaches and a popular holiday destination. The village and boat harbour are on the protected inland side of a peninsular with some wild surf beaches on the exposed Atlantic Ocean side. We easily filled in a couple of hours before coffee and going to the bus terminus.
The bus we came down on was an “express” and had taken two hours. The return bus was a regular hop on, hop off bus and took just over three hours. That was okay because it was a flash new double decker bus. Some very non-saintly use of the elbows and a bit of foot tripping by Barbara saw us in front row seats on the top level. It felt like we should be actually driving the bus.
About half the distance back to Santiago is along the coast and is very picturesque. Lots of seaside towns full of marinas, hotels, acres of umbrellas and tables. I would say they are very popular for weekends, holidays or a place for a holiday house for people from Santiago. Very much for the locals as this area is not part of the camino highway.
The bus drivers are amazing. I don’t know how they fit the huge buses through narrow winding streets, dodging cars, pedestrians, dogs. Never missing a beat. Yesterday in the rain we weren’t enjoying Finisterre much but after this morning’s lovely walk and an exhilarating dodgem ride this afternoon we were much happier.
We are back in the same monastery/hotel for our last night before flying home. The hotel kept our bags here so we could travel light going down to Finisterre. Went out and bought the obligatory tee shirt this afternoon, although I wondered why. The tattoo will be a reminder of our camino far longer than any tee shirt.
We will go out shortly for our last peregrino meal and bottle of vino tinto.
On the way home I will try and put together a few thoughts on our camino.