Wow. I'm still adjusting to the knowledge that I completed this part of the Camino Ingles. Under the circumstances, this is the "best" I could do, and it is more than enough.
I was very happy when Lucy, one of my new (yet somehow long-known) friends from my Mortimer-Bramley stretch, agreed to join me for my last day of walking here in England. I took the train to Eastleigh, and waited with my new friend Charlotte for Lucy.
And Lucy came with her doggie, Wolf!
So great to have a friend and pooch along for this day.
Lucy and I have much in common, and our thoughts tracked together seamlessly as we walked and chatted.
The closer we got to the major port city of Southampton, the more urban the surroundings were, but following the Itchen was fascinating as it broadened towards the sea. From 12 inches it grew deeper, wider, and estuarial.
Flat-water kayakers pulling into the Wood Mill.
At the Wood Mill, we stopped for a cuppa and a spinach/feta roll from the menu of 12+ rolls. I took a photo so I could replicate some of these at home.
Camigas!
And on towards the estuary and the point of embarkation for pilgrims headed to Santiago. And also those who went to Plymouth Colony on a bucket called the Mayflower.
Walking deeper into Manchester, we left the river in the direction of the medieval city walls. It took a while, and we explored neighborhoods where head coverings for men, women and teens were the norm. The scents from the many food shops was very tempting, but we were on a mission to find the West Quay and the end of this pilgrim's path, for now.
The remaining medieval Western city walls are very substantial, especially the Arcade, which was built after a nasty Venetian attack on Southampton in the 1330s.
And then the sea. And a dramatic monument to the Mayflower.
We found the West Quay gate, where the pilgrims to Santiago would have embarked for Spain. It's not the end of the Camino, so there's no big monument.
But here's proof that I finished one leg of one Camino. That suffices for now. And with a fun companion.
We celebrated by finding the Duke of Wellington Pub, which gave me my last English stamp, warm congratulations and a discount on food. It's a very old place, and fully decorated for Halloween.
Celebratory G&T
A wander back through the town and a fond fairwell on the platform. Til next wander, Lucy and Wolfie!
Reflections to follow on my flight back to Spain.
Here's the best I could do, folks.
With Wolfie!
So incredibly proud of you, of your determination, of your pluck and verve, to accomplish such a grand, life-changing, deeply profound and meaningful journey. None of my remaining travel quotes can speak into what you just experienced…so I’ll wait to hear yours. Well done, and Bravo, my brave and fiercely contemplative friend!!!