Final packing and clearing up the apartment, down to the courier to send home bikes, helmets and one pannier each. Left second pannier there for later collection and went for coffee before turning up (we thought early) for the noon Pilgrim Mass.
Cathedral was already quite full with all seats gone, but we managed to squeeze into gaps in a few pews in one of the transepts. Mass was preceded by announcements of where pilgrims had come from and which of the many Camino routes they had used, and a music rehearsal. As noon approached more people were coming into the Cathedral and were standing in the aisles.
Mass was impressive and at the end we witnessed the lighting of the 'Batafumeiro'. This is a large incense burner suspended from the roof and is hauled into place by eight men, and then swung across the main aisle from transept to transept, getting near to the ceiling on each side - a long standing tradition in Santiago.
Stroll around the town and a late lunch before collecting our panniers from the courier. Three bikes were being sent to Tony G's house and we enquired about expected delivery date. 'Tuesday' we were told and Tony realised he is going to Paris that day and won't be home. (Kev you better check he is not leading the 40+ ride on Tues).
Airport bus for 3Euros each, flights to Gatwick and train home. Tony O and Dan made it by 11-30pm, while Tony G and John got caught by delayed trains and replacement bus services getting home by 2am.
1mile - total 610 (got to include the ride to the courier!!) about 970km
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| Lighting of the Batafumeiro |
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| Batafumeiro swing across the transepts |
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