Basilica to Beach ? – better stop aliterating
This is Final Day part two. We left off as we exited the shrine in Caravaca.
It’s only 11.00am – I feel as though I’ve lived a week so far today.
As we exit the Basilica, we see the priest I referred to who had been so kind and helpful. We thanked him and complimented him on his excellent singing earlier. His face lit up, a reaction to an unexpected compliment.
“Maybe, I should not tell you “, he says that before he entered the priesthood, he had spent many years in the theater and was a professional actor and singer before his calling. Love this .
You recall, I had lost my pilgrims passport. Well, in the middle of all the action and madness I’ve described over the past few days I managed to get a blank spare one. Although I could not re- create all the stamps I had previously collected I got enough from sufficient distances away to qualify for my Compostela. Here called the Caravaquensis.
Happy lad as I collected it, and it will make a memorable addition to my collection.
A quick coffee and shopping at my favorite souvenir place the wonderful ALÉ HOP shop. … And the compulsory traditional Alé Hop cows bum photo

We retrieve the car – relieved it was still there. I hadn’t seen it for a few days and head towards Orejuela Costa to finally meet up with Carmen and Vallé .
Stopping for lunch on the Square an hour later in the city – we see this …..
Is this some kind of Darth Vader society? Or an Awesome Templar like religious order. Either way, if you get a uniform like this, I want to join! 
If any middle-age men can carry off this outfit and make it look Perfectly normal to wear a pink cape and Zorro outfit in the middle of the day it is definitely a Spaniard.
OR …. A stag do 
We finally make it an hour later to Orihuela Costa
It’s great to see the girls back together
And Team Camino 2017 xxx
With great hospitality
We toast our reunion – and enjoy the luxury of of their home , great showers and swimming pool after so many hot dusty days.
A relaxing evening, stroll, and great chat with Vallé as the girls go into town -It’s just a great way to chill before our final dinner.
A simple reunion turned into meeting, friends on the way , discovering unknown Spain, and finally good food, good company, and the best of friends.
Until the next time. My only booking is return the car and an early flight.
Tomorrow is the next adventure.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Ian
@Camino Ramblings.com 2023