The last three days of the grand route flew by. We were on a very interesting road, starting around Cacín (near Alhama de Granada) and ending in Almunécar. (as I have said all along). The road had some serious curves on it, and it’s quite dangerous especially if you’re running barefoot. But I am happy to say everyone who ran the last 2 days with Julia are still in one piece. The last day was weird in its own way, it was the goal, the objective, and it was there. Jack and I took Julia and Rob to the start point of that day, dropping me off in yet another bar for breakfast on the way. The runners were going to stop there after about an hour. Upon reflection, I reckon I have been in more than 51 bars. I was in 51 bars for breakfast, that didn’t include lunch and then wine and tapas at night! So I have no idea of the total, but it’s lots… some better than others.

Julia had decided that she wanted to run along the Paseo Maritimo Velilla in Almunécar and arrive in a blaze of glory at Hotel Casablanca where the rest of the friends/family were waiting for her. Jane, who I have mentioned before, was in charge of the end of arrival celebrations, with banners, balloons, music and general festivities. She had ordered a surprise cake for Julia’s triumphant arrival, but Debbie let the surprise cake out of the bag when she arrived a couple of days before. But it was a splendid cake despite not being quite such a surprise… After another vlog in the breakfast bar, the runners set off toward the end point. They got there quickly despite the heat. Jack got Julia to the point where the street met the Paseo Maritimo Velilla and said, that’s it, I’m retired, my job is complete and we headed off to the hotel to wait for Julia to arrive. She tanked it to the finish line. It was amazing there, everyone dancing, hugging and generally celebrating an amazing feat (pardon the pun). A speech followed, there was someone from the press there (no idea who) and someone from the town hall. After lunch and a rest, it was time for the party. Julia’s 59th birthday. It was great fun. Julia made a long speech and I have to confess to feeling quite emotional. Julia especially thanked Jack, who as she said was with her every step of the way, herding those cats, getting her to the finish line. And he did. He did an amazing job and I am very proud of him. We said early on when the going was tough, we do not doubt that you will do this Julia and we never doubted it, not for one second. Sunday morning Jack and I headed home. It was a strange feeling driving home instead of driving Julia to a start point. But that’s gone now. My photos are some from the final day as you would expect. The one of me Anadi Julia Jack and the cake is lovely….And made it she did. ,