Thursday on the Camino started with the usual coffee stop with Kenny Rogers’s. This was after a lengthy conversation with Frenchy back at the albuerge about places to eat, etc. There was a light rain falling, but we still shoved off around 0800 that morning. Our plan was still to arrive in Santiago on Sunday, so we had what we thought was 4 more days on the Camino. It was a pretty average day as it took awhile for us to get going. Several folks were also leaving Sarria that morning, so there was some pilgrim traffic on the Camino until a little after 1000. There are usually more people on the Camino as you get closer to Santiago which makes sense as not all folks start in France or Pamplona or Leon. Rain started falling as we began the march into Portomarin. Two things never seemed to fail as we approached the larger towns. First, it seemed like we would walk for hours after we had first seen the town. Second, invariably there was either a long downhill (which were more difficult and challenging) or a long uphill that would finally bring us to the town’s edge. It was like the final challenge of the town as if to try to break us prior to our arrival. I remember that we got some food from a local supermercado then ate a little. We washed down lunch with a hot coffee then headed out. Eventually the rain picked up as we headed into a gradual rise for the next few kms. The yellow plants were quite spectacular as we moved uphill. However, this would prove to be the worst day physically for me. Lucky for me, Sal stayed behind while Oliver pushed on and Rob entertained the Tin Man for awhile behind us. My left foot had swelled around the ankle and something behind my left knee was preventing me from completely straightening my leg. As the hill increased, I slowed as the Diesel pushed me ahead. I had to stop several times to finally get over the hill, which we finally did. Again, we arrived a little before the crowd, so heater space and long showers were due. We ate at the Labrador which wasn’t known for its smiling service, but it worked. Amazing how little we cared when we were cold, tired, and hungry! Today was just a day to get through, nothing more, as the albuerge filled up to about 30 people. I was too tired to care and slept hard and fast. I wanted to have a spectacular day each day of the Camino, but sometimes just showing up with your lunch box and finishing the job is all that matters. Today was one of those days.
Tags: camino de santiago, catgear, hiking, spain
