Day 3 – Vila do Conde to Esposende

I wish I had done more research and organized this Camino better. I thought I was only doing about 10-12 miles a day. But then I realized I had two long days, 17 and 16 miles each, back-to-back. Today, I also found out that the charming Albergue I chose added an extra 5 miles past the 16-mile city where I was planning to stop for the day. At first, I thought, “Yes, I can do that!” But then I decided I should stay in the city and not try the extra 5 miles. But guess what? All the accommodations were booked. So, I decided I could make it until I actually hit the 16-mile point and knew I couldn’t go any further. So, I called an Uber and got my ride to my Albergue, which is charming and wonderful.

It was a chaotic day. First, I realized that my watch had not charged overnight so that made my navigation a bit iffy. This Camino is not very well marked so I’ve had to use my maps way more than I like to when I’m on a Camino. In fact, I missed a turn and was walking on the coastal route for about a mile before I realized it. Then I had to walk a little extra to get back to my route, luckily both are going in the same direction. The two routes merge for a short period of time and then go their own merry way Somehow I missed my route sign and I joined the coastal route. I did wonder why I was in the forest for a while, which I found very pleasant!

I had some thoughts about today. I feel like the literal route is like walking through the Meseta where your mind has a lot of time to contemplate everything. The difference is your body hasn’t had the first two weeks to get in tune with the walking and let your mind to take over. Because the trail doesn’t change I get caught up in thoughts and realize that I also need to navigate through a lot of locals, vacationers, bicycles and runners on the board walks and trail. All while my feet and back are hurting🤣. It is a challenge.

Hysterical that i have no pictures of what i just describe. Everything here looks so tranquil.u

Luckily it settled down to a drizzle most of the morning with sun in the afternoon.
I highly recommend Albergue Ultreya. The owner is so helpful with answers to questions and also helped two guests with their blisters. I was a bit jealous because she actually even gave him a foot massage after she fixed their blisters.

Published by wildwomenwalking

I am a woman of age reinventing myself in my 70’s. I owned a restaurant for 36 years, was a high school CTE instructor in Culinary Arts, and I’m now looking for my next chapter in life. I am restless. I do know that hiking, travel, and sharing my love of food and wine will play a part in my new adventures.

7 thoughts on “Day 3 – Vila do Conde to Esposende

  1. So this “being in your head” business…actually gives me more pause than the body aches. How many times a trip do you solve all the world’s problems?

  2. We are enjoying your updates, Candi! Glad you listened to your body and caught an Uber.

    1. I could not have walked a step me. Luckily a very kind young woman at an albergue took me in and suggested the uber then let me hang until they arrived.

  3. I love those dramatic skies! Give your feet lots of love. Although you’re finding lots of challenges it sounds like the solutions have come also.

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