In the spring of 2020, my husband and I were going to bike (him) and walk (me) from Porto to Santiago. Then, of course, Covid consumed our lives, travel shut down and our trip was cancelled.
Last fall my granddaughter, Eva, called and told me she had found an extraordinary price for a trip to Porto. Of course I said, “book it.” We thought about it overnight and bought our tickets the next day. Life got complicated. Eva is studying for her MCAT and the exam was set for two weeks after we were to return home. So our trip together is on pause until the fall of 2022.
On February 1st I sold my cafe of 36 years. I was at a loss of how my life should look now. As those who have walked a Camino de Santiago know, it draws you in when you are in need of answers. I started planning for the Camino Frances starting in mid summer. Again life changed my plans. I felt a need for some long walk, and if it could not be the Frances this year, then I decided to give the Portugues Camino another try.
My good friend, adopted family member, and hiking buddy, Laura, has been looking for an adventure. One benefit to two years of Covid was a great many days of vacation building up. In April, off we walk; seeking clearer heads, a physical challenge, good food and wine, and the spirit of the Camino de Santiago.
Day 12 – Vital to Santiago (12 miles)
I’ve had a hard time starting this day’s blog. I haven’t quite sorted out why that is, or even how I feel about the walk in. I think that it’s because it does n’t feel like it’s complete, enough, or that I’ve had enough time to experience a Camino; an amuse-bouche Santiago feels like “home”.…
Keep readingDay 11 – Caldes De Reis to Vilar (16 miles)
The final days have arrived. I feel as though I am just now ready to experience the Camino and it is over. Tomorrow we walk into Santiago. Today was a beautiful woods walk for 80 percent of the day. I enjoyed so much solitude today. The downhills were a bit steep. One needed to keep…
Keep readingDay 10 Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
Today I walked through some beautiful forests most of the day. I left the city with a couple from Germany. We have been seeing each other for many days and exchanging greetings. It was nice to have some time to visit. Then I went on my way as they stopped to read some signs. Next…
Keep readingDay 9 Redondela to Pontevedra – 12 miles
Note to self, rest when your body needs it. My foot felt better from coming in and staying off of it for the rest of the day. I walked much easier today. I rested when I needed to, drank more water, and enjoyed the day. Galacia is a region of hills. I climbed, descended, climbed,…
Keep readingDay 8 – Start Out Slow and Taper Off -George May
O Porrino to Rondondela – 9.5 miles Just when I thought that maybe I would carry my own pack… I think I threw caution to the wind and walked a five mile an hour pace yesterday. Yes, I am a slow learner! Yes, I’m stubborn! Today I’m paying for it. So goes the lessons of…
Keep readingDay 7 – Valença to 0 Porriño (11.7 miles)
Today was very warm; high 70’s. A good day for walking. I was up and ready before in and Laura so took off early. It was a five-minute walk and I was in Spain. The walk along the river in the early morning was delightful and as it turn back into the city of Tui…
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