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Cal’s Camino Adventures
  • Cal Partington

Cal’s Camino Adventures

En 39-dags äventyr från Cal Läs mer
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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär
    1

    Day 24

    16 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Not a classic walking day today, mostly flat and boring.. think I’m starting to expect too much 🙄
    I set off later this morning, partly due to breakfast being later.. you know how greedy I’ve become 😂.. and partly because I was finishing today in the middle of nowhere and didn’t want to get there too soon..
    Biggest success today was getting out Leon without going wrong or getting lost 🙄…
    Best thing about starting later was passing people I haven’t seen for a while and having a hug.. Chloe.. Bianca.. or just the abuse I’ve become used to regarding how quickly I walk… there’s about half a dozen people who now say “ Hola speedy “ when I go past.
    It wasn’t difficult to find my accommodation today, it’s literally on the route, so definitely no excuses in the morning..
    I met another lovely couple from Indiana at dinner and spent the evening with them, swapping Camino stories and discussing seriously important issues such as socks, things you can live without that you never believed you could and the need for a pedicure… just keeping it real 😂
    Happy weekend everyone, I’m off to bed as it’s a longer one tomorrow, I’m old and I need my sleep 😬😂.. apologies for rubbish pictures today…    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 25

    17 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    Today started off a bit wobbly it’s fair to say.. I’d been up quite a bit in the night with a sore /dodgy tummy ( a bit much information I know 😬 ) and so this morning I was really panicky about setting off on a longer walk, not sure if I’d be ok 😳
    I was a bit uncomfortable for about an hour and then all was good with the world and my tummy 😀
    I really enjoyed today’s walk once I’d settled into it.. the terrain was varied underfoot, plenty of ups and downs and some great scenery..
    i meet/pass so many people on a regular basis now, that they all speak to / shout out to me as I pass .. I’ve stopped being uncomfortable and embarrassed about it and now join in / thank / and laugh with them about it..
    I passed Alejandre today.. the guy doing it barefoot! WHAT A GUY!!!!
    I arrived in Astorga at a suitably ok time to have a beer… but, stomach in mind I trotted off to the pharmacy, a few charades moves later and I’m equipped to deal with any emergency 👍🏼
    Because I felt so awful I bypassed breakfast.. meaning I was starving.. a fantastic paella and pint later and.. yep!! I need a Nana nap!!

    I’m staying in a fabulous place tonight, best of all is a comfy bed.. the dinner this evening was seriously good too.
    Quietly sat on my own for dinner and in comes Henry ( originally from Dorset.. Australia and now Spain ) asking if he can join me…..
    Anyway, a seriously interesting guy, he’s done the Camino a dozen times at various times of the year and he was really good company.. helped me with the menu.. and drank half my wine !!!
    Another day in the bag… two weeks from now and I’ll be home!!    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär
    1

    Day 26

    18 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    This morning’s walk started off freezing cold, for the first hour I seriously thought I should have put tights on.. I’d even have worn hat and gloves if I’d had them to hand!!
    Soon afterwards it started to warm up, and actually became really quite hot.
    It’s fair to say I absolutely loved it today, the route headed up into the mountains and it was constant climbing the whole time.. actually finished at 1440 meters ( 4725 foot ) the scenery was amazing, the sky was blue ( my stomach had stopped hurting ) and I was going uphill.. yes!!!!
    I passed so many people today, Henry, who I said goodbye to, as he’s heading back home on the train tomorrow.. Bianca, who gave me a pilgrims card .. apparently the card you choose is the one that speaks to you and that’s why you pick that particular one.. mine was “ choose wisely “ I’ll put a picture on..
    Chloe and Ben, who were sat halfway up a climb and offered me a biscuit as I passed … the two Italian guy’s who say “ beep beep “ every time they see me ( even in a restaurant!! ) after christening me the roadrunner in the first week. I even had another Spanish guy on a mountain bike shout “ Isle of Man, Isle of Man “ give me a thumbs up and a high five!!
    A couple of my regulars got a taxi today as they’d been struggling and decided today’s wasn’t a good idea for them.
    I do admit to being a bit distracted at times, msging Steve to see how Hannah was doing in the E2E… Wowsa.. what an absolute star ⭐️ I’m so proud of you 🥰
    I’d been led to believe that this wasn’t a great place to stay and looked more like a village that had been bombed and abandoned… to be fair it kind of does, but it’s now been rebuilt amongst the original buildings and I’ve really enjoyed my stay here… helped by the lady offering to do my laundry!! I could have hugged her!!
    I will never again take for granted, or think using a washing machine is a chore…..    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär
    2

    Day 27

    19 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Today is the first day I’ve started with my warm coat on!!
    It was an absolutely gorgeous morning with an equally gorgeous sunrise.. I apologise for a possible overload of sunrise sky pictures..
    It was a surprisingly fabulous ( those of you who know, know how much I hate and am rubbish going downhill ) walk today, even if over 3 1/2 hours of it was over pretty tricky steep downhill!!
    It was just fabulous first thing on the final 3km climb to the top, and if there was a moment of feeling at one with everything, it was then.. an unexpected, but amazing moment.. enough said!!!
    Yes!!! The downhill was steep in places, very stony and tricky in places, but . I loved it,. and my knees were fine..also probably the first time ever I’ve been going downhill for hour’s overtaking people rather than being overtaken 😂
    I did meet one poor guy on a mountain bike.. well, on the ground, twice!! I think he had more trouble with the descent than me😳
    I’m still trying to get used to everything and everywhere being closed from 14.30 - 17.30 on the days I don’t need a Nana nap!!
    My accommodation was easily found and is fab.. possibly time to go for a beer now before dinner..    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär
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    Day 28

    20 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    Messed up getting out of town this morning, so another couple of km’s added on 😂.. I’ve decided ( so has Steve 😬 ) I’m seriously rubbish at reading a map!! The Camino ninja app Norbert told me about is definitely a must for other rubbish map readers out there.
    For some strange reason, I was expecting today’s section to be flat.. it wasn’t at all .. no out and out climbs or descents, but really up and down through lots of villages and unbelievable scenery that just doesn’t come across on a photo as it’s so vast !!
    I had also assumed after last week that the weather had definitely turned autumnal… wrong!!! Absolutely boiling today ( it was still 28 degrees at 8pm ) not a cloud in the sky and not a breath of wind !!
    Note… today I saw my first Croc wearer!!! Why!!!that’s all!!!
    Villafranca del Bierzo is absolutely beautiful and well worth staying a night in… another fab meal and obviously.. red wine 😬!!! It tastes so much better in Spain.. I’m going to be the only person who goes home from a mammoth walking holiday fatter than when they started 😳
    I caught up with Yvonne and Hazel today, they’ve booked the donkey ride for O Cebreiro, so I hope I catch up with them again before we’re done to hear all about it.
    Although it seems in some ways like I’ve been away for such a long time, I can’t believe that I’m down to my final 10 days!! I was pretty confident I’d be ok with the walking, but have to admit I had massive fears and doubts about dealing with everything else on my own… I’ll be super proud of myself for doing so next week…    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 29

    21 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Couldn’t go wrong starting off today as it went right passed my door, so i decided to save that part for later 🙄
    Again, it was a chilly start and I set off with my warm coat on.. obviously that didn’t last long as it was a steep start.. it was actually quite a long unexpected uphill with amazing views back down on the Town and surrounding hills.
    About an hour or two in I started to realise I hadn’t passed, or seen anybody else for well over an hour, quite unusual at the beginning of the day.. time to consult the Ninja 😫.. I’m 2km’s off the route it says 😬.. eeek, I’m also up a mountain, way out in the middle of nowhere!!! I may possibly have used up the rest of my available data finding my way back…
    If this had happened three weeks ago, I’d probably have gone into complete panic mode!! I’m a tiny bit proud that I didn’t… serves me right for saying I didn’t think I was walking far enough today 🙄😂
    Today I finished in Vega de Valcárcel, all ready for the climb up to O’Cebreiro tomorrow..
    With an afternoon to kill, it was great to catch up with Robbie on his way past, hopefully doing the climb together in the morning.. hope I can keep up.. first time I’ve said that for a while 😂
    Another lovely meal this evening, although it was a bit weird being the only one there.. hope they weren’t cooking just for me!!!
    Disaster of the day.. hole in my socks ☹️    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 30

    22 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ 🌙 9 °C

    Have had a really enjoyable day.. who couldn’t have with such amazing views, scenery and company..
    Met back up with Robbie to walk up to O’Cebreiro this morning.. what a fabulous walk, really cold and clear skies to start with, but it warmed up quickly and I seriously didn’t notice how much we’d climbed as it went so quickly, poor Robbie’s ears must have been ringing😬.. in my defence, I’ve hardly spoken to anyone I know for 4 weeks 😂😂
    We literally just walked passed chatting, so many people struggling… I guess we’re both fitter than the average walker doing the Camino..
    There was a lovely church in O’Cebreiro that I lit a candle for Jack I and just sat in for 10 minutes ❤️
    My accommodation was a 10 minute drive outside of the village, so I had a number for Miguel, who had arranged my transport ..
    My meal this evening was seriously underwhelming, so I thought it only seemed right to have an extra glass ( they did give me a bottle) of the slightly less underwhelming red wine 🤪
    All a bit brief tonight, but I’m really tired looking forward to going to bed 🥱    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär
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    Day 31

    23 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    How can I possibly be on day 31!!
    In my tiredness last night I think I forgot to mention getting stung on the head by a wasp 🐝!!!!
    It was REALLY sore.. but I knew I’d been stung by both bees and wasps before and wasn’t going to have a reaction… so… it was basically just a case of.. yes, it’s incredibly sore.. but ..only start worrying if it hasn’t eased off in 24 hours 😬😬
    It was still uncomfortable this morning, but so much better and had gone by lunchtime.. phew 😥
    I know I’m starting to sound really boring and repetitive.. but… another fab walk today with stunning views, scenery etc.,
    Although it was a “ downhill “ day today, there were a few seriously impressive ( but short ) climbs. Did I mention I love hills🤪..

    As I was staying outside of O’Cebreiro I had to wait for the taxi to come and get me this morning, meaning I was nearly an hour later setting off..
    I met my three Irish Ladies at ..I can’t remember, but a popular photo spot , they offered to take my picture and I took theirs… they are absolutely fantastic and I already want to adopt them as my grandparents.. until I remember I’m probably not that much younger than them 😬🥴🥴
    In fact I met lots of people again today, possibly because I set off late.. but I’m still uncomfortable being so much quicker than them all ..
    Today’s destination..Triacastela had THE best food I’ve had the whole Camino.. the pilgrims menu would be fabulous in any fancy restaurant!!
    Well.. tomorrow puts me into my final week..I’m really excited about going home , but also a little bit sad about my journey/adventure ending, more about that next Friday I’m sure …    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 32

    24 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    This morning started unexpectedly damp!! A quick root through my bag to find my waterproof coat, extra long sleeved top and rucksack cover and off I eventually go…
    Today’s walk wasn’t too far, so I opted to take the alternative scenic route despite it being about 7km further. A good decision, it was a very undulating day, through wooded tracks, trails and villages with very little on, or alongside the roads.
    Due to this I met less people, quite nice as the route apparently becomes quite busy from Sarria to Compostela.
    Once again I bumped into Alexander ( barefoot ) he commented that I’d passed him a few times and that he remembered me saying hello to him at the statue outside of O’Cebreiro yesterday. He then asked if I’d take a photo of him ( with his phone ) and offered to do the same for me..
    On my arrival in Sarria, I met the three Irish ladies again, they had just finished.and we’re quite giddy. The stages between Leon and Sarria were all they had left to do having started it years ago.. they did the final section last time just in case anything happened to one of them so that they’d have their Camino certificates. They too asked me to take their picture and I asked if they’d mind if I took one of them .. they’re fabulous 🥰
    The temperature has dramatically dropped this evening, fortunately I’ve found a fleece blanket under my bed, that is now definitely on top of it!!!
    Off for dinner now.. I wonder what culinary delight awaits.. 😂    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 33

    25 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Well !!! Not too sure what’s happened, but this morning was like a sponsored walk for the first 17 km’s!! I literally overtook about 150 ( at least ) people!!! Where have they all come from ?!!
    Despite that today was a really lovely walk, albeit a rather chilly one..
    i again met Alexander.. we’re buddies now..
    Today went through quite a variety of scenery, helped by some of it being in fog, sometimes clouds and some in glorious sunshine ..
    It was a DEFINITE moment when I passed the marker that said I now had less 100 km’s to go!!! Amazing after them starting at 800 to go!!
    I’m do looking forward to finishing and going home, but I’m also thinking of where and which one I can do next 😬😂…    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 34

    26 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    As we know I don’t panic anymore 🤪.. so, i woke up this morning to an eek moment 😂. My back was so stiff that I couldn’t bend over and had to sit on the floor to put my trainers on!!!
    Breakfast and ibuprofen later and I’m on my way…
    Again the first 17 km’s today were like a sponsored walk.. I can’t believe the amount of people now! After 17km it thinned out a bit and then by the last 6 or 7km’s I was virtually on my own.. bliss!!!’
    The scenery was fabulous, the weather changed from really misty and cold, to sunny and reasonably warm.. the temperature has definitely dropped, whilst I was walking I was fine, but have had real trouble keeping warm since I finished..
    Palas de Reí is quite small and not really a great deal to do/see.. a good day to catch up on some sleep as I’ve not slept very well the last few days..
    I’m starting to feel ready to be in Santiago now.. the remaining days are considerably shorter and I’d happily double them up…    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 34

    26 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Not too sure what happened to today’s.. I left it uploading and it’s disappeared 😩 the internet/WiFi Is really rubbish here, so maybe it was just taking too long..
    Anyway I’ll do a quick recap now before I head off for breakfast..
    I started the day a little bit worried about my back! I woke you with it seriously stiff and uncomfortable. Having trouble bending over, I ended up sat on the floor to put my socks and shoes on and sort my bag 😳
    It was a seriously chilly start again, also really really busy for the first 15 km’s.. it then thinned out a bit for a good while and I hardly saw anyone for the last 7 or 8 km’s.. bliss!!
    Whilst I’d been ok walking, I really struggled to get warm once I stopped, even a hot shower and virtually all of my layers didn’t help much.
    An early night was called for.. still cold 🥶..I seriously think the person in the room upstairs was jumping around in boots until about midnight!! Few hours later, I am no kidding, woken up by the serious snoring from next door!!! I think I’ll sleep well tonight 😂    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär
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    Day 35

    26 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Not a great deal to report on today.. best thing, my back was ok..
    A cool start .. nowhere near as cold as yesterday.. really misty and damp.. really rubbish pictures today as it was a shorter walk and literally more of the same, though I do seem to love the foggy shots 😂..
    I briefly spoke/ caught up with a guy from Germany, who said it was 4 days I have gone past him 😬.. the French couple
    Im I’ve been bumping into since the first week and Alexander 🙄…
    When I reached Melide, I thought I ought to to try out the “best Octopus in the world “ eatery!!!
    Whilst the white bit in the middle was gorgeous, the texture of the outside bit seriously made me want to vomit 🤢.. you get a tooth pick to eat it with!!.. I seriously lost all shame .. I pulled the outside off with my fingers and ate the middle ( because it was so expensive ) …. Seriously couldn’t understand how EVERYONE else just ate it all.. I wanted to throw up watching…
    The gorgeously helpful waiter that served me ran out after me and told me I was a beautiful lady!!! 😳🤣🤣
    Fab meal this evening, vegetables in my rice ❤️…
    I’m so looking forward to home food!!!
    Poor pictures today…    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 36

    28 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Well today was wet and misty, but it was a shorter day and there was no wind which made such a massive difference.. also it wasn’t anywhere near as chilly as yesterday.
    After another substantial breakfast I was on my way.
    Due to staying slightly off route yesterday and having found the place by accident, I wasn’t overly sure of my way back to it.. amazingly enough I did so really quickly, but by shear luck.
    There didn’t seem as many people today, although I think possibly they sensibly just left later to miss the bulk of the rain.. I wished I’d done the same after hanging around wet waiting to check in.
    As it’s forecast to be really wet tomorrow, especially first thing, I might well wait an extra hour before setting off.
    It was a pleasant undulating section today, though I didn’t take much in the way of pictures as it was too much of a hassle to get my phone out from inside my waterproof’s.. poor excuse I know , but true..
    Due to my early arrival, I sort of café hopped for a bit drinking cups of coffee and tea..
    My accommodation here is good, nice big room and fabulous shower.. that was big bonus points today.
    It stopped raining mid afternoon so I went out for a bit of a wander around, although it’s a pretty small place with not much to see!
    My meal this evening was great.. paella!!!! Yay!!!!
    Well, it’s now only two walks and three sleeps until I go home.. I got a little bit excited getting my boarding pass notification today .. it’s the small things 😂😂    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 37

    29 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Well.. only one more walk to go!!!! I’m so looking forward to tomorrow and ( hopefully ) saying . I’ve done it!!!
    Today was really wet, I decided to set off an hour later than usual, mainly so that I knew I’d be able to check into my accommodation when I arrived and not have to hang around getting freezing cold..
    That side of things worked out perfectly.. I enjoyed my breakfast a bit more leisurely than usual, sorted out what I considered my best clothing options and eventually set off..
    The amount of people on the route today was unbelievable. I think I also got caught up in a massive school trip, trying to get through was a nightmare until a poor guy on a mountain bike came and tried to make his way through.. I hung in behind his back wheel ( he wasn’t going v fast obviously, but was creating space!! ) and made it through “all in one piece “
    It was again a nice route, just too busy and really wet, but all part and parcel of the experience 😀
    It’s really hard to believe it’s all nearly over, it’s gone so fast and yet it seems like an in incredibly long time ago that I was a nervous wreck in St John about to start….
    I think I had just about the best meal I’ve had along the way this evening, seriously nice food and exceptionally lovely staff…
    One more day to go……

    Today I took a start and a finish picture as it was way to wet to dig out my phone.. a few random Camino markers in the middle from places…    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 38

    30 september 2022, Spanien ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    I actually did it!!!! .. I’m such a tiny bit proud, mainly that I survived doing it on my own 😂
    Today, ironically started off the same as my first day.. damp and misty.. but in between I’ve had, seriously hot sun, thunder, lightning, light rain and heavy rain!!!! All good as it gave a more rounded experience!!!!!
    When I set off this morning, at my usual time, it was still dark!!! I think it was due to the heavy cloud and mist.. I have to admit I’m not a big fan if being out in the dark on my own , especially when going through forest areas snd it’s all a bit creepy .. I’m just a wuss I know 😬😂
    The walk today was fab.. but to be fair I was in a bit of a high knowing that this was it!! The day I finally reach Santiago!!
    I know it sounds daft, but I really did have goosebumps arriving at the Cathedral after all this time and all of these miles.. an emotional experience really…
    The biggest challenge after all the emotion , excitement etc., is getting your Compostela., certificate for completion of the Camino… it’s quite a long, but certainly well organised process.. so glad I was an early finisher and ahead of the masses I’m sure arrived this afternoon.. passport complete.. I have my certificate!!!
    Obviously an initial drink to celebrate 😂
    Surprisingly found my hotel relatively easily, checked in, shower and Nana nap later and it’s off to find some food and a couple more drinks.. I convinced myself that I’d both earned and deserved it 😂😂
    I’m so looking forward to going home tomorrow, but ( sentimental as it sounds ) I definitely feel I’ve left a little bit of me out on the trail here and that it will be a journey that I’ll always remember, along with people I’ll never forget..❤️    Läs mer

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  • Cal PartingtonCal’s Camino AdventuresResenär

    Day 39

    4 oktober 2022, ö av man ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    Saturday felt really weird getting up and not heading off walking with my trusty rucksack on my back!!
    It was a really long day.. both flights were delayed, but no cancellations and that was all that mattered.
    I finally arrived back in the Isle of Man soon after 9pm, having done absolutely nothing, yet feeling more tired than my walking days..
    I guess that’s it, just like that it’s all over and done.. I’ve met so many people that I’ll never forget, done things I never thought I’d be brave enough to do and have some fantastic memories of my adventure…
    Thank you all for your, encouragement, enthusiasm and support.. it was much appreciated and definitely picked me up on my couple of flatter days..
    Thank you also to my four pairs of amazing socks, I nearly shed a tear having to bin you on the final week when you finally decided enough was enough!!
    Until the next time…… 🥰    Läs mer

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    Resans slut
    1 oktober 2022
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