The sheer beauty of the sea....

A late start today as breakfast was included.
Chatted with an American couple from Florida who had finished the Camino and spent their last night back in Porto.

I met Sue at breakfast. She's from Cornwall and easy company. We walked together, meaning that the miles passed easy and without too much effort.

It's her first Camino. Her husband passed away last year quite quickly after a cancer diagnosis. She says he would be laughing at her and proud as this is out of her comfort zone. She describes herself as a princess. I wouldn't describe her as that, and we shared many laughs

I had intended on making it a short walk today, but....as I write, I have clocked up 20.05 miles. Sue walked on a mile and a half further as she had booked a hotel room. Oh and she definitely won the whose got the best bed for the night competition.

As soon as the pack went on today, I remembered what I love about the Camino, and just how very much I missed it.

There is a peace that is to be found in walking. Add to that walking by the sea on a perfect sunshiny day. The incredible turquoise and silver shades of the sea blending to the bluest of blue skies. The scent of the salty air....yes, as a friend commented today...Helen's happy place.

The sea here reminds me of Australia.

The walk was on a mix of pavement and board walks. A tiny amount on cobblestone roads.

Tonight's albergue is simple and lovely. I met up with Cheryl and Mark from Tennessee and Andrea from Alaska. We have enjoyed many stories and laughs. For them all, it's their first Camino. Kind of makes me feel a veteran!

It's so lovely just chilling with others enjoying the slow pace again.

Tomorrow? No idea. Think I might aim at 13 miles or the alternative is 16.5. Either way I have already gained a day on where I thought I would be.

The only hiccup today? My beloved water bladder has finally sprung a leak on the bottom seam. Despite a Blue Peter job, it's sadly been sent to pastures new. Mind it's at least 15 years old and has many many miles under its belt. Tomorrow will be a 1 litre water bottle, and eventually, when I reach a city, I will look to get a new bladder.

The irony was the beginning of the first camino saw me not seal the same bladder 100%, and it leaked then.

Miles walked today...20.68
Steps 42845Read more