Sunshine and the sea

A less than restful night....lots of snoring and restless people getting in and out of creaky beds.

It made me smile all the same, knowing that the noisiness will settle after 4-5 days once everyone falls into a natural rhythm. For most last night was the first real night on their first Camino. I loved listening to the excitement.

I was out walking by 6.50. I quickly met Pollina from Stutgardt in Germany. She's 24, and we shared long conversations about so much. She was telling me that when you're young, your parents teach you. When you are older you must teach them. She explained about teaching her father to use Google maps-he is a similar age to me! But then the tables turned, and we laughed. She had not found the supermercado (supermarket) last evening....my reply...its simple just type groceries into google maps!

Then, a lengthy walk with Cami from Slovakia. She talked about how the Ukrainian war was impacting life in Slovakia as a neighbouring country.

She also shared that her first Camino was the Del Norte....reputed to be one of the toughest and a huge ask for a first timer. She did just under half, which is still a massive effort.

The scenery today was stunning coastline interrupted by more urban areas and little fishing villages

The colour of the sea here reminds me of Albany back in Australia, and anyone who knows me well knows Albany is somewhere with special memories.

Today, I was asked about finding the path on the Camino. It really is like the adult's version of spotto! You watch out for the yellow arrows. Some are more easily found than others. There are several apps that help, and you can, if all else fails, pinpoint yourself on the map on an app. But...yes a) I'm directionally challenged and b) technology and me....
The other option is to follow any pilgrims you might see and hope they are not lost, and actually doing the same Camino as you.

The albergue tonight is lovely. It's small, modern and clean. I'm in a dorm of 5 others.

On arrival, the old familiar routine kicks in. Produce your passport. Produce your pilgrims passport to collect your stamp. Then boots off and left at the door. Make your bed up- bonus tonight...bottom bunk and a duvet! Then it's shower, hand wash clothing, and head to get groceries as I was cooking tonight instead of finding somewhere to eat.

I spent a leisurely afternoon walking (I know!) on the beach. I found a sunny reflective spot to ponder the meaning of life and other such deep things.

Over dinner, I chatted with Eid, a Portuguese pilgrim who lives in Manchester. She is a family psychologist who used to work for a local authority and in the NHS. Some really interesting conversations.

I had genuinely forgotten which day it was until a friend commented this morning that it was Friday. Two days, and I have lost track of time already .The magic of the Camino.

We are opossite the beach, so that's where I am headed to watch the sunset.

Miles walked 19.06
Steps 39585

Blisters...0

Just a niggly kneeRead more