A day of heat hills and eucalyptus

Well, last night was a night of little sleep. Despite a comfy bed, the dorm was warm. I have biten by sand flies or something similar and scratched all night. Oh, and there was the token snorer. The wind howled which in a strange way was calming.

Early start this morning. Out walking by 7. The morning was unexpectedly warm after the storm last night. The trail was varied and meandered through small villages, all with that sleepy Sunday silence.

I had yoghurt before leaving the dorm, so the first stop was coffee after about 5.5 miles. I recalled stopping there with Sian on my first Camino. Funny how memories come flooding back.

My day started walking with Ali - the Scottish Bristolian. She walks fast, and a) my knee is an issue at the moment, b) I wanted a more leisurely pace and c) I fancied some alone time.

By the coffee break we had parted though I am sure our paths will cross again. Coffee was with Rebecca from Nottingham. She's in her mid 20s and walking alone.

I enjoyed the solitude of the eucalyptus forest. The distinct aroma is a strong reminder of Australia. The dampness under the canopy with the rising temperatures led to it being extremely humid and difficult to breathe. All the same it was beautiful

The trail led up some steep inclines, on uneven and rocky ground. Difficult to traverse, but nothing compared to the couple trying to take their ebikes up!

I walked one uphill with James from America. He's in his 60s and struggling with a knee and ankle injury. I've been thinking about him as I am sat gereby the ri er, wondering if he made it to town or not. The insane thing is the weight of his pack....17kilograms!

The guideline is about 10 percent of your body weight. We were joking last night in the dorm at the random stuff we have carried and the weight of our packs. I have a few luxury coffee sachets, travel Ted- christened by Lydiia on my last Camino as Santi. I have hand cream. Otherwise, everything is a need, not a want. My pack came in at around 5.8kg without the water. Yani, a young German med student, confessed hers weighed 11.5 kg and that everything was essential! Although she then took some convincing that the sun screen she considered ditching was far more essential than a lot of other things. They say we pack our fears.

Today's walk has been tough as my knee is not enjoying itself. Despite tape, pressure sleeve, medication, and creams, it constantly reminds me of its presence. The poles today helped, but not enough.
The last mile into town....I could have cried. It was relentless. The sun was hot - forecast 29 today.
The albergue tonight is in a convent! We have been reminded duly that we are pilgrims and should behave as such. That the doors are locked at 10.00 and not a minute after and we must be gone before 8am. Rules aside, I love the feel of the place. I'm in a room with 8 others. It's a mixed dorm and all single beds instead of bunks-bonus.
The downside is the room is up 2 floors and the kitchen is down 2 floors.
Hand washing is done, and hopefully, it'll dry before bed
Tonight will be an early to bed night or at least early to lay on the bed and rest my knee
Viano do Costello is a really pretty town.last time I was here it was heavy rain so it's nice to see it in a different light.
Tonight, I need to rest rather than sight see.

Miles walked 21.38
Steps 44309
More to be written later....Baca lagi