A slow and steady day

The decision this morning was to suck it and see. I had no idea how things would pan out, but I also knew that if I did not try, I would always wonder.

So the plan was an early start, but taking it slowly and walking 11 ish miles instead of the 18 originally planned. I also stuck along the litoral route, meaning I could avoid one of the steep inclines. The issue is that as it is an unofficial route, markings can be scant

It was a nightmare attempting to get my pack on my back, and then adjusted it as lifting my right arm at all increased the pain in my chest, as did reaching across with my left arm. To be fair, once it was on, I was able to use part of the strapping as a sling to support my right arm and decrease the movement for my chest. Downside was no using poles.

Once out of town, the initial sections were pleasant and so scenic. I could never bore of the coastline here. It was spotted with ancient mills and alive with birdlife.
Then, the path led through light forest, on a combination of gravel, cobbles, bitumen, and sand.

And then I turned a corner, and my heart sank. A long uphill. It's a bugger as invariably you breathe deeper, and that hurts.

I walked alone for much of the morning as I needed to think through plans.

Through all three Caminoes, I have learnt something, and the Camino has lessons for us. Perhaps the one from this one is one of truly accepting limits.

If I am honest, I did not expect to get to Prai de Ancora today without resorting to a taxi- but I did. In fact, it was closer to 15 miles.

I am in a dorm directly across from a lovely beach.

With support and words of wisdom from family and friends, I have accepted that this Camino for me will be ending with a flight home on Wednesday.

A tough call and one we all dread ever having to make. But it is the right one. Any doubts went out the window when I just tried to.lay down......bloomin heck that hurt.

The reality is that my knee also needs sorting. It's been the least of the problems today but remains painful and swollen.

On the Camino as we all tend to walk similar stages each day, we all start to get a little run down by the end of the first week. That was clear last night with 2 people in my dorm with chesty coughs- the last thing I can afford atm

There's more to be written but I need to try and get some sleep.

5 miles ish tomorrow and then that's it.

Miles walked today. 18.67
Steps 38708

Blister....zero. ( Though I'd gladly trade blisters atm)Read more