The journey home

Here I am sat on the flight back to the UK. 

This morning has been a whirlwind. I had a better night sleep. The alarm sounded at 5.20. A quick coffee (so glad i packed some sachets in my pack) and an apple. A check of the room, then a double check. 

As I left the accomodation with my pack on, I took time to enjoy the morning coolness. Caminha was still sleeping.

There were very few passengers on the train, and I managed to sleep almost the entire 2 hour journey.

Porto....now that was a different story. The train station is big,  and I needed to catch the metro which was from another station.  There is a labyrinth of paths leading to different platforms, to the buses, to the metro to the city....

It was completely overwhelming after the peaceful sanctuary of the Camino.

Time was not on my side so a taxi it was. A lovely young man from el Salvador. Good conversation though a slow journey- Monday communter hour is the same the world over.

I arrived with just under 20 minutes to spare before baggage checkin closed!  

The flight back? A time of sleep, reflection and planning for the next Camino. I ran through my kit in my head, remembering to note the things I need before my next Camino.

A water bladder is top of the list. An additional pair of toe sock liners. Restock the footcare kit and thats it.  I was really please that there was nothing I carried that I didnt need-except the insect repellant. Equally I did not come across anything I was missing.

Verdict on the new backpack? Super pleased with it and worth the investement. It was comfortable to carry even after the fall. Spacious without all those additional pockets that some have-the pockets that cause you to forget where everything is. The simplicity is key

My feet survived well with 108 miles walked (an average of 18 miles a day) and no blisters even with 28 degree days.  I think at last I have the footcare/sock liner/socks/boots combination worked out.

No this isnt how I wanted things to end, but it isnt the end. I will book in to see the physio to get this knee back on track. I will keep up the walking and I'll be back on the trail Spring 2026.

Just which trail....now that is yet to be decided. Perhaps finish the Portugues....though only if Eric and Karlin don't tempt me to do a different one. (And tempt me they are trying!) Then the Camino del Norte in Autumn!Baca lagi