• Helen Ferguson
  • Helen Ferguson

Portugal Camino

Uma 30aventura de um dia na Helen Leia mais
  • June 11

    11 de junho de 2024, Espanha ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Today is a short walk about 14 km to Finisterre. We took our time getting started enjoying the luxury of time and cooler temperatures. Kamla and I did get a little lost for a few minutes but we're thankful for it because we were on the boardwalk beside the ocean for a few minutes. Then we began walking through the narrow streets of Cee before becoming a magical forest path. There was a big hill which I wasn't happy about but I reminded myself how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. As I entered the Hamlet of Estorde a picturesque beach came into sight. I spent some time sitting on the beach enjoying the sound of the gentle waves lapping the shore, admiring the incredible beauty of the colours of the water while the sun warmed everything around me. As I approached the road, I heard someone call my name, it was Kamla so we enjoyed a coffee together sitting in the most beautiful setting at a cafe on the beach. We reluctantly left the magical setting and continued on our way. We meandered through the forest paths chatting and soaking up the beauty that was all around us. As we departed the forest, the trail took us down to a pristine beach. It was at this point, we encountered a young man who had just finished a Camino and was paying it forward by preparing and sharing a delicious paella. Kamla and I gratefully accepted his offer and joined three young people from Utah finding a rock to sit on to relish this scrumptious dish. It really was a magical Camino moment. The rest of our walk was along the stunning beach with the waves gently lapping towards us. We arrived in Finisterre and found our friends who had already arrived at our destination. We went for dinner and then another long walk (about 7 km) return trip to the famous lighthouse. This is active lighthouse is one of the most powerful in all of Europe and it was believed to be the most westernpoint point of land. We were all exhausted when we returned after enjoying another fantastic day on the Camino.Leia mais

  • June 12

    12 de junho de 2024, Espanha ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    We awoke in the ancient port and fishing village of Finisterre wishing our dear friend, Lorelee, a happy birthday 🎈🎂. We decided to have breakfast at the cafe in our accomodation, which was a great choice. The breakfast was delicious, the staff very friendly and efficient and they treated Lorelee to their version of a very creative birthday cake. We wandered around the beautiful port area before beginning our 15 km walk to Lires. I found today's walk to be long and arduous. It was a combination of forest paths and small villages and hamlets. We arrived at our destination about 3:00 and I was hungry (probably hangry), so I ordered a burger (the first burger I have had in Spain) at the cafe at our albergue. It was an absolutely scrumptious burger made from blond beef with a delicious sauce. This species of cattle is a Galician cow that has the luxury of grazing year round on the lush green vegetation often for many years resulting in a renowned intense taste. Our culinary experience continued into the evening with a special birthday dinner for Lorelee. We shared a delectable cheese board, zucchini rolls and chicken fingers. The staff were so incredibly kind providing a special dessert with a candle for Lorelee. Lorelee and I ended the day singing and dancing to our newly composed song because we were so happy to not be walking, as we have decided to taxi to Muxia tomorrow.Leia mais

  • June 13

    13 de junho de 2024, Espanha ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    It was a good feeling waking up and knowing I didn't have to walk today. While it's been an incredible journey and I have seen many spectacular sights and wonderful encounters, I am thankful to be done. Lorelee and I began our day with some beach time at Praia Lires. We had the entire beach to ourselves and it was so peaceful to rest there, listening to the gentle waves as the soft sea breeze whispered while we watched sail boats on the horizon. It was difficult to leave the tranquility of this place, but eventually we made our way back to the hamlet to catch a taxi to Lires. Our taxi driver was very friendly and pointed out a lot of landmarks along the way. Unbeknownst to us, Mary had just arrived at our albergue and greeted us in the lobby when we arrived, perfect timing! The three of us set off for lunch. We took advantage of some of the local traditional dishes and shared Padron peppers, scallops and salad followed by dessert. A brief exploration of the town followed that was shortened because it started raining. After 3 weeks of walking, this is our first experience with any amount of rain, and for that I am very thankful. It was a very dreary afternoon in Muxia, but I did manage to drag myself out to join Lorelee and Mary exploring the town. We had fun taking photos on the rocks and managed to stay standing despite the extremely strong winds. We have a lovely large room that is spacious even with the three beds, a couch, desk, a table and chairs and we have a view of the sea. A perfect space to stay cozy and get a good nights sleep.Leia mais

  • June 14

    16 de junho de 2024, Inglaterra ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    We took advantage of the nice weather and made a final walk to the top of the rocks at the point in Muxia. This provided us with one final look at the incredible 360 view. We then rushed back to meet our taxi for the ride back to Santiago. We spent the afternoon in Santiago with Kamla and Joyce enjoying some time visiting over drinks and exploring the market and other parts of this bustling city. After they left for their flight, we wandered around the shops making a few purchases. We were all excited with our final accomodations, a lovely hotel room in the center of town with lots of character and luxurious towels. A final dinner at a cafe on a busy street allowed for fabulous people watching. Our Camino is complete and I am thankful for the support from Dave, family and friends and the opportunity and ability to do it. After my health concerns this past year, I was very concerned if I would physically be able to do it. However, I feel my health concerns helped me listen to my body and practice self kindness making adjustments when necessary such as walking a part day, catching a bus and taking rest days. Buen Camino.Leia mais

    Final da viagem
    16 de junho de 2024