Day 7: Lugar do Corgo to Ponte de Lima

After breakfast at Ferdinanda’s, all of us pilgrims said our goodbyes and headed out. I walked alone (by choice) although I did meet up with a young German couple from Ferdinanda’s for lunch a couple of hours into my walk. It was rainy and misty all day, but I honestly think the weather made today’s walk even more beautiful. This was the prettiest walking day so far. I was almost entirely in the forest or walking through tiny villages for 15 kms today.

Tonight I’m in one of Portugal’s oldest and best preserved Medieval towns, Ponte De Lima. I approached along the Lima River through a big sycamore tree tunnel, which was absolutely beautiful! I’m staying in a private room/Airbnb called Centro da Vila, small but clean and comfortable (€45).

Foot and Leg Report: I would say today was magical, except my shin splints were so bad I wanted to cry! 😿 My legs have been sore at times since I began walking, but I started feeling shin splints yesterday. Today, they were much worse. I’ve always been prone to shin splints, getting them even from swimming, but can usually manage them with stretching and rest. I actually got a little worried that if they get bad enough, they could jeopardize my Camino, so I decided to take a rest day tomorrow. I went to a pharmacy and they suggested a CBD/arnica cream and ibuprofen. I also got some of those instant ice packs, which helped, and I’m going to try to figure out how to tape my shins with KT tape. This is a small town, so not all shops are open on Sunday, but I will look for some compression socks or ace bandages tomorrow. I also spoke with a massage therapist who thinks she can help, so I’m going to see her first thing Monday morning. The next leg of the Camino is uphill, so I’m going to have my bag sent ahead, and if my shins aren’t better, I will either take a bus or taxi to the next stop, or take another rest day. If I need to, I will look into seeing a doctor. Foot and leg problems are common on the Camino, so I’m hopeful I can find the help I need here. Foot wise, no problems. My feet felt fine today, no hot spots or discomfort.
People say the Camino provides, and that it teaches us the lessons we need to learn. I’m sure there’s a lesson in here for me. I’m going to work on figuring it out. ☺️Læs mere