Day 14: Redondela to Ponte Sampaio

Great walking day today. I didn’t have a long walk today, so I enjoyed a leisurely morning, stopped at the supermercado for snacks, and hit the trail around 10:30. I passed a group of three Brazilian women who were on a religious pilgrimage. At least that’s what I assume because they had their rosaries out and were chanting prayers and singing songs the whole walk. I slowed down even more so I could hear them longer.

There was a lot of climbing today up some big hills, or small mountains. I guess it depends on where you’re from. 😂 Anyway, what goes up must come down, and the downhill is harder than the uphill for me. I’ve noticed that my toes are hitting the end of my shoe on the downhills. So today I stuffed a little lambswool in the end of my sock and it helped cushion my toes nicely. I’m so happy I haven’t had any foot issues! The downhills put some extra strain on my shins, but overall my shins are doing so much better. There’s still some soreness, but the terrible pain I was feeling is gone. I’m stretching in the morning and evening and I stop frequently throughout the day to stretch my legs and shins. I’m so grateful to be walking again!

I’m in a nice little town on the coast tonight. It was nice to see the ocean again after leaving the coast of Portugal about 10 days ago. I’m staying in a basic but clean hostel called Hostel Albergue O Mesòn (€26 for private room w/ bathroom across the hall). I spent the evening walking along the coast and admiring the gorgeous sunset, then visited with some fellow pilgrims at the hostel.

I have another short (11 km) walk tomorrow to Pontevedra, which is nice because it will give me more time to see the town, which is supposed to be a pretty (and historic) city. I only have about 4 walking days left. Crazy!Read more