Day 16: Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

Today’s walk was more mentally challenging than physically challenging. I knew it was going to be a long walking day, and I’ve got three of these in a row before I get to Santiago on Wednesday, so I really had to psych myself up. I am not one of those people who gets a great endorphin rush from physical activity. I mean, I wouldn’t really know because I hate exercising. 😂 So I just had to tell myself that all I’m doing is walking. It’s not really that hard. I also tried to stop thinking about all the km left to go, and just think about being in the moment I’m in. Once I got going, I was fine and by the time I got to my hotel, I was a happy camper. 😃

Much of the day was in the forest, which was beautiful. It started raining about an hour into my walk, which was actually kind of nice. I don’t really mind walking in the rain, although I got pretty warm in my poncho. I also knew I had the hot springs and a massage in Caldas de Reis to look forward to, so that definitely helped! I’m staying in what once was a grand hotel, a bit outdated, but still very nice (Balneario Hotel Davila, €74 for room with breakfast, €50 for massage and soak in the hot spring mineral bath).

No serious issues with my legs today. I’ve been doing stretches for my legs and shins each morning with a YouTube video I found. I’m also putting ice on my shin at the end of each day. I still have quite a bit of swelling by the end of the day and my shins are sore, but not the terrible pain I was having a few days ago. I’m so grateful for that.
Just a couple more days to Santiago!Read more