Day 34- Santiago to Nigreira

Distance: 15 miles

I didn't quite know what to expect from today's walk on the Camino to Finisterre, but it turned out to be a beautiful day on the trail.

I woke up at 6:00 a.m. to tape my feet and get my backpack ready for the day. After a nice breakfast at the Parador, I was on my way. Since my usual walking partners weren't feeling well enough to continue today, I set out on my own.

Before leaving Santiago, I stopped for a few more photos in front of the Cathedral. Then it was time to begin the next chapter of the journey.

I thought it was going to be cold, but I quickly discovered that the route started with a steady uphill climb. Within minutes I was warming up and was grateful that I had packed shorts to change into.

The route was hilly, but very manageable. One thing I was looking forward to was my second cup of coffee, but there weren't many cafés along the way. About five or six miles into the walk, I finally found one, and that coffee tasted especially good.

While there, I met a woman from Canada named Rebecca. We struck up a conversation, and after finishing our coffee, we decided to walk together for the rest of the day. We shared stories about our lives, our families, and our Camino experiences. The miles seemed to pass much more easily. 

The scenery along the route was absolutely beautiful. We passed farms, tiny villages, and old stone towns that looked as if they belonged in a painting. One of the highlights was the village of A Ponte Maceira. The ancient stone bridge crossing the river was stunning, and the entire setting felt almost magical. We walked through shaded forests where the scent of eucalyptus filled the air, making the journey even more enjoyable.

There were certainly more uphill sections than I had expected, but since I never looked at the elevation map beforehand, maybe that was a good thing! Sometimes it's better not to know what's coming.

I made great time and arrived in Negreira around 1:00 p.m., where I was scheduled to meet up with Bob. I was pleasantly surprised to see him walking out of the hotel carrying a beer and some snacks. By then I was both hungry and thirsty. Even though he had originally bought the beer for himself, he generously handed it to me. I enjoyed it along with the sandwich I had packed at breakfast, and it tasted absolutely delicious after a long walk.

Now it's time to rest. Tonight's hotel may not be quite as grand as the Parador, but it will do just fine for one night. Tomorrow's stage is considerably longer, so I need to recharge and be ready for another day on the Camino.

Buen Camino! Czytaj więcej