Triacastela to Sarria - part one

Well I had a giant nap yesterday and slept in until 7am today and whaddaya know I had a much nicer day. As much as it's only walking and I'm sleeping much better, I do think it's all starting to stack up now, and I'm potentially more tired than I realise. Without the back pain it'd probably be more manageable.

We are coming to the end of the short sleeve weather so I hope cooler (moving into wetter) days don't completely unravel me. A silver lining of that however, might be that it makes it easier to manage the ending. If the difference between the Camino and Portugal includes being warm and dry, I'll be more excited about it.

As well as a nap, yesterday I sorted a bed for today in Sarria in advance - the first time I think I've done that potentially - so considering that and the fact that it's not getting hot today, I can dawdle happily.

Dawdle happily I did. Top of 17, clear, 25km, bewdy. Perfect long sleeve weather. Barely saw anyone on the way, which suited me fine as I've ricocheted back to fierce independence - you can't hurt me, I'm avoiding you first!

The Camino always provides, and today I copped three excitingly edible blessings.

1. I ran into Fabrice and two others about five kilometres in, Fabrice was practically manic cutting up bread and sausage, stuffing it into our hands along with cheese and olives and walnuts. The non-smoking thing is great in theory but I think in practice it's just been replaced by weed and as a result he's eating a lot. I took my picnic to go and told them I'd see them in Samos.

2. I got to Samos first and was lining up to order a coffee when Fabrice pushed in front of me at the bar. This honestly really gave me the irrits given we'd already had an odd day with each other yesterday, but then he turned around and handed me the coffee he had bought which was very nice. I still think I've got the irrits though.

3. A pilgrim rest stop at someone's house, always appreciated, always adorable. I had a mandarin and a milk and fruit smoothie juice box thing.

I also worked out I have *just* enough boxes left in my Credential to fit the minimum required remaining stamps (10) between Sarria and Santiago. This is exceptionally pleasing as I haven't been consciously moderating this but running over only a little bit to start a new one would have really annoyed me - I'd prefer them to all fit on one or to have gone crazy on them and filled two. Muy buen.Read more