Playa de Noja

Another crazy difficult day! We clocked another 30Km day! No blisters for Holly and I yet, we have a system that’s working for us and we are sticking with it. Toe socks with Darn Tough Merino socks on top. I know it sounds overkill, but it has worked for me for years and I’m so glad Hollys feet are happy with it too.
Today was pretty cool. We all walked a few kilometers and then had to take quick 10 minute ferry across and start hiking again. We did have a pretty scary little stretch from one end of the beach where we hiked straight up, very technical, no room for slipping. At one point I was on all fours dropping my foot placement just perfectly in order to make the next step. I also thought having poles were not a good idea and quickly realized that I definitely needed them to plant to test the ground before stepping. Before we headed up a local said it was very dangerous and that the trail slips away sometimes, so to be very careful. He wasn’t over exaggerating!! What made it more difficult was a group of like 8 who were older, not hikers, painted toe nails in sandals trying to maneuver in front of us. No place to pass. They were on a little day trip we think. We had 30k to knock out and they mine as well been in walkers they were going so slow. One fell, saw a couple other dirty butts, so they did too, I assume, but they were taking forever and it was so hot. We were getting a little anxious and finally Nathalie (of course she did!) shouted, “Hey move over, we have a long ways to go today”. A man shouted back “They are elderly, be patient” and she replied, “I’m not patient, come on”. Then she started saying “beep beep beep coming through on the right”, God I love this girl!! She made her point, got through the masses, and then they got a clue and moved over for several others that needed through. It was tough!! Really tough. I’m not sure why they were on that hill. A lot of other pilgrims took the road route because of the danger of falling off or slipping and getting injured. We made our way down to this huge beach and we walked for about 3 or 4km on it before getting back on a trail. I’ve never spent much time on the beaches in Spain..and coming from a puritanical society in the USA, I was a little taken back by what I saw! We were strolling along in our sexy hiking cloths, dripping in sweat, while families with kids and dogs, and couples young and older were enjoying their Sunday afternoon. I always notice dogs first and then the people they are with. I was checking out this dog playing around and here comes an older couple strolling along and they were naked. His stuffs just swingin, hers too, and it’s so natural for them. All I could think of was at least put some sunscreen on? Wouldn’t want all those parts getting burned!! I noticed it the first day in San Sebastián too. Women topless sun bathing. Such confidence! Here I was hotter than heck and I thought about taking my shirt off, soaking it in the water and then putting it back on but didn’t want to flash anyone with my bra!! Seriously! We come from a very different place, indeed. However I could do without seeing anymore old dingers swinging around.
After we got through that stretch we walked through town and found the yellow arrows again that would lead us to Guemes. A lot of road walking after that. We were getting rummy and a little giggley. We were walking down this street and this younger man was walking towards us. He had nothing on but shorts that were tucked into the built in underwear. And I said ‘Here comes another naked man”. We all started laughing so hard. He must’ve felt so small after passing us because we were all losing it.
We finally made it to our destination, Holly and I got our own private room, a lady washed our clothes and delivered them to our rooms. I had a shower and then a nice relaxing bath. It was perfect for the muscles!! Then Holly and I went for a lovely dinner at the place attached to this Posada. Unbelievably wonderful. Best meal yet on the Camino.
It’s 11:30 now & need to get some rest. ❤️Read more