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- Nov 5, 2024, 1:38 PM
- ⛅ 68 °F
- Altitude: 184 ft
SpainGaliciaValga42°41’54” N 8°38’28” W
Day 17: Caldas de Reis to Vilar

Today was a nice walking day, but LONG! I walked at least 25 km today. I started before 9 AM and didn’t get to my albergue until after 5 PM. I kept meeting up with the same pilgrims, some of whom I’ve seen for a few days. We all seem to stop at the same cafés for a snack and a bathroom break, and just to rest for a little while. There was the lady from Ukraine, who’s walking with her sister. She was at the hot springs spa with me yesterday. I met Gus from Maine, who is 22 years old and just graduated from college. He’s meeting his dad in Portugal after the Camino and they’re going to Morocco. I met Laura from Dallas, who has done multiple Caminos. I walked with a couple from Vancouver who I’ve seen for the last several days. I’ve definitely been talking with more pilgrims in the last few days, which has been fun and interesting. After our second stop today, I ran into Laura again and she said that I was emanating joy. I don’t know about that, but I definitely feel in good spirits today.
At my third stop today in Padron, I met Elena from Venezuela and Alex from Germany. While I was talking with them, Bruce from Australia came in. I met him in Tui a few days ago and we were both dealing with leg and foot issues. I knew I was ahead of him by at least a day so it was a nice surprise to see him again. I also saw Maggie and her mom Mary from New York. Maggie was at the spa with me in Caldas des Rais last night. It’s so cool to keep running in to people I’ve met along the way.
Tonight I am in a beautiful, historic albergue called O Lagar de Jesus (€60 for large private room w/ ensuite). The owner is a Brazilian man named Elijah, but his mother is Galician and he is now back in his mother’s home country. He lived in Miami for 10 years before coming to Spain. I had a wonderful meal here with other pilgrims from Portugal and the Czech Republic, and enjoyed the best Spanish Rioja wine. 🍷 😀 Elijah gave a special toast about family and faith, and what the way, the truth, and the life means. He called this our Santiago Eve, and it definitely felt like a celebration. Only 20 km to go to Santiago! I will meet my young German friends there and celebrate this beautiful pilgrimage with them.
Foot report: On my second café stop today, I took care of a little hotspot I was feeling on my heel. I reapplied Foot Glide all over both feet and put some tape on that spot. A small blister was forming, but I think I caught it in time. My shins are feeling pretty good. Still a little sore at the end of the day, but no serious problems.
I’m feeling pretty happy about making it this far, and I’m looking forward to arriving in Santiago de Compostela tomorrow. 🙏😌Read more
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