Finding treasure on the Camino de Santiago

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” John Muir

Day 2 – Vila do Condo to Barcelos

Kms – 33 in total

G&T’s to date; 5

Mojito’s to date; 3

Lizards spotted; 33

Photos taken; 995

Glasses of wine; not counting

Today I was up at 5am and on the road by 6am. I knew it was a 30km plus day and I wanted to get at least 10kms behind me by 9am. Mission accomplished. The early mornings are so lovely to walk in, it feels like I have some kind of turbo in my shoes. As for when I run, walking in the heat just takes it out of me.

At least 40% of my path today was on very narrow windy village roads with no pavements. Taking the coastal road on Day 1 meant making my way inland today, which was a little scary as the cars fly by you at hectic speeds around blind corners. In case you are wondering, the alternate routes back to The Central Way are not marked, and not encouraged (because they don’t want pilgrims on these narrow roads). I had my Brierley (the bible of Pilgrims), and was determined to find my way. Still hectic until I found my groove and the quieter pathways revealed themselves. Im a little shocked at the speed that the cars fly down those small lanes at, there are 40km only signs but no one seems to care.

Once the farmlands and “forests” revealed themselves I was a very happy Pilgrim. Birds chirping, wild flowers, beautiful views, tiny villages on the horizon. This is the Camino.

I found my happy place today, and found must say the walking was good for my soul. I needed to cleanse myself of a few frustrations and a bit of resentment, sadness and loss, and it has sure started working. A few thousands steps into a forest and I could feel the load shifting. Some more reflecting to do but a good start. More on this next time.

I found myself fascinated not just with doors today, but withe the beautiful postboxes i kept seeing. I took so so many pics in the 35 deg heat today that at some stage my phone switched itself off. Actually just stopped working.

I had another lovely surprise today when I stopped for lunch. As I started my salad and glass of Vinho Verde (green wine – delightful, not really green), old men started pouring into the cafe to watch Portugal vs Morocco. Needless to say, I stayed and watched and had more green wine (never mind I still had 10kms to go). It was just too good an opportunity to miss.

All these guys were sitting behind me in the little snack bar place. That’s me pretending to take a selfie.

I was going to stay for the whole game but I thought I better get going. 10kms doesn’t sound a lot but in 35 deg heat its can be a killer. It practically did me in to be fair, but I focused on the beautiful doors and postboxes. Comrades training comes in handy for times like this. Scorching heat, aching body, sweat everywhere. I think even my eyes got sunburnt, they were so sore. Not much reflecting or positive energy going on those last two hours. Fortunately once I stumbled onto my hotel it is gorgeous and the village of Barcelos is also a treat.

Gifts; my inner strength to make it through the heat; a surprise soccer game and time to just watch the fans; my early morning directions to my hotel from Warwick (Vasco needs her directions); a little bit of cooling rain at the end of a to day; some personal insights to start my inner healing

Tomorrow brings 34kms from Barcelos to Ponte da Lima. Apparently the most beautiful section but also a bit tough. watch this space.