Footsteps to Journeys

16.3 Miles

Rain in the forecast meant getting an extra early start. Translation: Alarm at 5 am. But we did it and were on the road by 6. We walked a couple of hours in the dark (always have a good headlamp!) and avoided rain for the first 8 km or so. We stopped at that point and had breakfast, including hot coffee! It gets cold in the rain in the dark!

Raincoats & Ponchos

This is a mild debate among pilgrims as to which is best…I used both! Our raincoats are absolutely waterproof so that makes them a great choice. However, a poncho covers more than the raincoat so your legs aren’t soaked, plus it covers your backpack…in case you don’t have a cover. Both good reasons to use it as well.

We journeyed the rest of the day in drizzling rain, but never a downpour, thank goodness! In that case you just have to take cover…and wait. 

Good Company

We met up with Barney from Ireland, who’s become a bit of a trail legend. We came upon him in Melide, the largest town we went through today, and walked with him for about an hour. What a great trail companion! Funny and entertaining,  walking with him makes the time fly. And, he’s an encourager…always wonderful people to be around. He re-inspired Dale to pursue his dual citizenship!

We also met Eileen, originally from San Francisco, but living in Brussels for more than 20 years with her job as a biochemical researcher! Here with a group of 10 people, of which she (also retired) is the youngest. She’s become the tech guru for the group, trying to fix 20-year-old Nokia phones that “won’t work.” Super-sweet and fun to walk with!

Ups & Downs

Our walk today was a series of ups and downs, some steep and others more gradual, but steady over a long distance, and crossing 6 rivers. Hmmm…that reminds me of something!

Hard to believe that the day after tomorrow we’ll be in Santiago!

Early morning picture of closed albergue.