The Camino Portuguese, My Way

  No real hiking today. At least along the trail. We took the early (7:30am) boat from Vilanova to Padron. Trip took almost 2 hours. Then we hiked to the site of the WimHof presentation, about 5.8km. The class started with background on the WimHof method, followed by breathing exercises. WimHof centers on breathing, cold and visualization. Rhythmic deep breathing. We had a light lunch, then it was time for the ice bath. It's mind over matter, combined with breathing. I stepped into the ice bath.  Initially it was difficult to sit all the way down, but I could feel the effect of the breathing exercises. Deep breath...let it out. Repeat. It got better as time passed and I completed the required two minutes. This was followed by four minutes of warmup exercises. Tonight's concert was a Hawaiian pool party at a private residence. Many dressed in aloha shirts. A fun next-to-last night party. I've decided I won't walk tomorrow.  FL Brian  and I will split a taxi as we bo...

  It got rather chilly at last night's outdoor concert. A steady breeze kept the temperature down. I started shivering and ended up covered with a blanket. It was bad enough that I left during the final song.  Cathy and I had an adventure finding my albergue which was 4km from the concert. Today's supposed to be about 17km but where my starting point is located may add a couple km's getting back on the trail. Had a good day today. Started at 8:30am. The albergue was rather remote and (I thought) a ways from the trail. I didn’t want to venture out in the dark and lose the trail. FL Brian and Barbara were having breakfast so I joined them and we ventured out together. Turns out the trail wasn't far away and we were in good shape. It wasn't long before the trail followed a forested area and a stream. Really beautiful setting. I've wanted to walk with Laura for several days. I slowed my pace but it was awhile before she caught up. She's beautiful and interesti...

In my haste to leave last night's concert I left my club behind. Three of us were walking back to the albergue and one asked "Do you have your club?" Whoops. I messaged the group and one of them found it and brought it back to the albergue. We watch each other's back. It's the Camino spirit. I did it earlier in the trip; now someone repaid me. I had been warned that the Variante Espiritual was a difficult climb. The first 6-7 miles weren't too bad. From there it's a steady 4-5 mile climb. You start at an elevation of 50-100 feet and top out around 1,500 feet. The last 1.5 miles are downhill into Armenteira. I made a wrong turn where the Variante splits from the main trail. That cost me about a mile total. Cool and breezy today. Clouds gathering in Armenteira but I don’t think it'll rain. I started at 7am this morning and got to Armenteira about 2:45pm. I took my time coming up the hill and took a few breaks. At the top of the hill I ran into three...

  Today's stats: 12.53 miles, 31,064 steps, 4:46. Left at 6:45am in the dark. Some stretches i was using my camera flashlight. At one point I ran into three Americans using their trail map trying to decide which way to go. I joined them for several miles and we had a good conversation.  Later I briefly met a man from Colombia and another from Mexico. The Colombian man was familiar with Marisa Baena, the LPGA pro from UA who won the NCAA in 1996. The world is a small place. Weather was cool and clear, great for hiking. Just got a few spits of rain as I entered Pontevedra.  Seems like I've packed just about right. I think the weather will cooperate from here on. Some good pics today. I love the forest routes. There's been more up and down since we left the coast. Tomorrow will be a workout (Spiritual Variant) to Armenteira. We start at about 150 ft and climb to 1,200 ft within 10 miles.

Is it all about politics? I hope not. If it is I'll walk a lonely journey. I've always had a recurring thought. When God made me he said "I'm sending this one on a solo journey." I'm an only child, never married and have a difficult time joining groups. Yesterday afternoon made me feel like "here we're go again. If they knew me, I'd be an outsider. I don't fit their group. " I cried after I got to the hotel.  And they weren't tears of joy. I see a nation totally divided, unwilling to find a middle ground. Tears of exclusion. Tears of a loner. You got through many emotions out here. It's a time for growth, testing your boundaries.  I need that. Brian was good for me yesterday. Our chat was not combative in any way. That's the beauty of the Camino. Started this morning at 8:30am after breakfast at the hotel. Breakfast was included so I finally took advantage. Steady light rain from the beginning that matched my mood. Once ag...