Day 7 Oia

 I had been warned this was a long day...like 27km. And it was...17.42 miles, 43,086 steps. Some up and down in spots. And one 5 minute taxi boat ride across the Minho River from Portugal into Spain. We lost an hour when we entered Spain.

Someone had said it was a 1.5 hour walk from Praia to the ferry. Even with minimal stops it took me about 2:10. I chose the route around the mountain in A Guarda that leads out to the ocean. The other option is a climb up the mountain. I wasn’t interested in "up" knowing I still had 12km left.

The walk along the coast is GORGEOUS. Incredible coastline views. A bit circuitous and long bu very enjoyable.

I walked with several of our group at different times today. Started with Jim from Anchorage, then Kaley from Sydney and Mary from Phoenix. After the ferry I caught up with Brian from FL, Jen (Dan's wife) and then walked with Sky from Toronto. Sky earned her name...she's made 1,800+ jumps from planes. I got a real lesson on skydiving. She said she was initially afraid of heights but this helped her overcome those fears. Just one of the amazing people I've met.

I was really dragging the last 5km or so. My feet feel mostly good though I'm taping the bottom of my right foot with KT tape. Legs were sore coming in but a night of rest will revive them. I'm skipping Dan's 8pm concert to rest and do laundry.

This is not a walk in the park. I pushed myself today but feel good because I did. Best decision i made was to transfer my pack each night. I doubt I'd have made it today if I'd been carrying.

Tomorrow is Baiona, a shorter walk (if you call 17km short).

I'm about 150km (90 miles) from Santiago.