The Camino Portuguese, My Way

Last night's concert at Bibendum was awesome! It was open to the public and we had a good crowd. Dan and I have developed a relationship...several times during the show he referenced my "7-iron" (it's actually a 4-iron), kind of needling me. I just give it right back to him. I sat upstairs for the first part of the show near Robyn and Laura. Laura's rather pretty and when she said she was going down to dance I followed. I spent a good bit of time dancing, joining in the fun. This is NOT me! But I had a blast. When Dan did his signature song, I was the one shouting "El Camino!" Afterwards Dan said "I wondered who would steps up and chime in. Our normal person isn't here. I'm glad you stepped up. Looks like the job's yours, brother!" Can't tell you what that means to me. To be "anointed" like that, to be appreciated and included. For someone who's not a "joiner" it's huge. I've felt a lot of love f...

  Remember what I said about skipping dinner last night? Turns out a couple from the group were staying at my albergue and we shared a taxi to the venue. A wonderful evening highlighted by Dan's concert. I had a large salad and monkfish. Salad was great, I need more veggies. A lot of pastries and sandwiches. I enjoy the hiking bubble. Out here we're mostly just people. Not left/right, straight/gay, Black/White/Asian. In the real world I might not get along with some that I've met and vice versa. I wish everyone could experience the Camino world. I think we'd all be better for it. It's 6:15am and I've got a 20km day ahead. Wanted to get my thoughts down before I lose them. Today's stats:12.88 miles, 31,471 steps. Took 5.5 hours. Started in the dark at 6:45am and got to Baiona at 12:15pm. Seemed like I was in between people all day, mostly by myself. Once again great coastline views. A lot beside the road until about 4 miles outside Baiona. That's wher...

  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 skydivin...

  Cool morning to start from Viana do Castelo. Probably mid-50s. I still wore my light blue shirt and gym shorts. Hope I can keep walking this way. Carrying extra gear in the IKEA bag is awkward since it keeps slipping. Of course I could remedy that by putting my gear in the IKEA bag and shipping that forward. I just don't want to carry anything extra. Lunch and concert at Cafe de Cabanas in Afife. Lunch was in a beautiful garden area. Lunch was supposed to start at 11:30 but many of the group arrived later. The small staff was overwhelmed by our party of 35 and it was slow. A couple of our group (myself included) assisted with clearing dishes to speed things up. No, I did NOT break anything. Just pitch in and help. Dan's concert was at a small church across the path. Beautiful setting and his songs echoed from floor to ceiling. His set list was more hymn oriented with several other songs included. His final song was an a capella version of "Danny Boy" that brought m...

  "So then where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within." - Eric Liddell, "Chariots of Fire" Fao to Viana do Castelo. 18 miles, 43,000 steps. Started at 6am in the dark, arrived at 1:30pm. I managed to follow the arrows for the first hour, feeling my way. Shortly after starting I ran into Hella from our group. I thought I'd walk a short distance with her since her pace was slightly faster. She's 13 years younger and in great shape. She's the one sponsoring the ice bath near the end of the trip. Originally from Germany but lives in Australia. As it turns out we stayed together the entire day. The little grinder, the bulldog inside me, wouldn't let her get ahead. We had an amazing day, lots of good conversation. It's always more fun to hike with someone but this day was especially wonderful.  We just seemed to click. A day I'll remember for a long time. Lots of pretty scenery. Neighborhoods, eucalyptus forests, ocean ...

  Woke up at 5:15am after listening to a soreness from my podmates. Got the two Brian's moving as they wanted to get out early. Iwas on the road at 6am in a drizzly fog. I decided to walk with just t-shirt, shorts and my fanny pack. No IKEA bag to carry extra gear. It's chancy if it rains butthe drizzle was very light. I wandered through neighborhoods and along the N13 highway before heading back to the ocean. Wasted almost 2 hours before I found the boardwalk. Nothing was open since it's Sunday morning. Things don't open until 8am. Followed the boardwalk for another hour and finally found an open market. Croissants, apple cider, water and two bananas for the road. Need to remember to hydrate! Eventually passed Estela Golf Course. My last chance to get a club for a hiking stick.  The young woman in the shop spoke no English, and she asked about coworker to help. Through Google Translate and acting out as a hiker, they understood what I wanted. She went in the back room...

  I woke up 6:52am. OMG! I have to be at the Cathedral at 8am! Got my stuff together in a hurry, ate a quick croissant and headed out. Made it in plenty of time. Group photo 8am, the took the bus to Matosinhos. A good move. I didn't want to walk from the Cathedral. I counted 15.44 miles  today. All flat, a lot on boardwalk. Salt air is invigorating! All along the coast. Saw lots of iceplant that made me think of N. California. I walked a good distance with Robyn, an older Australian woman in the group. A little tired, not too sore, but I was ready to stop.  Concert tonight 630pm.