I try and approach life with a glass half full attitude and try to believe things happen for a reason.. that theory has been tested over the past couple of years but life would feel pretty bleak otherwise.  Reflecting on my past few weeks and the times I have put my Camino on hold due to convalescing I have had the privilege of meeting multiple waves of pilgrims as they passed through on their journeys and it has been an absolute pleasure hearing their stories and learning about their lives.  I would not have connected with so many pilgrims otherwise!  This also showed me the huge range of pilgrim backgrounds and life experiences these people have.  

I did not have any preconceived ideas as to the type of person who chooses to walk a Camino but I have been surprised at the amount of successful businessmen/women who I wrongfully assumed would favor a five star resort than living out of a backpack.  I have met pilgrims who started their walk with a suitcase and private accommodation and soon switched to a backpack and hostel life to feel more connected.  In amongst the pilgrims I have met are lawyers, businessmen/women, social workers and Moms (like me), basically all walks of life. There is no judgement on the Camino and nobody cares about social status..  I imagine for some high profile people, this is refreshing.  With your existence being stripped down to a backpack and the simple act of walking and connecting, we are all fundamentally the same.  

Soto de Luina – Queruas (18.5 miles)

I had a great day!  My knee started off rough but as soon as the meds kicked in I was loving life (I knew there would be repercussions for this later but sometimes mental health is as important as physical and I needed to get moving!).  A fellow pilgrim twisted his ankle on trail today, it just goes to show that one misstep and your Camino can be over in a blink of an eye.. it all comes down to luck!

The weather was absolutely beautiful and akin to previous stages the views were stunning while walking a mixture of farmland crossings and coastal paths.  The accommodation at the albergue was also a treat with modern amenities, showers that actually had room to hang your clothes and beds with curtains and phone charging areas..   it’s the small things that make me so happy! 

 

Queruas – Ribadeo

I took a bus today for 62km to make up for lost time. The forecast called for rain so the timing was perfect.  My destination was Ribadeo which is a sizable town with a large commercial and fishing port.  It was stormy when I arrived so I did not walk around too much and spent most of my afternoon in a very cute coffee shop!  I had a fun evening chatting in hand gestures with the owner and two workers at the Albergue, they even shared their dinner with me. I must learn Spanish.. it is embarrassing!  

 

Ribadeo to Vilalba

This was the perfect day to jump on yet another bus.. I woke up to rain and to solidify my transportation decision I was gifted a beautiful rainbow!  It’s from this stage that the Camino turns inland so sadly I said goodbye to the coast but Santiago now feels within reach.  Uncustomary Santiago has never been my goal, my goal has always been Finnistaire where once again (hopefully) I will be at my happy place, the coast.  

Vilalba is quaint town with the most impressive grocery stores, you are watched with a keen eye in the produce department and plastic gloves must be worn when handling items.  The hostel is fabulous with beautifully clean rooms, spacious bathrooms and a full kitchen.  In the evening the host played guitar and we all sang along, it was an amazing experience with yet another great group of people.  It just doesn’t get old!