MeAndering the Camino

Somehow ended up coming into O Podrouzo the long way as I missed a turn but as luck would have it, I saw most of the cafe’s, the laundry and banks and know the way out in the morning.

Another beautiful day for a “walk in the park”. Started off pretty cool and foggy again. Enough that I took off my glasses for about half an hour as similar to a few day ago, it was just reflecting the light on my head. Yesterday, two other routes, the Camino Primitivo & Camino Norte, joined us and it was very apparent this morning with the crowds. Thankfully, as morning wore on, they seemed to spread out and I had some nice moments of reflection.

One thing I noticed the past few days was the lack of public fountains “safe to drink” that were in every small village and large town public park for the early weeks. Mostly I believe this is due to the frequency of villages. We are passing through a neighborhood or village about every 2 km (little more than a mile) and sometimes one village barely ends before the next begins. My own guess!

Was a beautiful sunrise and the fog quickly burned off. I think this sounds like a broken record the past week! We have been extremely fortunate to not have either downpours to walk through or blistering heat. One day more, hope it all holds!

Today was also another day that came to an end with a really nice walk through a eucalyptus forest. I took a few moments and sat on a fallen tree and just took it in. The verdant moss surrounding me and the freshness of eucalyptus filling the air.

Passing one of the villages earlier, we had two surprises that put smiles on pilgrims faces. One house had completely planted old sneakers and hiking boots as if they were pots. Shortly after sounds of a Himalayan Bell (Bowl) created a very zen environment. As I drew closer, there was a guy sitting in the forest playing, offering his own “stamp” and hawking his book on meditation.

This evening, I am sitting at my albergue, watching the late arrivers into town. Wondering if they hiked two stages, got a late start, made some long stops or just took their time and enjoyed the day. Tomorrow will be the last day walking. Will be strange to start moving back to pre-Camino schedule. I have tried to push that out of my head when the thoughts popped up. It will be here soon enough. Walking into Pedrouzo this afternoon, the local sports center had some nice wall size paintings to welcome us in.

Once I get the photos to download, I am off to bed. Deciding if I want to get up early and arrive to the cathedral near noon and in time for the Pilgrim’s Mass or take my time and stretch out the day for as long as possible!