Thursday, 4th of October 2012,
Apologies for being a bit slack with the Blog.
Weather had turned for the worse and didn't look like improving for a while, so caught a bus back to Santiago. Liz and I put away the walking boots here and picked up a hire car and heading south to get some late season sun.
A night back in Valenca on the Spanish-Portuguese border then work our way south.
Currently in Obidos, Portugal .... staying in this fabulous 1000 year old castle .... Castelo de Obidos.
Will stay here another night and then gradually work our way to Seville and Grenada?
Then drop Liz back to Lisbon to fly out in a few weeks, then on to Paris for me
Weather much improved with the days around 25-30 degrees .... Great.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Sunday 30th of September 2012,
Did the walk to Fisterre today, sunny for the most part but temp down in the mid to high teens.
The walk was congested with about a dozen of us trudging along together ... we were all snails today, just dawdling along and it took us about 8 hours to cover the distance.
We are all packed into a private hostel, cosy ... guess we all realise that we have completed our journey, but no talk of returning to our respective homes.
Off to a cafe/bar down by the bay and quite a bit of wine consumed, so I guess some sore heads in the morning.
Did the walk to Fisterre today, sunny for the most part but temp down in the mid to high teens.
The walk was congested with about a dozen of us trudging along together ... we were all snails today, just dawdling along and it took us about 8 hours to cover the distance.
We are all packed into a private hostel, cosy ... guess we all realise that we have completed our journey, but no talk of returning to our respective homes.
Off to a cafe/bar down by the bay and quite a bit of wine consumed, so I guess some sore heads in the morning.
Saturday 29th of September 2012,
Was going to walk to Fisterra today, but got talked out of it and instead a group of us went a few kms up the coast to a pleasant little bay for a picnic. Unfortunately weather could have been better ... but still a great day. Then an equally enjoyable diner ... its obvious no one wants to admit the walk is pretty well over ... so I guess Fisterra tomorrow then?
Was going to walk to Fisterra today, but got talked out of it and instead a group of us went a few kms up the coast to a pleasant little bay for a picnic. Unfortunately weather could have been better ... but still a great day. Then an equally enjoyable diner ... its obvious no one wants to admit the walk is pretty well over ... so I guess Fisterra tomorrow then?
Friday, 28 September 2012
Friday 28th of September 2012,
Olveiroa to Muxia, about 32km, almost the end of the road for my walking holiday.
It was a cool start in the morning but very pleasant as the morning and early afternoon approached.
Made Muxia about 2pm, a bight to eat, clean up and do the sights.
Just one more stop ....Fisterra .... then ???
Olveiroa to Muxia, about 32km, almost the end of the road for my walking holiday.
It was a cool start in the morning but very pleasant as the morning and early afternoon approached.
Made Muxia about 2pm, a bight to eat, clean up and do the sights.
Just one more stop ....Fisterra .... then ???
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Wednesday 26th of September 2012,
Set out from Santiago at first light, a bit after 8am, started out cool about 9-10C but soon warmed up. We had a bit over 21km to cover, a pleasant days walking mid to high teens and sunnyfor the most part, good shade on country lanes and through the Eucalypt forests.
Set out from Santiago at first light, a bit after 8am, started out cool about 9-10C but soon warmed up. We had a bit over 21km to cover, a pleasant days walking mid to high teens and sunnyfor the most part, good shade on country lanes and through the Eucalypt forests.
Still walking with Liz ..... we make good time and reach Negreira a bit after 1pm ... its nowhere as humid as previous time, a hearty lunch, then off to the hotel.
With laundry on the line and all cleaned up, we head back to the bar for a little R+R, temp reached a top of about 20C today. A couple of beers then think of an early diner and an early night, it gets dark about 8.30pm.
A long walk tomorrow, some 31km and its going to be about 21C so a pleasant enough walk again.
Poor reception this evening, so had to try numerous times to post ..... so heres crossing fingers?
A long walk tomorrow, some 31km and its going to be about 21C so a pleasant enough walk again.
Poor reception this evening, so had to try numerous times to post ..... so heres crossing fingers?
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
Tuesday 25th of September 2012,
Today is a repeat of yesterday, just taking in the exhausted relief of other Pilgrims, the awe and excitement they have of completing the walk. Sharing stories of adventures along the path.
Amazing! Fascinating! My jadded, tarnished exterior is being polished up again ... there excitement and happiness is contagious. I am rejuvinated and ready to move on.
Today is a repeat of yesterday, just taking in the exhausted relief of other Pilgrims, the awe and excitement they have of completing the walk. Sharing stories of adventures along the path.
Amazing! Fascinating! My jadded, tarnished exterior is being polished up again ... there excitement and happiness is contagious. I am rejuvinated and ready to move on.
Sunday 23rd of September 2012,
Not far to go today, only 3-4km so plodded of earlyish, breakfast near the Cathedral, off to the morning Mass and then line up for the compostella certificate ... should have done this prior to the Mass as it took a while.
Then lunch with a group of excited people who had just completed the Camino Frances. Maybe I was like that when I completed my first earlier in the year .... it just doesn't seem as important now, as it did then.
Well we all had a great time .... as sharing with, relying on and being relied on .... friendship is the real biggy, in my humble opinion. I've walked with others and in groups and also done the solo walk for weeks, very contemplative, also relaxing!
Will put the feet up here for a few days then move on to the end/edge of the world, Muxia, then down to Fisterre ... didn't get to spend much time there last time.
Not far to go today, only 3-4km so plodded of earlyish, breakfast near the Cathedral, off to the morning Mass and then line up for the compostella certificate ... should have done this prior to the Mass as it took a while.
Then lunch with a group of excited people who had just completed the Camino Frances. Maybe I was like that when I completed my first earlier in the year .... it just doesn't seem as important now, as it did then.
Well we all had a great time .... as sharing with, relying on and being relied on .... friendship is the real biggy, in my humble opinion. I've walked with others and in groups and also done the solo walk for weeks, very contemplative, also relaxing!
Will put the feet up here for a few days then move on to the end/edge of the world, Muxia, then down to Fisterre ... didn't get to spend much time there last time.
Saturday, 22 September 2012
Saturday 22nd of September 2012,
Walked some 22km today in sunny conditions, stopped about 3-4km short of the Cathedral and staying at Milladoiro, so we can arrive for Sunday Mass, clean and smelling sweet.
Saturday night is relatively quiet here, people seem more reserved, we had a pleasant meal and a very nice bottle of red then back to the room to ponder tomorrow.
Walked some 22km today in sunny conditions, stopped about 3-4km short of the Cathedral and staying at Milladoiro, so we can arrive for Sunday Mass, clean and smelling sweet.
Saturday night is relatively quiet here, people seem more reserved, we had a pleasant meal and a very nice bottle of red then back to the room to ponder tomorrow.
Friday, 21 September 2012
Friday 21st of September 2012,
Started out in drizzle this morning, not hard walking but not enjoying the rain, its patchy so on and off with the poncho, make it to Ponte Valga, about 17km, along the road and we stop for a coffee snack, that turns into lunch, and the drizzle keeps on. They have rooms they let out above the cafe/restaurant/bar, so we stay, settle in, wash, etc. After a nap its off to diner and and a fun night .... oh its Friday again, so its noisy, rowdy, fun .... no point going to bed early as the noise from the bar drifts up to the room .... may as well go back and enjoythe frivolities ..... hopefully tomorrow the weather will be better.
Started out in drizzle this morning, not hard walking but not enjoying the rain, its patchy so on and off with the poncho, make it to Ponte Valga, about 17km, along the road and we stop for a coffee snack, that turns into lunch, and the drizzle keeps on. They have rooms they let out above the cafe/restaurant/bar, so we stay, settle in, wash, etc. After a nap its off to diner and and a fun night .... oh its Friday again, so its noisy, rowdy, fun .... no point going to bed early as the noise from the bar drifts up to the room .... may as well go back and enjoythe frivolities ..... hopefully tomorrow the weather will be better.
Thursday 20th of September 2012,
Off to Caldas de Reis about 23km ... walking back inland, some hills but most following a valley, not hard walking. Its a bit cooler today barely 20C and showers and storms in the area .... luckily only had to pull the rain wear out once, it was deep in the pack after not needing it for ... I can't remember!
Caldas de Reis is only a small rural Town, plenty of good accommodation and nice restaraunts.
Theres a bit of a underlying cool breeze today so inside to eat. Getting close to Santiago de Compostela, only a couple of days walk now.
Off to Caldas de Reis about 23km ... walking back inland, some hills but most following a valley, not hard walking. Its a bit cooler today barely 20C and showers and storms in the area .... luckily only had to pull the rain wear out once, it was deep in the pack after not needing it for ... I can't remember!
Caldas de Reis is only a small rural Town, plenty of good accommodation and nice restaraunts.
Theres a bit of a underlying cool breeze today so inside to eat. Getting close to Santiago de Compostela, only a couple of days walk now.
Wednesday 19th of September 2012,
Not a biggy today .... some 18km to Pontevedra, a fairly large town , weather great today though can feel its building into a storm or something. Kept out of the busiest area, am staying in what looks like a bohemian part of town , very arty, and cosy restaurants and bars, pleasant, easy going people .... am slowly getting back to speaking some legible Spanish. Well an early night for me as feeling tired.
Not a biggy today .... some 18km to Pontevedra, a fairly large town , weather great today though can feel its building into a storm or something. Kept out of the busiest area, am staying in what looks like a bohemian part of town , very arty, and cosy restaurants and bars, pleasant, easy going people .... am slowly getting back to speaking some legible Spanish. Well an early night for me as feeling tired.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Tuesday 18th of September 2012,
Up at first light and off on our trek (7am ish), not sure where to and how far we will go today, but bad weather on its way later in the week so time to hoof it.
A late breakfast in O Porrino, 15-16km down the road, arrived in Redondela, Spain about 2,30pm some 32 km from Valenca, a big walk after several days of laying about. A bit af an afternoon snack then find accommodation, clean up and crash for a couple of hours.
Back to late diners (Spain) usual language hiccups with a mix of numerous langugaes all jumbled together,coming out of my mouth ..... very amusing to the local people.
Liz and I share a huge sea food plater, washed down with a yummy dry white wine. Great night great food and good company. Room has great views over the bay and a bealcony to relax on as its still quite warm ..... this is the life ..... hope the money holds out? Checked the finances, since arriving back in April till now includig return back to Melbourne in June/July its cost me about AUD17000, not bad, 4 years ago my late wife and I did one of those river cruises, along with some extended stays and add ontours .... all up, 6 weeks about AUD50,000 ..... 5 star all the way.
Some of the places I've stayed at this time though clean may not even make 1 star ... but it has all been an experience, of which I have enjoyed.
Up at first light and off on our trek (7am ish), not sure where to and how far we will go today, but bad weather on its way later in the week so time to hoof it.
A late breakfast in O Porrino, 15-16km down the road, arrived in Redondela, Spain about 2,30pm some 32 km from Valenca, a big walk after several days of laying about. A bit af an afternoon snack then find accommodation, clean up and crash for a couple of hours.
Back to late diners (Spain) usual language hiccups with a mix of numerous langugaes all jumbled together,coming out of my mouth ..... very amusing to the local people.
Liz and I share a huge sea food plater, washed down with a yummy dry white wine. Great night great food and good company. Room has great views over the bay and a bealcony to relax on as its still quite warm ..... this is the life ..... hope the money holds out? Checked the finances, since arriving back in April till now includig return back to Melbourne in June/July its cost me about AUD17000, not bad, 4 years ago my late wife and I did one of those river cruises, along with some extended stays and add ontours .... all up, 6 weeks about AUD50,000 ..... 5 star all the way.
Some of the places I've stayed at this time though clean may not even make 1 star ... but it has all been an experience, of which I have enjoyed.
Monday 17th of September 2012,
Slept in this morning, then of to breakfast and a wander around the shops, lots of little trinkets and arty-crafty things to look at. then a pleasant afternoon sitting in the shade of an umbrella in one of the restaurants watch the passing people and just veging out .... back to the digs for an afternoon siesta and then diner at one of the more touristy restaurants with a floor show of folk dancing etc .... amusing, but a bit of a tourist trap.
Then onto a bar for night cap and back home.
On the move again tomorrow.
Slept in this morning, then of to breakfast and a wander around the shops, lots of little trinkets and arty-crafty things to look at. then a pleasant afternoon sitting in the shade of an umbrella in one of the restaurants watch the passing people and just veging out .... back to the digs for an afternoon siesta and then diner at one of the more touristy restaurants with a floor show of folk dancing etc .... amusing, but a bit of a tourist trap.
Then onto a bar for night cap and back home.
On the move again tomorrow.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Sunday 16th of September 2012,
Awoke quite early to the sounds of garbage trucks picking up the evenings bottles etc, and then theres the church bells, calling people to mass. A bit hard to take, after a late night and about 3-4 hours sleep.
After breaky the Yanks said they were off to Tui on the other side of the river in Spain.
Liz and I decided to stay but move to a quieter location ... a couple of hundred metres down the road but with views over the river valley ... liked it so much decided on a 2 night stay there. Sunday is more like a family day here with a leisurely lunch after church .... a bit like the Sunday family roast back home. A walk around the walls and then a bit of a nap .... catch up on some of the sleep.
Diner then an early night, well woke a bit after midnight so thought I would catch up re blog and emails.
Awoke quite early to the sounds of garbage trucks picking up the evenings bottles etc, and then theres the church bells, calling people to mass. A bit hard to take, after a late night and about 3-4 hours sleep.
After breaky the Yanks said they were off to Tui on the other side of the river in Spain.
Liz and I decided to stay but move to a quieter location ... a couple of hundred metres down the road but with views over the river valley ... liked it so much decided on a 2 night stay there. Sunday is more like a family day here with a leisurely lunch after church .... a bit like the Sunday family roast back home. A walk around the walls and then a bit of a nap .... catch up on some of the sleep.
Diner then an early night, well woke a bit after midnight so thought I would catch up re blog and emails.
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Saturday 15th of September 2012,
A pleasant days walk, temp. mid 20's as the day wore on, Stopped in Valenca (still Portugal) some 20km walking distance today ... entered the old walled city that overlooks the river and valley below .... looked more interesting than wondering on to Tui, Spain another km or so.
Found an interesting private Hostel, all brightly coloured and all six of us ... the Yanks, Liz and I staying there.
Lunch and out to explore, the town and the ramparts of the city, its massive and completely intact.
Checked out the market in the main square as well as many of the bars and cafes ... eating is good with a group of people, as lots of different dishes to taste and hands going everywhere.
Realised I had stayed here some 26 years ago whist on one of those European trips ... had a car that time and stayed at the Parador.
Think I am enjoying this time better, well different times and experiences.
We are all talking about staying another night here .... this may be the highlight town of the entire trip!!!!
A pleasant days walk, temp. mid 20's as the day wore on, Stopped in Valenca (still Portugal) some 20km walking distance today ... entered the old walled city that overlooks the river and valley below .... looked more interesting than wondering on to Tui, Spain another km or so.
Found an interesting private Hostel, all brightly coloured and all six of us ... the Yanks, Liz and I staying there.
Lunch and out to explore, the town and the ramparts of the city, its massive and completely intact.
Checked out the market in the main square as well as many of the bars and cafes ... eating is good with a group of people, as lots of different dishes to taste and hands going everywhere.
Realised I had stayed here some 26 years ago whist on one of those European trips ... had a car that time and stayed at the Parador.
Think I am enjoying this time better, well different times and experiences.
We are all talking about staying another night here .... this may be the highlight town of the entire trip!!!!
Friday, 14 September 2012
Friday 14th of September 2012,
Walked to San Pedro de Rubiaes some 17 km, a very small town but it has a Hostel and is comfortable and to walk on to Tui another 21 km up the road .... no, its too far. So set my self up here, relax in the garden till the Albergue opened , then who should come marching up the road but Liz with a group of Americans ... we were both in Pont De Lima last night but she stayed at the Albergue ... me a little more comfortable.
Had a good afternoon chatting, lunch was a picnic on the lawn, made up of bits and pieces people had in there pack. Then find a bunk .... preferably lower and clean up, then a great night at a big communal table, good food, wine and great company.
Walked to San Pedro de Rubiaes some 17 km, a very small town but it has a Hostel and is comfortable and to walk on to Tui another 21 km up the road .... no, its too far. So set my self up here, relax in the garden till the Albergue opened , then who should come marching up the road but Liz with a group of Americans ... we were both in Pont De Lima last night but she stayed at the Albergue ... me a little more comfortable.
Had a good afternoon chatting, lunch was a picnic on the lawn, made up of bits and pieces people had in there pack. Then find a bunk .... preferably lower and clean up, then a great night at a big communal table, good food, wine and great company.
Thursday 13th of September 2012,
Good weather again, of to Ponte de Lima, about 30km away.
It is strange coming across other pilgrims after so long on the solo walk from Madrid to Porto via Lisbon. It feels like being part of a club, even though you may not know them you chat away like long lost friends .... its, reassuring.
Great days walking, good food, great company .... over all an enjoyable day.
Good weather again, of to Ponte de Lima, about 30km away.
It is strange coming across other pilgrims after so long on the solo walk from Madrid to Porto via Lisbon. It feels like being part of a club, even though you may not know them you chat away like long lost friends .... its, reassuring.
Great days walking, good food, great company .... over all an enjoyable day.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Wednesday 12th of September 2012,
Walked some 26-27 km today to Barcelos ..... warm sunny conditions .... pleasant walking.
Decided a comfortable bed was the go tonight ... last night was a delight but woke up numerous times during the night with aches and pains everywhere. So a bit of luxury tonight even the en-suite, mmm.
Have come across quite a few pilgrims over the last 2 days walking the Camino ..... had forgotten what it was like after about 8 weeks of almost solo trekking. So enjoying the camaraderie of the marked (signed) Camino .... follow the yellow arrow, the scallop shell.
Was talking to a German guy that had walked for an hour or two with Liz yesterday ..... unsure if I will come across her .... as she has no phone or laptop ... have an email address, depends how often she checks? Anyway great night at the bar ... but a bit tired so didn't stay up too late. Thats why up early to catch up on blog.
Walked some 26-27 km today to Barcelos ..... warm sunny conditions .... pleasant walking.
Decided a comfortable bed was the go tonight ... last night was a delight but woke up numerous times during the night with aches and pains everywhere. So a bit of luxury tonight even the en-suite, mmm.
Have come across quite a few pilgrims over the last 2 days walking the Camino ..... had forgotten what it was like after about 8 weeks of almost solo trekking. So enjoying the camaraderie of the marked (signed) Camino .... follow the yellow arrow, the scallop shell.
Was talking to a German guy that had walked for an hour or two with Liz yesterday ..... unsure if I will come across her .... as she has no phone or laptop ... have an email address, depends how often she checks? Anyway great night at the bar ... but a bit tired so didn't stay up too late. Thats why up early to catch up on blog.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Saturday and Sunday, 8th + 9th of September 2012,
Well still caught upwith friend back in Oz, back in hospital in Melbourne, very sick ... I am unhappy with our health system, to send her home when so sick then pounce on her and lock her up in an infectious control unit????? Well at least its not Yellow Fever or I would most likely be on my way home for another funeral! Though no answers to what she has ..... though it appears some liver damage due to infection. So still praying on a regular basis.
My holiday here seems so insignificant in the big picture of life.
All my love and good wishes to her, Luke xxxxxx
Well still caught upwith friend back in Oz, back in hospital in Melbourne, very sick ... I am unhappy with our health system, to send her home when so sick then pounce on her and lock her up in an infectious control unit????? Well at least its not Yellow Fever or I would most likely be on my way home for another funeral! Though no answers to what she has ..... though it appears some liver damage due to infection. So still praying on a regular basis.
My holiday here seems so insignificant in the big picture of life.
All my love and good wishes to her, Luke xxxxxx
Friday, 7 September 2012
Friday 7th of September 2012,
Not a long days walk today only 18-19km to Porto Cathedral, but it going to get up to 31C today or there abouts. It will be nearly all suburban and industrial areas all the walk today.
There are lots of Hostels and accom close to the Cathedral .... and we will find out where the Camino office is and grab maps etc.
So arrive Cathedral about 11am, find where we have to register and then off to lunch and then off to the Alburgue ..... booked out so down the road a little and there is a lovely hostel, or room is a 4 bed dorm ... but only the 2 of us at the moment, will see later?
Usual clean off the grime of the days walk, then explore ... we have booked for 2 nights.
Late diner, a bit of a bar crawl and back to dorm, some one asleep in one of the bunks.
So will quietly sneak back into dorm and go to sleep.
Not a long days walk today only 18-19km to Porto Cathedral, but it going to get up to 31C today or there abouts. It will be nearly all suburban and industrial areas all the walk today.
There are lots of Hostels and accom close to the Cathedral .... and we will find out where the Camino office is and grab maps etc.
So arrive Cathedral about 11am, find where we have to register and then off to lunch and then off to the Alburgue ..... booked out so down the road a little and there is a lovely hostel, or room is a 4 bed dorm ... but only the 2 of us at the moment, will see later?
Usual clean off the grime of the days walk, then explore ... we have booked for 2 nights.
Late diner, a bit of a bar crawl and back to dorm, some one asleep in one of the bunks.
So will quietly sneak back into dorm and go to sleep.
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Thursday 6th of September 2012,
Leave Ovar about 8.30am, the day is going to be a bout 30 maybe a bit more. A lot of suburban walking it seems today, guess we have reached the outer suburbs of Porto.
Luckily some of the walk is through market garden areas and parks .... we make it to Espinho (18km) a little after midday, find a comfortable restaurant where we can sit outside under an umbrella and enjoy a well deserved lunch and some wine.
Then its find accommodation and get all cleaned up and clothes washing done. We have a balcony and sit out there enjoying a beer or two and watching the world pass bye.
Check on emails .... and find a short but reassuring email from my friend saying she is weak but OK.
Hotel has a nice bar and grille, so steak for diner tonight, then off to bed for an early night.
Will need the rest as looks like we will be in Porto for the weekend.
Leave Ovar about 8.30am, the day is going to be a bout 30 maybe a bit more. A lot of suburban walking it seems today, guess we have reached the outer suburbs of Porto.
Luckily some of the walk is through market garden areas and parks .... we make it to Espinho (18km) a little after midday, find a comfortable restaurant where we can sit outside under an umbrella and enjoy a well deserved lunch and some wine.
Then its find accommodation and get all cleaned up and clothes washing done. We have a balcony and sit out there enjoying a beer or two and watching the world pass bye.
Check on emails .... and find a short but reassuring email from my friend saying she is weak but OK.
Hotel has a nice bar and grille, so steak for diner tonight, then off to bed for an early night.
Will need the rest as looks like we will be in Porto for the weekend.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Wednesday 5th of September 2012,
Liz and I set off for Ovar, 16 km up the road .... there was a storm last night and it was a tad cool first thing, but turned out to be a pleasant day, weather wise.
Re news from home ... roller coaster day .... I thought all was good and carried on doing the lunch thing etc. But no, when checking new emails, turns out I was miss informed, so still praying for friend.
Not knowing anything and not being able to contact people who know what is happening, its difficult to handle. Even phoned the hospital, got the usual "she is doing as well as can be expected". Well at least I knew she was still alive.
So lots of emails from Ovar to home its now 12.30am Thursday morning and finally an email from friends partner saying he is picking her up from hospital, she is OK, but that she is still very weak and looking at several weeks or more to get back to normal, it was Yellow Fever and she is very lucky to be alive.
So can go to bed now, relieved and hopefully get some sleep.
Liz and I set off for Ovar, 16 km up the road .... there was a storm last night and it was a tad cool first thing, but turned out to be a pleasant day, weather wise.
Re news from home ... roller coaster day .... I thought all was good and carried on doing the lunch thing etc. But no, when checking new emails, turns out I was miss informed, so still praying for friend.
Not knowing anything and not being able to contact people who know what is happening, its difficult to handle. Even phoned the hospital, got the usual "she is doing as well as can be expected". Well at least I knew she was still alive.
So lots of emails from Ovar to home its now 12.30am Thursday morning and finally an email from friends partner saying he is picking her up from hospital, she is OK, but that she is still very weak and looking at several weeks or more to get back to normal, it was Yellow Fever and she is very lucky to be alive.
So can go to bed now, relieved and hopefully get some sleep.
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
Tuesday 4th of September 2012,
Headed of bright and earlythe 12km to Forte da Barra and caught the ferry over to Sao Jacinto. While waiting for the ferry Liz came marching along ..... so spent the rest of the day walking walking chatting on the way to Torreira another 15km ..... made it about 3pm, weather warmish but ok.
Found accom, sharing as its a tad expensive but still more privacy than most hostels.
Cleaned up then headed out for diner, then back to bed ... twin beds, as most hotel rooms are in Europe.
A troubling email from home with a very sick friend ... hope to find out more by morning.
Headed of bright and earlythe 12km to Forte da Barra and caught the ferry over to Sao Jacinto. While waiting for the ferry Liz came marching along ..... so spent the rest of the day walking walking chatting on the way to Torreira another 15km ..... made it about 3pm, weather warmish but ok.
Found accom, sharing as its a tad expensive but still more privacy than most hostels.
Cleaned up then headed out for diner, then back to bed ... twin beds, as most hotel rooms are in Europe.
A troubling email from home with a very sick friend ... hope to find out more by morning.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Sunday 2nd of September2012,
Up early as its going to be warm today .... I'm heading towards Gafanha da Boa Hora about 27km up the road. Flat walking for the most part and very scenic, plenty of shade ..... make good time arriving about 1pm. Its a very pretty resort town, with coloured bathing boxes along the beach.
Decide to take a rest day here and soak up some of the ambiance.
Up early as its going to be warm today .... I'm heading towards Gafanha da Boa Hora about 27km up the road. Flat walking for the most part and very scenic, plenty of shade ..... make good time arriving about 1pm. Its a very pretty resort town, with coloured bathing boxes along the beach.
Decide to take a rest day here and soak up some of the ambiance.
Saturday, 1 September 2012
Friday, 31 August 2012
Friday 31st of August 2012,
Well off on my own again today as Liz decided she wanted to have a rest day. So off to Figueira da Foz, only about 16km up the road and another sea side village .... feel a bit strange walking solo again .... but I do enjoy quietness and solitude. Get into town about 11am ... grab a coffee and laze in the shade of a tree in the park till lunch time. Have a burger for a change for lunch and then off for my afternoon siesta. Diner and then hang around the bar people watching ... its loud and noisy ... well its Friday evening.
Well off on my own again today as Liz decided she wanted to have a rest day. So off to Figueira da Foz, only about 16km up the road and another sea side village .... feel a bit strange walking solo again .... but I do enjoy quietness and solitude. Get into town about 11am ... grab a coffee and laze in the shade of a tree in the park till lunch time. Have a burger for a change for lunch and then off for my afternoon siesta. Diner and then hang around the bar people watching ... its loud and noisy ... well its Friday evening.
Thursday 30th of August 2012,
We head of early on the way to Marinha das Ondas, about 26km up the road and inland again.
Weather high 20's again, but pleasant walking in the morning, its quite a large town.
Today instead of lunch at a cafe/bar grabbed some goodies from the supermarket and had a picnic in a park ... it was great for a change. Had a great steak for diner then another early night .
We head of early on the way to Marinha das Ondas, about 26km up the road and inland again.
Weather high 20's again, but pleasant walking in the morning, its quite a large town.
Today instead of lunch at a cafe/bar grabbed some goodies from the supermarket and had a picnic in a park ... it was great for a change. Had a great steak for diner then another early night .
Tuesday 28th of August 2012,
Today we walked some 23km to Marinha Grande a bit inland ....seem to be zig zaging up the coast,
The weather is warming up again today up around the 30's.
The walking is easy and only a few hills, make our destination in time for lunch. then the usual chores and off to investigate the town, then diner and an early night.
Today we walked some 23km to Marinha Grande a bit inland ....seem to be zig zaging up the coast,
The weather is warming up again today up around the 30's.
The walking is easy and only a few hills, make our destination in time for lunch. then the usual chores and off to investigate the town, then diner and an early night.
Monday 27th of August 2012,
Apologies for being lax with blog, have been a bit preoccupied.
Walked to Nazare, a coastal town some 24km walk. Bright sunshine and mid 20's day came across another person on the pilgrim trail, Liz a lady from British Columbia doing the Camino as well.
So walked together into Nazare .... it was great to be able to chat away in English again.
Apologies for being lax with blog, have been a bit preoccupied.
Walked to Nazare, a coastal town some 24km walk. Bright sunshine and mid 20's day came across another person on the pilgrim trail, Liz a lady from British Columbia doing the Camino as well.
So walked together into Nazare .... it was great to be able to chat away in English again.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Sunday 26th of August 2012,
Feeling a lot better this morning, headed out on the road and on to Caldas da Rainha about 15-16km.
A bit overcast this morning, but easy walking ... take my time and just dawdle along ... make it easily by lunch time. So enjoy the pleasant afternoon weather ... sun out and low 20's.
Feeling a lot better this morning, headed out on the road and on to Caldas da Rainha about 15-16km.
A bit overcast this morning, but easy walking ... take my time and just dawdle along ... make it easily by lunch time. So enjoy the pleasant afternoon weather ... sun out and low 20's.
Friday 24th of August 2012,
Coolish first thing this morning, set of on my way to Peniche about 8km away, had breakfast here .... had a look around town but decided to keep going onto Casais do Baleal, another 5-6km up the coast.
Good move, lots of accommodation .... great protected sandy beaches and lots of great surf beaches as well. Alas after diner got violently ill .... wont go into it ... but not a lot of sleep ... luckily had my own en-suite.
Coolish first thing this morning, set of on my way to Peniche about 8km away, had breakfast here .... had a look around town but decided to keep going onto Casais do Baleal, another 5-6km up the coast.
Good move, lots of accommodation .... great protected sandy beaches and lots of great surf beaches as well. Alas after diner got violently ill .... wont go into it ... but not a lot of sleep ... luckily had my own en-suite.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Thursday 23rd of August 2012,
Today is cooler and a bit fresh first thing in the morning, have booked a hostel in a small town up the coast call Casais do Julio, apparently near a popular surf beach. Some 28km today of up and down country side slow me a bit, but make the town by lunch time. Accommodation is more like a youth hostel, but have my own room, though communal showers, etc. I'm told its impossible to get accom here in the holiday season, so I am very lucky.
Today is cooler and a bit fresh first thing in the morning, have booked a hostel in a small town up the coast call Casais do Julio, apparently near a popular surf beach. Some 28km today of up and down country side slow me a bit, but make the town by lunch time. Accommodation is more like a youth hostel, but have my own room, though communal showers, etc. I'm told its impossible to get accom here in the holiday season, so I am very lucky.
Wednesday 22nd of August 2012,
Heading west towards the coast, as the towns are to small, insufficient accommodation or to far apart.
On my way to Torres Vedras, about 27km away, its going to be another warm day today and walking through hilly terrain.
Complete my walk about 12.30-1pm Torres Vedras is quite a large rural town with numerous bars, restaurants and different types of lodging. I have chosen a small guest house that is very comfortable.
Low 30's today, but apparently cooler conditions for the rest of the week.
Heading west towards the coast, as the towns are to small, insufficient accommodation or to far apart.
On my way to Torres Vedras, about 27km away, its going to be another warm day today and walking through hilly terrain.
Complete my walk about 12.30-1pm Torres Vedras is quite a large rural town with numerous bars, restaurants and different types of lodging. I have chosen a small guest house that is very comfortable.
Low 30's today, but apparently cooler conditions for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Tuesday 21st of August 2012,
The scenery was a bit better today but still built up areas that I am walking through. Today was about 24km to Alenquer, a largish town with some good accom available. Weather is heating up again around 33 today, but the mornings walk was ok and comfortable.
Well heading north on this path has limited places to stay, so in the morning will walk west and get onto a better route.
The scenery was a bit better today but still built up areas that I am walking through. Today was about 24km to Alenquer, a largish town with some good accom available. Weather is heating up again around 33 today, but the mornings walk was ok and comfortable.
Well heading north on this path has limited places to stay, so in the morning will walk west and get onto a better route.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Monday 20th of August 2012,
Started my walk towards Santiago de Compostela, From Lisbon Cathedral to Alverca do Ribatejo, about 25km ... and retracing footsteps of last week, except opposite direction. Walk nothing special,
walking on foot paths and on the verge of the road, walking through light industrial areas, beside train tracks. Warmish today, low 30's but walked in the cool of the morning ... tempo a bit slower today,but made it to Alverca about 12.30 .... some lunch then off to my accommodation, clean up and a rest as tired after to days walk. Haven't seen any scallop shells or signs to say I was on the Caminho Portuguese ... traditionally I believe it starts in Porto? Ah well its still about 300km to Porto.
Started my walk towards Santiago de Compostela, From Lisbon Cathedral to Alverca do Ribatejo, about 25km ... and retracing footsteps of last week, except opposite direction. Walk nothing special,
walking on foot paths and on the verge of the road, walking through light industrial areas, beside train tracks. Warmish today, low 30's but walked in the cool of the morning ... tempo a bit slower today,but made it to Alverca about 12.30 .... some lunch then off to my accommodation, clean up and a rest as tired after to days walk. Haven't seen any scallop shells or signs to say I was on the Caminho Portuguese ... traditionally I believe it starts in Porto? Ah well its still about 300km to Porto.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Sunday 19th of August 2012,
Wanted to have a look at some of the beaches in the area around Lisbon and after discussions with Amanda and Roland, the owners of my Hostel. Decided I needed to hire a car for the day .... car delivered to the door with maps etc and I am off with about 5 possible destinations to check out.
Wont be doing much laying in the sun .... as a lot of me is still rather white as the UV has been very high. Its feels funny driving, have no problems, find all the places I want to check out and more.
Home before its dark and car returned ... undamaged.
A leisurely diner at the hostel provided by my hosts, I provided the wine, a very enjoyable evening. Saying thankyou and goodnight to Amanda + Roland, I retired to my room and off to bed.
Wanted to have a look at some of the beaches in the area around Lisbon and after discussions with Amanda and Roland, the owners of my Hostel. Decided I needed to hire a car for the day .... car delivered to the door with maps etc and I am off with about 5 possible destinations to check out.
Wont be doing much laying in the sun .... as a lot of me is still rather white as the UV has been very high. Its feels funny driving, have no problems, find all the places I want to check out and more.
Home before its dark and car returned ... undamaged.
A leisurely diner at the hostel provided by my hosts, I provided the wine, a very enjoyable evening. Saying thankyou and goodnight to Amanda + Roland, I retired to my room and off to bed.
Saturday 18th of August 2012,
Must be getting used to doing nothing as I slept in this morning, a light breaky and off to the Botanical gardens for a few hours of wandering around. Ran into some people from yesterdays tour and had lunch with them and a little more wine than I should have. So home for a snooze then off to diner and another day gone. Saturday night, the restaurant is unusually quiet ..... well glad for that .... so home and a bit of TV and a quiet night for me.
Must be getting used to doing nothing as I slept in this morning, a light breaky and off to the Botanical gardens for a few hours of wandering around. Ran into some people from yesterdays tour and had lunch with them and a little more wine than I should have. So home for a snooze then off to diner and another day gone. Saturday night, the restaurant is unusually quiet ..... well glad for that .... so home and a bit of TV and a quiet night for me.
Friday, 17 August 2012
Friday 17th of August 2012,
Took my bus tour today, a bit of a laugh, being herded up and following around a guise with a brightly coloured hat and an umbrella. Well realised why I don't carry a camera, tourists and photos ....aaaahhhhhhh. You can't get to see something because they are taking up the best posy, and then they stand there and make sure the photo is a good one. Here I am caught up with this bunch of people and I think I'm feeling hemmed in. I guess I have have so much free space and isolation from the general hoards, I feel a bit claustrophobic, bunched up like this.
Well there are a few people I talk to on the tour that seem interesting and generally have a good time.
With tour out of the way, I make my way back to my Hostel, clean up and out to diner.
Took my bus tour today, a bit of a laugh, being herded up and following around a guise with a brightly coloured hat and an umbrella. Well realised why I don't carry a camera, tourists and photos ....aaaahhhhhhh. You can't get to see something because they are taking up the best posy, and then they stand there and make sure the photo is a good one. Here I am caught up with this bunch of people and I think I'm feeling hemmed in. I guess I have have so much free space and isolation from the general hoards, I feel a bit claustrophobic, bunched up like this.
Well there are a few people I talk to on the tour that seem interesting and generally have a good time.
With tour out of the way, I make my way back to my Hostel, clean up and out to diner.
Thursday 16th of August 2012,
A bit of a sleep , but up and about .... catch a tram into main tourist bureau to get info on where to go to register and start my Caminho and touristy things to do and see. Book in for an English speaking bus journey, for Friday.
As I wander about Lisbon, it looks well in need of a good paint job ... most of the buildings look quite shabby (Found out later that it was a very poor area that I was going through). But where I am staying must be the ritzy area, as buildings all clean and a lot have gardens and just up the road is a big hotel its called the Pestana Palace Hotel, old building but flash.
Found another restaurant just down the road with a great courtyard, very pleasant.
A bit of a sleep , but up and about .... catch a tram into main tourist bureau to get info on where to go to register and start my Caminho and touristy things to do and see. Book in for an English speaking bus journey, for Friday.
As I wander about Lisbon, it looks well in need of a good paint job ... most of the buildings look quite shabby (Found out later that it was a very poor area that I was going through). But where I am staying must be the ritzy area, as buildings all clean and a lot have gardens and just up the road is a big hotel its called the Pestana Palace Hotel, old building but flash.
Found another restaurant just down the road with a great courtyard, very pleasant.
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Wednesday 15th of August 2012,
Early start today expecting a top about 28C today, thunderstorms still around and a ta muggy.
About 24km to where I am staying in the old part of town, its walking through suburbs and industrial stuff today. The noise and hustle and bustle of the city gets to me straight away ..... and I'm thinking what am I doing here, luckily my hostel is in an old mansion in a lovely area opposite a park and a little apart from the busy area and is very relaxing.
Bars and restaurants 5-10 minutes down the road so take it easy sit out in the courtyard and snooze of for a while .... then woken by other guests chattering and laughing.
Head out and do some exploring .... interesting city Lisbon.
Early start today expecting a top about 28C today, thunderstorms still around and a ta muggy.
About 24km to where I am staying in the old part of town, its walking through suburbs and industrial stuff today. The noise and hustle and bustle of the city gets to me straight away ..... and I'm thinking what am I doing here, luckily my hostel is in an old mansion in a lovely area opposite a park and a little apart from the busy area and is very relaxing.
Bars and restaurants 5-10 minutes down the road so take it easy sit out in the courtyard and snooze of for a while .... then woken by other guests chattering and laughing.
Head out and do some exploring .... interesting city Lisbon.
Tuesday 14th of August 2012,
Not quite as early a start as planned as slept in a bit, well getting close to Lisbon so towns and the walk is bit by bit getting more industrial and built up. As this part of the journey is basically following the river, its quite flat or just rolling hills.
Weather mild to warm with thunderstorms predicted, luckily make it to Alverca prior to the rain ...a walk of about 26km.
Get myself settled and go and sit in a bar/restaurant by the river... that's when the storm hit, thunder, lightning and very strong winds .... mayhem for about 15 minutes then all quiet again.
Well into Lisbon tomorrow and maybe a few days there to look around ... see how long I can take city life for.
Not quite as early a start as planned as slept in a bit, well getting close to Lisbon so towns and the walk is bit by bit getting more industrial and built up. As this part of the journey is basically following the river, its quite flat or just rolling hills.
Weather mild to warm with thunderstorms predicted, luckily make it to Alverca prior to the rain ...a walk of about 26km.
Get myself settled and go and sit in a bar/restaurant by the river... that's when the storm hit, thunder, lightning and very strong winds .... mayhem for about 15 minutes then all quiet again.
Well into Lisbon tomorrow and maybe a few days there to look around ... see how long I can take city life for.
Monday, 13 August 2012
Monday 13th of August 2012,
Not a huge day today only about 26-27km of pretty flat territory, Santarem to Azambuja ..... Up bright and early, breakfast, say farewell to all the family and thank them for there hospitality.
So back on the road, top of 29 expected and thunderstorms possible later in the day.
Arrive about 12.30-1pm .... the usual light lunch and siesta, early diner then the lights go out, no power. So sleep it is, then a sudden shock about 3am when all the lights come on.
Well its early morning and as I didn't get around to the blog last night.
Not a huge day today only about 26-27km of pretty flat territory, Santarem to Azambuja ..... Up bright and early, breakfast, say farewell to all the family and thank them for there hospitality.
So back on the road, top of 29 expected and thunderstorms possible later in the day.
Arrive about 12.30-1pm .... the usual light lunch and siesta, early diner then the lights go out, no power. So sleep it is, then a sudden shock about 3am when all the lights come on.
Well its early morning and as I didn't get around to the blog last night.
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Sunday 12th of August 2012,
Sunday morning I am having a coffee out on the deck its 8.30ish William and his son Rick arrive to gather me up, flash car .... latest Range Rover, nice. Only a 10minute drive and we pull up at a rather flash house ... luckily I had not eaten breakfast, just coffee and one of those cakey things.
As a huge breakfast awaited ... all set up in the courtyard, very nice but too much to eat.
Then it was suggested some tennis, well have played in the past but must be 10-15 years since last time. Servived and managed to keep my end up .... well it was fun.
Then more food, lunch ... one of those all on the table hand hands and plates going everywhere,
lots of very nice vino .... then off to my room for a siesta then diner .... I feel like I have put on several kg today.
Its after midnight and it has been a great day, spent with these expat poms, retired to Prtugal.
They had invited me to stay another day or two, tempting, but no the path lays ahead and will continue on ahead with fond memories.
Sunday morning I am having a coffee out on the deck its 8.30ish William and his son Rick arrive to gather me up, flash car .... latest Range Rover, nice. Only a 10minute drive and we pull up at a rather flash house ... luckily I had not eaten breakfast, just coffee and one of those cakey things.
As a huge breakfast awaited ... all set up in the courtyard, very nice but too much to eat.
Then it was suggested some tennis, well have played in the past but must be 10-15 years since last time. Servived and managed to keep my end up .... well it was fun.
Then more food, lunch ... one of those all on the table hand hands and plates going everywhere,
lots of very nice vino .... then off to my room for a siesta then diner .... I feel like I have put on several kg today.
Its after midnight and it has been a great day, spent with these expat poms, retired to Prtugal.
They had invited me to stay another day or two, tempting, but no the path lays ahead and will continue on ahead with fond memories.
Saturday 11th of August 2012,
Up at first light and on my way to Santarem .... 36km, the most I have walking in one day for a while.
Luckily path follows the river valley and is pretty flat to gently undulating ... well away from major roads and freeways, so is relaxing with pleasant scenery .... day is cool to start with and warms up to its max of 30ish about 1pm .... get to destination about 1.30pm.
A bight to eat and a rest in my hotel ..... then out to diner and meet up with an English/Portuguese family celebrating a birthday. I am invited to join in and have a great night ... later I am invited to stay with them the next night. Say yes but wonder if I will be whisked away, hit on the head, sold into slavery.... who am I kidding, held for ransom, don't look like I have 2 bob to rub together and the hotel I'm staying in is about 2-3 star .... but think will wait and see as they are to pick me up from my hotel Sunday morning?
Up at first light and on my way to Santarem .... 36km, the most I have walking in one day for a while.
Luckily path follows the river valley and is pretty flat to gently undulating ... well away from major roads and freeways, so is relaxing with pleasant scenery .... day is cool to start with and warms up to its max of 30ish about 1pm .... get to destination about 1.30pm.
A bight to eat and a rest in my hotel ..... then out to diner and meet up with an English/Portuguese family celebrating a birthday. I am invited to join in and have a great night ... later I am invited to stay with them the next night. Say yes but wonder if I will be whisked away, hit on the head, sold into slavery.... who am I kidding, held for ransom, don't look like I have 2 bob to rub together and the hotel I'm staying in is about 2-3 star .... but think will wait and see as they are to pick me up from my hotel Sunday morning?
Friday, 10 August 2012
Friday 10th of August 2012,
Early morning off to Entroncamento, about 28km, not as hot do day so easier walking, arrived pre midday and very happy.
Lesss than a week from Lisbon and serviving, had lunch, ready for siesta, 3.15pm and 30C, the top for the day. Out to the bar for diner, friday night and lots happening, roudy, smoky and lots of fun .... still having some difficulty with Portuguese language, but with sign language its ok.
Early morning off to Entroncamento, about 28km, not as hot do day so easier walking, arrived pre midday and very happy.
Lesss than a week from Lisbon and serviving, had lunch, ready for siesta, 3.15pm and 30C, the top for the day. Out to the bar for diner, friday night and lots happening, roudy, smoky and lots of fun .... still having some difficulty with Portuguese language, but with sign language its ok.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Thursday, 9th of August 2012,
Bairro Cadete to Bairro Vermelho, 27-28km Like yesterday very hot again today so same as yesterday up and out just prior to first light. Get a move on as a nother long hall today ... due to distance apart of towns with accommodation. Country reasomable plat so make good time and get into Bairro Vermelho about 11.30am, temp in low 30's. Am able to check into room early so get cleaned up, do washing and head off to find a cafe/bar for some lunch and sit and watch the Oympics and relax. A bit of a siesta later then a light diner and back to do blog, posting yesterdays and todays here as very poor reception at yesterday location.
Bairro Cadete to Bairro Vermelho, 27-28km Like yesterday very hot again today so same as yesterday up and out just prior to first light. Get a move on as a nother long hall today ... due to distance apart of towns with accommodation. Country reasomable plat so make good time and get into Bairro Vermelho about 11.30am, temp in low 30's. Am able to check into room early so get cleaned up, do washing and head off to find a cafe/bar for some lunch and sit and watch the Oympics and relax. A bit of a siesta later then a light diner and back to do blog, posting yesterdays and todays here as very poor reception at yesterday location.
Wednesday 8th of August 2012,
Nisa to Bairro Cadete, about 30km and very hot today. Left Nisa just after 6am, still dark but street light and torch do well and its light shortly after.
keep up a good steady pace and make it to Bairro cadete just prior to midday and just as well temp up around low to mid 30's .... an expected to get to 40's today.
Usual lunch then check into accommodation , wash and have a snooze, then diner and back to room to plan next days walk.
Nisa to Bairro Cadete, about 30km and very hot today. Left Nisa just after 6am, still dark but street light and torch do well and its light shortly after.
keep up a good steady pace and make it to Bairro cadete just prior to midday and just as well temp up around low to mid 30's .... an expected to get to 40's today.
Usual lunch then check into accommodation , wash and have a snooze, then diner and back to room to plan next days walk.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Tuesday 7th of August 2012,
Out on the road at first light, only about 20km today and walking to a town that has three names????? Nisa also Nossa Senhoro da Graca ans Espinto Santo or its 3 towns all joined together.
Actually make it pre 11am as little to observe or distract along the way ... hardly had to move off the road for passing vehicles. Am a bit early to check into accom and find a cafe and have an iced coffee, yum. Well then the usual lunch and settle into room when available .... its very hot outside by now, up around 38C, have a sleep then off to diner, its now getting dark a bit after 9pm ... but still very hot.
A great diner of slow roasted goat, with lots of veggies, with a bottle of delicious Portuguese red wine.
Out on the road at first light, only about 20km today and walking to a town that has three names????? Nisa also Nossa Senhoro da Graca ans Espinto Santo or its 3 towns all joined together.
Actually make it pre 11am as little to observe or distract along the way ... hardly had to move off the road for passing vehicles. Am a bit early to check into accom and find a cafe and have an iced coffee, yum. Well then the usual lunch and settle into room when available .... its very hot outside by now, up around 38C, have a sleep then off to diner, its now getting dark a bit after 9pm ... but still very hot.
A great diner of slow roasted goat, with lots of veggies, with a bottle of delicious Portuguese red wine.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Monday 6th of August 2012,
Up early and out and about before dawn, lots of street lights to light my way, near 30kms to cover today ... heading to Porto do Tejo. I am walking to old main road, which unfortunately for part of the journey runs almost parallel to the very busy and noisy freeway. Well it wasn't as bad as I had expected ... I guess after several days in a large city, my ears had acclimatised to the noise.
Well about half way along branched away from the freeway and it was again basically quiet, apart from the occasional vehicle and the rustle of the grass and the wind in the trees .... notices there is very little if any bird life here. It is unusually cool this morning ... starting out its only about 10C, brrrrr but reache a comfortable mid to high 20's by mid afternoon
Got to Porto do Tejo for lunch and then settled in for my siesta (needed it today), diner then bed for the night.
Up early and out and about before dawn, lots of street lights to light my way, near 30kms to cover today ... heading to Porto do Tejo. I am walking to old main road, which unfortunately for part of the journey runs almost parallel to the very busy and noisy freeway. Well it wasn't as bad as I had expected ... I guess after several days in a large city, my ears had acclimatised to the noise.
Well about half way along branched away from the freeway and it was again basically quiet, apart from the occasional vehicle and the rustle of the grass and the wind in the trees .... notices there is very little if any bird life here. It is unusually cool this morning ... starting out its only about 10C, brrrrr but reache a comfortable mid to high 20's by mid afternoon
Got to Porto do Tejo for lunch and then settled in for my siesta (needed it today), diner then bed for the night.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Sunday 5th of August 2012,
Still in my cosy hotel room, quite cool tonight and today just over mid 20's, today was a quiet day, my English friends left today, went to the gym in the hotel and did a bit of upper body stuff, then a swim, a walk down to a local park, some lunch and back to the hotel.
Then back to the room and watch some of the Olympics .... still nothing on Australia, are well .... went on line and got an update on our medal count.
Diner down in the hotel cafe and do the blog and asleep shortly.
Back on the road tomorrow ... looks like a rather cool start tomorrow ... down to 10C over night so might be a bit brisk in the morning. Bye for now.
Still in my cosy hotel room, quite cool tonight and today just over mid 20's, today was a quiet day, my English friends left today, went to the gym in the hotel and did a bit of upper body stuff, then a swim, a walk down to a local park, some lunch and back to the hotel.
Then back to the room and watch some of the Olympics .... still nothing on Australia, are well .... went on line and got an update on our medal count.
Diner down in the hotel cafe and do the blog and asleep shortly.
Back on the road tomorrow ... looks like a rather cool start tomorrow ... down to 10C over night so might be a bit brisk in the morning. Bye for now.
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Saturday 4th of August 2012,
It was a rest day today, so a leisurely breakfast, followed by a wander around town, a bit of shopping for some light but a tad more dressed up than my normal clothes.
Then lunch at an outdoor restaurant watching people wander by, back to the hotel change and up to the roof and bar and pool area, very relaxing .... run into the English people from yesterday.
They seem to be very happy about the Olympics and how they are kicking our but or something on medals tally, etc. I say I haven't a clue as to Australia's medal tally etc. (which I don't).
Went out to diner with them at another restaurant, nice balmy night, ate outside and had a great night, back to hotel, a drink in the bar then off to bed. Not long in and its about 1.30am here.
Ps .... have decided to stay another day here!
It was a rest day today, so a leisurely breakfast, followed by a wander around town, a bit of shopping for some light but a tad more dressed up than my normal clothes.
Then lunch at an outdoor restaurant watching people wander by, back to the hotel change and up to the roof and bar and pool area, very relaxing .... run into the English people from yesterday.
They seem to be very happy about the Olympics and how they are kicking our but or something on medals tally, etc. I say I haven't a clue as to Australia's medal tally etc. (which I don't).
Went out to diner with them at another restaurant, nice balmy night, ate outside and had a great night, back to hotel, a drink in the bar then off to bed. Not long in and its about 1.30am here.
Ps .... have decided to stay another day here!
Friday, 3 August 2012
Friday 3rd of August 2012,
Well another day, a bit cooler this morning. When I set out this morning it was only about 15C bbbrrrrrr, its hardly dropped below 20 for weeks. Had to get a move on as about 26-27km to cover ... as it turned out by midday it was only about 24-25C, so still comfortable.
Scenery still a bit lunar like, low ground cover, few if any trees, a bit of cloud cover today.
Well wandered into Castelo Branco about 1pm .... quite a large, rural city. Am booked into a large hotel, a bit of luxury for a change and here for 2 nights. All cleaned up and sat by the rooftop pool and bar, some nibblies and a pleasant afternoon. Chatted to some English ladies whose husbands were at some conference there ...... nice to be able to chat in English, rather than struggle with other languages .... Portuguese still so so.
Was invited to diner with the English people, said my wardrobe was rather frugal for dining out, well no problem as we went to a local bar/restaurant just down the road .... great night.
Luxury a king sized bed, fantastic, and feather pillows mmmmmmmm. Then there is the mini bar, don't even look inside .... it costs just to open the door, I'm sure.
Well another day, a bit cooler this morning. When I set out this morning it was only about 15C bbbrrrrrr, its hardly dropped below 20 for weeks. Had to get a move on as about 26-27km to cover ... as it turned out by midday it was only about 24-25C, so still comfortable.
Scenery still a bit lunar like, low ground cover, few if any trees, a bit of cloud cover today.
Well wandered into Castelo Branco about 1pm .... quite a large, rural city. Am booked into a large hotel, a bit of luxury for a change and here for 2 nights. All cleaned up and sat by the rooftop pool and bar, some nibblies and a pleasant afternoon. Chatted to some English ladies whose husbands were at some conference there ...... nice to be able to chat in English, rather than struggle with other languages .... Portuguese still so so.
Was invited to diner with the English people, said my wardrobe was rather frugal for dining out, well no problem as we went to a local bar/restaurant just down the road .... great night.
Luxury a king sized bed, fantastic, and feather pillows mmmmmmmm. Then there is the mini bar, don't even look inside .... it costs just to open the door, I'm sure.
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Thursday 2nd of August 2012,
Stayed in a pretty flash place last night, actually decided I take a rest day there a nd went to tell them, bugger ...... place booked out by some company for middle management bonding session or something.
The place had a swimming pool and all, ahhhhh.
So up early and on my way to Ladoeiro, this country out here is so dry and sun bleeched, hardly a tree in sight.
Then I came apon a road leading of into the distance lined with gun trees, just like home, with lot of shade .... wish I was going that way. Found out later its the road that leads to the Parque Natural do Teja International. Well went on my way not another tree in sight apart from the occasional grove of Almonds or Walnuts? Not sure, just guessing ..... then arrive at next stop Ladoeiro (just under 20km trip) at you gessed it just before midday .... its a hot one today .... definitely looking for that beer today and a shower would be great too. Accom tonight is a touch shabby up against last nights ... ah well its got a bed, aircon and an en-suite.
Stayed in a pretty flash place last night, actually decided I take a rest day there a nd went to tell them, bugger ...... place booked out by some company for middle management bonding session or something.
The place had a swimming pool and all, ahhhhh.
So up early and on my way to Ladoeiro, this country out here is so dry and sun bleeched, hardly a tree in sight.
Then I came apon a road leading of into the distance lined with gun trees, just like home, with lot of shade .... wish I was going that way. Found out later its the road that leads to the Parque Natural do Teja International. Well went on my way not another tree in sight apart from the occasional grove of Almonds or Walnuts? Not sure, just guessing ..... then arrive at next stop Ladoeiro (just under 20km trip) at you gessed it just before midday .... its a hot one today .... definitely looking for that beer today and a shower would be great too. Accom tonight is a touch shabby up against last nights ... ah well its got a bed, aircon and an en-suite.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Wednesday 1st of August 2012,
Hi all, well have been walking for 4 months now, having started on April fools day.
I'm in Portugal and having trouble with the language .... its that transition time where all sorts of stuff comes out ... well translator working overtime at the moment. Left Zarza a Mayor bright and early, another hot one today, and just over an hour out was in Portugal, no fan fare just a sign that says Spain on one side and Portugal on the other.
another 3 and a bit hours and am at Malhadinha - Zebreira, one town with different names or 2 towns joined together? Back to a room in these peoples house B+B type of thing, well its clean and comfortable and has air con .... though its a tad noisy .... well it works and keeps the room cool.
Maps tell me I'm about 350km from Madrid, GPS tells me I have walked well over 400km?
Have a diner, bed and breakfast deal here so no bars or restaurants today.
Hi all, well have been walking for 4 months now, having started on April fools day.
I'm in Portugal and having trouble with the language .... its that transition time where all sorts of stuff comes out ... well translator working overtime at the moment. Left Zarza a Mayor bright and early, another hot one today, and just over an hour out was in Portugal, no fan fare just a sign that says Spain on one side and Portugal on the other.
another 3 and a bit hours and am at Malhadinha - Zebreira, one town with different names or 2 towns joined together? Back to a room in these peoples house B+B type of thing, well its clean and comfortable and has air con .... though its a tad noisy .... well it works and keeps the room cool.
Maps tell me I'm about 350km from Madrid, GPS tells me I have walked well over 400km?
Have a diner, bed and breakfast deal here so no bars or restaurants today.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Tuesday 31st of July 2012,
Acehuche to Zarza la Mayor ... 25km, a bright sunny day, early start top around 34C flat to gently rolling hills,, hardly a tree to be seen, either pasture, or a teatree like scrub, have to walk along verge of road which is about half a metre wide.
County side dry and monotonous, just walking, counting steps from post to post after about 2 and a half hours wandered through a small town called Ceclavin, got some supplies and kept going .... arrived Zarza lay Mayor just after midday, temp over 30 but felt more like mid 30's.
Found a welcoming bar and settled in for a couple of hours, had lunch a couple of beers and watched the Olympics (nothing on Australia) then aahhhh Aust - Spain in basketball ... but that was coming up later. So off to my apartment, sounds big .... not so, but then I don't need much ... do the usual stuff and sleep for a while.
Off for diner, more Olympics and dam Spain beat Aust. in the basketball. A lot smiling faces a a bit of ribbing and a few Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi .... Yes I take it with a smile and a shrug of the shoulders. Then back to the apartment and sleep.
Acehuche to Zarza la Mayor ... 25km, a bright sunny day, early start top around 34C flat to gently rolling hills,, hardly a tree to be seen, either pasture, or a teatree like scrub, have to walk along verge of road which is about half a metre wide.
County side dry and monotonous, just walking, counting steps from post to post after about 2 and a half hours wandered through a small town called Ceclavin, got some supplies and kept going .... arrived Zarza lay Mayor just after midday, temp over 30 but felt more like mid 30's.
Found a welcoming bar and settled in for a couple of hours, had lunch a couple of beers and watched the Olympics (nothing on Australia) then aahhhh Aust - Spain in basketball ... but that was coming up later. So off to my apartment, sounds big .... not so, but then I don't need much ... do the usual stuff and sleep for a while.
Off for diner, more Olympics and dam Spain beat Aust. in the basketball. A lot smiling faces a a bit of ribbing and a few Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi .... Yes I take it with a smile and a shrug of the shoulders. Then back to the apartment and sleep.
Monday, 30 July 2012
Monday 30th of July 2012,
Canavarel to Acehuche, about 24km, a cloudless day, early start as in this part of the country plenty of trees but all in the paddocks for the animals, which are a sort of yellowish sepia colour .... beside the road, embankments or culverts and not much verge luckily very little traffic, no other towns en route, so keep plodding and get to Acehuche about, surprise, surprise midday.
Lunch and the Olympics then washing and siesta with Olympics on TV ... switch it of as the commentators are excited and speaking way to fast for me to understand what they are saying.
Well its late at night, no early morning, so will sign off till tomorrow, no later today.
Canavarel to Acehuche, about 24km, a cloudless day, early start as in this part of the country plenty of trees but all in the paddocks for the animals, which are a sort of yellowish sepia colour .... beside the road, embankments or culverts and not much verge luckily very little traffic, no other towns en route, so keep plodding and get to Acehuche about, surprise, surprise midday.
Lunch and the Olympics then washing and siesta with Olympics on TV ... switch it of as the commentators are excited and speaking way to fast for me to understand what they are saying.
Well its late at night, no early morning, so will sign off till tomorrow, no later today.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Sunday, 29th of July 2012,
Am heading off to Canaveral today, about 20km along the railway line .... which I mistook for the road. By road its 37-38km, dam so I guess I'm walking beside the railway .... haven't seen or heard a train go by ... I think it is like some of our country lines ... used for freight purposes?
Fill all my containers with fresh water, glad I topped up on energy bars ... and after a way to hearty breakfast, headed south along the railway tracks.
No shade at all and it was full sun ... made good time as almost dead flat about 2/3 of the way passed a town Casas de Milan, decided to keep walking on to Canaveral another 7km or there abouts.
By this time (about 10am) it must be mid 20's and getting hotter by the minute, but only a bit over an hour to shade and a well deserved rest.
Made it to town about 11.30am, hot dusty and dry, slowly rehydrate with gatorade and water and look for the right bar cafe to put my feet up for a while.
I realise this is where my path crosses the Camino Via de la Plata (Seville - Santiago de Compostela)
or as the Romans called it the Silver highway.
Settled in for lunch, though after breakfast, something light ..... thanked god I didn't have to contend with any trains on my way, then to my lodgings and clean up and snooze.
Had diner and am up to now, till tomorrow, Luke
Am heading off to Canaveral today, about 20km along the railway line .... which I mistook for the road. By road its 37-38km, dam so I guess I'm walking beside the railway .... haven't seen or heard a train go by ... I think it is like some of our country lines ... used for freight purposes?
Fill all my containers with fresh water, glad I topped up on energy bars ... and after a way to hearty breakfast, headed south along the railway tracks.
No shade at all and it was full sun ... made good time as almost dead flat about 2/3 of the way passed a town Casas de Milan, decided to keep walking on to Canaveral another 7km or there abouts.
By this time (about 10am) it must be mid 20's and getting hotter by the minute, but only a bit over an hour to shade and a well deserved rest.
Made it to town about 11.30am, hot dusty and dry, slowly rehydrate with gatorade and water and look for the right bar cafe to put my feet up for a while.
I realise this is where my path crosses the Camino Via de la Plata (Seville - Santiago de Compostela)
or as the Romans called it the Silver highway.
Settled in for lunch, though after breakfast, something light ..... thanked god I didn't have to contend with any trains on my way, then to my lodgings and clean up and snooze.
Had diner and am up to now, till tomorrow, Luke
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Saturday 28th of July 2012,
Up early, one of those restless nights, not a lot of sleep. No towns, on the way to next stop Mirabel, some 24km away, pretty countryside, dry stone fences and quiet country lanes. its going to be warm today, storms disappeared, clear sky, though still humid.
Pack heavier with the extra water, energy drinks and snack bars ... but reasonably flat country.
Glad I didn't need any assistance on this route as only saw 2 cars after leaving M de P this morning, till I was almost at Mirabel .... the solitude and silence made it a very memerable day.
Made very good time arriving midday...ish.
Had some lunch and then off to find my bed for the night ... a B+B, a room in Senora Rosa's house.
Later had a home cooked meal, then time to catch up with blog as a day behind.
Up early, one of those restless nights, not a lot of sleep. No towns, on the way to next stop Mirabel, some 24km away, pretty countryside, dry stone fences and quiet country lanes. its going to be warm today, storms disappeared, clear sky, though still humid.
Pack heavier with the extra water, energy drinks and snack bars ... but reasonably flat country.
Glad I didn't need any assistance on this route as only saw 2 cars after leaving M de P this morning, till I was almost at Mirabel .... the solitude and silence made it a very memerable day.
Made very good time arriving midday...ish.
Had some lunch and then off to find my bed for the night ... a B+B, a room in Senora Rosa's house.
Later had a home cooked meal, then time to catch up with blog as a day behind.
Friday 27th of July 2012,
On my way to Malpartida de Plasencia, 24-25km of back roads, little to no traffic. Only one town on route ... Tejeda de Tietar, about 6km out, grabbed a coffee there and kept going. Still storm clouds hanging about with the chance of some rain ... but still going to be mid 30's again.
Made good time and sitting down to a relaxing lunch with a pleasant bottle of wine then of to hotel and siesta. Just grabbed a hamburger for diner as had a lot of emails to attend to.
On my way to Malpartida de Plasencia, 24-25km of back roads, little to no traffic. Only one town on route ... Tejeda de Tietar, about 6km out, grabbed a coffee there and kept going. Still storm clouds hanging about with the chance of some rain ... but still going to be mid 30's again.
Made good time and sitting down to a relaxing lunch with a pleasant bottle of wine then of to hotel and siesta. Just grabbed a hamburger for diner as had a lot of emails to attend to.
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Thursday, 26th of July 2012,
On my way to Pasaron de la Vera, 22-23km today Pass through 3 other towns on way., not stopping for breaky ... have some energy bars and some fruit and energy drinks. More storms in the area today ... so just keeping up a steady pace and hope not to come across one.
Temp only reaching 33 to day but makes it to a muggy 30 by midday. Reach my destination by midday and just as well as a thunder storm a short time later ... not as fierce as yesterdays, but glad I'm inside.
Had a yummy chilled tomato soup for lunch followed by taco's yum.
As it wasn't as hot today after cleaning up went for a walk around the town.
Then a bit of a nap a back down the street for diner and some BBQ pork ribs .... double yum but rich and filling. Tried to post this but bad reception so will try again in the morning.
Its Friday morning and about to head out, have gotten emails off this morning so here goes.
On my way to Pasaron de la Vera, 22-23km today Pass through 3 other towns on way., not stopping for breaky ... have some energy bars and some fruit and energy drinks. More storms in the area today ... so just keeping up a steady pace and hope not to come across one.
Temp only reaching 33 to day but makes it to a muggy 30 by midday. Reach my destination by midday and just as well as a thunder storm a short time later ... not as fierce as yesterdays, but glad I'm inside.
Had a yummy chilled tomato soup for lunch followed by taco's yum.
As it wasn't as hot today after cleaning up went for a walk around the town.
Then a bit of a nap a back down the street for diner and some BBQ pork ribs .... double yum but rich and filling. Tried to post this but bad reception so will try again in the morning.
Its Friday morning and about to head out, have gotten emails off this morning so here goes.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Wednesday 25th of July 2012,
Set off at first light, 21km to Jarandilla de la Vera, terrain is getting hilly. But by following the road the gradient is steady and not too steep, so easy walking ... and back to little or no verge in places.
A bit off cloud cover and an anticipation of a summer storm building up?
Basically a town every hour today with plenty of chances to pick up goodies along the way.
Well made destination just prior to a very loud flashy lightning show .... glad I wasn't out on the road.
Followed by short but very heavy downpour ... but after that hot and muggy ... sat out storm in a cafe, hamburger and coffee in hand watching the the light show.
To room, wash and clean up, then snooze, wake to another storm about 7.30-8pm.
Grab a light meal in cafe at accom and an early night. Another storm a bit after midnight, so time to catch up on blog, coffee in hand.
Set off at first light, 21km to Jarandilla de la Vera, terrain is getting hilly. But by following the road the gradient is steady and not too steep, so easy walking ... and back to little or no verge in places.
A bit off cloud cover and an anticipation of a summer storm building up?
Basically a town every hour today with plenty of chances to pick up goodies along the way.
Well made destination just prior to a very loud flashy lightning show .... glad I wasn't out on the road.
Followed by short but very heavy downpour ... but after that hot and muggy ... sat out storm in a cafe, hamburger and coffee in hand watching the the light show.
To room, wash and clean up, then snooze, wake to another storm about 7.30-8pm.
Grab a light meal in cafe at accom and an early night. Another storm a bit after midnight, so time to catch up on blog, coffee in hand.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Tuesday 24th of July 2012,
Out on the road at first light at another hot one, they say 38C today. Easy walking ... reach next town, Madrigal de la Vera and have some breakfast ..... then off again, a bit of up and down this stretch but make Villanueva de la Vera right on midday (21.4km the gps tells me) ... temperature gauge tells me its 32C. Need to get some more sunblock and energy drink, last hour was hot with little or no shade.
Then find a bar/cafe/taverna and relax, the sign says madrid 173km my gps tells me I have walked over 200km, now where is that beer, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
This is quite a colourful town, some very brightly painted houses and businesses.
Got talking to a couple from Boston at the bar, they are touring around Spain .... and even with an air conditioned hire car, they say its too hot to do any touristy things in the afternoon.
So had a few interesting hours of conversation, made arrangements to catch up for diner and off for the siesta.
An enjoyable diner and speaking English, great and back to room about 1am and catch up with the blog.
Out on the road at first light at another hot one, they say 38C today. Easy walking ... reach next town, Madrigal de la Vera and have some breakfast ..... then off again, a bit of up and down this stretch but make Villanueva de la Vera right on midday (21.4km the gps tells me) ... temperature gauge tells me its 32C. Need to get some more sunblock and energy drink, last hour was hot with little or no shade.
Then find a bar/cafe/taverna and relax, the sign says madrid 173km my gps tells me I have walked over 200km, now where is that beer, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
This is quite a colourful town, some very brightly painted houses and businesses.
Got talking to a couple from Boston at the bar, they are touring around Spain .... and even with an air conditioned hire car, they say its too hot to do any touristy things in the afternoon.
So had a few interesting hours of conversation, made arrangements to catch up for diner and off for the siesta.
An enjoyable diner and speaking English, great and back to room about 1am and catch up with the blog.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Monday 23rd of July 2012,
Another hot day coming up, ready to get moving as soon as it got light enough to see. Have to cross a ridge today, so a bit of climbing to do. Climb wasn't to bad but road very narrow with armco fence on side of the road ... felt quite nervous when ever a car came by as they don't slow down .... its like they say, how close can we get without hitting him.
Made it to Poyales del Hoyo about 10am had a cheese omelet and a coffee here, then on my way again ... all down hill here. Arrived Candeleda just prior to midday ... gps comes in handy with all these narrow streets and lane, as its quite a big town.
Check out where I have booked to stay, room will be ready after 2pm so down to the bar, sit outside under the shade of a tree and enjoy the 30 plus warmth ... with a cold beer. Ordered a salad for lunch and another beer. Then back to see if room is ready .... yes, so usual washing etc, then Siesta.
Diner about 9pm still 32-33C outside then back to room and the air-con.
Another hot day coming up, ready to get moving as soon as it got light enough to see. Have to cross a ridge today, so a bit of climbing to do. Climb wasn't to bad but road very narrow with armco fence on side of the road ... felt quite nervous when ever a car came by as they don't slow down .... its like they say, how close can we get without hitting him.
Made it to Poyales del Hoyo about 10am had a cheese omelet and a coffee here, then on my way again ... all down hill here. Arrived Candeleda just prior to midday ... gps comes in handy with all these narrow streets and lane, as its quite a big town.
Check out where I have booked to stay, room will be ready after 2pm so down to the bar, sit outside under the shade of a tree and enjoy the 30 plus warmth ... with a cold beer. Ordered a salad for lunch and another beer. Then back to see if room is ready .... yes, so usual washing etc, then Siesta.
Diner about 9pm still 32-33C outside then back to room and the air-con.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Sunday, 22nd of July2012,
The church bells start first thing in the morning, luckily I'm up and ready to start walking, first light is just before 7am, again its going to get to 36C and another cloudless sky. Again walking along the main road, well its more and more a country road now with little traffic. Little if no shade, but it is about 18-19C first thing and feels good, but also know it will be about 30C by midday. So get a hussle alongand make it to Ramacastanas for breaky. Then on to and arrive about midday at Arenas de San Pedro, where I will stay the night.
Have learnt to keep myself hydrated and to drink plenty of water prior to having that first beer.
The bar is quite full after church is out and the locals are friendly and amused that I'm walking accross spain ... guess it will keep them going for awhile.
Then off to my room wash and clean up and settle in for my siesta .... need it.
Clothes dry in minutes, so all clened up, back down to the bar about 9pm ish ... its still about 33C and hot, had grilled octopus for diner tonight and a bottle of red as well as some bread and dips.
Then off to bed after it got dark ... which is getting earlier, around 10ish or there abouts now.
The church bells start first thing in the morning, luckily I'm up and ready to start walking, first light is just before 7am, again its going to get to 36C and another cloudless sky. Again walking along the main road, well its more and more a country road now with little traffic. Little if no shade, but it is about 18-19C first thing and feels good, but also know it will be about 30C by midday. So get a hussle alongand make it to Ramacastanas for breaky. Then on to and arrive about midday at Arenas de San Pedro, where I will stay the night.
Have learnt to keep myself hydrated and to drink plenty of water prior to having that first beer.
The bar is quite full after church is out and the locals are friendly and amused that I'm walking accross spain ... guess it will keep them going for awhile.
Then off to my room wash and clean up and settle in for my siesta .... need it.
Clothes dry in minutes, so all clened up, back down to the bar about 9pm ish ... its still about 33C and hot, had grilled octopus for diner tonight and a bottle of red as well as some bread and dips.
Then off to bed after it got dark ... which is getting earlier, around 10ish or there abouts now.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Saturday 21st of July 2012,
Decided to keep walking so of to Lanzahita, about 19km away .... but about half along main road ....
luckily traffic is light .... but not a lot of room on the verge .... so walk towards the traffic and keep alert for cars that may be passing coming from behind. As its the country and quite beautiful, its very quiet and you can here the traffic coming from a long way off. It reminds me of the country back home down Gippsland way .... but its looking a tad parched and yellow, as it hasn't rained once since I have been back. Don't think I have even seen a cloud in the sky.
Made Lanzahita about midday, feeling dry and parched myself .... first beer did not touch the sides, this bar had a courtyard out the back with lots of shade, very pleasant .... were I'm staying tonight is about 100m down the road so handy. Ended up falling asleep at the table .... bewildered I awake being nudged by the waiter with my lunch in hand. A late night, a walk in the sun and a couple of beers went right to my head ..... well some yummy food and a bottle of mineral water and I am back to normal.
So off to my accom and an afternoon siesta.
A restaurant a couple of doors down looks interesting for diner ... so I enter, waiter tells me they are booked out for the evening ... but the place is empty ... I look around and indicate to the empty tables.
He tells me they arrive after 10.30 maybe even 11pm or later .... its now 9pm ... he shows me to a table ... I have an hour and a half to eat! Get a bottle of red wine, had chicken livers, then the most magnificent porterhouse steak and am out in time for there normal service. So of down to the bar were its very noisy, got a beer but didn't stay long as was odd man out tonight. So back to my room and catch up with blog and other emails and think about tomorrows walk.
Decided to keep walking so of to Lanzahita, about 19km away .... but about half along main road ....
luckily traffic is light .... but not a lot of room on the verge .... so walk towards the traffic and keep alert for cars that may be passing coming from behind. As its the country and quite beautiful, its very quiet and you can here the traffic coming from a long way off. It reminds me of the country back home down Gippsland way .... but its looking a tad parched and yellow, as it hasn't rained once since I have been back. Don't think I have even seen a cloud in the sky.
Made Lanzahita about midday, feeling dry and parched myself .... first beer did not touch the sides, this bar had a courtyard out the back with lots of shade, very pleasant .... were I'm staying tonight is about 100m down the road so handy. Ended up falling asleep at the table .... bewildered I awake being nudged by the waiter with my lunch in hand. A late night, a walk in the sun and a couple of beers went right to my head ..... well some yummy food and a bottle of mineral water and I am back to normal.
So off to my accom and an afternoon siesta.
A restaurant a couple of doors down looks interesting for diner ... so I enter, waiter tells me they are booked out for the evening ... but the place is empty ... I look around and indicate to the empty tables.
He tells me they arrive after 10.30 maybe even 11pm or later .... its now 9pm ... he shows me to a table ... I have an hour and a half to eat! Get a bottle of red wine, had chicken livers, then the most magnificent porterhouse steak and am out in time for there normal service. So of down to the bar were its very noisy, got a beer but didn't stay long as was odd man out tonight. So back to my room and catch up with blog and other emails and think about tomorrows walk.
Friday, 20 July 2012
Friday 20th of July 2012,
Today was just under 20 km and about 12km of that along the main road ... noisy and very boring.
Made it to Casavieja by midday and the usual 30 plus temp. About 110 km from Madrid .... so still 550km or so to Lisbon ... chatting conversing with translator with some locals at the bar ... they are bewildered as to why I would want to walk across to Lisbon ... as there are buses or trains that can get me there quickly and in air conditioned comfort? I think they think I am quite mad.
Then checked into air conditioned accom and had a siesta till diner time, which in true Spanish terms is not till after 9pm. Well its almost 1pm and ready to call it a night.
Sorry for yesterday post taking so long, but very pour transmission last night/this morning.
Today was just under 20 km and about 12km of that along the main road ... noisy and very boring.
Made it to Casavieja by midday and the usual 30 plus temp. About 110 km from Madrid .... so still 550km or so to Lisbon ... chatting conversing with translator with some locals at the bar ... they are bewildered as to why I would want to walk across to Lisbon ... as there are buses or trains that can get me there quickly and in air conditioned comfort? I think they think I am quite mad.
Then checked into air conditioned accom and had a siesta till diner time, which in true Spanish terms is not till after 9pm. Well its almost 1pm and ready to call it a night.
Sorry for yesterday post taking so long, but very pour transmission last night/this morning.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Thursday 19th of July 2012,
Up bright and early, still dark outside but want as early a start as I can get. Its low 20's outside and going to make 36 later today. On my way to Sotillo de la Adrada about 18km along the highway .... but by back roads about 22km and hopefully shaded, but some hills to contend with as well .... numerous towns along this way as well. Its showing signs of daybreak so I'm off.
Made it by midday .... about 32C ... not a cloud in the sky, hot and dusty ... though most of the roads are sealed. Sorry it took so long to finish this as some problems with getting transmission.
Up bright and early, still dark outside but want as early a start as I can get. Its low 20's outside and going to make 36 later today. On my way to Sotillo de la Adrada about 18km along the highway .... but by back roads about 22km and hopefully shaded, but some hills to contend with as well .... numerous towns along this way as well. Its showing signs of daybreak so I'm off.
Made it by midday .... about 32C ... not a cloud in the sky, hot and dusty ... though most of the roads are sealed. Sorry it took so long to finish this as some problems with getting transmission.
Wednesday,18th of July 2012,
Up early and off to San Martin de Valdeiglesias about 15km ... taking the country lanes it was actually less only 14 and a bit km.
Started walking at 8am this morning after breakfast it was about 22-23deg C then, an easy 3 hour walk and the temperature was pushing 30 by then, with a top up around 37-38 today.
Unfortunately accom places don't seem to have swimming pools .... it would be great to take a dip and cool off. Well place I am staying at, at least has air con., to hot to be outside this afternoon/night ... sun doesn't set till after 10pm and temp still up around 30 at midnight, well using lots of 30plus sun screen, hat, sunglasses a must. Thought about getting a book to read as sitting about during the afternoon .... daaaah, they are all in Spanish!
Well, find an outdoor restaurant with lots of shade and watch the world go by ... too hot for anything else.
Up early and off to San Martin de Valdeiglesias about 15km ... taking the country lanes it was actually less only 14 and a bit km.
Started walking at 8am this morning after breakfast it was about 22-23deg C then, an easy 3 hour walk and the temperature was pushing 30 by then, with a top up around 37-38 today.
Unfortunately accom places don't seem to have swimming pools .... it would be great to take a dip and cool off. Well place I am staying at, at least has air con., to hot to be outside this afternoon/night ... sun doesn't set till after 10pm and temp still up around 30 at midnight, well using lots of 30plus sun screen, hat, sunglasses a must. Thought about getting a book to read as sitting about during the afternoon .... daaaah, they are all in Spanish!
Well, find an outdoor restaurant with lots of shade and watch the world go by ... too hot for anything else.
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Tuesday 17th of July 2012,
Walked from Brunete to Navas del Rey 25km if walking on the side of main road, yuk.
So walked the back roads, gps was great and I made it about at about 1pm ish. Walked mainly through farm land and the occasional small urban development, no bars of restaurants on-route, but luckily had stocked up on goodies prior to leaving Brunete.
Another very hot day, so walked early, even at 6.30 it was about 20C and by the time I got to Navas del Rey it was in the low 30's and was very pleased to find a store and buy a Gatorade, then down the road was a bar and a well deserved beer. Ended up walking about 29km by walking the back roads but pleasant, though will have to rethink distances as very tired today as there was not a lot of shade.
Staying in a rural retreat (B+B), pleasant diner included, great and a nice couple ... translator working overtime as they speak no English and my Spanish is basic. The heat took it out of me today so will try and walk a bit less tomorrow.
Walked from Brunete to Navas del Rey 25km if walking on the side of main road, yuk.
So walked the back roads, gps was great and I made it about at about 1pm ish. Walked mainly through farm land and the occasional small urban development, no bars of restaurants on-route, but luckily had stocked up on goodies prior to leaving Brunete.
Another very hot day, so walked early, even at 6.30 it was about 20C and by the time I got to Navas del Rey it was in the low 30's and was very pleased to find a store and buy a Gatorade, then down the road was a bar and a well deserved beer. Ended up walking about 29km by walking the back roads but pleasant, though will have to rethink distances as very tired today as there was not a lot of shade.
Staying in a rural retreat (B+B), pleasant diner included, great and a nice couple ... translator working overtime as they speak no English and my Spanish is basic. The heat took it out of me today so will try and walk a bit less tomorrow.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Monday 16th of July 2012,
Its a bit after 6.30am up and ready to start my new adventure, its a clear sky and about 17deg C outside. Will get an hour or so of walking under my belt then grab some breakfast ... am hoping to walk about 30km today but that depends on what track fitness I have lost in the last few weeks?
Know my general direction and towns where plenty of accommodation available.
So here we go .... more later.
Well here I am at Brunete about 30km from Madrid, a comfortable walk through tree lined streets, parks and country lanes to get here, tired but no aches or pains.
A comfortable hostel, private room, and not expensive .... other patrons not overly friendly, but!!!!
Well, will see how it goes a bit further out into the country, really its all about interaction with the locals and fellow travellers and the experience.
No pilgrims on this trek, or none that I have seen, the other odd backpacker and a few on bicycle holidays.
Its a bit after 6.30am up and ready to start my new adventure, its a clear sky and about 17deg C outside. Will get an hour or so of walking under my belt then grab some breakfast ... am hoping to walk about 30km today but that depends on what track fitness I have lost in the last few weeks?
Know my general direction and towns where plenty of accommodation available.
So here we go .... more later.
Well here I am at Brunete about 30km from Madrid, a comfortable walk through tree lined streets, parks and country lanes to get here, tired but no aches or pains.
A comfortable hostel, private room, and not expensive .... other patrons not overly friendly, but!!!!
Well, will see how it goes a bit further out into the country, really its all about interaction with the locals and fellow travellers and the experience.
No pilgrims on this trek, or none that I have seen, the other odd backpacker and a few on bicycle holidays.
Sunday 15th of July 2012,
Did all the touristy things today, bussed it around town, so I can say I saw Madrid, well in a whirlwind way like most tourists.
Tomorrow I start my walk to Lisbon, about 650 km, have my GPS so wont get lost, have the path roughly laid out, but can deviate if I wish. Have the Hotels, Hostels, B+B's etc all sorted out so lots of inexpensive accom along the way.
Looks like its going to get to33 tomorrow so an early start and stop walking about lunch time, as usual.
So till tomorrow, bye.
Did all the touristy things today, bussed it around town, so I can say I saw Madrid, well in a whirlwind way like most tourists.
Tomorrow I start my walk to Lisbon, about 650 km, have my GPS so wont get lost, have the path roughly laid out, but can deviate if I wish. Have the Hotels, Hostels, B+B's etc all sorted out so lots of inexpensive accom along the way.
Looks like its going to get to33 tomorrow so an early start and stop walking about lunch time, as usual.
So till tomorrow, bye.
Saturday, 14 July 2012
Friday, 13 July 2012
Friday 13th of July 2012.
Another hot and dry day, mid 30's and stifling in the city ... am ready to get out into the country, but accom paid up till Monday .... when I start walking toward Lisbon. Madrid is lovely, but still a big city, noisy, impersonal and unfriendly. Had a picnic today, bought some bread, cheese, salami and tomato and sat in a park in the shade and watched the world go by for hours .... it was very relaxing.
Well its late at night, people everywhere and still very warm .... but I'm ready for bed, so till tomorrow.
Another hot and dry day, mid 30's and stifling in the city ... am ready to get out into the country, but accom paid up till Monday .... when I start walking toward Lisbon. Madrid is lovely, but still a big city, noisy, impersonal and unfriendly. Had a picnic today, bought some bread, cheese, salami and tomato and sat in a park in the shade and watched the world go by for hours .... it was very relaxing.
Well its late at night, people everywhere and still very warm .... but I'm ready for bed, so till tomorrow.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Thursday 12th of July2012,
At my hotel near the airport in Madrid, it 12.30am and I'm bushed ... little to no sleep from Singapore to here with a short stopover at Doha.
Will have more to say later in day as sleep is my main thing now.
So good night all.
9am breakfast over, so just a short note, off into Madrid today, about 13-14km on foot to my hotel.. its booked for 3 days at the moment, its going to be warm today about 32 and sunny. It only 17 at the moment so will get a move on ... don't think I can check into hotel till 2 or 3pm ? But will see when I get there around midday.
11.30pm ish still very warm ... but at least a dry heat. Don't think I will stay anymore tha the 3 days organised as its a big city and I prefer the small towns/villages. Well try and get some sleep, very noisy outside .... sounds of the city!
At my hotel near the airport in Madrid, it 12.30am and I'm bushed ... little to no sleep from Singapore to here with a short stopover at Doha.
Will have more to say later in day as sleep is my main thing now.
So good night all.
9am breakfast over, so just a short note, off into Madrid today, about 13-14km on foot to my hotel.. its booked for 3 days at the moment, its going to be warm today about 32 and sunny. It only 17 at the moment so will get a move on ... don't think I can check into hotel till 2 or 3pm ? But will see when I get there around midday.
11.30pm ish still very warm ... but at least a dry heat. Don't think I will stay anymore tha the 3 days organised as its a big city and I prefer the small towns/villages. Well try and get some sleep, very noisy outside .... sounds of the city!
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Friday, 6 July 2012
Saturday 7thof July 2012,
Hi to all, funeral over and life getting back to normal .... though this life at home doesn't feel normal.
I am missing the pilgrims trail .... so back to Madrid next Tuesday, well depart Melbourne.
A few days, maybe a week there ... then make my way on foot to Lisbon in Portugal and then follow the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostella then back to Fisterra and Muxia a total of about 1320km. Thought about doing the Via de la Plata from Cadiz or Seville ... but its too hot this time of year that far south and inland (high 30's - low 40's there). So a good compromise, my route low to high 20's all the way. Lots a accommodation at convenient distances all through Spain and Portugal.
So that lets you know where I am at .... arrive Madrid late on Wednesday .... so will stay out at, or near to the airport.
Bye for now.
Hi to all, funeral over and life getting back to normal .... though this life at home doesn't feel normal.
I am missing the pilgrims trail .... so back to Madrid next Tuesday, well depart Melbourne.
A few days, maybe a week there ... then make my way on foot to Lisbon in Portugal and then follow the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostella then back to Fisterra and Muxia a total of about 1320km. Thought about doing the Via de la Plata from Cadiz or Seville ... but its too hot this time of year that far south and inland (high 30's - low 40's there). So a good compromise, my route low to high 20's all the way. Lots a accommodation at convenient distances all through Spain and Portugal.
So that lets you know where I am at .... arrive Madrid late on Wednesday .... so will stay out at, or near to the airport.
Bye for now.
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Sunday 1st of July 2012,
Here I am sitting at home with a coffee, its overcast, wet and brrrrrrrrr very cold. Not the finish to my walk that I expected. Thanks to all, for your thought, condolences, prays and well wishes.
Catching up with family to grieve and finalise the funeral arangements, its all so sad, and a very difficuilt time for us all.
Well thanks again to you all,
Luke
Here I am sitting at home with a coffee, its overcast, wet and brrrrrrrrr very cold. Not the finish to my walk that I expected. Thanks to all, for your thought, condolences, prays and well wishes.
Catching up with family to grieve and finalise the funeral arangements, its all so sad, and a very difficuilt time for us all.
Well thanks again to you all,
Luke
Friday, 29 June 2012
Saturday 30th of June 2012,
Well, in Sydney, a few hours till flight to Melbourne, so thought I'd update as next few days could be rather hectic. A bit of a delay in Singapore then a hold pattern prior to landing in Sydney, luckily customs wasn't a big hold up ... then off to the domestic terminal, sun is out here but a bit coolish.
Feel that my world has been turned upside down ... 2 days ago sitting in a bar in Fisterra enjoying a coffee, now the other side of the world having a pretty ordinary coffee, and breakfast soso.
Well will try and catch up with some emails.
Well, in Sydney, a few hours till flight to Melbourne, so thought I'd update as next few days could be rather hectic. A bit of a delay in Singapore then a hold pattern prior to landing in Sydney, luckily customs wasn't a big hold up ... then off to the domestic terminal, sun is out here but a bit coolish.
Feel that my world has been turned upside down ... 2 days ago sitting in a bar in Fisterra enjoying a coffee, now the other side of the world having a pretty ordinary coffee, and breakfast soso.
Well will try and catch up with some emails.
Friday 29th of June 2012,
Hi to all, well just landed in singapore, a few hours layover, just bought myself a G+T, bloody hell I could servive a whole day in Spain on what this cost me here in Singapore.
Feel down ..... here I was having this life changing adventure .... no this is life changing, was I away with the fairies, living a dream or a fantacy, not sure, reality, its like a kick in the guts.
So guess I will savour this G+T and think twice about buying another .... but then!!!
So Sydney tomorrow morning, layover and then Jetstar back to Melbourn and home some time in the arvo.
Well free internet time almost over, so catch up soon.
Hi to all, well just landed in singapore, a few hours layover, just bought myself a G+T, bloody hell I could servive a whole day in Spain on what this cost me here in Singapore.
Feel down ..... here I was having this life changing adventure .... no this is life changing, was I away with the fairies, living a dream or a fantacy, not sure, reality, its like a kick in the guts.
So guess I will savour this G+T and think twice about buying another .... but then!!!
So Sydney tomorrow morning, layover and then Jetstar back to Melbourn and home some time in the arvo.
Well free internet time almost over, so catch up soon.
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Thursday 28thof June 2012,
Terrible news from home, Grand daughter has died, so heading home for her funeral.
Its late thursday evening, sitting in a bar at Madrid International Airport, nursing a whisky and reflecting on todays events.
Left Cee about 8am, its overcast, threatening rain, and cool .... easy walking and make Fisterra by 11am ..... do our usual thing and find a bar and have a coffee. Pulled out laptop to check emails from home and update blog .... then world thrown upside down.
There is a travel agent just down the road, I have a return ticket but that is departing from Paris, and open ended and and can't get a seat till Sunday. So end up with a taxi ride to S de C airport, then a domestic flight to Madrid and I depart here shortly .... so will be back in Sydney Saturday morning then another domestic home to Melbourne.
Well will leave it there for now ..... they are calling my flight.
Terrible news from home, Grand daughter has died, so heading home for her funeral.
Its late thursday evening, sitting in a bar at Madrid International Airport, nursing a whisky and reflecting on todays events.
Left Cee about 8am, its overcast, threatening rain, and cool .... easy walking and make Fisterra by 11am ..... do our usual thing and find a bar and have a coffee. Pulled out laptop to check emails from home and update blog .... then world thrown upside down.
There is a travel agent just down the road, I have a return ticket but that is departing from Paris, and open ended and and can't get a seat till Sunday. So end up with a taxi ride to S de C airport, then a domestic flight to Madrid and I depart here shortly .... so will be back in Sydney Saturday morning then another domestic home to Melbourne.
Well will leave it there for now ..... they are calling my flight.
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Wednesday 27th of June 2012,
Awoke to gentle pitter patter of rain this morning but still quite warm, low 20's after a very muggy night. Off to Cee today .... about 25km .... had breakfast and sat around till about 8.30, when rain stopped and out popped the sun. So off we trod through forests of eucalypts and great views of the water. Arrived in Cee early afternoon, with the day coooling rather than getting hotter, grabbed some lunch then the domestic duties of washing clothes, etc.
Went for a wonder around the town and then settled in for a pleasant dinner with my 2 palls and 3 other pilgrims, that we chatted to along the way. As night approaches cooling down considerably.
Dodgy transmission tonight, so will try later or in the morning to post this?
Awoke to gentle pitter patter of rain this morning but still quite warm, low 20's after a very muggy night. Off to Cee today .... about 25km .... had breakfast and sat around till about 8.30, when rain stopped and out popped the sun. So off we trod through forests of eucalypts and great views of the water. Arrived in Cee early afternoon, with the day coooling rather than getting hotter, grabbed some lunch then the domestic duties of washing clothes, etc.
Went for a wonder around the town and then settled in for a pleasant dinner with my 2 palls and 3 other pilgrims, that we chatted to along the way. As night approaches cooling down considerably.
Dodgy transmission tonight, so will try later or in the morning to post this?
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Tuesday 26th of June 2012.
Negreira to Olveiroa, 31km, hot and humid, started early as it was going to be another blistering day, walking mainly through eucalypt forests .... at least some shade. Its now just getting dark so will hit the hay soon ... still walking with Irene and Ilga, glad they both speek good English , as my Dutch and German is very poor. Whilst enjoy a beer late afternoon a friend from the Le Puy part walked in .... he has already been to Fisterra and Muxia and is walking back to S de C and will fly out from there.
Well tired, its been a long day, hope I can sleep as its still a hot and humid 27 deg C, so till tomorrow, bye.
Negreira to Olveiroa, 31km, hot and humid, started early as it was going to be another blistering day, walking mainly through eucalypt forests .... at least some shade. Its now just getting dark so will hit the hay soon ... still walking with Irene and Ilga, glad they both speek good English , as my Dutch and German is very poor. Whilst enjoy a beer late afternoon a friend from the Le Puy part walked in .... he has already been to Fisterra and Muxia and is walking back to S de C and will fly out from there.
Well tired, its been a long day, hope I can sleep as its still a hot and humid 27 deg C, so till tomorrow, bye.
Monday, 25 June 2012
Monday 25th of June 2012,
Set out from S de C early, 7am start with about 21km to cover, pleasant at first mid to high teens and sunny, thouugh good shade on country lanes and eucalypt forests. Ilga and Irene walk well and we make good time and reach Negreira a bit after midday ... a definite stop as temp now up into mid 20's and humid, some lunch then get cleaned up as hot and sweaty from the trail. With laundry on the line and all cleaned up, we head back to the bar for a little R+R as its at the hottest part of the day, up round 33C so good beer weather then diner and an early night, which at this time of year is about 11pm as it doesn't get dark till then.
A long walk tomorrow, some 31km and its going to be hot again.
Poor reception, wouldn't post, so will try later ..... its 2.15am and trying again!
Set out from S de C early, 7am start with about 21km to cover, pleasant at first mid to high teens and sunny, thouugh good shade on country lanes and eucalypt forests. Ilga and Irene walk well and we make good time and reach Negreira a bit after midday ... a definite stop as temp now up into mid 20's and humid, some lunch then get cleaned up as hot and sweaty from the trail. With laundry on the line and all cleaned up, we head back to the bar for a little R+R as its at the hottest part of the day, up round 33C so good beer weather then diner and an early night, which at this time of year is about 11pm as it doesn't get dark till then.
A long walk tomorrow, some 31km and its going to be hot again.
Poor reception, wouldn't post, so will try later ..... its 2.15am and trying again!
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Sunday 24th of June 2012,
Slept in this morning, didn't surface till about 10am, normally up at first light. Must be this sitting around or maybe the sun, high 20's today, outside under umbrellas, sunblock on ..... very pleasant.
Several of the group left for home today. I will start walking in the morning and on to the Atlantic, will be walking with a Dutch and a German lady tomorrow will see how we go, pace wise that is what seems to determine who you walk with. Well I know I sent off some emails this afternoon and on re reading them later in the day ... sorry, but it seemed a good idea at the time ... how can you slur the written language, well I did it. Apologies to all!
Well very late at night and up early, even set the alarm due to sleeping in this morning.
Slept in this morning, didn't surface till about 10am, normally up at first light. Must be this sitting around or maybe the sun, high 20's today, outside under umbrellas, sunblock on ..... very pleasant.
Several of the group left for home today. I will start walking in the morning and on to the Atlantic, will be walking with a Dutch and a German lady tomorrow will see how we go, pace wise that is what seems to determine who you walk with. Well I know I sent off some emails this afternoon and on re reading them later in the day ... sorry, but it seemed a good idea at the time ... how can you slur the written language, well I did it. Apologies to all!
Well very late at night and up early, even set the alarm due to sleeping in this morning.
Friday, 22 June 2012
Saturday 23rd of June2012,
Well 12 weeks after starting, Here I am having breakfast in Santiago de Compostela, a big night out last night and sore heads from most of those that are up, it appears coffee is the first words spoken on arrival this morning and shhhhh, my head hurts or got any aspirin.
Lots of fun last night with music and dancing, food and lots of beer wine and yes even cognac to end the day, someone tried to shove a cigar in my hand, but no, I would be tasting it for days, so gave that a miss. Its funny but most are wearing there sunnies today, well at least its sunny again but still coolish.
More, maybe later ..... Well have the people at hom talking about Black Caviar in the UK , well I don't realy care but, all my best ... to horse and trainers, but ??????? not my thing.
For Australia, hope she wins, but had a father who followed horse racing, therefore I have no interest!
More interested in some of the local tapas, with local wine.
Cheers Luke
Well 12 weeks after starting, Here I am having breakfast in Santiago de Compostela, a big night out last night and sore heads from most of those that are up, it appears coffee is the first words spoken on arrival this morning and shhhhh, my head hurts or got any aspirin.
Lots of fun last night with music and dancing, food and lots of beer wine and yes even cognac to end the day, someone tried to shove a cigar in my hand, but no, I would be tasting it for days, so gave that a miss. Its funny but most are wearing there sunnies today, well at least its sunny again but still coolish.
More, maybe later ..... Well have the people at hom talking about Black Caviar in the UK , well I don't realy care but, all my best ... to horse and trainers, but ??????? not my thing.
For Australia, hope she wins, but had a father who followed horse racing, therefore I have no interest!
More interested in some of the local tapas, with local wine.
Cheers Luke
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Friday 22nd of June 2012,
Its about 7.30am, 11 degrees and the sun is out, though there are a few clouds, with a top of 19 expected. Have had breakfast and another coffee so we expect to leave shortly .... only 10 km to go so a little over 2 maybe 3 hours I to the cathedral.
More later ..... well in Santiago and yes it is a magical place, you feel like you have achieved something special, the pilgrims mass , and all that goes with it. But to me there is still more, Muxia!
Lots of fun and revelry today, sure it will go on into the night .... its 3.30-4pm , will see if capable of a later post.
Its about 7.30am, 11 degrees and the sun is out, though there are a few clouds, with a top of 19 expected. Have had breakfast and another coffee so we expect to leave shortly .... only 10 km to go so a little over 2 maybe 3 hours I to the cathedral.
More later ..... well in Santiago and yes it is a magical place, you feel like you have achieved something special, the pilgrims mass , and all that goes with it. But to me there is still more, Muxia!
Lots of fun and revelry today, sure it will go on into the night .... its 3.30-4pm , will see if capable of a later post.
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Thursday 21st of June 2012,
Arzua to Lavacolla about 12km, its quite cool this morning. The temperature gauge says it 14 but it feels like its about 10, so we are rugged up against the wind. Not in a hurry to get going, its about 9am and enjoying a coffee and an omelet.
The sun is out so we should have a reasonable days walk, so walking at a casual pace should be at Lavacolla by 12.30-1 for another relaxed lunch.
More later ....
Have had a pleasant day in the sun though its not exactly hot, about 18-19 at its best late afternoon.
Only 10km to Santiago, friends all excited at almost being there, but I feel a little down as after tomorrow I may not see them again?
Arzua to Lavacolla about 12km, its quite cool this morning. The temperature gauge says it 14 but it feels like its about 10, so we are rugged up against the wind. Not in a hurry to get going, its about 9am and enjoying a coffee and an omelet.
The sun is out so we should have a reasonable days walk, so walking at a casual pace should be at Lavacolla by 12.30-1 for another relaxed lunch.
More later ....
Have had a pleasant day in the sun though its not exactly hot, about 18-19 at its best late afternoon.
Only 10km to Santiago, friends all excited at almost being there, but I feel a little down as after tomorrow I may not see them again?
Wednesday 20th of June 2012,
Walked 16-17km to Arzua today, it was overcast, coolish but at least no rain.
Got to a top of 18 today but the breeze was coolish. The walk is through forests and farm land, about 22km to Santiago de Compostela. Have considered walking it all in one go but the ladies say this too far for them, with all the hills and things so whats one more day when I have been walking for 81 days already and about 1500km, feet and ankles are good.
Food is great though haven't had a Pilgrim meal for a long time, a group of us usually buy about 3 meals between the 9 of us and all share, as the meals are huge so its not overly expensive and a carafe of a passable wine is dirt cheap.
Walked 16-17km to Arzua today, it was overcast, coolish but at least no rain.
Got to a top of 18 today but the breeze was coolish. The walk is through forests and farm land, about 22km to Santiago de Compostela. Have considered walking it all in one go but the ladies say this too far for them, with all the hills and things so whats one more day when I have been walking for 81 days already and about 1500km, feet and ankles are good.
Food is great though haven't had a Pilgrim meal for a long time, a group of us usually buy about 3 meals between the 9 of us and all share, as the meals are huge so its not overly expensive and a carafe of a passable wine is dirt cheap.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Tuesday 19th of June 2012,
Its summer, but I'm not seeing it, it got to a top of 19 today and that was at about 5.30 in the arvo. We at least had a bit of sun very early in the morning, but by 10am back to overcast and the occasional shower, well towns close together and mainly walking through forests so was quite cool 10-12C and water dripping from trees but still its very beautiful country.
Melide for lunch and there renowned octopus dishes, yum ..... ate it for lunch and diner as well.
Staying in a private Albergue tonight, quite cosy though as bunks packed in.
Only about 40 km to Santiago de Compostela then another 120 onto Muxia via Fisterre, then I guess home after a bit of a rest up, open ended ticket so when is flexible.
Its summer, but I'm not seeing it, it got to a top of 19 today and that was at about 5.30 in the arvo. We at least had a bit of sun very early in the morning, but by 10am back to overcast and the occasional shower, well towns close together and mainly walking through forests so was quite cool 10-12C and water dripping from trees but still its very beautiful country.
Melide for lunch and there renowned octopus dishes, yum ..... ate it for lunch and diner as well.
Staying in a private Albergue tonight, quite cosy though as bunks packed in.
Only about 40 km to Santiago de Compostela then another 120 onto Muxia via Fisterre, then I guess home after a bit of a rest up, open ended ticket so when is flexible.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Monday 18th of June 2012,
From Gonzar to Palas de Rei 16-17km, undulating but easy walking, overcast and the odd shower, have hardly seen the sun in weeks like how I started out, but a bit warmer .... not much but a bit. Summer in spain, I was told its so hot, but apart from a couple of days about a month back have had coolish weather.
Anyway back to Palas de Rei and lots of yummy bars and restaurants to eat at.
From Gonzar to Palas de Rei 16-17km, undulating but easy walking, overcast and the odd shower, have hardly seen the sun in weeks like how I started out, but a bit warmer .... not much but a bit. Summer in spain, I was told its so hot, but apart from a couple of days about a month back have had coolish weather.
Anyway back to Palas de Rei and lots of yummy bars and restaurants to eat at.
Sunday 17th of June 2012,
Today on to Gonzar about 17 km, but a steep descent into Portomarin and breakfast, then a steep climb up and out and on to Gonzar and lunch. Have to stop early to get accom or book ahead as so many other people walking this stretch of the Camino. I have seen women in high heels walking along, its strange. Anyway each to there own.
Today on to Gonzar about 17 km, but a steep descent into Portomarin and breakfast, then a steep climb up and out and on to Gonzar and lunch. Have to stop early to get accom or book ahead as so many other people walking this stretch of the Camino. I have seen women in high heels walking along, its strange. Anyway each to there own.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Saturday, 16th of June 2012,
Sarria to Ferreiros (13-14km), weather overcast with the odd shower expected. Walking through forests of beech. absolutely beautiful country side except for the multitude of walkers on this part of the Camino, but its still fantastic. Like everywhere on the Camino, its up and down territory.
Make Ferreiros about lunch time and settle in for the arvo, a few showers late in the day and we are dry and enjoying some lovely wine and tapas ... lunch is a long affair that sort of followed into diner and then an early night (well for Spain, as it does not get dark till about 11pm).
Sarria to Ferreiros (13-14km), weather overcast with the odd shower expected. Walking through forests of beech. absolutely beautiful country side except for the multitude of walkers on this part of the Camino, but its still fantastic. Like everywhere on the Camino, its up and down territory.
Make Ferreiros about lunch time and settle in for the arvo, a few showers late in the day and we are dry and enjoying some lovely wine and tapas ... lunch is a long affair that sort of followed into diner and then an early night (well for Spain, as it does not get dark till about 11pm).
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Friday 15th of June 2012,
We all got going early this morning, 9 of us in total and for a change all English speaking. So have covered some 9-10km to Samos where we are enjoying a pleasant breakfast, sun is out and its about 15 deg, no wind and is quite pleasant plan to stop at a small village called San Mamed do Camino at a private Albergue ... all up a bit over 20km. Food arriving so bye for now.
Its about 1pm in Sarria , about 3km more than expected but planed place booked out so on to Sarria.
A little further than expected but ankles great, no hassles, all is good.
120 km to Santiago, so about a week, maybe less ??????
Walking with the gang has been amazing, I guess we have just gotten on so well, and to all meet up so close to the finish, think we will stay together till Santiago and then? Not sure re Fisterre/Muxia, some seem interested?
Well, Sarria ... jam packed with pilgrims, lots straight of the bus, different world, very commercial part of the way! There are organised tours of them with guides and all. This is the shortest distance to get your Compestela, they walk with no packs, luggage transported for them. And I don't think the locals are as happy with the pilgrims here, its big business on this section and they look at us like we are hobo's.
Will catch up later! Luke
We all got going early this morning, 9 of us in total and for a change all English speaking. So have covered some 9-10km to Samos where we are enjoying a pleasant breakfast, sun is out and its about 15 deg, no wind and is quite pleasant plan to stop at a small village called San Mamed do Camino at a private Albergue ... all up a bit over 20km. Food arriving so bye for now.
Its about 1pm in Sarria , about 3km more than expected but planed place booked out so on to Sarria.
A little further than expected but ankles great, no hassles, all is good.
120 km to Santiago, so about a week, maybe less ??????
Walking with the gang has been amazing, I guess we have just gotten on so well, and to all meet up so close to the finish, think we will stay together till Santiago and then? Not sure re Fisterre/Muxia, some seem interested?
Well, Sarria ... jam packed with pilgrims, lots straight of the bus, different world, very commercial part of the way! There are organised tours of them with guides and all. This is the shortest distance to get your Compestela, they walk with no packs, luggage transported for them. And I don't think the locals are as happy with the pilgrims here, its big business on this section and they look at us like we are hobo's.
Will catch up later! Luke
Thursday 14th of June 2012,
Ankle soso, ok with boots on but walking slow and steady and careful where I put my foot down as the path is uneven here. Weather overcast but great views, no rain during walk, it to Triacastela, (9km) and stopped for lunch there. Whilst enjoying a yummy lunch, inwalks the Canadians I was walking with a few weeks back and then later the 3 Aussie ladies arrived.
So that was that, the afternoon turned into a party .... raced off to organise accom and a quick clean up and back to the party, which went well into the night
Ankle soso, ok with boots on but walking slow and steady and careful where I put my foot down as the path is uneven here. Weather overcast but great views, no rain during walk, it to Triacastela, (9km) and stopped for lunch there. Whilst enjoying a yummy lunch, inwalks the Canadians I was walking with a few weeks back and then later the 3 Aussie ladies arrived.
So that was that, the afternoon turned into a party .... raced off to organise accom and a quick clean up and back to the party, which went well into the night
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Wednesday13th of June 2012
Managed to get boots on and walked to Fonfria, about 12km, enough for today. Ankle OK but don't want to stress it. Took it easy and will do it with care for the next few days. Am in no rush, so no problems!
Well people catching up to me now, great to see them again, now I'm the invalid.
Well tomorrow another day!
Luke xxxx
Managed to get boots on and walked to Fonfria, about 12km, enough for today. Ankle OK but don't want to stress it. Took it easy and will do it with care for the next few days. Am in no rush, so no problems!
Well people catching up to me now, great to see them again, now I'm the invalid.
Well tomorrow another day!
Luke xxxx
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Tuesday12th of June 2012,
Its late at night and finally on my own, have had people fussing about with advise on what to do and how to treat my ankle .... I can feel its much improved already.
Stayed put today, just making the necessary walk to the bar for nourishment, where I stayed most of the day and night, except for an afternoon siesta.
Weather wasn't the best today cold, wet and windy. Its on top of the world up here, but very exposed to all of the elements.
So off to sleep now.
Its late at night and finally on my own, have had people fussing about with advise on what to do and how to treat my ankle .... I can feel its much improved already.
Stayed put today, just making the necessary walk to the bar for nourishment, where I stayed most of the day and night, except for an afternoon siesta.
Weather wasn't the best today cold, wet and windy. Its on top of the world up here, but very exposed to all of the elements.
So off to sleep now.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Monday 11th of June 2012,
Up early this morning, have had breakfast and waiting on weather, its partly cloudy with splashes of sun and the odd shower so will head of at next sunny spot .... so a steep climb today though not a great distance, it will be difficult. O Cebreiro is only 12km away and almost at the top then a big down hill stretch just as steep, its easier going up.
Rain has stopped and the sun has broken through, the world is all sparkly like trees decked out for Christmas. Bye for now!
Not as bad as I thought, but about 300m from O Cebreiro, I rolled my ankle on some uneven ground, so hobble on and here I am, its swollen don't think I will get my boot back on, should have know to keep the boot on, well have it taped and will see how it is tomorrow morning, a tad sore at the moment.
Have been very lucky all trip, no blisters some calluses, but sand them down and they are fine. Hobbling around in my light weight runners, if all else fails may have to walk in them. A bit early to start drowning sorrows so a coffee and a relax, then some lunch and a beer.
Up early this morning, have had breakfast and waiting on weather, its partly cloudy with splashes of sun and the odd shower so will head of at next sunny spot .... so a steep climb today though not a great distance, it will be difficult. O Cebreiro is only 12km away and almost at the top then a big down hill stretch just as steep, its easier going up.
Rain has stopped and the sun has broken through, the world is all sparkly like trees decked out for Christmas. Bye for now!
Not as bad as I thought, but about 300m from O Cebreiro, I rolled my ankle on some uneven ground, so hobble on and here I am, its swollen don't think I will get my boot back on, should have know to keep the boot on, well have it taped and will see how it is tomorrow morning, a tad sore at the moment.
Have been very lucky all trip, no blisters some calluses, but sand them down and they are fine. Hobbling around in my light weight runners, if all else fails may have to walk in them. A bit early to start drowning sorrows so a coffee and a relax, then some lunch and a beer.
Sunday 10th of June 2012,
Today turned out OK weather wise, around 20 with the sun peaking through during today's walk. Am in Vega de Valcarce about 24km walking today. went to bed a bit early tonight so am awake and its about 2am so thought I would do some catching up on blog, etc.
Ran into numerous friends today, nearly always when passing through a town and they or you are sitting down having a coffee or beer.
Tomorrow O Cebreiro, a long and steep climb a bit like out of Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Today turned out OK weather wise, around 20 with the sun peaking through during today's walk. Am in Vega de Valcarce about 24km walking today. went to bed a bit early tonight so am awake and its about 2am so thought I would do some catching up on blog, etc.
Ran into numerous friends today, nearly always when passing through a town and they or you are sitting down having a coffee or beer.
Tomorrow O Cebreiro, a long and steep climb a bit like out of Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Friday, 8 June 2012
Saturday 9th of June 2012,
At Ponferrada having breaky and a yummy mug of coffee an early start, weather overcast but rain holding off. On my own again as 3 Aussie ladies don't start early.
After breakfast will have a look around and maybe head on to Cacabelos? Will see if anything convinces me to stay?
Well 4pm in Cacabelos, accom organised, lunch enjoyed, new friends encountered.
This is what its about, new friends, great times, mmmmmmmmmm
Well, will get back, later .... luke
At Ponferrada having breaky and a yummy mug of coffee an early start, weather overcast but rain holding off. On my own again as 3 Aussie ladies don't start early.
After breakfast will have a look around and maybe head on to Cacabelos? Will see if anything convinces me to stay?
Well 4pm in Cacabelos, accom organised, lunch enjoyed, new friends encountered.
This is what its about, new friends, great times, mmmmmmmmmm
Well, will get back, later .... luke
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Friday 8th of June 2012,
Slept in this morning, no trucks picking up garbage or other pilgrims zipping things, coughing, chatting
and just general noise. So here it is 8.30 ish enjoying breakfast and looking outside at rain, big thunderstorm over night, the thunder had everything shacking.
More later.
Well half an hour after I decided to stay ... sun came out, and stayed out, got up to 23 and was lovely, bugger, bugger, it was meant to be crap, no, thats the next 4 days now??????? Weathermen/women? ..... bloody bewildering! But who knows whats happening, do they????????? Any way had a very good day, so far .... Aussie ladies also stayed due to weather report.
Had a ball with them, minimum age difference but they are from a different world, there more like my mom, but great fun!
Well tomorrow on the move again but, where?? Only a few km to Ponferoda or on to Cacabelos.
tomorrow will tell.
Slept in this morning, no trucks picking up garbage or other pilgrims zipping things, coughing, chatting
and just general noise. So here it is 8.30 ish enjoying breakfast and looking outside at rain, big thunderstorm over night, the thunder had everything shacking.
More later.
Well half an hour after I decided to stay ... sun came out, and stayed out, got up to 23 and was lovely, bugger, bugger, it was meant to be crap, no, thats the next 4 days now??????? Weathermen/women? ..... bloody bewildering! But who knows whats happening, do they????????? Any way had a very good day, so far .... Aussie ladies also stayed due to weather report.
Had a ball with them, minimum age difference but they are from a different world, there more like my mom, but great fun!
Well tomorrow on the move again but, where?? Only a few km to Ponferoda or on to Cacabelos.
tomorrow will tell.
Thursday 7th of June 2012,
Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca .... about 25km, damp, overcast and not very inviting to go out walking in. Well there was a break in the weather and headed out, its one of those up and over walks today climb about 450m to a bit over 1500m then a 1000m decent into Molinaseca and off the Mesita, some fog which ruined the views and its a bit cooler up high, so moved it along today hoping to avoid the rain, got in around 1 ish, booked in got cleaned up and a bit of lunch. Bumped into 3 Aussie ladies doing the walk, they walk about 10-15km a day and luggage transported for them at a cost. Well great to chat to them as have only run into a few Aussies and Kiwis so far. Found I really liked it here and as weather looks like worsening have decided to stay another day/night here.
Rabanal del Camino to Molinaseca .... about 25km, damp, overcast and not very inviting to go out walking in. Well there was a break in the weather and headed out, its one of those up and over walks today climb about 450m to a bit over 1500m then a 1000m decent into Molinaseca and off the Mesita, some fog which ruined the views and its a bit cooler up high, so moved it along today hoping to avoid the rain, got in around 1 ish, booked in got cleaned up and a bit of lunch. Bumped into 3 Aussie ladies doing the walk, they walk about 10-15km a day and luggage transported for them at a cost. Well great to chat to them as have only run into a few Aussies and Kiwis so far. Found I really liked it here and as weather looks like worsening have decided to stay another day/night here.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Wednesday 6th of June 2012,
Astorga to Rabanal del Camino, started walking about 8 this morning , the weather threatening shower and possible thunderstorms.
Well some how avoided the rain, was having a coffee stop when one shower went over and had a bus stop to shelter in when another passed, so didn't have to drag the poncho out.
Any way made it to Rabanal del Camino at about 1pm .... walked mainly by myself today, but the walk is getting busier and busier .... with summer come the hordes, apparently. Find it easier to stay in the B+B's or the Private Albergues or a Hotel, you don't have to queue up, costs more but often private room with en-suite, worth it.
Keep on running into friendly faces from prior bits of the walk, its great to catch up.
Ran into a couple of Aussie Ladies today at the bar, haven't heard an Aussie drawl for ages, they are wombling ( a mix of waddling and rambling is how they explained it) along at 12 -15km a day and get there packs transported from place to place. Well everyone does it there way. You even come across people with donkeys to carry there gear or people with, trailer like things that attach at there waste????
Well again its after mid night so time to hit the hay.
Astorga to Rabanal del Camino, started walking about 8 this morning , the weather threatening shower and possible thunderstorms.
Well some how avoided the rain, was having a coffee stop when one shower went over and had a bus stop to shelter in when another passed, so didn't have to drag the poncho out.
Any way made it to Rabanal del Camino at about 1pm .... walked mainly by myself today, but the walk is getting busier and busier .... with summer come the hordes, apparently. Find it easier to stay in the B+B's or the Private Albergues or a Hotel, you don't have to queue up, costs more but often private room with en-suite, worth it.
Keep on running into friendly faces from prior bits of the walk, its great to catch up.
Ran into a couple of Aussie Ladies today at the bar, haven't heard an Aussie drawl for ages, they are wombling ( a mix of waddling and rambling is how they explained it) along at 12 -15km a day and get there packs transported from place to place. Well everyone does it there way. You even come across people with donkeys to carry there gear or people with, trailer like things that attach at there waste????
Well again its after mid night so time to hit the hay.
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Tuesday 5th of June 2012,
Well a showery day, warm and moist, on and off with poncho, starting to get back into some hilly territory but no great climb, at least its not beside the road, lots of little towns. Ended up walking to Astorga about 26-27km, light showers persisted but kept dry though a tad muggy. At a nice little B+B tonight on my own for a change the others decided to stop early. The nature of the way ... needed a bit of personal space for a change. Caught up with some other friends at a bar and had a great chat and a few drinks. so good night for now.
Well a showery day, warm and moist, on and off with poncho, starting to get back into some hilly territory but no great climb, at least its not beside the road, lots of little towns. Ended up walking to Astorga about 26-27km, light showers persisted but kept dry though a tad muggy. At a nice little B+B tonight on my own for a change the others decided to stop early. The nature of the way ... needed a bit of personal space for a change. Caught up with some other friends at a bar and had a great chat and a few drinks. so good night for now.
Monday, 4 June 2012
Monday 4th of June 2012,
Very muggy weather warm and showers, a very easy walk to Villar de Mazarife, a bit over 20km, its still flattish land, no big hills to climb. This is another of those alternate routes, away from the highway, the customary route is on the side of the road and is boring.
weather, well sun one minute and a shower the next???? not too bad in the morning but as it gets hotter ,well very tropical. Using a poncho instead of wet weather gear as its too hot.
Anyway usual afternoon thingy, eat drink and be merry, am I escaping life or living it, I like the later version.
Diner awaits, maybe more later.
Great food,wine and of to bed, late again.
Very muggy weather warm and showers, a very easy walk to Villar de Mazarife, a bit over 20km, its still flattish land, no big hills to climb. This is another of those alternate routes, away from the highway, the customary route is on the side of the road and is boring.
weather, well sun one minute and a shower the next???? not too bad in the morning but as it gets hotter ,well very tropical. Using a poncho instead of wet weather gear as its too hot.
Anyway usual afternoon thingy, eat drink and be merry, am I escaping life or living it, I like the later version.
Diner awaits, maybe more later.
Great food,wine and of to bed, late again.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Sunday, 3rd of June 2012,
Was woken up very early this morning by garbage trucks emptying the bottles and things from the restaurants and bars in the area, very noisy! And then there is the church bells! So up early'ish and out to get a coffee or 2.
I need to do some shopping new socks a new pair of trousers for the walk the zip on one pair has given up the ghost and can only be warn as shorts now, besides after 9 weeks of constant wear ... looking a tad second rate, T shirts too. Well will see if anything open a bit later.
Being joined by my fellow travellers, some looking decidedly seedy and tired from a big night out.
I know its early but a beer for breaky often helps, then theres the big fry up of eggs, bacon and the lot, mmmmmmmmmm, getting hungry now!
More maybe later.
Well its 10.30 and I'm tired, big day, lots of walking, found all I needed, even a small lap top, note book, tablet???? anyway with Vodaphone pre paid satelite/radio???? No more queing up waiting to get on, paying for an hour and not using it all.
Ready to move on feel like I've been here a week though its only a day and a bit, well almost 2 days.
Next place, haven't even looked? See where my feet take me tomorrow, not sure if my fellow travellers are ready to move on or not, see in the morning.
Was woken up very early this morning by garbage trucks emptying the bottles and things from the restaurants and bars in the area, very noisy! And then there is the church bells! So up early'ish and out to get a coffee or 2.
I need to do some shopping new socks a new pair of trousers for the walk the zip on one pair has given up the ghost and can only be warn as shorts now, besides after 9 weeks of constant wear ... looking a tad second rate, T shirts too. Well will see if anything open a bit later.
Being joined by my fellow travellers, some looking decidedly seedy and tired from a big night out.
I know its early but a beer for breaky often helps, then theres the big fry up of eggs, bacon and the lot, mmmmmmmmmm, getting hungry now!
More maybe later.
Well its 10.30 and I'm tired, big day, lots of walking, found all I needed, even a small lap top, note book, tablet???? anyway with Vodaphone pre paid satelite/radio???? No more queing up waiting to get on, paying for an hour and not using it all.
Ready to move on feel like I've been here a week though its only a day and a bit, well almost 2 days.
Next place, haven't even looked? See where my feet take me tomorrow, not sure if my fellow travellers are ready to move on or not, see in the morning.
update ... Saturday 2nd of June 2012,
Well on my way to Leon, be there by lunch time, then a day off , warm but these's weird storms, come out of now where and gone as quick? Well yes in Leon great time, Saturday, party time?? Am I up for it ?? Will give it a go ??? Well someone has to do it, mmmmmm
Good food, great company, great hospitality, mmmmmmm
Well taking a well deserved rest here for a day or two? Will see what happens?
Back in hotel, still hyped up so thought I would update blog ... its about 3am!
Made it to Leon, had lunch, accom a bit hard to secure, but waiter made a few phone calls and we are booked into a small hotel just around the corner. Handy, close to the main square where lots is happening .... siesta in the arvo then out to diner about 9ish .... music everywhere, but the cigarette smoke is overpowering at times .... other than that all is well in Leon. Lots of noise still outside but people starting to leave. Well time to hit the hay, more later.
Well on my way to Leon, be there by lunch time, then a day off , warm but these's weird storms, come out of now where and gone as quick? Well yes in Leon great time, Saturday, party time?? Am I up for it ?? Will give it a go ??? Well someone has to do it, mmmmmm
Good food, great company, great hospitality, mmmmmmm
Well taking a well deserved rest here for a day or two? Will see what happens?
Back in hotel, still hyped up so thought I would update blog ... its about 3am!
Made it to Leon, had lunch, accom a bit hard to secure, but waiter made a few phone calls and we are booked into a small hotel just around the corner. Handy, close to the main square where lots is happening .... siesta in the arvo then out to diner about 9ish .... music everywhere, but the cigarette smoke is overpowering at times .... other than that all is well in Leon. Lots of noise still outside but people starting to leave. Well time to hit the hay, more later.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Updated .... Friday 1st of June 2012,
2 months into walk now and over 1150kms walked so far ... well definitely more as some times have to wander around towns to find accom /bars/restaurants.
Well up early again as its going to be hot today, warm already and its only been light foe about 15 minutes. Am walking today towards Leon though Know I wont get there today and expected to get to 29 around lunch time the 19km to Mansilla de las Mulas will probably be enough, it was a long walk yesterday around 33km, but a terrific day all together. I have convinced Yanis, Eva and Mim to get up early due to the heat and are heading out soon, will grab breaky down the road a bit.
Got caught in a thunderstorm just before we got to Mansilla de las Mulas, no where to shelter, very steamy in wet weather gear, then found a bus stop to shelter in ... the rain didn't last long ... 15 -20 minutes at most. Very humid, conditions ..... so soon as we got here that was that no more walking today, sun is back out ... tapas time, a beer and then some very pleasant white wine ... alternating wine with sparkling mineral water. Don't want a repeat of the other day.The bars owner tells us to come back tonight as live music , lots of fun. Will see how we manage the afternoon?
2 months into walk now and over 1150kms walked so far ... well definitely more as some times have to wander around towns to find accom /bars/restaurants.
Well up early again as its going to be hot today, warm already and its only been light foe about 15 minutes. Am walking today towards Leon though Know I wont get there today and expected to get to 29 around lunch time the 19km to Mansilla de las Mulas will probably be enough, it was a long walk yesterday around 33km, but a terrific day all together. I have convinced Yanis, Eva and Mim to get up early due to the heat and are heading out soon, will grab breaky down the road a bit.
Got caught in a thunderstorm just before we got to Mansilla de las Mulas, no where to shelter, very steamy in wet weather gear, then found a bus stop to shelter in ... the rain didn't last long ... 15 -20 minutes at most. Very humid, conditions ..... so soon as we got here that was that no more walking today, sun is back out ... tapas time, a beer and then some very pleasant white wine ... alternating wine with sparkling mineral water. Don't want a repeat of the other day.The bars owner tells us to come back tonight as live music , lots of fun. Will see how we manage the afternoon?
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Updated .... Thursday 31st May 2012,
Up bright and early today not a great nights sleep, and head a bit on the thick side, some aspirin and plenty of water and ready to head off, its Just getting light outside, Sahagun about 13km down the road.
Towns close together so will grab a coffee in one of them.
Its just getting light now and some walkers have already gone with there torches on there head ..... I'm waiting till its light enough, more later.
So here we are early arvo, enjoying a beer out of the sun as its getting quite warm ... the hottest part of the day is about 5 or 6pm and is expected to get to 28 or 29 today.
So this is what I love about the Camino, unexpected events, seizing the moment.
Its mid afternoon and have had a great day, got to Sahagun about 9am and ran into some friends who were having breaky prior to there days walk, so joined them and feeling a lot better after some food and a coffee headed of with them. A few km out of Sahagan there is an alternate Camino Route through the hills and away from the Autovia (freeway) so to Calzada del Coto and on to Calzadilla los Hermanillos and on to El burgo Ranero, a bit over 30km for the day, but much more pleasant than walking near the freeway and an eascape from the hordes, as most pass by this detour.
So here we are, enjoying a beer out of the sun as its getting quite warm ... the hottest part of the day is about 5 or 6pm and is expected to get to 28 or 29 today.
So this is what I love about the Camino, unexpected events, seizing the moment.
Up bright and early today not a great nights sleep, and head a bit on the thick side, some aspirin and plenty of water and ready to head off, its Just getting light outside, Sahagun about 13km down the road.
Towns close together so will grab a coffee in one of them.
Its just getting light now and some walkers have already gone with there torches on there head ..... I'm waiting till its light enough, more later.
So here we are early arvo, enjoying a beer out of the sun as its getting quite warm ... the hottest part of the day is about 5 or 6pm and is expected to get to 28 or 29 today.
So this is what I love about the Camino, unexpected events, seizing the moment.
Its mid afternoon and have had a great day, got to Sahagun about 9am and ran into some friends who were having breaky prior to there days walk, so joined them and feeling a lot better after some food and a coffee headed of with them. A few km out of Sahagan there is an alternate Camino Route through the hills and away from the Autovia (freeway) so to Calzada del Coto and on to Calzadilla los Hermanillos and on to El burgo Ranero, a bit over 30km for the day, but much more pleasant than walking near the freeway and an eascape from the hordes, as most pass by this detour.
So here we are, enjoying a beer out of the sun as its getting quite warm ... the hottest part of the day is about 5 or 6pm and is expected to get to 28 or 29 today.
So this is what I love about the Camino, unexpected events, seizing the moment.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Wednesday, 30th of May 2012,
Started early today as no clouds and sunny, at 7am only 12 deg C about 16km to next town, scenery is flat farm land, few trees .... reverted to a hare first up, walked alone at a brisk pace by 10am sitting down for a coffee and a snack with feet up. Then a leisurely walk to Terradillos de los Templarios, another 10km, lunch and settle in for the arvo, chatting and enjoying the warm weather, mid to high 20's ...... I could get to like this way of life! Unfortunately enjoyed lunch a little to much, big siesta later and a late diner of bits and pieces from my pack, now I'm awake and its about 2 am, ah well, maybe catch up with some emails. My Apologies to any one I sent a personal email to late afternoon as I was in no fit state to be composing emails, so again I apologise.
Started early today as no clouds and sunny, at 7am only 12 deg C about 16km to next town, scenery is flat farm land, few trees .... reverted to a hare first up, walked alone at a brisk pace by 10am sitting down for a coffee and a snack with feet up. Then a leisurely walk to Terradillos de los Templarios, another 10km, lunch and settle in for the arvo, chatting and enjoying the warm weather, mid to high 20's ...... I could get to like this way of life! Unfortunately enjoyed lunch a little to much, big siesta later and a late diner of bits and pieces from my pack, now I'm awake and its about 2 am, ah well, maybe catch up with some emails. My Apologies to any one I sent a personal email to late afternoon as I was in no fit state to be composing emails, so again I apologise.
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Tuesday 29th of May 2012,
Am in Carrion de los Condes, 18-19km from Fromista, walking was dead flat and a village every 2 - 4 km apart. Walked by myself today for the most part .... just the rhythm of the walk, with the crunch of the gravel every step, butterflies flitting a round , and these tiny little birds darting from here to there.It was sunny and became rather warm, little shelter from the sun, but time went quickly and arrived about I-1.30pm and settled in for a leisurely lunch with a beer or 2, mmmmmmmmmm went down a treat. Booked into the Albergue and did the usual stuff, washing etc. Then back to the bar for some wine and tapas with a group from the Albergue ... very pleasant evening, what a jumble of languages and accents.
Am in Carrion de los Condes, 18-19km from Fromista, walking was dead flat and a village every 2 - 4 km apart. Walked by myself today for the most part .... just the rhythm of the walk, with the crunch of the gravel every step, butterflies flitting a round , and these tiny little birds darting from here to there.It was sunny and became rather warm, little shelter from the sun, but time went quickly and arrived about I-1.30pm and settled in for a leisurely lunch with a beer or 2, mmmmmmmmmm went down a treat. Booked into the Albergue and did the usual stuff, washing etc. Then back to the bar for some wine and tapas with a group from the Albergue ... very pleasant evening, what a jumble of languages and accents.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Monday 28th of May 2012,
About 9 am in Fromista, relaxed and ready to start walking again, not sure how far will walk today, will see how I feel and what happens during the day. May be another coffee before I leave.
Reworked yesterdays email, as I was repeating myself, well maybe I got into the, wine and the brandy a tad to early yesterday.
Will try and post later in the day.
About 9 am in Fromista, relaxed and ready to start walking again, not sure how far will walk today, will see how I feel and what happens during the day. May be another coffee before I leave.
Reworked yesterdays email, as I was repeating myself, well maybe I got into the, wine and the brandy a tad to early yesterday.
Will try and post later in the day.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Sunday 27th of May 3012,
Fromista, still here, well have had some sort of mind blowing thingy that has made me sit up and think!!!!!!! Cant explain it, don't know if I want too! maybe the solitude? But theres people everywhere here, glad everyone is walking in the same direction. We can at least spread out .... it appears we have tortoises and hares on the walk .....
The hares are up early before light banging and crashing around, usually they wake everyone up ... then they grab some food and they are off ... power walking (5 -7km an hour) to there next destination .... single purpose, got to get there first, get the backpack in the line for the Albergue.
Then theres the tortoises who get up late, amble about , have breaky, then another coffee and ramble along, may only walk 10 -15 km a day ... no rush ,spend time smelling the flowers ... possibly taking 7 or 8 hours to get to there next destination. No rush plenty of time and enjoying all that is to be had.
On the Chemin du Puy, I was close to being a hare, pushing a long at about 4-5km an hour, I now am more of a tortoise, probably 3-4km an hour, but then I have stopped even thinking about when and where I should be.
If I'm tired I stop, if I'm hungry I eat, no pressure ...... life's great.
Fromista, still here, well have had some sort of mind blowing thingy that has made me sit up and think!!!!!!! Cant explain it, don't know if I want too! maybe the solitude? But theres people everywhere here, glad everyone is walking in the same direction. We can at least spread out .... it appears we have tortoises and hares on the walk .....
The hares are up early before light banging and crashing around, usually they wake everyone up ... then they grab some food and they are off ... power walking (5 -7km an hour) to there next destination .... single purpose, got to get there first, get the backpack in the line for the Albergue.
Then theres the tortoises who get up late, amble about , have breaky, then another coffee and ramble along, may only walk 10 -15 km a day ... no rush ,spend time smelling the flowers ... possibly taking 7 or 8 hours to get to there next destination. No rush plenty of time and enjoying all that is to be had.
On the Chemin du Puy, I was close to being a hare, pushing a long at about 4-5km an hour, I now am more of a tortoise, probably 3-4km an hour, but then I have stopped even thinking about when and where I should be.
If I'm tired I stop, if I'm hungry I eat, no pressure ...... life's great.
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Friday 25thof may 2012,
Catrojeriz to Fromista, 25km .... weather a little cooler today (max 20 deg C) and a bid overcast, overnight shower or 2.
Lovely small town, think I may rest up a day or 2 here, after 8 weeks and 1100km of walking I am about had it at the moment, this part of the walk is somewhat boring in scenery, no, maybe its just that you can see the path winding into the distant future. Its one step at a time ..... very contemplative day today .... walked mainly alone ... though you are never alone. You look ahead or behind and can count 10, 20, 30 walkers. A great mix of nations - a lot of Spanish, French, German, Dutch, have only come across a few Aussies and Kiwis, plenty of Yanks and Canadians.
Catrojeriz to Fromista, 25km .... weather a little cooler today (max 20 deg C) and a bid overcast, overnight shower or 2.
Lovely small town, think I may rest up a day or 2 here, after 8 weeks and 1100km of walking I am about had it at the moment, this part of the walk is somewhat boring in scenery, no, maybe its just that you can see the path winding into the distant future. Its one step at a time ..... very contemplative day today .... walked mainly alone ... though you are never alone. You look ahead or behind and can count 10, 20, 30 walkers. A great mix of nations - a lot of Spanish, French, German, Dutch, have only come across a few Aussies and Kiwis, plenty of Yanks and Canadians.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Thursday 24th of may 2012,
Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz, about 20km a little rain early this morning but looks fine for the most of the day, met up with a friend of Larry's so 3 of us today, Jo is from Wales.
Slept in this morning so a leisurely breakfast an on to Castrojeriz. Looks like it going to warm up again ... mid 20 which is great when having a beer but with pack on back it can be a bit tiring.
Have been walking for almost 8 weeks so far and have walked about 1100km, body holding up well cloths are starting to look a tad shabby, what with constant washing need to get some new socks, but they may have to wait till I get to Leon.
Other are starting to move so will sign off.
Hornillos del Camino to Castrojeriz, about 20km a little rain early this morning but looks fine for the most of the day, met up with a friend of Larry's so 3 of us today, Jo is from Wales.
Slept in this morning so a leisurely breakfast an on to Castrojeriz. Looks like it going to warm up again ... mid 20 which is great when having a beer but with pack on back it can be a bit tiring.
Have been walking for almost 8 weeks so far and have walked about 1100km, body holding up well cloths are starting to look a tad shabby, what with constant washing need to get some new socks, but they may have to wait till I get to Leon.
Other are starting to move so will sign off.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Wednesday 23rd of May 2012,
Moving on today with Larry an Irish guy I have walked with him a bit, the others are staying on for a couple of days and will then continue the walk.
So Burgos to Hornillos del Camino about 20km. Weather a tad warm so sun screen and straw hat, don't need to get sun burnt.
Moving on today with Larry an Irish guy I have walked with him a bit, the others are staying on for a couple of days and will then continue the walk.
So Burgos to Hornillos del Camino about 20km. Weather a tad warm so sun screen and straw hat, don't need to get sun burnt.
Monday 21st of May 2012,
Well St Juan de Ortega, to Burgos, not a great day, friends I'm walking with, run over by bike riding idiots doing the Camino. Most are cautious and ride carefully though some just tear along. This bunch came over the top of a hill at a fast rate and unable to control there bikes, ran into the these 2 ladies ..... causing injury. It exposes how vulnerable we are, to all things,
These people are possibly going home, because of yahoos, young German bike riders!
Even though they ran into the walkers they felt, they where slighted! Very appologetic but seemed to be more worried that there bikes were damaged
Well, a sad day on the Camino! Well we took turns in carrying there packs till we got to a village were they got some attention at the pharmacy then they took the bus into Burgos.
Met up with them later, luckily no broken bones but lots of grazes, bruising, aches and pains all over there body. So we will rest up here dor a day or 2 and see if they feel up to continuing.
Well St Juan de Ortega, to Burgos, not a great day, friends I'm walking with, run over by bike riding idiots doing the Camino. Most are cautious and ride carefully though some just tear along. This bunch came over the top of a hill at a fast rate and unable to control there bikes, ran into the these 2 ladies ..... causing injury. It exposes how vulnerable we are, to all things,
These people are possibly going home, because of yahoos, young German bike riders!
Even though they ran into the walkers they felt, they where slighted! Very appologetic but seemed to be more worried that there bikes were damaged
Well, a sad day on the Camino! Well we took turns in carrying there packs till we got to a village were they got some attention at the pharmacy then they took the bus into Burgos.
Met up with them later, luckily no broken bones but lots of grazes, bruising, aches and pains all over there body. So we will rest up here dor a day or 2 and see if they feel up to continuing.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
Saturday 19th of May 2012,
Granon to Belorado, 16km, overcast but a bit of sun, warmish, easy walking.
Time went so quickly, chatting and walking with people, track getting busier, lots of pilgrims, people on bikes, horses and with donkeys????
Well have travelled so far so will keep on even with the increased traffic.
Granon to Belorado, 16km, overcast but a bit of sun, warmish, easy walking.
Time went so quickly, chatting and walking with people, track getting busier, lots of pilgrims, people on bikes, horses and with donkeys????
Well have travelled so far so will keep on even with the increased traffic.
Friday, 18 May 2012
Friday 18th of May 2012,
Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Granon, about 8km ... a short walk today, travelling with a group of Canadians, 8 in all and spend most of the time laughing or singing .... an hillarious group of pilgrims.
Due to some light rain stopped in Granon and had a long lunch so no need for diner and anotherearly night but counld not sleep so decided to update blog.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Granon, about 8km ... a short walk today, travelling with a group of Canadians, 8 in all and spend most of the time laughing or singing .... an hillarious group of pilgrims.
Due to some light rain stopped in Granon and had a long lunch so no need for diner and anotherearly night but counld not sleep so decided to update blog.
Thursday 17th of May 2012,
Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada .... 21km ... a few light showers the odd splash of sunlight.
walking on my own today, slept in a bit .... had a room all to myself, so no one snoring, no need for ear plugs.
A leisurely breakfast and on the road, made it by early arvo and got settled and did a little sight seeing. then an early diner9well for Spain) and in bed early.
Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada .... 21km ... a few light showers the odd splash of sunlight.
walking on my own today, slept in a bit .... had a room all to myself, so no one snoring, no need for ear plugs.
A leisurely breakfast and on the road, made it by early arvo and got settled and did a little sight seeing. then an early diner9well for Spain) and in bed early.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Monday, 14 May 2012
Monday 14th of May 2012,
Los Arcos to Logrono ,23 km walk today, sunny quite warm high 20's nice to see sun but mmmmmm warm, no hot. It ws easier in the cold, could walk and walk, but a few degrees warmer makes it harder. WEll the beer tastes great in these warmer conditionns. Guess you must all think I'm a bit of a piss pot, but a cold beer and some tapas, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Getting into red wine territory so may have to rethink beveridge?
Tired, need an arvo nap, Siesta, Luke XXXXX
Los Arcos to Logrono ,23 km walk today, sunny quite warm high 20's nice to see sun but mmmmmm warm, no hot. It ws easier in the cold, could walk and walk, but a few degrees warmer makes it harder. WEll the beer tastes great in these warmer conditionns. Guess you must all think I'm a bit of a piss pot, but a cold beer and some tapas, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Getting into red wine territory so may have to rethink beveridge?
Tired, need an arvo nap, Siesta, Luke XXXXX
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Sunday 13th of May 2012,
Estella to Los Arcos, approx 22km
Overcast, some sun low to mid 20's, pleasnt walking a tad humid, pleasant company, and yes one foot in front of the other.
Very relaxing, easy living, pleasant company ... not sure if I can ever come home????????
This existance is mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, enjoyable!
Luke, Los Arcos
Estella to Los Arcos, approx 22km
Overcast, some sun low to mid 20's, pleasnt walking a tad humid, pleasant company, and yes one foot in front of the other.
Very relaxing, easy living, pleasant company ... not sure if I can ever come home????????
This existance is mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, enjoyable!
Luke, Los Arcos
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Friday, 11 May 2012
Friday 11th of may 2012,
Pamplona to Pentua la Raina, typical up and down, of this trip .... though bloody hot today around 30 and sunscreen weather. Have had sunny but not hot and it makes you hot dusty and dry. Not a huge ditance today but exhausting, A climb over the ridge with the windmills and the steel art stuff about pilgrims,and on, hot, hot, hot.
And I was complaining re no sun!!!!!!
Well I got it and suddenly! Wheres the sunscreen, aahhhhhhhh,
That beer at the end of the day was fantastic, mmmmmmmm
Bloody busy walk though, will have to rethink strategy?
Regards Luke
Pamplona to Pentua la Raina, typical up and down, of this trip .... though bloody hot today around 30 and sunscreen weather. Have had sunny but not hot and it makes you hot dusty and dry. Not a huge ditance today but exhausting, A climb over the ridge with the windmills and the steel art stuff about pilgrims,and on, hot, hot, hot.
And I was complaining re no sun!!!!!!
Well I got it and suddenly! Wheres the sunscreen, aahhhhhhhh,
That beer at the end of the day was fantastic, mmmmmmmm
Bloody busy walk though, will have to rethink strategy?
Regards Luke
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Tuesday, 8th of May 2012,
Zibiri to Pamplona, 21-22 km well that was the idea, Stopped at Burlada only a few Km from Pamploma .... but it felt right. Not a long walk for the day, but its all about what feels right,
I've learnt to follow my feelings, and yes , its turned out right.
Well Pamplona tomorrow? The path dictates, ?????? well things happen that determine a course!!!!
Diner awaits, regards all, Luke
Zibiri to Pamplona, 21-22 km well that was the idea, Stopped at Burlada only a few Km from Pamploma .... but it felt right. Not a long walk for the day, but its all about what feels right,
I've learnt to follow my feelings, and yes , its turned out right.
Well Pamplona tomorrow? The path dictates, ?????? well things happen that determine a course!!!!
Diner awaits, regards all, Luke
Monday, 7 May 2012
Monday 7th of May 2012,
Romcesvalles to Zibiri, about 22km.
Down hill, beautiful country side and walking in sunshine for most of the morning, a bit of cloud here and there ... but it beats rain. France was beautiful, but only about 3 days with any decent amount of sunshine or that did not rain and the snow early on in walk.
Well spent the afternoon in Zibiri wandering and caught up with some friends from earlier on and chatted well into the night, over the odd vino or two.
Its weird looking at all the new Pilgrims ... 2 days ago in St Jean-Pied-de-Port there were all these excited clean people ready to set out .... a lot of those are nursing there feet with blisterers that are ugly, nasty and look very sore. Ill fitting boots so that they lose a big toenail. The pharmacy does a roaring trade in knee and ankle braces and all sorts of band aides and things.
Maybe I was lucky and maybe I made sure my foot ware comfortable and fitted and didn't rub.
Well its late, so goodnight for me.
Romcesvalles to Zibiri, about 22km.
Down hill, beautiful country side and walking in sunshine for most of the morning, a bit of cloud here and there ... but it beats rain. France was beautiful, but only about 3 days with any decent amount of sunshine or that did not rain and the snow early on in walk.
Well spent the afternoon in Zibiri wandering and caught up with some friends from earlier on and chatted well into the night, over the odd vino or two.
Its weird looking at all the new Pilgrims ... 2 days ago in St Jean-Pied-de-Port there were all these excited clean people ready to set out .... a lot of those are nursing there feet with blisterers that are ugly, nasty and look very sore. Ill fitting boots so that they lose a big toenail. The pharmacy does a roaring trade in knee and ankle braces and all sorts of band aides and things.
Maybe I was lucky and maybe I made sure my foot ware comfortable and fitted and didn't rub.
Well its late, so goodnight for me.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Sunday 6th of May 2012,
St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, 27km from one side of the Pyrenees to the other in Navareux, Spain, Basque territory.
Luckily weather passable, visability ok, hell of a climb, but did it ok.
So one trek down and the next under way. Hope the weather picks up from now on?
Well this last hill sorts out the pilgrims .... as a lot start in St Jean with little training .. so for them its a very hard walk, a lot stopping at Orrison only 8km ot of St Jean but about 8 or 9 hundred metres up.
Well for me its another 2 days and down hill to Pamplona.
Luke
St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles, 27km from one side of the Pyrenees to the other in Navareux, Spain, Basque territory.
Luckily weather passable, visability ok, hell of a climb, but did it ok.
So one trek down and the next under way. Hope the weather picks up from now on?
Well this last hill sorts out the pilgrims .... as a lot start in St Jean with little training .. so for them its a very hard walk, a lot stopping at Orrison only 8km ot of St Jean but about 8 or 9 hundred metres up.
Well for me its another 2 days and down hill to Pamplona.
Luke
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Saturday.5th of May 2012,
At St Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the Pyrenees, a big climb tomorrow. This is the crossover between the Chemin du Puy and the Camino Frances ... well 750km into journey, pilgramige, well still see it as a very long walk .... yes/no complicated, getting a lot out of it ...... but I think its more about what you put into it!
Leave it at that for the moment!
Luke
At St Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the Pyrenees, a big climb tomorrow. This is the crossover between the Chemin du Puy and the Camino Frances ... well 750km into journey, pilgramige, well still see it as a very long walk .... yes/no complicated, getting a lot out of it ...... but I think its more about what you put into it!
Leave it at that for the moment!
Luke
Friday, 4 May 2012
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Wednesday, 2nd of May 2012,
Well have been rather sick over the last 24 hours, thank god for toilets and bidets close together.
Haven't been that sick for a long time ..... did nothing today, fellow travellers have moved on, catching up with past travellers, but still a bit delicate. so may stay another night here at Aroue? Well see in a while?
Well have been rather sick over the last 24 hours, thank god for toilets and bidets close together.
Haven't been that sick for a long time ..... did nothing today, fellow travellers have moved on, catching up with past travellers, but still a bit delicate. so may stay another night here at Aroue? Well see in a while?
Monday, 30 April 2012
Monday 30th of April 2012,
Maslacq-Navarrenx - 23km,
Well its been a bit of a do I or don't I day, took of to Sauvelade, thinking that may be it for the day, but after some morning showers and some coffe of to Navarrenx. Made it with only a few shower and relatively dry.Will be glad when the sun comes out!!!! then I will probably be complaining about the heat!
Well getting close to finishing the Chemin du Puy only 86km to Roncesvalles.
then another 750km to Santiago de Compostela, then another 120km to Muxia via Festerra.
Well off to check out town then diner, cheers, Luke.
Maslacq-Navarrenx - 23km,
Well its been a bit of a do I or don't I day, took of to Sauvelade, thinking that may be it for the day, but after some morning showers and some coffe of to Navarrenx. Made it with only a few shower and relatively dry.Will be glad when the sun comes out!!!! then I will probably be complaining about the heat!
Well getting close to finishing the Chemin du Puy only 86km to Roncesvalles.
then another 750km to Santiago de Compostela, then another 120km to Muxia via Festerra.
Well off to check out town then diner, cheers, Luke.
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Sunday 29th of April 2012,
Pomps to Maslacq about 20km, well I started 4 weeks and some 640km ago. today's walking was on gentle terrain up and down as always, the odd shower, though pleasant enough walking and chatting.
A new village every few kms and arrived in Maslacq a bit after midday in time for lunch and feet up.
More people on the walk now, some people take years to do the walk doing a couple of weeks each year. Have come across the occasional person that you do your best to avoid from then on but most are great .... though language can be a bit difficult at times ... but a little wine and everyone seems to understand each other??? It must be close to a east day, the body is feeling a tad tired, and its great to sit down and put the feet up. The afternoon was spent washing, drying and resting. Then a wander around town and diner at the pub ... emails and update blog and off to bed shortly.
Pomps to Maslacq about 20km, well I started 4 weeks and some 640km ago. today's walking was on gentle terrain up and down as always, the odd shower, though pleasant enough walking and chatting.
A new village every few kms and arrived in Maslacq a bit after midday in time for lunch and feet up.
More people on the walk now, some people take years to do the walk doing a couple of weeks each year. Have come across the occasional person that you do your best to avoid from then on but most are great .... though language can be a bit difficult at times ... but a little wine and everyone seems to understand each other??? It must be close to a east day, the body is feeling a tad tired, and its great to sit down and put the feet up. The afternoon was spent washing, drying and resting. Then a wander around town and diner at the pub ... emails and update blog and off to bed shortly.
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