Life's a Stitch

September 23rd: 22.9k – Coastal Route, joining the Central Route

If you think about it, five hours of hiking just doesn't seem like much, but throw in some steep inclines and the corresponding downhills, I can't adequately describe how it feels. It's only for maybe 1-2k uphill, but it feels like your nose will scrape the ground in front of you. As C described it at the end of the day, "my dogs are barking. Although a pilgrimage is about the journey, by the end of the day it's definitely about the destination.

We had a quick breakfast at the edge of Vigos. C had some ordering issues and we ended up with protein overload. A two egg omelette with two large slices of ham and a substantial piece of cheese plus cafe con leche. It was a good thing because there were no places to stop for the following 15k. We balanced our breakfast with fruit for lunch, what we had in our packs plus a delicious fig from the tree on the side of the road.

The day itself started and ended with the most steep 185 meters I've ever experienced, leading to incredible views. 

Stopped for a photo with a big fish.

We walked for awhile with a Dutch woman who was on her fourth Camino. She said after her third she realized she was not yet done walking. That's how I felt last time. Chuck? Not really, but he came along to keep me company.

We added self inflicted kilometers on the end by booking a hostel a few k off the Camino. At least they were flat and breezy k and ended on an estuary with a beach and a pretty view. We walked in to find the Aussies and their travelmates from Nevada. Many pilgrims made for a fun dinner.