Camino day 2

This morning we started off with a van ride into the town of Portomarin to begin our walk for the day. We started off a little earlier this morning, thinking it would help us end earlier to have more down time in the afternoon and evening. What we didn’t take into consideration was the fact that more pilgrims, including bus loads of school kids, would also be walking early. It was definitely more crowded on the path. 

The scenery was amazing, but it was also a very high incline today. 15 miles was a big day yesterday and we were tired. Today’s walk should have been 12 miles. Many in our group walked all 12, but Eliza decided it was best for her body not to push through. I happily joined her in taking a ride from the cafe where we stopped for lunch to the hotel. We made it 8.5 miles. 

Miguel was our driver and also works at the hotel. He is a very funny, cheerful guy and by the time we made it to the hotel Eliza and I were laughing and in good spirits. 

The hotel we are staying in today is a 300 year old rectory that was renovated into a hotel. It’s beautiful. Each room is unique. There is a small cemetery across the street and beautiful hydrangeas.

I’m feeling very good about shortening my walk today. Pushing myself but knowing my limits is my goal. Tomorrow there are 20 miles planned for us to walk between Palas de Rei and Arzua. Most of us have agreed that is further than we are interested in walking. Miguel has given us a plan! We hope to walk 12 miles and take a bus for the remaining distance. Tomorrow’s route is much flatter than today’s route.