Day: 26
Date: Thursday, 15 June 2023.
From: A Fonsagrada To: O Cadavo
Distance (Planned): 24.3km Actual (Garmin): 25.2km Progress: 716/801km
Start Walking: 0556 End: 1209pm Time: 6h12m
Ascent: 718m Descent: 947m
Terrain: More of the same with altitude. Beautiful forest paths through pine plantations and narrow tracks hugging the edge of the mountains to keep us off the main road.
Weather: Clear with sunny blue skies.
Stayed At: Albergue Porta Santa – €15.
General Comments:
- Today was pretty much a carbon copy of yesterday with a good mix of challenging climbs, long and winding descents and a few short level sections which gave my heart-rate a brief chance to return to normal….or at least drop to a more manageable rate. You would think after 26 days of walking that I would be sprinting up these inclines, but I am so far from sprinting, it’s not funny!
- My Belgian friends shot past me again within about 7km, but what I wasn’t expecting to see where two people walking the Camino with their two large dogs. Even the dogs had their own backpacks. It can be hard enough walking on your own two feet, let alone having man’s best friend along for the adventure who needs to be fed, foot care and a place to stay. I doubt that they would be welcomed in every albergue, hence the necessity for them to carry a tent. I should have asked how many kilometres they cover every day. I will ask if I see them again.
- The thing that brought me most joy today were the views from on high. The mists and fogs seem to be dissipating, but that doesn’t detract from the layering effect of the many valleys and the mountains beyond.
- The sunrise and cloud formations were also spectacular. I just have to keep reminding myself to stop (no, that happens automatically and pretty frequently) and look back. Sometimes the best views are behind you.
Top Tips:
- Signage and waymarking were excellent again today. I did download the Buen Camino app, but have not looked at it for about 5 days. It is nice just to walk and look around, leaving my phone in my pocket.
- The temperatures are starting to climb, so make sure you carry plenty of water. There are endless streams, waterfalls etc, but also endless cattle and I wouldn’t trust the quality of the water unless you were desperate.
Buen Camino.
Such beautiful views, Mel. Love your skies.
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Yep, Nature is pretty darn clever! 🌤☁️
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Looks like you’re on top of the world Mel! And wow that is a lot of days of walking. I met a friend for tapas tonight, we toasted you my fierce friend.
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Why thank you! Anything that will speed me on my journey is more than welcome. Cheers, Big Ears!🍷
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Stunning!
Amazing!!
Good on you dear Mel!
Xox
🌹🌹
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Thanks Rozanna. You have been in my thoughts every day. 🥰💜
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Some beautiful photos you’ve taken along the way. Not far to go now! Take care xx
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Yes, I know! As of today, the way markers tell me I have less than 100km to go! I am not sure I believe them! 😆 Thanks for following my footsteps and your lovely feedback. 💖💙
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Not long now. Are you having a holiday in Spain once you finish the walk? You surely deserve one. Great sky, I’m guessing sunrise since you’re probably tucked up in bed before sunset ❤️
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No, no holiday for me. It is straight on the plane and homeward bound. And Yes, definitely morning photos and you picked it in one! I am usually in bed by 8pm and it doesn’t even get dark until 10ish. Eye mask on and ear plugs in. Goodnight all! 😊😴
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Well you should sleep on the plane, though your legs might be like jelly when it comes to disembark!
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I suspect my legs may go into shock not covering +20k each day. The hardest part is always to stop eating! My metabolism is now geared to major food consumption! 😆
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I love all these pictures of the misty mountains. Buen camino!
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Ta. They really have delivered some stunning views. Buen camino to you too. 🚶♀️🚶♀️
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Clear and sunny blue skies … always something to be thankful for on the Camino! Your views are beautiful – I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to walk around here.
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Wherever you look there is a magnificent view. I am very lucky!
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Buen Camino indeed – not long to go now!
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Three sleeps until Santiago de Compostela. Woo Hoo!
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Thanks for stopping and sharing those amazing views
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My pleasure. Happy planning and packing to you!
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Thanks! Five sleeps to go!😮
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Oooo, exciting! Are you going to blog? Or just enjoy every second and commit it to memory?
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I won’t be blogging but I usually take notes at the end of the day so maybe it will appear on the blog post trip sometime.
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I look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. Happy trails and blue skies to you. X
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My pleasure. I really have been spoiled when it comes to views
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