Arzua

Palas de Rei – Arzua 26km

Well today I was dreading, my feet were aching and I had to do 26km. Yesterday I used my old Hokas for the last 10km and felt great in them with my old blisters all healed up. So I took a chance and put them on to see if I could get 10km done in them at least. WHAT A STUPID TWAT OF A MISTAKE!!

I was flying outa the blocks and feeling good. I’ve made a habit out of walking for two hours in the morning before I stop and get breakfast. I done this but could feel something nagging me just about 500m before I stopped. When I got to the cafe and had a coffee and a chocolate brioche, I pulled off the shoe and sock to investigate. Yep another medium sized blister poking out at me right on the back of the heel. Out with the compeeds and a bit of moleskin tape on top just for that little bit of cushioning. It faired me well to Arzua (with a few beer and another paracetamol- my record is going downhill fast).

Stupidity aside, I enjoyed todays walk. Lots of forest paths and seeing the regular faces passing each other frequently.

Just after I had patched my foot up, I passed a little chapel and went inside for a look. A very simple little chapel but it had a nice feeling about it. I said a little prayer to God to help me on my travels today, took some pictures, and got my second sello on my credencial for today. I think the little prayer helped as I soon met up with Bengt and we entertained each other for the last 15km. Jonathan also met up with us at one point but I can’t remember where he disappeared to at the end.

Along the way I seen a little pink car that I thought was class looking. I think it was one of the first versions of a mini. Bengt and Jonathan admitted they both had modern minis. Bengt had a convertible 🤣🤣 – He’s such a cool ol dude. I said I’ve always wanted a mini and may look about getting one when I go home. Why not. We only got one life and we have to make the most of it.

As we walked on, there were some more amazing sites apart from the usual picturesque forest paths.

Got to my albergue for the night- Albergue Los Tres Abetos (the three fir trees). Woohoo I’m staying in the fir trees!! Its run by a husband and wife who are very friendly and helpful. At least after a good load of drink 😐 (No not me- I was sober at this stage).

I just went to dinner on my own tonight as the heavens had opened with a lot of thunder. Not many pilgrims were venturing out tonight. From what I seen of Arzua, there wasn’t a lot to do anyway.

So in my silk liner now in bed writing this whilst a 6’4” blonde Dutch woman is snottering and sneezing and coughing all over the place. Shes just laid her head down absolutely ponging of eucalyptus. Coincidentally, we passed a region of the forest today on the way that had eucalyptus plants in it and the smell was just amazing. Pictures of the camino are amazing but they say nothing without the smells and sounds that surround them. Perhaps our big dutch friend got the cold from a Koala in the uppermost parts of a tree?? (Another Plandemic??)

Anyhoo, I have decided that the Hoka’s are being left behind tomorrow. I lightened the load yesterday by getting rid of a raggedy looking pair of trousers I’ve had for about 10 years, a sleeping bag that will not be used again- it stunk anyway, the walking sticks that were an absolute calamity waiting to happen as I never used them either, and a few bottles of suncream, rub and soap that I never used either. The bag was much lighter and will be lighter again tomorrow.

Only two days left of this adventure and the party is gonna be epic in the Cathedral square in Santiago. Nearly everyone I’ve met is targeting this Saturday or Sunday. It will be fab to meet up with everyone again before I go home. Night nite!