The Crowd: Day 30, Portuguese Camino

“We all have a fear of the unknown. What one does with that fear will make all the difference in the world.” – Lillian Russell

Honestly, there wasn’t too much monumental about today’s walk except for two things.

It was beautiful along the coast.
It is getting crowded.

The other day I made joke about not meeting many Americans? Well, I met at least 1/6 of the country today. People from Omaha, Nebraska, Salem, Oregon, Springfield, Massachusetts, Phoenix, Arizona, Chicago, Illinois, and on and on.

It was a really beautiful walk out of Oia. The trail went through some lovely farm area and then along the road and the coastal paths. It was fun seeing the animals! I even witnessed a horn battle between a few cows. Kinda scary, kinda cool. The bull had to wake up from his nap and get involved to manage the ladies.

There were also some sheep and horses and a couple of nosy dogs who are clearly the neighborhood paw patrol.

Now the trail is full of people though. Don’t get me wrong, I love people but now the cafes are super busy with long lines at the counter and the bathrooms. Lots of noise and chatter. And we continuously (metaphorically) bump into each other along the way.

It’s a drastic change from the section from Lisbon to Porto. It’s not good or bad. It’s just different.

While most of the conversations are enjoyable, there are some folks who are sharing thoughts about not being able to get a bed for the night or worries that this or that is going to happen. I’m just not having it. I don’t want to be fearful about that stuff. I know there is always a solution to ever challenge. It might not be what we want or what we think is ideal but there will always be a place to sleep on the Camino…even if it’s on the floor of a church.

A highlight of the day, there was a cafe, O Muiño, that served scrambled eggs. I mean, the owner of this establishment understands his cliente. The place was packed and almost every plate I saw had eggs on it.

Like I said, not much happened today except a very enjoyable walk (minus the darn blisters) along the water. The houses were gorgeous and the water looked so enticing but there wasn’t anywhere to stop and get in. Otherwise, I would have jumped in with my clothes on!

Once I made it to Baiona, I made a beeline to my hostel to check in and drop my bag off. I broke my blue cube charger the other night and I needed to buy a new one. This is the first major town I’m in that has an electronics store.

While I was out, I figured I’d sightsee just a bit, grab a late lunch that doubled as dinner, and then head back to shower and write. I’m hoping to go to bed early.

The lunch was delicious. I know, I know, I’m eating seafood at most of the meals now but it’s soooo fresh and delicious since I’m by the ocean.