“Stay close to people who feel like sunlight.” Unknown
Well, today was an amazing day. I feel like I’m back on my game; confident and strong. Honestly, I am having a great time on this Camino and today reminded me how thankful I am for this opportunity.
I said goodbye to the doormen at the fancy hotel. Man, I had the best night’s sleep again. I woke up refreshed and ready to hit the trail.
The walk out of Vigo was a a little long but I really enjoyed it. Maybe I enjoyed it more than others because I didn’t hike yesterday and I was missing the trail. Vigo is a city with mixed reviews. People either love it or hate it. I loved it. I loved the people, the architecture, and the public art. Plus, it is built on a hill but the city has installed escalators and I’m all for a free ride.
Once I got to the edge of the city, I met Caroline from Canada. It was perfect timing since I wanted to walk with someone and she was delightful. We walked and talked for an hour or so, stopping to take pictures here and there. Even though it was a little foggy, the scenery was beautiful.
A Dutch man passed us and asked, “Do you think we will see the sun today?”
“Shhhhhh,” I said, “don’t jinx us. The sun can come out once we are finished. Let’s enjoy the gift of the cloud!”
He laughed…but I’m serious, people! The cloud cover has been a Godsend. I barely break a sweat!
The trail continued to incline and twisted and turned around the side of the mountain. The views were incredible.
We reached the one cafe along the path for today so we stopped to grab a drink. As soon as we walked in, we both saw people we recognized. Caroline saw two lovely, and very funny Aussie women, Mary and Cheryl, whom she had walked with previously. And I saw Sarah from Germany and Gabino from San Francisco who I hadn’t seen since TOMAR! Tomar was a city between Lisbon and Porto, near Fatima. A great distance from this cafe. Sarah started her Camino in Faro so she has technically walked the entire country of Portugal. I’m always in awe of the German and French women on the Camino. They are tough and fearless. I aspire to be like them someday.
We caught up with each other while resting our feet and enjoying our beverages. Sarah and Gabino left first and then Caroline and I joined Mary and Cheryl for the remainder of the walk.
Let me tell you, Mary and Cheryl are having the best Camino ever. They are absolutely hilarious and are enjoying every moment. They are a smidge older in age (I’m not spilling the tea on this detail) and wanted more luxury so they had a company book their stays…which are at many posh hotels. They were giggling as they shared the details and photos about their fancy Camino. Don’t get me wrong, they walk all the steps but these ladies do it in style and I could not be more happy for them and maybe a little envious. I’m a true believer that everyone should do the Camino they way they want and these gals are doing it up right!
As soon as we started walking, a traffic mirror was on the right. So of course, I made everyone stop. I shared with them my love of the TMS (traffic mirror selfie) and they could not have been more excited to play along. This might just be the best one yet (minus Mia the dog). We all took a photo at the same time covering our faces. It was a hoot!
We walked and talked for a couple of hours and I almost peed my pants a few times. These women are hilarious. I enjoyed my time with them so much! Plus, they are all strong confident women who are traveling without their husbands and hiking hundreds of miles…because they want to. They are really incredible and are very happy people. They brought so much joy to my day today. I was actually very sad to say goodbye to them at the end of the walk. I hope to see them again!
Mary read aloud from the guidebook that the “floating dock” thingy-ma-bobs out in the water were from when “the British sunk many galleons in the 1702 Battle of Vigo Bay. The many galleons retrieved from the bottom are now rafts for mussel farming.” How about that fun fact!
The name of this bridge is Puente de Rande.
After saying goodbye to my new gal pals, I made my way to the hostel for tonight. It’s on the outside of town but I absolutely loved Redondela (the end of thr road for tonight). It is a cute, quaint little stop on the route is known best for all the aqueducts. The people are wonderful (many of them offered guidance to the official trail when I got off the path to go to the grocery store) and the place is picturesque.
Once I finished checking out the town and picking up a few things at the supermarket, I headed out to my hostel for the night. I randomly found this place online and when I saw it, I immediately booked it.
According to the owner, Tito, it was built 130 years ago by a French doctor. It’s been in Tito’s family for awhile now. I think he grew up here. Two or three years ago, Tito and his brother decided to fix it up and turn it into an Albergue. They have done an amazing job. It’s gorgeous on both the outside and inside, and the vibe is very peaceful. Sarah and Gabino told me they were also staying here so we relaxed in the yard all afternoon and enjoyed wine, beer, and a cheese and meat platter.
I know the last couple of days have been challenging but today was a bit of heaven. My cup runneth over with gratitude…and the sun came out after all.
This is Paco. Tito’s dog. He looks like a chubby taco…from a different angle of course.
Goodnight and much love from Spain! 🇪🇸
Scenes from Day 33
