“The world keeps on changing, but there is always something, somewhere, that remains the same.” Ruskin Bond
This morning was the first day I woke up with anxiety on the Camino. I think it had to do with listening to all the fearful chatter from yesterday. I woke up at 5 am but laid in bed and meditated for about an hour to release the fear…I definitely don’t want to carry that garbage around in my backpack all day. Ewww.
On today’s walk, the trail left the coastline and headed inland.
I walked out of Baiona fairly early and the harbor was covered in fog. It felt cozy but had a mysterious feel to it as well. It looked like a movie set. I wondered what it must be like to be a fisherman who sails out to sea in this type of weather. A little spooky. It made me want a cup of hot tea, a wooly blanket and to sit and look at the boats, but I had a big day of walking ahead of me. Onward and upward.
Getting out of Baiona appeared to be a little bit of an issue depending on where you stayed for the night. I saw many pilgrims looking around for arrows and I even encountered one woman who was walking back into the city because “she felt she was going the wrong way.” I’m one of those pilgrims that have done the Camino so many times that I don’t worry about being exactly on the path or walking every little piece. I did that on Thr first Camino. Now I see it as a journey from one place to another and how you get there is your own business. I like the coast so much, that’s what I followed out of the city and to the next town instead of the “official” route. I think it may have even saved me a step or two.
Along the off-beaten path, I walked past a lumber yard which brought back memories for me. I was raised in a family who owned and operated a little hardware store and lumber yard in my hometown. The smell of fresh-cut lumber is still one of my favorite smells. What a fun surprise along my Way that not everyone else got to see…or smell. Maybe it was meant just for me.
After about 5k my path merged with the official path and I stopped at an adorable cafe to grab a coffee and read my book for a bit. I was so immersed in the moment that I forgot to take a photo of the food or the cute shop. I don’t even know the name of the place. I guess that is the cost of being present and having an enjoyable moment.
I’m one of those nerds carrying the extra weight of not only one but TWO actual books in my bag. I brought a book with me from the States but read it long ago and left it at a hostel. I picked up a new one at a bookstore the other day and then just a day or so ago a lovely woman named Daisy from London gave me a book that she felt I would enjoy after our conversation…which was pretty deep and vulnerable. So along with the guidebook and my journal, I basically have a library in my backpack.
Not long after the coffee shop break, I ran into two lovely women from the States at the crossroads of a sheepherder gathering his tiny flock. Noel from Arizona and Val from Cincinnati.
I joined their duo for a lovely walk through the woods with fallen trees, creek streams, and waterfalls. It was a wonderful stretch of the Camino.
It was a bit hilly but still a very enjoyable walk. The sounds of the birds and bullfrogs, the smell of eucalyptus and jasmine, and the energy from the plants flowing all around us were really a treat for the senses.
We even stumbled upon a “font” for the pilgrims with fresh water from the stream. It was cold and oh so refreshing. It reminded me of drinking out of the garden hose as a kid. After letting all of the hot water out of the tube that had been heated by the sun, of course. 😉
Once we made it into the city of Vigo, we walked past the huge fútbol (soccer) stadium which brought back even more memories from my former career. The design of the building was interesting and they must have been setting up for an event because the TV trucks were outside and people were loading equipment in and out of the building. I always love seeing stadiums in other countries and learning how they operate. I would have loved to watch a game!
Shortly after passing this beauty, we grabbed a taxi (it was a long walk along the sidewalks through the city with tons of people, cars, and fumes) to Val’s hotel. We all said our goodbyes for the day and swapped info.
I treated myself to a private hotel room tonight. I’m getting overwhelmed by the amount of people and just need a little space and quiet time for myself.
Goodnight and much love from Spain! 🇪🇸
Scenes from Day 31
