The Camino Day 28 – Hospital
The German host wakes us up bright and early at La Faba. When I had checked in, he explained that in the morning he would wake us up with music at 6:00. “Oh good,” I thought, remembering my first morning…
Cathay
The Camino Day 27 – La Faba
I arrive at my hostel sweating profusely from the humidity and the grueling climb in the forested trail. It was a hard climb, but oh so beautiful. Most of it was tree-lined. There was a welcoming fountain for weary feet…
The Camino Day 26 – Vega de Valcarce day 3
La reina (the queen) is what Lalo calls me as I soak my feet in the stream once again before going into town for breakfast. I’m staying another day. In the evening Lalo entertains me and Agatha from Paris before…
The Camino Day 25 – Vega de Valcarce day 2
Walking is painful so I decide to stay and rest my feet another day at this hostel – my oasis in the desert. It’s a relaxed day. I sit on the grass by the Valcarce River and stretch out. I…
The Camino Day 24 – Vega de Valcarce
Amy was right. The host, Lalo, is very helpful. He jumps right into action to help me get rid of bed bugs. We lay out all my clothes on the brick wall outside the office and spray them with a…
The Camino Day 23 – Pereje
The scenery has changed now. The road is often covered by shade trees, and cool breezes occasionally blow. Not always, but often enough to feel encouraged. After another night, I realize I haven’t gotten rid of bed bugs. I have…
The Camino Day 22 – Cacabelos
I arrive at my next stop and spend the afternoon at the laundromat, trying to get rid of bed bugs. Yes, bed bugs! Then while laying on my bed at the hostel, Patrick, a solo traveler from the UK, comes…
The Camino Day 21 – Ponferrado
The descent from El Acebo is the scariest, the most difficult, I’ve ever encountered. It’s very steep, over loose stone in some places. Every muscle in my body is being called into play. If I could turn around and go…
The Camino Day 20 – El Acebo
Amy and I walk to the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) together. It’s a tall wooden pole topped by an iron cross. Pilgrims usually bring a stone from home to leave there to…
The Camino Day 19 – Rabanal
I pay extra for a private room tonight, rather than share the dormitory setting with fellow pilgrims. I rationalize the room is worth the extra cost because I will likely be crying tonight in anticipation of tomorrow. That’s when I’ll…