Day 5 - I Thought Spain was hot and the Camino was flat!

The excitement and newness is wearing off and the reality of what is ahead is sinking in. I glanced at the map to locate how far I’ve come only to move my finger back, back, back to where I was. The road ahead is daunting!

During the day I walk alone most of the time and am always surprised to find myself with familiar faces when I stop for my breaks at the cafes in the tiny villages we pass through.
I cannot believe I’ve worn wool leggings and a down jacket each day. I almost didn’t pack them. Tom (Dubai), Connie (Germany) and Tarja (Finland) surprised me with a scarf for my birthday and I haven’t taken that off either.

And no one told me to bring a sleeping bag. I just brought a silk liner. Three out the last five nights the hostel doesn’t provide a blanket. My down coat, wool soaks and wool leggings have provided for my warmth. I am definitely living a pilgrims existence!

My two blisters are under control with the compeed I apply each morning. I wasn’t going to pack that as well because I believed I was such an experienced hiker! Oh, the lessons I’m learning.
I left my beloved Lush soap behind in the previous town. One bar washed your clothes, your hair and your face. But as luck would have it someone left their soap in the next town and I never missed a beat.

But the days are glorious and the scenery is magnificent and as I plug along I know I’m making progress to the final goal.

Today’s walk is dedicated to Francis and to Virginia Sullivan who has been sponsoring Francis since 2006!! Francis is small for his age but has a big heart and a lovely temperament. He attends Fanaka Primary School and lives in a corrugated tin shack walking distance from school.