Thursday, June 6, 2024

Today I will begin the walk beyond Santiago toward Finisterre. I’m not sure exactly how I am interpreting this section of trail: does it belong to my walk along the Camino, or is it an additional element undertaken due to being in the neighbourhood? I break at 10:15 am, enjoying coffee and lemon radlers in the village of Padrón. The morning is already hot! Humid. I’ve walked 15.4 kilometres by 10:30 am. Finish up quickly, returning to the humid air outside on the trail. I walk consistently until noon, arriving at the town of Negreira. A tasty pint is enjoyed as I plan where I’ll stay the night. The temperature feels too hot to continue for another 30 kilometres to Olveiroa. I decide to check out the municipal albergue, where Paul is relaxing on the hostel patio. We talk for a few minutes. I don’t feel satisfied with so many hours left in the day to stop at 20 kilometres. He mentions that the group just left town no more than 20 minutes ago. I continue to walk, confident that I’ll catch up to them. Within an hour I see them ahead, and in another thirty minutes, I am walking alongside them. We walk to 6:00 that evening—to Santa Mariña. I have been thinking about changing upcoming plans—I’ll give this more reflection. Is this really what I want to do? Check-in, shower, and laundry are completed before getting to the important work. I work quickly, having lots to do. As I finish up, the group arrives from the grocery store with snacks for the evening. Pints, stretching, and then it is time for sleep which arrives quickly.

Today’s distance walked: 54.6 km    |    Total distance walked: 970.83 km

“If not now, then when.” — Graphiti on a bus stop window, and a point of personal critical reflection when weighing large decisions.