Day 88......What's Italian for 'Shut Up'

Had a hell of a night in the albergue.  The heating was on and it was far too hot and uncomfortable.  Then to make matters worse a couple of Italians starting talking to each other when everyone was sleeping and then turned the lights on!!!  I saw red and roared a few choice words in their direction but apparently they didn't understand my Scottish! However, I think they may have got the jist. 
Despite all that, had a great walk again today - sunny and 16c, I enjoyed fantastic views of great countryside. Walked another miles to Ligonde.  I am wearing my crocs again to save my feet from any more pain. Feeling good now, knowing I'm nearly then - the homeward stretch....

Day 87 ...about 70 miles to go

Got walking about 7.30 this morning and left Alto de Poyo while it was still dark and foggy.  Had a great walk down the mountain and then the sun came out.  Stopped at a bar for  coffee and then stopped again for lunch - another spanish tortilla, it's ok but I'm looking forward to getting hame for some good scottish mince n tatties - can't beat it. Yum.

 

We seem to walk about the same distances everyday now about 25 miles and arrived in Sarria at 4.30.  Met up with my pal from Switzerland, Benno, our paths keep crossing now for the last two weeks.  Plan to get to Santiago by Sunday, I've checked in my flight.  Bonnie Scotland here I come.

Todays song is in memory of Davy McGarry 

Rod Stewart-Maggie May     

Day85/86...Welcome to the real Camino - Martin Sheen!

Monday

Left El Acebo and enjoyed a beautiful walk through the mountains to Ponferrada, stopped there for a sandwich at lunchtime. Then continued to walk to Villafranca del Bierzo and caught up with Eric and walked with him.  I walked for 26 miles today.  Spent the night in Galicia and enjoying the stunning scenery but it's really tough going now -  only 5 days to go - yeehaw!

Tuesday

Couldn't get reception yesterday to get my blog sent home.  Anyway another beautiful walking day, up high over the mountain about 1300 metres - fantastic views.  Walked from Villafranca del Bierzo and ended up with a good crowd for walking, John from USA, Lorenzo from Italy, Jack from New Zealand, Karen from England and Taz, funnily enough from Australia.  It was quite warm today about 17c, really pleasant walking weather. Our wee group are all staying in the same albergue at Alto de Poyo, which is right at the top of the mountain in the clouds. 
 Managed another 23 miles today, and my feet are so sore now, can't imagine ever having pain free feet again.  It's funny that in the Martin Sheen film, 'The Way' nobody ever has sore feet and yet in the real Camino - it's the biggest challenge to overcome.

Day 83/Day 84....definitely getting weary...

Saturday

Enjoyed an easy walk today, left hospital de Orbigo and walked to Astorga, ate lunch with other pilgrims, I think there must be people from every corner of the globe here. After lunch walked to Santa Catalina de Samoza and met Simon from Oz, he was a right character and I enjoyed his company, best of luck mate. Then got chatting to Viatka from Croatia who was great company too and told me all about her country, she works as a tour guide and knows everything worth knowing. Tonight I'm in a good albergue and I'm looking forward to getting back walking in the mountains tomorrow.  The weather has turned much colder now, but I guess that is much the same as home, as it's heading towards the middle of November.  Walked about 15 miles.



Sunday

Left Santa Catalina d Samoza and walked the 18 miles to El Acebo, started off with the gang and then walked until lunchtime on my own.  Met up with Cyril and Viarta again.  Enjoyed a beautiful walk through the mountains, amazing scenery and views, we're about 4500 feet up, and today has really lifted my spirits, but this last leg is so difficult, I have lost too much weight now and I'm looking forward to a break from the walking a eating lots of food and putting a bit of weight on!  Never thought I would say that.  I only have about 120 miles to walk now to Santiago, so I should manage that in a week easy and the pressure is off.
This is another fantastic albergue in the mountains, and there are wolves living in this area, that would really make my night if I am lucky enough to hear them howling.....

Day 82.....about 190 miles to Santiago

My bunk was surrounded by snorers last night, the less said about sleep the better.  Anyway had a good walk from Leon to Hospital de Orbigo today which is another 22 miles covered.  The guys in main group set off at a very fast speed this morning so I stayed back and walked with Seonja again, as she is finding the pace hard to keep up with and was feeling discouraged.  I didn't want to leave her walking on her own again.  I walked in my boots today because although the crocs are easy on my feet, my ankles were getting sore without the support of the boots - so I've had to trade off one problem to avoid another problem.  I hope my feet will last out for the last bit, I only have 190 miles to go, which doesn't seem much after the miles I have walked since leaving Scotland.
We are now leaving the Meseta area and are heading up into the mountains again.  I'm meeting lots of nationalities from all over the world and  they are a good crowd and good company but you see new and different faces everyday, it is so busy now.  This albergue that I am in tonight is amazing building, it belongs to the church.  The rooms are smaller with just 6 bunks in each dorm.  I made my own pasta with choriza for tea and I am now relaxing and resting my feet, another early night but hopefully not a long wakeful night.

Day 81...my flights are booked, no pressure!

Felt wrecked this morning, couldn't sleep a wink, a Spanish guy snored all night.... now I realise how annoying it is for other folk if you snore.  I know more than anyone you can't help it but it is awful.  Anyway, walked with Seonja from South Korea from El urge Ranero to Leon.  I walked 25 miles altogether and it was perfect walking conditions, my feet are sore but like the saying goes - no pain, no gain.  I feel I must gained a lot from this walk.  I found a burger king, to be honest it was tastier than the pilgrim menu and I felt really ready for a burger.
Keith has got my flights home - and no, I am not walking back - booked for the 19th November, so I will have finished this walk well ahead of schedule, just better make sure I get to the airport on time!  Anyway, thanks Keith - looking forward especially to seeing wee Ethan.
I'm in the albergue for the night, staying in a dorm with 20 other guys, oh oh could be a few snorers tonight....yawn.

Day 80.....these crocs are made for walking

The day started off very misty, but cleared up later and it was a lovely day for walking.  I didn't put my boots on, my feet are really sore and now they feel too tight.  So I put on my crocs, when I was here on the Camino in March I did most of the walk in these crocs, once your feet are really sore, they are the best and most comfortable footwear - as long as it stays dry, of course.  The other good thing about them is they are so light and have been no problem to carry - I've had to ditch loads of stuff along the way but I'm glad I kept the crocs.
The breakfast at Calzadilla was poor - just croissant and coffee and I had to walk 12 miles to get to a shop in Morantinos where I bought some food.  Then I walked another 13 miles to El Burgo Ranero and I am in a great auberge tonight - I made myself pasta and stuffed my face with loads of fruit and chocolate. The wood burning stove is lit here and it is really cosy after a good walking day.  For anybody who wants me to add up, I walked 25 miles today in perfect walking conditions.