Prep and rest day before setting off on the big hike. We got to see the city from the other side of the river, explored the Port caves, and picked up our Camino passports.

We made it to Vila do Conde! Tho it was supposed to be a 17 mile day as Ryan had planned it, we (I) followed the wrong trail signs at some point and led us inland which made it more like a 22 mile day 🥹. After a burger and a shower we feel human again. Most of todays trail was through the city and industrial areas, until we veered into pretty farm country. So it was a win some loose some day. Tomorrow should be better and easier because we just need to follow the coast from here.

Finally joined up with the coastal path. Muuuuch better. Beautiful sunny day with not much humidity and a very refreshing 70°. The path scenery changed many times along the way.

June 8! Whoops, forgot to publish on the actual day...

Day 3 was wet all day. Not exactly a rain, just a constant spit that was irritating. Fortunately it didn’t make us cold but was kinda refreshing. Shorter distance and an old fort made the day a success. The last two nights we had fancy city apartments but tonight we stayed at a campground with tiny cabins right on the mouth of a river that divides Portugal from Spain.

Today was awesome! Great weather and beautiful views along the coast. We crossed into España vía water taxi and then got to logging our miles.

Another belated post… from June 10th—Day 5! From Baiona to Redondela. Today’s hike followed the curve of the bay and went along many beautiful and popular beaches and fancy vacation towns with some pretty nice houses. Full day of sun and heat had us beat.

Day 6 — look. We’re tired. I had COVID. The planning was a little weak. So we took a day off. Yeah, that’s right, no shame in our game. We took a train right up to the next City and wandered around all day long without our packs. And it was GLORIOUS.

Today was such a beautiful hike. We did the full 13 miles start to finish and enjoyed two really great outdoor cafes that appear to exist mainly for the hikers. Hoping tomorrow’s 12 miles is equally picturesque. The day ended with a really tasty meal served by a very outgoing local who educated us on a local spirit called Orujo made from the pulp of pressed grapes left over from the wine making process.

Day 8! We walked the full 12 miles today into Padrón. It was a 90° day in full sun so we took our time with stops at cafes along the way. Beautiful nature and countryside tho. Padrón is a sleep little town with old stone building and narrow streets. Very different from other towns we’ve been to. Tomorrow is our final day waking to our destination! Looking forward to a strong finish!

We made it! One last final push of a day resulted in a successful completion of our journey. We walked right up to the cathedral in Santiago de Campostella and felt relieved. This city is the biggest we’ve been in since Porto and has A LOT going on. From food, to clubs, to tourist traps. It’s wild. Great scene tho. We’re having a lot of fun and fortunately have energy to spare to see the town.

I love soooooo much about Spain — The weather and people and the rythem of life. But honestly if I never see a bread / meat / and cheese platter again I think that will be fine. I CANNOT WAIT TO HAVE A COMPLICATED SALAD that does not involve iceberg, sad tomato, and raw white onion… and I want endless bowls of fruit and food to-go without a complicated sit-down aloof waiter situation. 😏

Tomorrow we fly to Madrid. ✌🏼