Camino de Santiago, Day 43: Ferreiros to Ventas de Narón

The day started with a group of Spanish men, about age 25, flipping on the lights and talking and laughing loudly at 6 am.  The other 15 people in the room were asleep until this, yet nobody said a word.  So, naturally, I was the one to do the job.  I scolded them like a mean old lady.  They laughed at me.  Oddly, they were the last people to leave the hostel at 8 am.  Not sure why they felt it was necessary to spend two hours getting ready but I’m sure those new lycra, fluorescent tights are difficult to get on.  I am quite sure that some people are on the Camino just to teach tolerance.

It rained for the first hour.  Apparently, rain is typical in this area of Spain, much like Portland, Oregon.

Jamie’s hip has thankfully improved.  He’s still walking like a weeble-wobble, but reports less pain and was able to walk further today.  I was having my own share of…ahem…digestive difficulties.  Perhaps eating two plates of peppers yesterday after two months of a fiber-free lifestyle was not the best idea.

We walked through many sun-dappled trails shaded by eucalyptus and pine trees.  We could have been walking the California coastline.  Very beautiful and very different than what we’ve experienced so far.

Also, today was the first appearance of what I have come to find out is a feature unique to this province of Galicia: Horreos.  These are little, long elevated storage spaces traditionally for ripening and drying sweet corn but they can be used for other grain too.  Now with agriculture being a big production, they are more of a novelty feature, like having a wishing well in your front yard.  Some of them are quite elaborate.

By 4 pm we decided to stop.  We had no trouble finding a bed.  We ordered a bottle of red wine (just three euros!) and it was outrageously good.  No big label on the bottle just a small one indicating it was local.  We walked across town, which took about 30 seconds and ordered another bottle.  Sitting in the sun, being entertained by bleating sheep and enjoying handmade local cheese and wine can’t be beat.

As difficult as it is to walk so far every day, I am already having anxieties and sadness about the Camino ending soon.  This has been the most magical 43 days of my life and I have learned so much.  One day at a time.

Today we walked 22.4 kilometers (almost 14 miles)

Photos of the Walk from Ferreiros to Ventas de Narón & My Two Favorite Songs on the Camino:

This is lyrically a depressing song but no other song can give me goosebumps and get me moving like this one.  I find it exhilarating and excellent for walking:

This song touches me.  Listening to it, I could be looking at an outhouse and see the beauty in it.