Day 30
Staying behind to go at a slower pace was the right decision for me. I’m also glad my friends went on ahead to meet their own schedules. Today I left the albergue about 6:40. I say that because my roommates in the women’s dorm were up talking loudly with the light on in the room until after 11 last night. This morning they were up at 6, talking loudly with the light on. Packing and repacking suitcases that would be shipped ahead. Primping and readying themselves for who knows what. At 6:30 I got out of bed, stuffed my sleeping bag into its compression sack, dressed and readied myself, stripped the bed so the staff had minimal to do, picked up my pack, and left with a “Buen Camino” as I headed out the door. Ten minutes, tops. We each have our own routines. Mine has changed dramatically in the last month.
I was on the trail for a couple hours before stopping for coffee and fruit. And I stopped a couple hours later for a delicious, simple lunch.
Today I was able to slow down enough to literally smell the roses… also lilac bushes, pine groves, fruit trees, and majestic eucalyptus forests — which was like walking thru a spa.
Even stepped into the woods to get this shot up into the treetops. Not an angle I typically see. It’s not black & white. This is as true color as I could get it.
At 2 I stopped again in the town of O Rio to witness a special gift. I got to watch a calf being born in a pasture – the newest member of the Galicia dairy community. It had a little help from the very proud farmer. Mama and calf were left alone to bond and I watched quietly from afar to witness this truly special, sweet moment. So glad to not be in a hurry.
Arrived in Arzua by 4 and after a little looking around I decided to treat myself to a private room at Casa Teodora. It’s less than the price of a Motel 6 but comes with a window that opens to million dollar view.
Another great day.
More later…