A Day Off

I really had two things on my agenda today. 1) Covid test. 2) Beach.

I was able to sleep in a bit and headed out after 8. I dropped my big pack off at Cabo DaVila for them to hold until I was ready to check in. Walked a couple miles along the boardwalk in the morning sun til it was time to head to Cee.

I got a coffee at a local hotel just off the boardwalk and then asked the hostess if she would mind calling me a taxi.

It was just about ten minutes in the taxi to backtrack what had taken a couple hours yesterday. The cab driver directed me to a little door that I doubt I would have found on my own. Clinic La Paz had an eye doctor sign on it. But, the phone number matched the one the pharmacist gave me. Since I was early I killed a little time going into a hardware store nearby. It was awesome. A bit like a mini Galician Farm & Fleet. Had a little bit of everything.

I couldn’t resist this little handmade pitcher for cream or perhaps flowers.

The clinic was down a narrow hallway then up the elevator to the 4th floor. The lady who was running the clinic was there on her own. She was efficient and professional. And – my results were negative!!! I was so happy to know I could travel again. Though, truth be told, the thought had entered my mind that if I was grounded for another week or so Finisterre was not a bad place to be.

The test had cleaned out most of my cash so I hit an ATM and then the grocery store for some olive oil to take back with me. Yes, my purchases for souvenirs have been from an art gallery, hardware store, and grocery. And I think I’m done.

Another taxi ride back. It was funny to get in the cab and hear blues in English. He dropped me back at Cabo DaVila and I dropped my purchases then went to the beach.

Amazing early afternoon beach combing. It was lovely to feel the sand and let the water rush over my feet. Great to see little kids playing in the sand and surf.

No sea glass but there were possibly millions of shells. I didn’t feel the need to clear the beach of shells, but I did pick up a few that ‘spoke to me’. I was beginning to think that the perfect shell shape that we pilgrims associate with the Camino symbol was actually a fable or caricature. Then I found a few!!

Back at the hostel, I knew I needed to lighten my load. I’m going to leave my boots here. Last trek I hauled them home only to throw them out when I got there. This pair has served me well. They now have a lot more …farm… on them than I want to bring back to the states. I also went through my toiletries and will donate anything I won’t use before I get back.

During a stroll around town I decided tonight – seafood. It’s bound to be fresh.

Just off the dock in clear water there are schools of various sized fish and larger fish following them. I’m going to look for a local-style fish cuisine when the kitchens are open.

An update on food for my friend Mike. 🙂 Two nights ago, knowing I had one more long day of walking , I found a place that served pasta for a starter. Ate all of it.

The second course was Galician Stew. Hadn’t had that before. It was cabbage, white beans, & potatoes served with a selection of local meats. After all that pasta, I could only eat some of the cabbage, beans, and one piece of meat.

The dessert was homemade flan. There’s always room for homemade flan.

So, yesterday I wasn’t hungry. I had fruit while on the trail and watermelon from the supermarket across the street for dinner. Oh, and when I stopped for a coffee in Cee I got a little packet of Donettes. You know, the breakfast of champions…little chocolate donuts.

All this talk of food is making me hungry. Going to see if I can find a kitchen open. Nada. If I want my local fish meal tonight I’m going to have to go back after 8 the way the Spaniards do.

More later…

PS. Dinner was amazing. Started with a cup of mint tea as they wanted me to drink something to sit down prior to the kitchen opening at 8:30. I then opted for a wonderful cream of fish soup.

And the main course was monkfish in garlic butter. Absolutely divine. I couldn’t finish it though!

Afterwards there was a little bit of leftover bread which I asked if I could keep to feed the seagulls. The waiter was happy to let me have it. And the seagulls were happy to take it from me!

More later…