Early up, leaving dorm in darkness, two Canadian peregrinas, one Korean peregrino snoozing ... porridge with banana, apricots and honey fuels the legs for a fast first half, drizzle accelerating the pace, Lires halfway by 10.20 and first coffee stop ... Clement from Germany pointed towards Espiral, Daniel, from Portugal and Viola also ... plus deep conversation on matters philosophical and psychological with Daniel, a psychologist, working with homeless folks in Viana do Castelo ... an invitation to visit. ..
Sun appears for second half, though Brazilian peregrinas, Gina and Tania, are still caped up and delayed for warm chat, promise of Espiral tomorrow, staying today in Lires ... and an invitation to Rio de Janeiro ... what with Massachusetts, Tavira for dentist, Fatima insisting on prompt return, it looks like a busy time travelling ... though Stanhope also requires some attention ... and Atlantic maybe a sea too far ... Patty promising to return in summer ...
New Junta markers point in both directions, countdown plates to three decimal places, yet to be fixed, though not required except as souvenirs ... imagine the calculations required for such a pointless task ... graffiti not always admired either, though this one resonates ...
In the middle of nowhere, an hour from Muxia, Anton offers free coffee, home made biscuits and delicious sweet lemonade ... just lemons and mountain spring water ... he takes energy from Sun and a donation for more lemons ... on past three perigrinas from Wisconsin via Porto and in the restaurant for a menu del dia by 2.30 ... which seems quick for 30km ...
An idea for a rucksack with built in helium filled membrane takes form ... research required, though pack light enough today ...
Albergue@Muxia located, Jose from last time remembered, only three other pilgrims in so far ... one Italian, two German ... different vibe after Espiral, though that's only to be expected ...
Into the unknown tomorrow ... well, not unknown but without yellow arrows to follow ... Coruna the target. ..93 kms, longer on coast route ... tourist info offers maps ... options open for three or four day walk to Coruna, maybe Camino Ingles from there ... buses and hitch-hiking also possible ... weather forecast fair for two days before showers return ... cafe has early breakfast for fast start at first light ... let's see ...
Really loved this post. Made me feel like I was there. Free coffee and biscuits and eccentricities quite interesting. Of course your speed at getting there is mindboggling to me. Are you keeping a list of invites? I would. I am reminded once again to write everything down including to whom one lends one's massage table.
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