Camino Pilgrim

Waking up, I knew that this would be a rest day. My right foot was causing sharp pain in several places. I took a little extra care of it before leaving Fátima.

The road ahead was moderately well marked. It became clear that for locals the main hike was now further away with each step. Locals walk to Fátima in large groups usually without a backpack, just some water and reflector vests (not to get hit by cars). The parts I skipped on the main route are the most dangerous for hikers because of heavy traffic.

My knees felt much better than yesterday. So some overnight improvement has happened. The toes on my right foot started causing issues instead, so I had to take many long breaks. With only 20km to cover, it was quite fine. Anything more would have caused major issues. I must be very lucky here.

On the road, I saw two new species of snakes. So I am at 5 out of 7 now. Really don’t like my odds meeting that extra poisonous bastard. None have attacked me so far. I keep my distance and so do they. I call it mutual respect of comfort zones.

Some locals have no idea why I am walking in the wrong direction for Fátima. The road to Santiago is not that well known, I guess (or of little importance).

In Caxarias, I met with the fire station marshal. He spoke English and walked the French Camino one week every year. Right now, he is halfway to the finish. The fire station here does not offer shelter for pilgrims, the local church was already full of them, but I did get a room in too of a restaurant here. Their food was super tasty and beer cheaper than cola (under 1€).

I will focus the rest of today on treating my feet. One rest day is enough hopefully. This time next week I want to have reached Porto. Fingers crossed.