05.21.2010

I got my early morning start and was on the Camino by 7:10a.  The people sleeping next to me were up at 5a!  With the heat, it's understandable why people want to get up early because I dread walking past 1p in the heat.  It just sucks all the energy out of you.

I met a mother/son duo from Canada along the way.  Isabel and Nick.  We walked to Gonzar together for a breakfast stop.  I wasn't able to keep up the pace with them so I said goodbye and continued walking.  I had set the lofty goal of 26.1km to Palas de Rei, with Portos as a backup.  Well, the heat and the hills got the best of me so I ended up in Portos.

There was a private Albergue with 10 beds, 2 full bathrooms and plenty of space to chill out.  I've noticed that in Galicia, the private Albergues are costing more.  I don't mind paying more, as long as it's a nice place.  There are varying standards of "nice" along the Camino.  You learn very quickly to be happy with wherever you end up.

Since there wasn't much to do, I took a shower, did laundry, and had a late lunch of ensalata mixta and a cup of hot broth.  It appears I really am coming down with a head cold so I am trying to take it easy and increase my fluids.  After lunch, I took a nap, then had dinner around 7p, another ensalata mixta.

Bed came easily afterwards.  The heat and not feeling well makes me sleep quite well!