Another great night of sleep. I’m back into a rhythm of wonderful restful sleep. George, not as much. Poor guy woke up this morning and was feeling under the weather. Good thing we have a short day. We packed and headed out for a short 12 miles.

Today was the first day that I didn’t put on my pack cover! It was blue skies and I surely didn’t want to think anything negative. Placing a pack cover on a dry pack with blue skies is just absurd.

The morning was cool and great temperature for walking. The town was a flurry of motorized vehicles and kids walking to school. I saw a ton of Piligrinos walking on the trail today. More than even yesterday.

The trail was nice. No big grades, just comfortable ups and downs. There was a cafe around the five kilometer mark. I stopped for my morning espresso. But was I ever surprised when they had a traditional American Breakfast. Bacon, Eggs, Sausage and Coffee. You got to be kidding me. Yes please! The breakfast came and sure as they advertised there was all that they said but the sausage was, well, a hot dog! I was laughing when I saw it but ate it up. The eggs were so fresh with yolks that were bright orange. It was so dang good!

I was talking with George about this gal that we saw the last couple of days. Most the pilgrim’s we’ve been walking around are new to the trail. But this one blonde, I could swear we saw her back on day one or two. I struck up a conversation with her and sure as I speculated, I met her on Day Two. Delphine is from Paris but lives in Barcelona. She likes sunshine and says it’s too cold in France. We walked most the morning together. She too, is not feeling so well. There must be a bug going around.

Today was the first day in over a week that we didn’t have a drop of rain. I think it’s because I didn’t put my pack cover on! I just might keep it off till we make our way to Santiago. Less than 25 kilometers and we will be singing praises!

Our day had one big hill climb but in reality, it’s really not much. I’m going to guess it may have been 800’ more or less with the ups and downs. In my mind, a climb is 2500-4000 feet, anything less than that is a bump in the road. But when this is all you’ve done, then yes, anything over a few hundred meters is a climb. Many pilgrims were stopping and taking breaks along the way. That’s the best part of the Camino. There’s always a bench, a cafe or a place to gather yourself.

I haven’t spoke of the Pilgrim Patrol. They are Officers who watch out for Pilgrims. I noticed them much more when the weather is foul. They patrol up and down the pathways looking for anyone who might need some extra help, a ride or first aid. Delphine and I were talking when they drove up from behind us. It was such a narrow road and they barely fit their Jeep on this washed out road, but there they were. We scooted to the side as they slowly passed us. As we came around the corner, their patrol vehicle was stopped. A tree had fallen and some rocks were strung across the narrow road. They were moving everything off the trail. Delphine speaks three languages, French, Spanish and English. She started talking with the Officers and before I knew, I was getting my picture with them. Bravo Delphine. She’s a good gal to be walking with!

I had scored us a nice apartment in Padron and typical checkin is 3pm. Upon contacting the owner, they told me the place was clean and ready. We arrived by 2pm. Another incredible location and nice spot to lay our heads. The best part is the washer and dryer. George and I haven’t done laundry for a week. The issue is we only have one outfit that we hike in, and another for after hours, so laundry is quite important.

We stripped and everything we owned was in the washer! Yeah, we will be smelling fresh and clean when we arrive to Santiago tomorrow! Yep, you read that correct. After four weeks of walking the Camino, the Baraga’s will be finishing their pilgrimage.

George and I talked a bit about how we feel regarding this walk. It has been monumental in the fact that it is something we shared as a couple. I don’t think it will truly set in until we arrive at the Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela. But it’s feeling pretty great right now. I am so impressed with what George has done in these past four weeks. From the moment we exited the plane in Lisbon, he has been on his feet, doing countless miles day after day. I finally have the hiking partner that I’ve been dreaming of. My prayers were answered once again. Thanks God!

I didn’t know that Halloween is a worldwide holiday?! George and I went out to grab a bite to eat. Kids are walking around with faces painted and going from store to store, asking for candy. They don’t have the elaborate costumes that I see in the states, but a lot of make-up. It seems that this weird tradition is here to stay.

We are going to bed early tonight. Our plan is to get up earlier and be on our way by 8am. I know, that’s not early but the sun will just be rising by then. Our final walk into a place that we have been dreaming of for the past five years. Until tomorrow, have a sunshine filled day. We sure did.