33 km. Sunny and warm with a cool breeze. The heat was not as brutal as yesterday. I hit the high point (elevation) of the Camino today, at just over 700m. It was a long, gradual climb - not too difficult - but my feet were pretty unhappy, so it was still a challenge. Although I am beginning to feel nostalgic about the Camino ending in three days, my feet will appreciate that there are no more 30 km walks left.
I walked the first 5 km to Miraz alone. After my second breakfast, I met father and son, Jan and Lukasz from Poland (although Jan lives in Germany now). We walked the next 10 km together to their albergue stop in A Roxica. During that time, we finished most of the long climb of the day, which was made easier by the company. I took a break at their albergue to eat and met four Australian women. They are the first Australian pilgrims I have met on the Camino. I sat with them, Jan, and Lukasz, and had a lovely rest break. At 3 pm, I figured I had better start the next 15 km. I headed out alone and did not come across any pilgrims for the rest of the day. Arrived, usual routine, and brought groceries to the room for dinner. Pretty tired.
Tomorrow will likely be my last quiet day on the Camino. My destination, Arzúa, is where the Northern Camino meets the Camino Francés. The Camino Francés is by far the most popular route. According to 2023 statistics, last year about 220,000 pilgrims walked the Camino Francés, whereas only 21,000 walked the Northern Camino. According to those whom I have met who have done both, the Northern Camino is more scenic, but the Camino Francés is more spiritual, and has a special 'pilgrim spirit'. I look forward to seeing how the route and the pilgrim community change over the next few days.
Photos from the day:
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