Day 75 - Portomarín a Palas de Rei - September 28 - On the Camino 37 days

Day 75 - Portomarín a Palas de Rei - September 28 -  On the Camino 37 days

Woke up this morning at 6:30 and still did get out of the albergue until 8am. I was aiming for 7:30am, but what can I say. I was enjoying my donut peach, Greek yogurt with raspberries, toast and Starbucks via instant coffee. It was getting light when I left. I think God heard my prayer, well really more of a rant, because it didn't rain much today. There was a light drizzle or rain this morning for about an hour. Then it was just overcast with moments of sun and blue skies. Then about forty five minutes before I reached the albergue in Palas de Rei there was a light sprinkle and some wind. It's raining hard now, but I don't care because I tucked comfortably in the albergue. It would be just fine with me if it rained itself out tonight and was dry tomorrow. 

The walk today was very nice. The scenery just can't be beat. I stopped once for café and once again for sopa de lentajes (lentil soup) at the place with the hormigos grandes (large ants.) I had lots of things that happened today that I wanted to remember to share with you, but right now I can't remember them.

OMG, as I was writing this it started pouring rain. Go rain go, get it all out of your storm system.  Apparently the weather forecast says rain from now until the end of time. Of course, like the States a rain forecast can mean anything from a all day all night downpour to a slight drizzle for an hour. So we shall see. From the Spanish forecasts it seems like it will be mostly cloudy for the next week or more with a few showers. I hope that is correct. I really want to go to Finisterre, but not in pouring rain. 

I'm three fairly easy days from Santiago now. This year I've tried to stay in different towns or different albergues. It's been fun experiencing some of the smaller pueblos. Tomorrow might I will be staying in a small one, though I will be passing through Melide about lunch time for some pulpo (octopus)"

This evening I met a young couple who have been living in Madrid for two years teaching English as a second language. They met in Madrid. They are returning to the States to Seattle, where he is from. She is from San Diego. I think I would have picked San Diego. But they are young. 

I get to see several friends when I get to Santiago. That will be fun. Hopefully, if it stops raining for an hour, I'll get to do the Cathedral you which includes a tour of the roof. I love high places. Ask my daughter Leea, she has climbed a few with me. But I have to be careful and not get to close to the edge. I have this little voice that pops up and says, "what would it be like if you jumped" I'm not suicidal, just curious. 

I met these two older gents on the trail today. We kept passing each other. At one point they were tailgating me, so I just stopped. I really don't like all the passing, whether it is me or someone else. That's why I like to leave after everyone else is well ahead of me. Anyway, one of the gents pointed to my back pack and commented that it was large. I think he was French, but I'm not sure. I just know English is not his first language. I explained that the rain cover made it look bigger than it was. He pointed to his day pack and said it was very small. I don't know if he was bragging or embarrassed. I asked if he had transported the rest of his stuff and he said he had. He asked if I had transported stuff. I said that everything I own is in my pack. Then I thought that makes it sound like I am a homeless person or a vagabond. Then I thought, well, I guess I sort of am homeless and a vagabond. lol John always says that camping is rich people practicing homelessness. 

Well, I'm obviously rambling so I should probably get some sleep.