Our first day of serious walking on Camino Ingles, after barely beginning yesterday: 9.5 miles, and I’m loving it already in spite of challenges. (Noisy hostel, lack of sleep, an aching hip, miscommunication.) “Sisters walking” continues in photos and captions below.
At our starting point in Ferrol yesterday, Ginny and I learned to identify the yellow arrows that mark the trail.Today, they were all obvious.We found them in all sorts of places, including lampposts……and sometimes on walls. I walked alone most of the day and quickly learned to scan for those yellow arrows. (Decades of driving in Washington DC honed my scanning skills.)Farrol is the birthplace of Franco, the longtime Fascist dictator of Spain. It’s also home to a large Navy base. I was glad for the waterfront views the first hour or so, but even more glad to leave the industrial area behind…… as we headed into a kind of suburbia. (See the stone marker on the right which tells pilgrims to turn at this intersection?)It was wonderful to enter a woodsy area for a while. ( This particular route of El Camino is mostly pavement.) The sun had just risen when we started walking at 0830, but was fully out by 1000.What a surprise to encounter donkeys along the way! And a pig.I had a “conversation” with this goose as we passed by. 😄A highlight of today’s walk: the ancient monastery of San Martino.The oldest part dates back to the 9th century, but this church is newer. If you can call it that. (12th century.)After the monastery, we encountered a choice. We took the longer one, for its better views. ( Notice the sock drying on the side of my backpack? 😄 Also the folding hiking stick attached. I didn’t pull out the sticks until my hip started to ache, about mile six.)Ginny and I both paid physically for that longer route — some hip and knee pain — but it was worth it. This tidal marsh reminded us we are still on a waterway connected to the Atlantic Ocean.Taking time to sit and absorb on the walkway across the marsh.And then these murals! In a tunnel, as we neared our destination.The seashell is a symbol for pilgrims who walk “The Way.” (We each have one tied to our backpacks. Most pilgrims do.)The marshy area went on……and on.After the msrsh, Maria and Ginny offered yoga poses in front of a town sign. We walked about a mile past this to our destination of Neda, then back again to Naron for our lodging. We’ll start in Neda again tomorrow morning. (Reminder: “Camino Ingles” means “English Way,” just one of many routes that comprise El Camino.)More than nine miles again tomorrow and at least 12 the next day. I’ve decided to prophylactically take some Ibuprofen about five miles in, to avoid the hip and knee pain. Also, melatonin with valerian to sleep better tonight. Nothing wrong with accepting a little external help once in a while, right? Especially if it helps keep you on “the path.”
Note: A wise friend who knows that I seek insight on this trek commented on yesterday’s post that insights often take time to arrive. So true. Writing is part of my basic character; it’s how I absorb and integrate things. These daily blogs are mainly a travelogue. I may include insights here as they arrive, but fully expect deeper insights with time.
For Many Moons 
A very memorable first day. Happy trails!.
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I’m in awe!
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