Happy birthday to the USA. Hope you all have a great July 4th!
Got on a bus to Santiago at 6:45 this morning. Apparently I didn’t sleep very well last night because I was sound asleep when bus arrived at terminal. Bus was nearly empty when a lady woke me up.
Went directly from bus terminal to the cathedral. Directly is probably a stretch but I made it there.
I’m walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino in reverse so saw hundreds of excited pilgrims as they near Santiago. Saw so many that I got a bit tired of saying “Buen Camino” every 2 minutes!
We’re back into rolling hills. I think it’s about 60 miles and then along coast rest of way to Porto.
I really have plenty of time now. I will have a few very low mileage days these last 3 weeks.
The walking is very easy. So is staying on the trail. I just head towards where all the people are coming from.
Lots of grapevines through this area. No big acreages but every garden has some.
The Portuguese Camino has a Central or Coastal option to Porto. I already knew I will be taking Coastal.
One of the advantages of going against the flow is that people will tell me what’s ahead. Bars, lodging, etc.
Met a couple from Germany who left Porto on Coastal and switched to Central. Said Coastal wasn’t enough of a “Camino experience”. Too many small beach towns and beach bars. I laughed to myself because that’s exactly what I’m looking for! To each his own.
Jesus was sitting all alone near a church. He got all excited when I said “Hola” to him. He talked non-stop for 10 minutes. Most of the time I was just nodding or saying “Si”. He was the perfect “Hola” smile. Guessing it made his day.
I am missing the physical challenge, incredible scenery, and solitude of the Camino dos Faros. I am not missing walking through an overgrown jungle and having no clue if I’m actually on a trail.
One good thing about this detour is that it reminded me of all the people who are supporting me on this journey. I received an incredible outpouring of encouragement. Thanks to all of you.
I’m still disappointed but I was never going to quit.
My focus now is on reaching Pontevedra. We live in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. That’s cool plus I’ve heard it’s a very nice city.
Pontevedra is about 25 miles from here. I’m going to take my time and get there in 2 days. Pretty proud of myself for not planning to race there in 1 day! Then I’m going to take a zero day there to explore.
Happy trails and buen Camino!
Just Pete Hiking 
Happy 4th! I heard that Portuguese wine is exceptional! Enjoy your day in Pontevedra!
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Happy Independence Day to you! The “States” look forward to having you back on their trails. Enjoy your zero day taking in the atmosphere and wine (maybe a Bud or two).
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Have fun buddy
Sent from my iPhone
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Glad you got off that other trail. Sounds like trailblazing instead of hiking. Enjoy the rest of the walk and the beach towns on the way.
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Enjoy your new pace, the outstanding views, new friends and make the most of every moment. We’re certainly proud of you and now have less to worry about. More time to relax and enjoy the Cerveza and vino! Yes, Portuguese gets a 👍👏 from Maria!!
Mary
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Happy 4th of July to you! My first personal message to you! Please don’t feel defeated because you changed course! You have no idea the extent of inspiration that you are giving us back home that are reading your posts! Keep on trekking!
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We are neighbors of the Bonners. We have been section hiking the AT and the El Camino is on our bucket list! Enjoying your blog! Happy hiking!!
Carla
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