Camino Day 4: Be present, speak truth.

Barcelos to Lugar do Cordo along the Central Route

Distance walked: 13.0 mi (20.9 km)

Total walked so far: 56.6 mi (91.1 km)

Route taken: Barcelos to Lugar do Cordo

Video update

Camino Portugés Day 4: Barcelos to Lugar do Cordo on the Central Route

Slept well barring a brief and strange 1AM wake up, feeling well rested. Thankfully went back to sleep. Clothes are largely dry using the wonky setup I shared yesterday. Victory! The late night pastry I bought yesterday was a good start. Now I just need a coffee downstairs on my way out! It should be ~12 miles from Barcelos to Lugar do Cordo.

My right thigh is still making itself known. For some time, if I stand a long time (like when teaching a 3-day class) it will get numb. I’ve assumed this is some kind of nerve impingement. I was having some of that, but now I’ll occasionally get a white-hot pain there too. Not ideal! Worth noting for now and will deal with later if it continues.

Feeling good about the weather forecast. Rain should hold off until afternoon. Windy isn’t great but it beats a ton of rain. Today’s ~20 km route should be more varying in terrain but could also mean mud in spots. Fingers crossed! Time to get ready to head out. I’m once again solo as I wanted!

Having lunch after nearly 8 miles so a few notes now... The first 4 hours were largely dry but have had some showers on and off since then. Walking is going well barring the aforementioned leg thing. So it goes. Otherwise I’m in good spirits!

My thoughts today have run the gamut of possibilities. Started with the importance of being present and focused on now. Did some scary but enlightening math that I’ll have to talk through in video form. Details at the bottom here. Also thought a lot about speaking truth even when it’s unpopular. Not about being an ass :) but there are many times I’ve nodded along or changed the subject vs speak honestly. I want to change that. I have the opportunity so to not do so is a choice, and not one I want to make

Opted to buy lunch (and snack) at a mini market today. No bread there so opted for hamburger buns along with some sliced cheese and ham. The grocer didn’t speak English but we managed. I bought extra and made another sandwich for later. I also got a chocolate bar and a much-desired beer. Yep, more meat today. When in Rome? I’m definitely being rather flexatarian on this trip but it feels right so I’m going with it. 🤷‍♂️ time to get back on the trail!

The rest of the walk was uneventful barring on and off rain and wind. It wasn’t too bad though there was one flooded section that supplied a delightful water obstacle I decided to carry my shoes and walk through it. After yesterday I didn’t want to risk wet shoes yet again!

I arrived at the famed Casa Fernanda and was greeted with my choice of wine. Then we had tasty appetizers and more wine. We were then left to chat before dinner, take showers, and get settled. I took advantage of the quiet time to record my video outdoors as well. We will eat soon so this seemed a good time to write before it gets busy again!

if anyone wants the details on the math I discussed in the video:

30 years = 10,950 days ***

(Since college grad)

5 min / day * 10,950 days

= 54,750 min / 60 min per hr

= 912.5 hrs / 24 hrs per day

= 38 days lost

15 min (*3) = 114 days

60 min (*12) = 1 yr 3 months!!!

*** ignore Leap Days for simplicity