The idea was to have a short day into Monforte, so we could do sightseeing in the town. The walk was pastoral and pleasant. Laurie had some errands to do and I had to figure out my travel plans. She was in a fancy hotel while I was at the Santa Clara, which was entirely…

Today was a day of reckoning. I have not been enjoying the walking very much in the last few days, which rather defeats the purpose. I think I am coming down with a cold (my first in 4 years), and find myself out of breath on minor hills. I feel chilled.  My shin splints are…

I was hoping to walk this whole stage since last time (2022) I took the train for the first 10 km. However, it seems that I am not more energetic this year than last. So, 7:09 train it was, arriving a few minutes later at the atmospheric and largely abandoned (although I saw at least…

I was a bit concerned about my feet, so chose to walk the shortest route for this stage, forgoing the more scenic waterfalls that Laurie checked out on the other side of the river. Yesterday my problematic foot began to feel quite bruised on the bottom, so I switched to my newer shoes halfway through…

Just some photos now

Sorry, but no time to write much, or search through photos. I had lots of thoughts while walking and should probably learn to dictate them, but I haven’t, so you are spared. It was a very pleasant walk to the luxurious albergue in Villavieja. Five of us – from Canada, Australia and Spain – spent…

I waited patiently for dawn, and got up early. Laurie slept 12 hours, so I was outside the hotel when she finally texted me. I knew that she would be so full of energy, compared to me, that I decided to start tomorrow’s stage, and only afterwards do the Gibraltar touristing with whatever energy remained.…