Day 4 Campiello to Berducedo 30km

Yesterday evenings meal was something I never want to experience again. It looked like something you would find in a toilet ha ha ha.  As Jessica the German girl said, “you will fart like a trooper!”

We started out again at 6am with Dominique in tow. I’ve got leaving the albergues down to a tee now and I am super quiet and well prepared for the days ahead. Dominique however, was not so quiet and was quite funny to watch as she tried to pack her bag in the dark and prepare for the day ahead. Not sure if the other pilgrims appreciated the noise as she slammed the front door on the way out.

According to the guide, today is meant to be the hardest day of the route. A steep mountain climb to 1250 metres, with the ascent being over 10km. Lets say yesterday the thought of climbing the big one was not appeasing. But the mountain was kind to me or I am just getting fitter by the day and the lungbursting moments have now passed. But 30k with no services meant no toilets and a heavier bag as we carried supplies and a few trips to the bushes!

The views at the top were amazing

Its a shame my head would not allow me to enjoy them as I looked like mr grumpy walking up the mountain as I battled with inner thoughts and insecurities. Today was the first day I really felt alone with my thoughts and alone on the camino. They say this can happen on camino as your brain sorts out stuff, but it was horrible to experience. I’m quite lucky I only have a few things to deal with. I have met pilgrims that have left their homes, businesses and booked a one way ticket to the camino. I suppose on reflection they are looking for peace or a purpose again. But hats off to Simon from the Czech republic and Mattais from Germany, they have been walking for the past 3 months and from their home towns. Amazing people!!

We arrived at the albergue at 16:30 and towards the end my feet were numb. The last 3k is always the worse and you have to just suck it up and get on.

Tomorrow is the big decent. 1000 metres over 10k. Sore knees and feet tomorrow