Day 6: A Guarda to Baiona. 19.5 miles

Day 6:  I was a bit worried about today given the mileage, but I am happy to report that it was a beautiful day and I did not get lost at all, not even once!  I focused on looking for the Camino signage more than using my phone, and the signage seemed more plentiful, so there was no problem.  The lady at the water taxi dock who interviewed me published it on instagram.  She sent me a link on What's App but I can't figure out how to import the link to this blog so here are instructions if you want to view it:

Go to instagram.  Search: andarilhos.pt 

This will bring you to her page and you'll see several pictures of people she has interviewed.  Click on me!

For those who don't have instagram, basically she asks me why I am doing the Camino and I say that I recently retired and wanted to go on a solo trip to "reset", take a break from my life responsibilities, and figure out what was next for me.  All true but not the whole story, right?  I could have done that on a beach somewhere.  More on that later...

Before I get to today, I want to share a sunset picture from A Guarda that I took last night.  I had an excellent dinner with the ladies in the harbor and then we said good bye for now.

Spain is 6 hours ahead of the east coast so I lost an hour yesterday.  It's still dark at 8AM so I didn't get on the trail until  just after 8.  The dawn was reflected on the ocean - just gorgeous!

Some have asked if there are men on the Camino.. of course!  I walked with several in front of me and behind me during the early AM which made me feel safe.  I haven't seen as many men making a solo journey.  They seem to travel with their friends or their spouses.

I already mentioned that the Camino signs were more obvious today.  See for yourself.

Even I didn't miss this one!

I spent much of the day within view of the ocean.  At my first rest break I ran into my friend, Gena, which was great.  I also met a vibrant traveler who melted wax onto my stamp book and made me a beautiful personalized stamp, and, best of all....my first Camino Puppers!

The walk was stunning...

The rugged coast of Spain

Another offering site

At around 17 miles, the trail took a sharp right and headed up to the top of a ridge.  You would think that I would have been complaining about the climb but it was just so lovely up there that I was grateful for it.

That may be the Ilia de Montefaro in the distance?

I dropped down into the outskirts of Baion and made my way (gingerly at this point) to my hotel!

I loved being alone today.  It gave me time to think about why I am here.  I agree with what I told the "reporter", that the Camino is an opportunity for me to reset, but it's not just about retirement or what's next.  It's more about considering all that has been and deciding what to bring forward and what to let go.  What beliefs do I have about myself or others that no longer serve me; that keep me anxious or angry or judgmental; that stifle acceptance and love?  Same goes for expectations, regrets, grudges, or painful memories.  It may be time to listen to Shaboozey and let some of it go.

"Let it Burn"

"Grab the matches,

Start a fire,

throw the memories in the flames,

it's behind us.

See the gold in the red, new horizons,

Let it burn, let it burn."