Collins Camino

Leon to Villar de Mazarife

Most of the day went to coordinating and checking in with friends and family back home — Which all were safe and sound. The day was somewhat uneventful, I hiked through some new meseta like landscapes, but it mainly remained flat. The Albergue bar lead to some new friends, and fortunately no-one joined the bunk room I was in, I had a private room with 4 bunks!

Villar de Mazarife to Astorga

A long day — most on pavement which was slightly annoying. Was properly spent by the end of the day, and took a proper nap once I arrived. Astorga is a nice little city on a hill. The Sunrise this morning was beautiful, and the sunset in Astorga was also great. Ran into more familiar faces, and the albergue had a nice wood stove to sit next to.

Astorga to Rabanal del Camino

A quick day looking back, as I hiked with a couple from Denmark most of the morning, caught up with Cheryl and Claude, and then also hiked with Inez and James. Similar convos throughout the day, mainly around everyone craving vegetables… This night I stayed in a little albergue called the Stone Boat — a lovely accomodating spot with only three rooms. The owner is American and actually has friends in Brevard NC, and her accommodation was perfect. Really enjoyed the stay! Spoke with Mike and Janie after the hike, and then briefly chatted with Jenny and Tai who were passing through. Ran into my British Colombian and Alaskan friends at dinner, always good to see them. A beautiful sunrise this morning, and the hike was decent.

Rabanal del Camino to Molinseca

Today I placed my rock at the Iron cross, and today was also the first day of mountain hiking in weeks. A rainbow followed me on the hike right up until the Iron Cross. A great day! Climbing to the top of the mountain range to leave a rock I carried from WNC all the way to this Iron cross was very fulfilling, even though it was cold and very windy. While a Snickers and the Foo Fighters helped get me up the mountain, dropping off the rock carried me through the rest of the day. I was able to meet with with friends for dinner, and the albergue was a nice spot. A great day!

Molinseca to Cacabelos

Apparently Cacabelos means “Beautiful Shit” in multiple languages. I learned this within minutes of walking into my albergue, ha. Twas a rainy day, but no major down pours. Hiked the day with Jen, Tai, and Chantell. Chantell is a very lively and funny women! I did stop by the hospital to check my stomach — and apparently I caught either a parasite or bad bacteria. The conversation with the doctor was halairous, as he did not speak English, and he also saw the humor in us trying to talk. Apparently I’m the first American to understand his prescriptions!

Cacabelos to la Portela de Valcarce

A great hike today — a beautiful sunrise out of town, and starting to walk through the hills of wine country. Ran into MacKenzie and Kait during a breakfast stop, and we took the alternate route up and over the mountains, rather than hiking along the river edge underneath the highways. A hard hike, but also beautiful! Mackenzie is 77 — and he started to run up the hill. Funny lad. Stayed in a rock and roll themed albergue with 4 beds, and Inez and James also stayed there. We had a lovely dinner, homemade salad and pizzas, and then breakfast was homemade churros. The owner is from LA, and worked with many of the large rock bands in his career.

Portela de Valcarce to Fonfria

A beautiful hike today, up and over the final mountain range before Santiago. In walking with Kait and MacKenzie — I’ve decided my food list I will cook when I return — Fried chicken southern meal, all out burgers, vegetables with every meal for weeks, and smoking baby back ribs. At the dinner of the night, some Italians with new hiking legs decided to drink most of the wine and lead everyone in dance and song — which was nice, but a little overbearing. This day marks 7 days till Santiago!

A good hike day,