Camino Day 5: It’s Been a Swinging, Singing-in-the-Rain Kinda Day
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Song of the Day
Singing in the Rain – Gene Kelly
I said goodbye to Nono, the albergue owner, at ten past six this morning and headed out alone onto the trail. The sky was cool and overcast — perfect walking weather — and for the first while, it was just me and the path.
After about two and a half hours, Andreas caught up with me.
We had a quick 10-minute chat — Andreas is one of the guys I shared a drink with a few nights ago. Then he moved on, and once again, it was just me.
Looks like I’m the only pilgrim around today.
As I walked, the landscape shifted.
We’ve left tomato country behind and entered wine country — row upon row of vineyards now lining the path.
Tomato juice to wine — how’s that for a metaphor?
Then something unexpected and beautiful: a swing.
A wooden swing hanging from a tree just off the trail.
I climbed on.
Feet lifted, air rushing past, and I laughed — out loud, freely. And in that moment, I could feel Angé. I could see her clapping, hear her whooping with joy.
I rode that swing for her. And it was magic.
But the day wasn’t done testing me. About 5.5 km from Santarém, the skies finally broke.
Rain.
Which, of course, is ironic — I told everyone the other night that I didn’t bring a raincoat, so it would never rain in Santarém. Well… it rained.
Backpack off, bag cover on. Singing in the Rain playing in my head.
And then the final stretch: a steep 2.5 km climb up into Santarém — nearly 500 metres of ascent.
Hard going on the legs. But I made it.
Now I’m in a café with a bun and a coffee, watching the rain fall — dry, content, and very much at peace.
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Sunflower Moment – The Swing
That swing was everything.
Unexpected joy. A moment of flight.
I felt her laugh. I saw her smile. I heard her voice.
Joy lives in the memory.
Happiness lives in the motion.
Today, they met on a swing, somewhere in Portugal.
🥾
Today’s Route
From tomato fields to vineyards, through rain and uphill climbs, ending in Santarém — a town on a hill, and a day full of small wonders.
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