🎵 Song of the Day: The Climb – Miley Cyrus
📍Read more: www.ange4sunflowers.com/blog
Day 15: Be Careful What You Wish For
This morning started innocently enough — a flat walk on tar alongside a peaceful river, stick marks on the road from the pilgrims who passed before me. About 4 km in, we turned onto a shaded forest path. Just before that, I passed a sign in a small village:
“Horse for rent to take you to the top.”
I smiled, thought that’s nice, and kept walking.
What I didn’t know: this was the infamous climb into Galicia — 1270 metres of elevation gain over just 7.5 km. Thankfully, I didn’t know. I just walked. One foot in front of the other. I stopped halfway for a coffee, then kept going. Hard? Yes. But also one of the most beautiful sections of the Camino so far. Green valleys, tree canopy, birdsong, and stillness — all of it came together in perfect, challenging silence.
My Walking Rhythm
I start early — around 07:00. Because I walk at a good pace, I usually catch up to slower walkers from the day before. Eventually, I end up walking alone for long stretches — and I’ve grown to love it.
Why it works for me:
- I walk at my own rhythm
- I listen to audiobooks and learn
- I think and plan for the future — and today, a few more ideas took shape
Pizza and the Surprise Climb
At kilometre 18, I stopped for lunch — a Margherita pizza and two Cokes. I felt relaxed, thinking I had only 3 or 4 easy kilometres left to Santa María.
Wrong.
It was uphill all the way.
So picture this: full stomach, hot sun, winding road — and me trudging upward once again. But the views were worth it. Mountain beauty. Quiet. Deep breath. Stillness.
Now in the Mountains of Galicia
Now that I’m in Galicia, the Camino has shifted. It’s more mountainous, more peaceful, more beautiful. Yes, the climbs are steeper. But they’re also sacred. This is the kind of commune with nature I was hoping to find on the Camino.
There’s something spiritual about this region — a deeper connection to land, silence, sky, and soul. It’s exactly what I needed.
A Word on Accommodation… and Children
Just before reaching town, I passed two large groups of schoolchildren — each one at least 30 to 40 kids, also walking the Camino. I have no idea where they’re all going to sleep tonight, but seeing them made me incredibly thankful that I’ve pre-booked all my accommodation. No need to worry about competing for a bed with 12-year-olds full of sugar and energy!
One less stress. One more blessing.
Rest at Last
I made it to Santa María and checked into another great hotel. Hot shower. Quiet room. Tired legs. Full heart.
And today’s Song of the Day?
🎵 “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
Because it’s not about what’s waiting at the top.
It’s the climb that makes it worth it.
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