Vila Praia de Ancora to Vila Nova de Cerveira 12km (22km)

It was another spectacular morning with the weather outstanding. The plan was 22km today to Vila Nova de Cerveira, but the Camino had other ideas. 

I got to speak to my beautiful daughter and granddaughter this morning. It’s always great to chat with loved ones back home. I miss my family and friends terribly, but I also enjoy my travel immensely. If only I could join the two pleasures and treasures together. 

My walk started really well after taking some precautionary measures with a blister I’ve had some issues with since the end of day 2 following the relentless cobbles. I’d added compeed, a bandaid, and some extra cushioning by way of a silicone sleeve. My body is sore but that is to be expected. My pack is much heavier than I anticipated and it’s taking its toll. 

About 8km in, after stopping for a cold drink, and picking up a trinket for the princess, the pain in my foot became very significant. After about 10km, I had to stop! The pain was intense. 

I was sitting in the gutter on the side of the road in a small town called Seixas. Along came a beautiful lady called Rita, who spoke no English but did speak a little French. Her husband, Eduardo is a doctor and she took me to their home just a few metres away so he could take care of my foot. She carried my bag for me and was amazed by the weight. I told Eduardo it was full of Australian rocks. Apparently, I’m the Australian rock! 🤣 

Eduardo took care of my foot, redressed the wound and told me I must not walk any further today. He believes that all of the dressings I had applied were limiting the circulation and causing the pain. Rita would drive me the next 10km to my destination and he would sign anything I needed! As they say, ‘the Camino provides’. 

So a shorter day today with a plan to try and walk tomorrow. Fingers crossed things improve overnight. The town is lovely and so is the hostel I’m staying in for tonight.