Health – Somewhere Slowly

VC5: Last day in Cologne

07/04/2022

My last day in Cologne. I started by leaving my backpack in the luggage storage at the hotel, then went downstairs to the restaurant – first customer of the day – to order a coffee and a salad for late breakfast. While I sat there, B sent me highlights of her day so far: Mine … More VC5: Last day in Cologne

VC4: Rest day in Cologne

06/04/2022

I had come back to Cologne to rest, and that’s all I did: Rested. I got up late, kept my foot up while I considered my options and watched news on the TV (wish I hadn’t), then went downstairs for a coffee, but they weren’t open yet. And there was a huge demo on the … More VC4: Rest day in Cologne

VC3: Back to Cologne

05/04/2022

Another day, another fabulous hotel breakfast buffet. I shall miss that! We treated ourselves to a huge meal and B also made a packed lunch. I decided I didn’t need a lunchbox lunch, as the train would only take an hour. I gave her my tiny salt and pepper shaker as a parting gift, the … More VC3: Back to Cologne

VC2: Stupid little steps

03/04/2022

Remember that little step that B almost tripped on but managed to keep her balance? Well I didn’t. So when I went up to the room after a long, lovely breakfast to put my lunch in my box and finish getting ready while she had another coffee, I didn’t see it at all … and … More VC2: Stupid little steps

Avoiding Plantar Fasciitis

22/03/2022

After the pressure blisters – or possibly before them – plantar fasciitis is my most common/feared/painful recurring issue/worry/problem on the trail. I first got it on my long camino Francés in 2012, towards the end of the 800 km walk. I was planning on going on to Finisterre, but after arriving in Santiago my heels … More Avoiding Plantar Fasciitis

Top pilgrim tip: Non-alcoholic drinks

17/02/2022

There are many reasons why you might want to limit your drinking or avoid alcohol altogether while on the camino. For one thing, when you are spending your day walking through the heat and dust and relentless sun, alcoholic drinks are not your best friend – what you need is hydration, hydration, hydration. Obviously your … More Top pilgrim tip: Non-alcoholic drinks

CF21 Day 22 – Portomarin to Palas de Rei

27/09/2021

I suppose I should have planned for more half days or something, because when I woke up to thick, cold fog over Portomarin and got out of my bed, my knee complained with a loud and crunching noise. Seems the downhills the last couple of days had done more damage than I was aware of. … More CF21 Day 22 – Portomarin to Palas de Rei

CF21 Day 1 – Pilgrims at their best (but no kilt)

03/09/2021

Sorry about the delay, but this camino decided to start with a bit of drama. The rain that was forecast seemed to arrive with thunder and lightning in the middle of the night, so I put on my poncho mainly against the wind and set off from Burgos (reluctantly). The first thing I saw and … More CF21 Day 1 – Pilgrims at their best (but no kilt)

Burgos – day 0

31/08/2021

Yesterday I woke up at an airport hotel and took a prebooked taxi to the airport to make sure I wouldn’t miss my flight to Madrid with all the extra checks, controls, codes etc. I even paid for fast-track through security, which I think most of the passengers had done… So I got there hours … More Burgos – day 0

Should I stay or should I go?

22/08/2021

I know, I know. It covers my conundrum perfectly though. I have been mulling it over for ages now, pros and cons and hopes and dreams and worries and vaccines and all the new paperwork and flights constantly being changed, cancelled and refunded. I would say I have been in two minds, but it’s more … More Should I stay or should I go?