And just like that… España

So a couple of days in socks and slides (quite a look), plus many expensive but effective dressings, seems to have done the trick 🤞. Today I am back in my hikers with more cushioned icebreaker socks that served me well for the Routeburn in 2021. Here’s hoping my dressings and strappings will protect the urban feet from now on… Guy is also bringing my Keen hiking boots from which I have never had a blister, so that is very handy. He will be leaving Auckland any minute now, yay.

I walked around 10 kms in the heat, on hills and through forest yesterday in the slides, so they are pretty adaptable! Walked with a lovely Korean woman of whom I neglected to get a photo. But we have connected on Instagram, like young people.

And so a short train and even shorter ferry ride yesterday popped me into Spain. The language is certainly easier, though my duolingo Portuguese gave me the skills to say I have a house, car, apple, I drink milk… 😂. The Portuguêse people I encountered were so kind and hospitable. I had way too much lunch as I waited for the boat yesterday as my farewell 🇵🇹 meal. Yum. And I even wrote AND SENT (!) some postcards. A miracle.

Today should be an easy ish 4 hours along the coast to Begoña’s house, where I have a room for the night. Always a pleasure to meet actual inhabitants. Much cooler, and a bit rainy, as is Galicia’s way, which makes a nice change from the 25 to 30 degree heat most days. Helpfully I have a waterproof hat and lovely rain poncho, new worlds of fashion opening up day by day. Go me.

Onwards!