Chance Encounter

I completed my last weekly training walk yesterday. I say training walk, but it was just an excuse to get away from Carluke to avoid the Gala Day mayhem! So after the procession of gaily decorated floats had passed by my sister's house, we both set out on a walk to Crossford and a drink in the Inns. It was a lovely day walking down the picturesque, steep sides of the Clyde Valley to the friendly wee pub - The Crossford Inns - where we enjoyed a few drinks with the regular Saturday afternoon crowd.

It was while outside in the sun, that I was introduced to someone who was to help solve a problem in my last minute preparations.

I had already emailed to confirm all my hotel reservations but I had still to 'phone the Hotel Villa Jardin in Portomarin to do likewise. I was not looking forward to this as my Spanish is virtually nil. In fact, I wasn't even sure I had been successful in a previous 'phone call to reserve my room in the first place.

So, as it turned out, my introduction to Iain Gibson and his partner was a Godsend.

I need to explain.

I knew Iain by sight, but what I didn't know was that he was a near neighbour of my sister in Carluke - in fact he had been watching the Gala Day procession from his window as we had been watching from the street! BUT.... I also didn't know he was a Spanish Translator!!

In a matter of minutes this very helpful man was, by benefit of Skype on my mobile 'phone, confirming my reservation with the Hotel Villa Jardin! Brilliant! Not only that, but he had walked the Camino himself! Pressed for time, however, our conversation was cut short, but only after he gave me his contact details in case I needed further help. A real gentleman! Thanks Iain!

A chance encounter and everything was now in place. I am really looking forward to my Camino!

Heat and Sandals

Making the most of the nice hot weather (in the low 20s in Scotland recently), I decided to acclimatise myself to conditions further. I had a little walk yesterday over variable terrain and surfaces with a 7kg rucksack on my back and sandals on my feet. I covered about 16 kms in 2 hours 20 minutes. What did I learn to help me on the Camino?

I think the most obvious is the need to start as early in the morning as possible and to avoid the worst of the midday heat. Yesterday I set off around 12.20 and it was getting uncomfortably muggy and humid. Not the most pleasant conditions.

The experience of wearing sandals was not a positive either. I found on the downhill sections especially that they were uncomfortable and continual use would invite blisters.

So....on the Camino it is early morning starts and the walking boots with Bridgedale socks!

Two Weeks To Go!!

Well now I am getting to the sharp end! It is nearly time to Walk The Walk!

Yesterday was my first real long walk with a laden rucksack. It involved a walk down into the Clyde Valley from Carluke, then along what is known as the Clyde Walkway and upriver to Lanark - a distance of about 15 kilometres. There was a fair amount of climbing and descending into the bargain! A break at roughly the halfway point was followed by a break in Lanark itself. The return journey was by the same route but with a slightly longer break midway this time. The walking surface was a mixture of tarmac road and tracks, and although the weather was dry, it was cool. (What do you expect in Scotland at this time of year?)

All in all, it was a good test of the effectiveness of my preparations for the Camino. My feet stood up well - my footwear and socks didn't give me problems. The care I have been giving my feet seems to be paying off. (Fingers - or toes - crossed!)

I am not too worried about my pace either. (It took just over 5 hours of walking time.) Though the heat, and possible rain in Galicia, may have something to say about that!

Today, I awoke with a soreness and stiffness in my legs. I don't know what the effect of consecutive days walking would have on me. That can wait until next week!!