I woke up early, grateful for my little travel kettle and a decent cup of coffee. (Honestly, that thing deserves a medal.) Unfortunately, I could also feel the rumblings of a sinus attack lurking behind my right eye. A quick dose of Sudafed and a whispered prayer that it wouldn’t escalate.

🍳 Breakfast of Champions

By 8:30am, we were all gathered downstairs, where breakfast looked less like a meal and more like a banquet. Freshly cooked bacon and eggs, pots of avocado, even quince jam!

The plan was to laze about with a sprinkling of shopping until 2pm, when we’d reconvene for an afternoon walk. Jane, however, had other ideas. She was off to the fish market and then to the Naval Museum. One by one, the others joined her and had a fab time. Apparently the museum was not only free but had over 50 rooms to explore.

Meanwhile, I tucked myself away with my laptop, the glamorous life of the self-employed. (No complaints, though. Work on your own terms is still freedom.)

📸 The Camino Spirit (and a Closed Office)

At 2pm we donned our Camino AG T-shirts, ready for action. The first stop was the Pilgrim’s Office… which didn’t open until 6pm. Classic. No matter, we took photos by the Ferrol sign, filmed a few silly videos, and split into two camps: five of us set off on a seven-mile walk, while the others wisely chose beer over blisters!

Our route took us over a fabulous bridge (with mandatory photo ops, of course), through a children’s play park where John nearly had to be rescued from a miniature playhouse, and up some leg-burning climbs. A bin lorry nearly flattened us at one point — proving yet again that the Camino is full of unexpected challenges.

🐶 The Not-So-Friendly Labrador

Turning a corner, we spotted a golden Labrador doing the cutest wiggle-dance on the grass. Tail wagging, eyes shining, you know the type. Naturally, I went in for a fuss. One second he’s adorable, the next he’s barking and baring his teeth like I’d insulted his mother. Safe to say, I retracted my affections at speed.

🍺 Beer, Scratchings, and Soul Chats

“Fancy a beer?” I asked as we strolled into a little village. The unanimous “Why not?” was music to my ears. Soon we were sat in a cosy bar, sipping cold beer and crunching pork scratchings. Simple pleasures. We lingered far longer than we intended, but sometimes you need to stop rushing and actually taste the moment.

Bellies full, we tackled the last stretch. This time the conversation turned deeper — life choices, the paths we’d taken, the forks in the road. It’s funny how walking unlocks that kind of talk. Feet move, walls come down. Therapy without the invoice.

🤩 Uno, Birthdays, and Belonging

Back at the hotel by 5:30pm, the group dutifully collected their first Camino passport stamps. What followed was, by all accounts, a vicious game of Uno that apparently tested friendships and moral compasses. (I avoided the carnage — one must have limits.)

That evening was pure celebration: John’s 70th birthday. We shared a delicious meal, raised glasses, sang, ate cake, swapped cards, and gave little speeches. As I looked around the room — the laughter, the smiles, the warmth — I thought: this is what it’s all about. Travel is wonderful, walking is healing, but it’s the people that turn days into memories.

Today felt like a holiday.
Tomorrow, we walk.