Oh we do like to be beside the sea/Cee side …….

Well here we are – finally, we meet the Atlantic Ocean in the small town of Cee !

However , to reach the sea from this point we had to descend some treacherous paths – do you recall the red warning explanation mark on the map ? Well it was well placed- the descent was difficult and I don’t mind telling you it took its toll on both of us. Climbing hills and mountains – bring them on now , but of course what goes up must come down , and coming down is very hard !

We’ve walked miles on tracks like these today and for the last 15 km – no habitation whatsoever – accompanied only by the occasional pilgrim overtaking us – yes infuriating, but we admit they are younger and fitter than us . It is “ hard walking” on this Camino – the TN keeps asking me where I got the idea this Camino was flat and easy . In truth Dear Reader, I have absolutely no idea – cloud cuckoo land I suspect, because it is in reality, the other end of the scale!!! Mind you she keeps telling me “It’ll be a walk in the park. you’ll see !” Well when I get back, I’m going to visit her park, because nothing I have done so far this week resembles any walk I’ve ever done in a park near me!!!”

Now we set off this morning with the fear of God upon us ….no Dear Reader I’m not being dramatic ….

On the first part of today’s walk we crossed about 12 km of moorland which has historically been associated with the ( mythical… ok ok ) Vakner – said to be “ a terrifying creature, man like, of a malignant nature, that lives like a troglodyte in the deepest and densest part of the forest.”

It is said this creature was used by the early Church to discourage the practise of pagan rites – and the creature was likely based on a bear or wild boar that roamed the land . Never mind discouraging the practise of pagan rites – it nearly discouraged us!!! You will be reassured to know we met neither a Vakner, nor a wild boar or a bear today!!!

All I can say is that we were determined not to be out anywhere in the dark – nor have we been …. we’re tucked up in bed by nine o’clock !!!!

Back to reality Jane , back to reality ! Oh and a mascara warning for anyone wearing it ….

We found this letter written next to one of the signs directing us all on our way …. and I will do my best to translate it for you …..

For Gaelle

I think that people are stupid to let the people they love go, and I have done it because I left the most pure love that I ever found . Always follow your dreams and take everything you deserve little Dora . I know destiny will make us meet one last time , to see again your eyes waiting, I will never stop loving you , for ever and always ..Ale 03.08.22

I’ll give you a minute …. don’t say I didn’t warn you ….. it makes me feel very wobbly ….. but the emotion on this Camino, like all the others is over powering sometimes and this letter illustrates that perfectly I think 💙

So tomorrow is yet another day on this wonderful Camino – ok not quite what I was calling it earlier – but time is a healer …. and talking of time, it’s time for a bottle of our favourite fermented grape juice and something to eat …, keep up, we’re ready for our Albariño ….. cheers everyone 🥂🥂