Changing things up!

I’ve changed my plans. For the sake of keeping things fresh, and to make sure my dog remembers me when I get home (lol), I’m going to do a much shorter route this time. I’ll be doing the Central Portuguese route from Porto, Portugal to Santiago. It should take about 14 days.

I booked my plane tix last weekend and still need to book a train ticket from Santiago to Madrid for the return trip. The Santiago airport is closed for runway repairs until May 2026, so I need to catch a train or bus to Madrid for the flight home. I’ll be flying into Porto (via Newark) to get there. The airport situation and some holidays in Spain required me to move the start date up to earlier in April. Rather than fight endless crowds around Madrid, I’m just getting an earlier start.

I have been training by walking the dog (Rocky) for the last few days. Testing out clothing, shoes, outerwear, etc. soon I’ll add a second walk with empty backpack at first and then I’ll load it with my gear. I’ll use hiking poles for those walks. That’s why the plan is not to take Rocky for the afternoon hikes.

The training is to acclimate my feet and joints to the pounding, my cardio and strength is already where it needs to be I think. Especially since most of the hike is barely above sea level and I live at 5200 feet elevation. And I’m pretty fit for a 63-year old gal. LOL. (Famous last words? 😳)

I’m also practicing some survival Portuguese… more for politeness than necessity, as this is a popular route. Popularity means Americans and that means English speaking vendors and hosts.

Still deciding on accommodations, but I do think I’ll try at least a couple of albergue (dorm-type lodging). I’ll book some hotels strategically at the beginning and end and I’ll play the rest by ear.

So that’s the plan to date! Bon Camino!

Cheers, V-