Sept 26 – O Cádavo Baleira

“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” – Henry Ward Beecher

This route is famously nicknamed “Rompe Piernas” translated as “The Leg Breaker” a fitting title for the relentless ascents and punishing descents that wind through these mountain paths. It was a demanding challenge, but also a milestone: the final day of major climbs for a while.

Today offered sights that took our breath away. We set off while the world was still asleep, beginning a 9½-hour hike under a sky full of stars. As dawn broke, soft light spilled across the fields, painting them in warm tones of pink and amber. The landscape seemed to stretch endlessly, each turn revealing another scene more captivating than the last. Spain continues to surprise me with its remarkable beauty, and I felt truly grateful to witness it in such a vivid and unforgettable way.

The trail put us through some tough stretches, with steep climbs followed by equally demanding descents. But the effort was rewarded with striking scenery. Much of the path wound through shaded corridors of trees, their branches creating a welcome canopy overhead. Moss covered rocks and tree trunks in thick green layers, while ferns spread across the forest floor, adding color and texture to the landscape. Even on the hardest sections, it was impossible not to appreciate how beautiful the surroundings were.

We climbed steadily throughout the day, each stretch taking us higher than I ever imagined. It wasn’t until we reached the top that the true scale of the distance and elevation sank in..a breathtaking reminder of just how far determination can carry us.

Along the trail, we crossed paths with incredible pilgrims from every corner of the globe—Canada, Finland, Italy, California, and beyond. Each carried their own story, yet we were united by the same journey, a reminder that this path connects people not just across miles, but across cultures and hearts.

My Thoughts: Each day on this journey feels like a true gift, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to walk it. The Camino isn’t just about covering miles—it’s about the people who walk beside us, even for a short while. Pilgrims from around the world bring their own stories, and in sharing them, we’re reminded of how connected we all are. I’m also encouraged every step of the way by my buddy Kathleen—her strength, spirit, and companionship make the hard days lighter and the beautiful moments even brighter. Together, with strangers who quickly feel like friends, this journey becomes so much more than a hike; it becomes a celebration of humanity, resilience, and the joy of walking side by side.