Date: 26 April 2018

Walked from: Caldas de Reis

Walked to: Padrón

Distance: 19 km

Imagine going to Munich and finding they had run out of beer. Or Bruges, and discovering the city was all out of chocolate. That’s how I felt about coming to Padrón – home of the type of Spanish food I love above all others (Pimiento de Padrón) – and finding out the delicious grilled green peppers I crave aren’t yet in season: when the Spanish say something is available from May-October, they really mean it. Late April just doesn’t cut it.

Fortunately I was able to overcome the impact of this devastating culinary news thanks to a combination of walking in perfect weather condition (not too hot, not too cold – Goldilocks would surely have approved), some sun-dappled woodland paths that were very easy on the eye, more great conversations… and an impromptu Camino dinner party this evening featuring participants from Portugal, Brazil, Holland and Russia, as well as this lone English representative.

I’m now just 25 kilometres away from completing my trans-Iberian walk from Lisbon to Santiago. Tomorrow it’s time for the Portuguese Way leaving party…