Greetings from Llangollen!

I know it’s been a while, but internet access in these little hamlets I’ve been staying in has been non-existent. The one place that did have a library with a connection I hit on the weekend, so the library was closed. So no, the cows haven’t eaten my maps and compass yet!

So this is day 13.

It has been quite an experience so far. The weather hasn’t been too bad (1st 8 days were very warm and sunny, 1 day of constant rain and then scattered showers and some very blustery winds) and my rain gear held up well. Did walk 3 days with wet feet though, but I don’t think any hiking boots would have stood up against that amount of rain and wet grass! And one can walk with wet feet.

Some of the long steady downhills have been a bit hard on my knees – I did end up buying a second knee-brace and that helped. Blister number one is not too bad, but the 2nd one on my heel has been giving me a bit of grief.

Until yesterday I felt very good and positive (after 12days). But now I’m beginning to get more than a bit weary. Yesterday was a very difficult and long day; luckily I had 3 walking companions and we all kept each other going through the many ups and downs.

Today I decided to ‘travel with my luggage’ to my next accommodation – my feet and knees are ever so grateful. I am however getting a bit ‘mentally’ tired of the walk and am contemplating not doing too much more walking anymore. I may still go with my luggage to the next few stopping points; I may do some shortcuts or,… I’ll decide today.

Don’t get me wrong though: so far it’s been an absolutely fabulous experience! The walks and views and people I’ve met (B&B hosts and walking companions) have been wonderful. Doing it on my own has been quite an experience.

But I do want to avoid finishing in a negative mood – that would spoil the whole adventure.

And last but not least: Stephen called me on the 12th and 13th and it was sooo good to hear his voice!!! His Bolivian adventure is going really well!

Good afternoon from Llangollen, Wales.