perfect walking conditions!

This past week,for the most part has been one of those weeks when we in the northwest steal the fine weather from the rest of the country,  after all,  this is the first stopping point for the rain drawn up from the Atlantic for most of the year! Conditions for walking combined with the extra-long evening sunshine due to our westerly location have been perfect. As we are getting ever closer to our departure to Spain we are checking the fine detail about where we hope to stop each day and what essentials we really need to take in our bags.



The map shows our route for the first day of walking-approximately 15 miles. As you can see there are many small villages and hamlets along the route which makes this walking route very different to many other long distance walks such as the Appalachian way in the USA. From Sarria to Santiago particularly you are never too far from towns or places to stop for refreshments. Many of the other pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela are less well travelled and might be suited to more experienced walkers or those prefering a more solitary experience.

We have checked the bus connections from the airport to our starting point in Sarria. I know this sounds strange but I am so hoping that our flight arrives on time so that we may make the direct connection to Lugo and onwards to Sarria without going in to Santiago de Compostela first. We would really like our first sight of Santiago to be on the Sunday morning as we arrive on foot.

I have added Galicia into the weather watch on the computer and can hardly believe the amount of rain they they are getting.

Galicia has many other things in common with Ireland including some celtic traditions. For those of you who are interested in fiddle music, there are a great many different styles of playing found around Scotland , Ireland, Canada, Brittany, Norway and the Scottish islands etc.
This year again Derry is host to the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in June

www.nafco2012.com
The Wrigley sisters from Orkney and Eugene O'Donnell are amongst my favourite players along with Fiona Pears from New Zealand.

Jennifer and Hazel Wrigley from Orkney










I am still finding shells along my training routes in the strangest of places. The approach to the new Peace bridge in Derry from the Ebrington side is paved with beautiful dark grey stonework which has fossilised shells embedded in it.
The other place shells can be seen is in the Strand road, along the pavement in the area between Clarendon Street and Sackville street. All sorts of sea shells, seaweeds and sea creatures made of shiny metal are mounted within the paving stones.
I also did my usual beach  walk on sunday 6 miles! and of course my riverside walk in to town where the reflections on the waters of the Foyle were delightful.