The mountains; Oviedo (0km – rest day)

July 15, 2026

I divinely slept in. I think it was my best sleep on the Camino so far. The bed felt like a cocoon. Sweet, surrender. Nowhere I need to be but here. Rest your body, sweet girl.

But my mind started to spiral without the walking. I had a lazy morning with breakfast at the hostel, and then started obsessing, trying to plan my stages of Norte, picking albergues and trying to make reservations. I reached out to a few albergues, only for them to tell me they are closed.

Signs.

Instead of reacting with fear, pause. Do less. Remember the Hungarian man from the first day? I hear his sage voice in my head.

Do less. Be still.

I know this isn’t it – this planning. These reservations. This is the pattern I had on Norte the first time and it broke me. I got sucked into the Norte competitive energy.

I want to break the cycle.

Remember, the real magic needs space to enter. Let it breathe, don’t suffocate it with planning and resos. One day at a time. Stay open.

After 3 hours of spiraling, I decided to leave the hostel and visit the cathedral.

I needed a reset. I felt better as soon as I got there. Free for pilgrims and I got my Salvadorana certificate. I did the whole audio guide tour to ground me. Ritual. Walk and listen. Follow. Breathe.

When I left the cathedral, I wanted a good cafe to sit and unpack what I’ve been feeling.

I found one slightly to the right of the square. Good energy. I found a high seat near the door. Café con leche and journal is open.

I went into flow state and came out with this treasure; a reminder to ground in my intentions.

be open

make connections

partnership 

I felt so much lighter after letting my soul exhale onto the pages.

I had peace and clarity. Tomorrow I would walk to Aviles and join the Norte. I have made one single reservation in a donativo for the following day so I can have a relaxed 5km beach day. From there, I flow, taking me where the camino goes. Following the intuitive signs.

I went back to the hostel for lunch, to eat some more of my groceries. Then I went to visit the fine arts museum, and a walk in the park. Enjoying where I am. Present, here.

I finished off the evening with dinner alone. I wanted to try the sidra. This would make me uncomfortable in the past, but I settled into it because I deserve to have this experience.

I slowly wandered back to the hostel, ready for bed. It’s an awful feeling when you don’t recognize any other pilgrims. When you feel like you’re the only pilgrim.

That’s when I knew it was time to go.

The coast is calling, and I’m ready to navigate the waters.

xoxo surrender