This “CAMINO HIKE” Almost ENDED US! (Seriously)

Camino De Santiago E9: We had heard that this climb over the mountains during our Camino hike was going to be hard. However, 10 hours walking and an untold number of boulders and loose rocks later, we barely crawled into our hostel where I slept for a solid 12 hours (all while barely speaking to each other). I was sure Nikki was done. I was wondering if I was as well.
IN THE BEGINNING …
One day, as we were wrapping up our Baja adventure, it struck us that we didn’t yet know where we were going to go next.
“What do you want to do?”, I asked.
“I don’t know, how about you?”, she replied.
Crickets were heard.
And then on a whim we just decided to put our bus "The Huckleberry" into storage, fly ourselves across the ocean to Portugal, and then walk for a month (or so) until we arrived at a certain cathedral in Spain.
And yea, it pretty much went exactly like that. LOL!
These are the diaries of our Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through the Portuguese Way. (Caminho Português / Camino Portugués). From Porto Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in the Spring of 2024.
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INFO
Website: rickhiggins.com
Hi, I'm Rick and I live in a bus.
Yup, I'm one of "them". My passion is exploring things just outside of the proverbial box. Travel, adventure, wonder, and all that. (Yea, I'm a little bit ADHD and I kinda need constant stimulation).
But the problem is that I'm also a non-planner. I tend to wing things and just hope for the best. Which actually sometimes even happens.
OK, maybe not as often as I want. 😇
So come join me as I point our beloved bus "The Huckleberry" in random directions, searching for the unfindable. I guarantee you that even when ... er, I mean "if" ... we fail, it will still be a grand ole time.
Location(s): Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Porto, Portugal

[@rickhiggins]

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[@MirandaHorger]

We meet an older (probably in their 70's) German couple on the train along the Douro (April 2023). They had their tracking poles and were headed out to hike a trail. They were working towards their 1000K goal. Like you, I was so inspired and thought to myself, "I want to be like them!" I didn't get their names, but the German couple you're sharing this section of the Camino with reminds me of them. Life goals!!!

[@brianphelan74]

Just come from watching a video by “ By the curb “ subscribed to you 👍😊

[@alexandrajourdren]

Thank you for the honesty of your posts. They're inspiring and I aim to finally do a Camino stretch next summer. (Have had to put it off for various reasons since 2019). Your advice is much appreciated and noted. I'll be watching all of your KZbins for extra guidance. Thank you, Muchas gracias, Obrigado. Alex

[@rickhiggins]

Why thank you! If you need any personal advice or want to talk things over, Nikki loves to help first time pilgrims (as do I). Drop us a line!

[@turbolife5912]

Great vlog I watched through, you have the formula for excellence. Keep making vlogs and things will blossom for you respect 🙏🏼

[@deboraward1574]

I did this route from Porto. But I missed this section cause my walking partner was having hip issues. Makes me want to go back and do this section. Thanks for sharing

[@DIYGene]

Dude, You need to be careful! Beautiful surroundings. Keep up the videos.

[@cariedormaier9389]

Great video.. thanks .. glad you made it up and over!!!

[@rickhiggins]

We're still on our much-earned rest day! LOL! Tomorrow we start walking again!

[@nursynikki]

Skull fracture was gratis

[@SweetDreams-wt7vo]

Well done! As you said you are the sum total of your life choices. Let's be honest you are not ready for this monstrous hike. You are ploughing through regardless. This endurance trail will reset your life, your fitness, your choices. You can no longer 'get away' with what you have thus far. The key: the 6 P's - Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance. Time to get fit and get lean. Thank you for sharing your ordeal - it will help others pre-pare.

[@rickhiggins]

Nope, twasn't ready. But sometimes a trial by fire is the only way. Buon Camino!

[@pismorichy]

Your not stupid in the least! I did the entire French way finishing in Finisterre April 10th . I tented and carried my 25 plus pack (depending on food and water carry ) the whole way! I trekked with a couple of cool 20 somethings from Korea who had their packs stolen expecting them at Burgos, they never arrived. The thief ended up being this Spanish guy I actually hiked with for 2 days and I had my suspicion's but won't explain why. At 64 it was challenging but I trained hard everyday for 4 months and I am an avid California Sierras backpacker. I was not trying to prove anything but my gear is not cheap and half the gear in their would have been no use to a thief. I witnessed multiple times transport guys Throwing! packs in empty lobbies with nobody around which could have easily been stolen by Anybody! locals etc. I have to return to Leon April 8th 2025 to complete the Leon to Sarria section and because of the time of year I am going to consider doing a transport as this section is very mountainous but at the same time I love tenting as I get my best sleeps in the woods alone, No Snoring, No rude Pilgrim's who think the world revolves around them, No slamming doors or toilets being flushed at 3 a.m. , You get the gyst. After a 2 week rest with my brother who have lived in Spain, ( Almerimar) for 30 years I was stoked on getting up to Porto but it rained the entire week so I need to go back and do that as well. So transporting is for PUSSIES!!😂 😂🤣🤣

[@gregpriddy8595]

Careful there, big guy! G

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

That was fun.

[@michaelthatcher3825]

The reason you were dizzy, collapsed, etc was that you were dehydrated.

[@rickhiggins]

Still am. But I'm learning my lesson. Thanks for watching.

[@laviniaalexander1509]

That Alto da Portela is no joke!

[@nursynikki]

La Bruja-- Ponte De Lima to Rubielas was crazy!!

[@saraivatoledo1842]

06:40 ..é o vinho é ...é mas é a ganza !

[@brucemcneil8169]

Poles make it so much easier

[@VinaSerna]

We did Portuguese way but I don’t remember this section,can you tell me more?

[@wanderslust1781]

Which way is this?

[@rickhiggins]

It's a section on the Portugese Central route, just outside Ponte de Lima. There is a road-only bypass ... which apparently we missed. LOL!

[@vic6820]

Big chemtrails.

[@kasch7574]

Watch your tongue! A little to much cursing for a pilgrimage video