Last night, after a drink with Helen and Mark and some other pilgrims, I went to a nice restaurant and had salad entrèe,a beef stew and chips. Actually the Spanish call it stew,we in Australia would call it pieces of pulled beef. It was very nice. I finished with ice cream again and vino of course. I slept ok in the albergue of around fourteen beds. There are always snorers that wake you, but you manage to get back to sleep. Mark woke me at six as we were leaving early to miss the day packs. I knew that maybe miss some,  there will be many out there, so go past and enjoy. They left before me. I had a couple of really nice experiences this morning. I rang Gayle from the kitchen in the albergue this morning for her birthday, where three south Korean ladies were having breakfast. The south Korean people are friendly enough, but apart from beun camino, they don’t talk. Just a warm friendly smile. But that changed this morning. Gayle insisted I sing happy birthday. I sang quietly not to disturb the ladies. However,half way through, they realised what was happening, and in full voice, joined my singing. That was really special.I then walked outside and very chilly you couldn’t see the sky as the fog was thicker than I have seen. Once out and crossing the river of Portomarin,the hill climbing started. The first hill was on natural paths. After a village, the next hill was huge along bitumen. I found my first swarm of south Korean day packs here. Probably twenty five, all having the same colour ribbon on their pack to recognise them for the tour guide I guess. As I went through at great speed, I shouted, come join me. Two guys in their fifties joined me stride for stride. The first one lasted, maybe fifty metres. The second bloke screaming at him to keep going without luck. After about two hundred metres, old mate was still with me, stride for stride. At this point I couldn’t see the top of the hill for the fog,but I knew there was still a long way to go and I wasn’t going to let him beat me. He kept with me for another hundred I reckon, and then stopped and buckled over, and with no air in his lungs, I could barely hear him say,you win.I hugged him,said beun camino, and left him to resuscitate himself. I charged on, and when I got to the top, turning around, I could only see fog. Again a special moment. It was probably ten ks on before the first cafe arrived, and I was quite ready for a break and some food. After I left here I was still on the alternative route away from the road on natural paths. Another huge hill, and I found the two American sisters, Karen and Donna. We walked for the rest of the day together and pleasantly chatted and walked in lovely sunny conditions. There wasn’t a shortage of climbing  and plenty down hill. Nothing  I couldn’t handle,  I guess. But glad to find my pension and get the pack off. This place is brand new. The double bed is the most comfy I have had. I  washed all my clothes as  weather warming up the sweat is coming back. After a really nice shower, I relaxed. Later, I met up with my American friends for a drink, and we had an awesome meal. Garlic prawns, and a big steak and chips. No vino or dessert. A first I think. I caught up with a few other pilgrims, ex copper David and his siblings, Adrian, the dutchie, my new friend Father Jack, and others. As I was making my way back to the pension, a French pilgrim said he was impressed the way I handle myself whilst walking. I hugged and thanked him. Nice feedback. It’s almost nine in the evening,and sitting in a bar outside is just divine. The sky is blue and the sun is still beaming. And no shortage of people.