Portomarin to Palas del Rei, 15.31 miles

Today delivered exactly what it promised: an uneventful 15.31 miles from Portomarin to Palas del Rei. No rain, fairly easy walking, though significantly more crowded than it has been. The bars are certainly doing robust business right now thanks to the influx of pilgrims from Sarria.

What I thought about most today was everything I've learned about walking the Camino since I began. So here are Shelley's Do's and Don'ts for Walking the Camino, in no particular order:

Do NOT stress before coming to the Camino. There is simply nothing to stress about. It is the easiest life imaginable.

Pack what you think you'll need, then leave at least half of it behind. Remember, I've been walking in the same one pair of pants from day one.

You really can buy anything here you may have forgotten or need. You just may have to wait a few days to get it.

EAT. I can't stress that enough. You are burning a lot of calories every day and you need food, and lots of it.

Always have snacks with you. You never know how many bars you'll pass on any given day—some days you may only pass one or two. I always have at least one banana, one protein bar, and one cellophane-wrapped bread item with me. I eat all three most every day.

Take plenty of water. Some sections have very little opportunity to fill up.

Toe socks are literally the best thing ever invented. Why did I not know this before now? I always put a pair of toe socks on first followed by compression socks.

How did I not know about compression socks before now? I'm certain they are responsible for my legs never getting tired. I wear the combination every single day.

Every night after my shower and every morning before I put my socks on, I slather my feet with Vaseline and then put toe socks on to cover them. It feels like a spa day for my feet every time.

Hiking poles (sticks, as they are referred to here) are your best friend. I use mine 90 percent of the time, even on perfectly flat sections. They take the stress off of your body. I am convinced they too are responsible for my legs staying fresh and pain-free.

Learn to stroll. There is absolutely no rush to get to your next destination.

While strolling, look around you. Take in the scenery, listen to the birds chirping, the rivers flowing, the rain falling. There is so much to see and it is easy to forget to appreciate your surroundings if you are solely focused on "getting there."

Always have your poncho handy regardless of the weather report. Trust me on that one.

I made all of my room reservations ahead of time. I would absolutely do the same thing again. Most of the younger people do not do that and then they just have to go from albergue to albergue hoping for an available bed. Sometimes they will have to keep walking on to the next town and try for a bed again there. I think to them it's part of the adventure. I'm too old for that kind of an adventure.

Leave every morning whenever you want. Arrive whenever you want (unless you don't have a reservation—see above).

Stay off of Facebook groups and such with regards to the Camino before you leave. It made me crazy. Too many differing opinions.

Talk to everyone or don't talk to anyone or a combination of both. No one is judging anyone on the Camino. But do always say "Buen Camino" to passersby.

Enjoy every second, every minute, every hour, every day. You cannot stay on the Camino forever no matter how much you may want to.

Allow the Camino to happen to you. Be open to new thoughts, new feelings, new experiences.

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to do the Camino. Do it your own, unique way.

I never looked at this trip as a sightseeing trip. Admittedly, there are plenty of sights to see, but for me it is much more about the adventure and the self discovery. Again, do it your way.

Be prepared to wash your clothes in the bathroom sink or shower. Bring some kind of soap to wash your clothes with. I have become an expert at this process. I have had three albergues that had an actual washer and dryer but there's a long line for using them. Most albergues have drying racks outside but you may need your own clothespins.

It takes a little while to get into a routine as far as being organized with your backpack, wash, knowing what needs to be done and in what order, finding food, getting ready in the morning. I have it down to a science now.

It does not get dark here until 9:30 or 10:00. Bring a sleep mask if you are like me and want to go to bed earlier than that. In my case, I use my buff.

There is nothing as exciting as cresting a hill or rounding a corner only to see your destination city in the distance. It still may be three or four miles away but the knowledge that your day is almost over spurs you on those last few miles.

By the way, only 98 miles left to Finisterre—the "end of the world"—and the end of my trip.