Trekking the Via de la Plata on the Camino de Santiago

A quick heads up: I’ll be sharing additional photos and videos soon once I get on my proper laptop 😅

Trekking from Cáceres to Plasencia, with captivating pit stops in Casar de Cáceres, Cañaveral, Riolobos and Carcaboso was an adventure that immersed me in the breathtaking Spanish countryside. The landscape was an exquisite tapestry of rolling hills, lush meadows, and picturesque vistas that left me in awe.

As I ventured through some of the villages en route, a sense of timelessness pervaded the air. Some seemed like they were frozen in time, their streets quiet and still during night time, yet enchanting ambience.

The roads stretched endlessly, disappearing into the horizon, a seemingly infinite ribbon of adventure. Each step brought me closer to the next destination, but it also reminded me of the vastness of this journey. The Spanish countryside, with its undulating beauty, offered a stark contrast to the bustling urban life I was accustomed to.

The mental image of lamb, seasoned to perfection and served with savoury accompaniments, painted a vivid picture that helped me push through fatigue and keep pace with each step. It was a delightful daydream that brought a smile to my face, reminding me that sometimes, the most unexpected and mouthwatering motivations can be found in the simplest of pleasures.

However, nature had its own plans for our journey. As we neared the culmination of this epic trek, the sky unleashed its fury, drenching us with a relentless downpour. The skies above remained shrouded in darkness for much of our final stretch. Despite the challenging weather, the temperature remained moderate, providing some comfort as we trudged on, our spirits undampened (but then waned off).

The journey’s crescendo, an experience that would stay with me forever, was the train ride from Plasencia to Madrid Atochas. Sitting in the cosy train cabin, I watched the world outside transform. The landscape shifted from rural tranquillity to urban vibrancy, as Madrid’s lively spirit greeted us to its chaos.

This voyage was not just a physical journey but a spiritual one. It exposed me to the diverse facets of Spain, from the serene countryside to the bustling city life. It was a reminder that the magic of travel lies not only in the destination but in the stories woven along the way.

BACKPACK

I’m travelling light this time around, with just two shirts, two pairs of shorts, and two sets of socks. The good news is that most of the places have laundry machines. So I get to keep things fresh and clean throughout my journey.

GEARS

I brought along my trusty Sony α7 IV, along with a pair of lenses – the Sony FE 24mm F2.8 G and the Sony FE 40mm F2.5 G. While the 24mm lens offered a wide view for capturing landscapes, I found myself increasingly drawn to the 40mm lens. Even for landscape shots, it had this unique ability to “zoom in” and isolate exactly the elements I wanted to highlight.

The GoPro Hero 11, a reliable companion on my journey, was a saviour as my hiking legs began to grow weary. Its horizon levelling feature became something I was truly grateful for, especially when fatigue set in, and maintaining a steady frame became a challenge.

But the real surprise of my gear collection was the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. It proved to be an indispensable sidekick, effortlessly snapping photos and shooting videos. I alternated between using the default camera app and the BlackMagic Cam, and, at times, it almost made me forget that I had a high-end full-sensor camera and a trusty GoPro in my kit.

All these cameras were packed into my Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L V3.

Every day, I would be busy transferring photos and videos to my trusted companion, the Samsung T7. This routine not only freed up space on my phone but also ensured that my GoPro was always ready to capture more videos without any storage concerns. The portable hard drive, cables and other electronic stuff were packed in Peak Design Tech Pouch.

FINAL THOUGHTS

It was an enlightening experience that offered me fresh perspectives on life beyond the confines of my comfort zone, away from the familiarity of my apartment. Devoid of a computer for reading, composing emails, or watching YouTube, this adventure provided ample opportunity for an amateur photographer like myself to hone my skills in outdoor settings. It allowed me to confront the challenges posed by scorching hot days, rainy weather, and biting cold, offering a valuable learning experience.

In terms of gear, I wish I had opted for just one lens – a versatile zoom lens like the Sony FE 24-70mm F4 would have been ideal, considering the frequent lens changes I made throughout the day. Additionally, I found myself yearning for the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 on certain occasions to stabilise the horizon while recording videos on my Apple iPhone 15.