2025 Camino de Peñafrancia (Day 4)

St. Francis de Assisi Parish, Buhi, Camarines Sur to St. Bartholomew Parish, Baao, C.S  
Distance: 17 km

I was invited to present the Camino de Peñafrancia to the BATTO-NAITAS Bicol group, which had the theme “Faith, Fiesta, and Fellowship.” After my presentation, I quickly returned to join the Camino pilgrims who had just reached their final destination at St. Bartholomew Parish in Baao, Camarines Sur.

My foot is finally healing, but I still cannot walk properly due to the swelling; I am unable to put on my shoes.

The evening concluded with a brief orientation regarding what to expect for the next day’s stage. The trail has a 10% incline and can be quite challenging for new pilgrims. It is less populated, and food and water are scarce. We were reminded to try to avoid relying on the support vehicle, as the trimobile cannot cross the Pawili River.

Everyone agrees that both the terrain and the weather present challenges. As a result, we decided to wake up early at 3:30 a.m. and leave by 4:30 a.m. The highlights of the day came when I woke up early in the morning and was suddenly greeted by a symphony of snoring. It began with the person on my right, then gradually the snoring on my left joined in. Eventually, the middle participant added to the chorus. Oh, how I wish I had my earplugs with me!

Lights out were set for 9:00 pm.