Day 14: The Windy West

Geumneung to Sin-eom

Distance: 22km

A stormy night with plenty of rain and wind. My tent was reasonably sheltered. Yet, with the noise of the palm trees getting hit by the wind, I had better nights.

It's still windy and unwelcoming in the morning. At least the rain has stopped. I take my time, drink my coffee and slowly leave the campground. The first steps are through dunes. A beautiful and, with the wind and high waves, nearly a bit dramatic. 

I see a blue lining at the horizon, hoping it would make it all the way to the coast - to me. However, the weather God has different plans and if remains cloudy and windy throughout the day. Layered up, it's not to cold and actually quite an enjoyable coastal walk. I stop at a coffee place, get an iced flat white (which was not the plan but I blame it on me for not speaking the language) and with the wonderful help of a good Korean friend of mine, who I know from Couchsurfing, I sort out my ferry trip to Chuja, to complete my Jeju Olle hike. It's still windy so I drop by at the Jeju Olle Information booth. The ladies volunteering there, are always so wonderful. No different this time. She gives me her own, self made lunch and a coffee. While I sip my hot beverage, a hikers walks in. With 40'000km on the Jeju Olle Trail, he apparently is holding the record. He walked the whole trail more than a 100 times. That's what I call dedication. And motivation for me.

I continue, lazy, idling. Following the spirit of the trail. I have a late lunch. The lovely lady is putting one dish after  the other in front of me. For less than 5 Swiss Francs. 

I thoroughly enjoy my meal and we'll fed I carry on until I reach my spot for the night. Overlooking the wild ocean, listening to the waves crashing into the rocks below me.