Not much scenery as more asphalt. Met Sidney and her Mom, Patti from Abbotsford making their first Camino as well.
We ran into Martin again in Milladorio.
The Albergue looks brand new with private bunk beds to close off with a curtain. Beds were comfortable. Getting to bed early so we can start early on our final day.
Buen Camino
It was a constant drizzle most of the day heavier sometimes towards Padron.
Jose, owner and his sister, at Bar Los Camionereos took good care of us. This is where Martin introduced me herbias, the Spanish liquer. Tastes awesome and meant to settle your stomach after dinner.
Padron is where the ship carrying the bones of St. James came. Story has it he was buried here first, prior to moving his remains to Santiago de Compostella.
Kay watches each milestone as we walk by reading off the km.
Buen Camino
Forecast was rain and more rain, however St. James was kind – we didn’t too wet. Along the way we met Judy and David from Ottawa and Cesar.
We talked and talked and before we realized we had reached our destination. Judy, David and Cesar were continuing onto Padron but we were staying in the municipal Albergue Walga.
Municipal Albergues are run by the city and this one has 3 dormatories and 75 beds. Maria was on duty and she put the seniors in one room and the young people in another room.
This is €8 per person and you get a bit of bedding. That is it. There are private Albergues that cost a bit more for bedding and provide a dinner and breakfast. For the food it is donation, hopefully everyone gives from the heart.
One of the best parts of the Camino is meeting pilgrims from so many different countries, different ages, at different stages in life, walking for different reasons but all having one goal in mind – to get to Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino
The marker is 55 km to Santiago. Getting closer by the day. It was a rainy day and we got quite wet.
After arriving at Caldas de Reis we found a cafe with the Portuguese pastry – first time in Spain. So had to have one and smiled away while she ate.
Sunday – went to Mass at 8 pm. It is amazing to see 6 mini altars besides the main altar. Wish there was someone to explain this. There is not much to see in Caldas.
We found the place we were staying quite easily.
Buen Camino
As we left Pontevedra it was quiet compared to the Friday night party that kept many people awake.
The path is well marked and keep you in wooded paths. We met 2 ladies from Winnpeg. Then we a family with a pram with a little girl going on the Camino. A family with 2 boys and a number of people riding bikes on the Camino..
Kay is standing by a Roman marker. You can see on the sign how ancient this road we are going on.
Pedro is the Hospitaler the welcomed us at the Albergue Portela. Normally the pilgrims cook but With Covid food was brought in.
We had a pilgrim dinner with pilgrims from all over the world. The wall is a testament of hundreds of pilgrims who stayed here. Lack of space i wrote on the door jam. Pedro asked me to write something in Malay.
We met a lovely couple from Lithuania – Ivea and David.
Buen Camino
The hike was steep and a good climb until we arrived in Pontevedra around 12.1 km.
Having a Vodaphone that provides 25 GB of data for €10 is a steal compared to Canada as it is highway robbery there.
We went for a prergrino mass at the Church of Peregrinos. At the altar there scallop shell above the statue of St. James. The priest gave special blessing for the pilgrims.
After Mass we found an Indian Restaurant. We had nan, lamb Rogan Josh which is Kay’s favourite, vegetables and rice.
It is called New Bombay Palace. It is run by Minhaz and his uncle. The food was delicious and better still different from tapas.
Chicken tandori came in a hot plate. The road sign reminded us Lisa Villaverde and family. who knows her family come from around here.
Casa Maruja is in a plaza so on the nosy part of town but important sites are closeby.
Buen Camino
Jose the hotel gave a tour of the city of Redondela when we arrived. He took us to the beach where there was a lot of people para-sailing. The winds were strong and they go fast.The next morning we left early to Arcade. There were a lot of pilgrims walking along.
We walked across a Roman bridge. Along the way not much wild life but just a lot of song birds.
We arrived in Arcade and after settling down we went for a short walk to loosen up.
Buen Camino
Started from Porrino very early when it was cool. Hardly anyone on the streets. Later the only ones on the road was peregrinos. Every post in Galicia counts down the distance to Santiago.
It was a tough climb followed by steep decline. At Fairmont if you were hiking up to the pool at the top, multiply 3 times.
This followed by steep incline but views are spectacular. As suggested by Peregrino go side to side like sking downhill and it is so much easier on the knees.
Jose the owner the place we were staying gives a tour of Redondela and the lovely beach they have.
Buen Camino
Casa Alternativo was all lit up as we went bed. In the morning Dries was stilll asleep in his tent, he is the owner. Mel prepared our breakfast and one shot of the place in the morning.
We decided to walk the Industrial part to cut short the journey as the Alternative way is much more beautiful and longer. So didnt take too many pics of trucks, factories and smelly some of them.
Buen Camino
It was a short hike to Casa Alternativo. i promised Dries I would stay in his place.
Another bonus restful day. It is a beautiful place and Dries, Mel and Otto were very welcoming. Otto loves to play with is toy. We had a lovely 4 course meal cooked by Dries and Mel.
Stayed late yakking until sunset and the stars came out.
Buen Camino
The Alexander Camino 