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
After Estrada Romana walking to Valenca and Tui. We made good time but at Tui it got hotter and hotter 26 C. Then it was uphill on concrete and realized our guesthouse was 6.5km north of Tui.
We walked and walked we couldn’t walk anymore. Since we missed the turn and then it was another 3km to the guesthouse we taxied.
This is Emma and Kay and Restaurant Emma. Here is Emma’s story. She met her boyfriend Issac in London. He is chef from Tui, Galacia. She left her job and opened a restaurant near the Tui Cathedral. In fact they are getting married in July 2. Issac family is from Tui.
The food was so good. Emma was having like chicken pieces and Calamari. She kept with the passing the food for us to taste. I would say the best calamari I tasted.
We met this photographer taking pictures as we were crossing the bridge and we had a quick chat. As we were struggling up a steep climb to the Cathedral the photographer came by and she suggested Emma as they spoke English. That is how we ended up at Emma.
This has been the wonderful journey to date and enjoying every minute of it. Amazing to meet so many good people along the way.
Buen Camino
We were welcomed by Julia and Diego who run this Albergues.
Albergues are run by municipals or private. These are people dedicated to supporting pilgrims for a place to stay. Without them there would be no Camino.
In the table below are filled with pilgrims from alll over the world – this it is Canada, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Portugal.
Buen Camino
It is beautiful cool morning for a Camino walk.
The path took us along an old Roman Road built centuries ago. The chariot is the symbol markings Estrada Romana – Roman Road.
Wasn’t too long we arrived at Albergue Quinta Estrada Romana where we are staying the night.
We had aride to just past the top of the hill and we walked down to Rubiaes where we were staying for the night.
Andre serves the best coffee which he gets from Italy. The pastries are out of this world. No wonder i am not losing weight 😀😀. Even though we only have 1 mean a day the beer, wine and pastries will you up.
Every house or farm grow their own vines and make their own wine.
Buen Camino
This is one of the oldest cities. The bridge is 2 parts – first part is medieval and second is Roman.
We were considering the climb as we have hiked up the Rockies or hiking up in Fairmont, including the pool. The question is can we do it with backpacks or injuring ankle further.
Then our Camino will be done. Tarah helped us reconsider our options.
Buen Camino
We arrived in Ponte De Lima with aches and pains. Over 65 we are allowed a rest day 😊. The joy of the Camino is seeing the people you stayed with or chatted on the road, you get to see them again. We stayed with John and Laura in Rates and ran into them at a restaurant here. Staying in same hotel here as Angelina from Casa Fernanda, Sonja we met on the road and now we are all having dinner together. We also met Nir and Noa on the road from Rates. Contact information exchanged and friendships made.
Today we plan visit sites in one of the oldest city in Portugal.
Buen Camino
The Alexander Camino 