Azua to Arca

Thursday 16 May 2013   - 22k's

Raining again....dress code for today...warm jackets, covered by waterproof jackets, packs on with pack covers on and the waterproof ponchos  over the top...looking good!
We walked for about 5 hours in the rain....miserable.... saved by the coffee stands in wee sheds set up by farmers along the way. Rousing Spanish music and a warm tortilla and you are ready for some more miles in the rain.

Rain rain go away

Rain is forecast for the next three days. Very different temperature this time compared to last year. A polar blast is over Europe and  boy don't we know it...hands were frozen today....must buy gloves. Last year same time we were sweltering....

Palas de Reis to Arzua.........in the rain

Big day today, approx 32ks and it was cold and rainy. We ended up so wet we figured  we may as well make for Arzua and see what the future forecast holds. Better to be in a reasonable size town  than a tiny village miles from anywhere. If it was sunny today it would have been gorgeous. The villages we passed through were so picturesque....just a shame about no sunlight.  I love the traditional grain silos.  I alos love the wee farmers who  set up coffee stands along the trail where you can shelter, listen to some rousing Spanish music and then crack on.   Amazing amount of walkers with injuries, limps, special walking sticks....amazing.

Look what keeps us going

Hey you can get fitness in a box over here

Portomarin to Palas de Rei

22ks today through sun and the odd scattered showers, had our pack rain covers on. Cool weather but lovely small villages. met some Aussies that had biked up from Lisbon and they were biking the opposite way up to France, way to go. Both going well, meeting really interesting people and enjoying the experience. Splashed out tonight  And have our own place.. The refugio last night was ok but four snorers was three too many. Check out the lady we passed with the washing on the coathanger.

  

Sarria to Portomarin

22ks walking today. Cool and clear and beautiful walking through oak woodlands, tiny villages and old, old churches. Lots of walkers but it seems to find its own pace. Met folks from Sacremento, Berlin and a few cobbers from Australia.  When we got to Portomarin we got an alberguey looking over the river, had hot showers And then a late lunch siting beside a cathedral arch way from the 13th century...amazing.

Lazy lunch in Sarria

Found this gorgeous wee cafe down a back lane. Its run by a young couple just starting out. Menu del dial (menu of the day) for pilgrim walkers is €9.00  and it was delicious. Endive salad stuffed with white asparagus, grilled fish and char grilled peppers, pork chops village style and Santiago almond torte and ice cream.....oh and a beer and a bottle of the local vino rouge....can't complain!