Ponte Arnelas to Vilanova de Arousa
8:30 in the car on a rutted farm road. U-turn. Try another road.
9:00 back to yesterday’s ending point and walking again after getting a stamp at the gas station. Cool enough for a jacket.
A little rain so stop and put my pack cover on.
Walked a little and stopped ..decided I should put my poncho on so my passport and other papers wouldn’t get wet again.
Didn’t go far and the rain stopped which was light to start with .. Remove poncho but keep it handy.
Now I’m walking with Tina and Joana struggling up some intense hills but not too long each. Mostly today is thru vineyards and little villages heading towards the coast.
Cafe con leche break where we caught up with Cynthia, Amy and Ken. Pretty easy after that. More vineyards, farms, villages and finally around 12:15 we reached the coast/river.
Just following the coast on a dirt path towards the bridge into town. We headed down to the beach instead of walking the path.
It’s low tide so we see a lot of beautiful greens (kelp and other sea beings) out there. And now we’re coming into the muscle farm floating platforms area. I took my time still admiring the brilliant green colors on the beach and rocks. Finally reached the foot bridge across the water into town. It’s a major milestone in the walk. Tomorrow we take the boat up the river where St. James’ body was transported. Then the Spiritual Variant part of the pilgrimage will end and 2 more days of walking and we will arrive in Santiago.
We all sat around, some scouting out open cafes with toilets. I had to buy potato chips to get in one but did get a stamp to go with it.
After much debate about eating, Amy and I found A Bodega de Moncho. Cute courtyard Cafe. Almost everyone followed although Evany and Joana met us there with desserts in hand from the pastelria we passed. The small pizza I shared with Amy was enough for 4 so it came home with us. I had a lemon beer which is perfect for my taste.
Back to the van where we left Andre and Ken sleeping, then back to our rental house.
Short break then off on a walk to the grocery store. They were making pasta primavera and beans and rice but I couldn’t eat any more of that food. So I just bought some salad for dinner.
Some evening discussion on how we’re going to get rid of the car when we get back to Porto, discussion to be continued.