Distance to go : 124.1 kms
A flat walk of 20 kms today, through wetlands, farming communities and forest paths.
We left the crowded cafe at 7.30, leaving the compact town of Abadin.
We were immediately in farming country with misty views of the mountains.
We still found time for blackberry foraging.
Quite a crowd on the road, including a Dutch pharmacist who has walked from The Netherlands, starting her walk in April.
Everyone prepared for the wet weather.
The 3 arched medieval bridge in Pontevella, which crosses the River Batan.
Activity in the farms bordering the path.
There were several examples of religious and modern art - on stone houses, stone crosses and stone washing places.
This impressive cemetery in Goiriz has a style of something between Gothic and Gaudian.
Huge cabbages, pumpkins, even spinach - none of which normally grace the Spanish table.
A long walk into Vilalba, a provincial centre. It has had a cultural boom, according to the guide book and is considered a "hotbed of intellectual and cultural activity". Hmmm.
We are in a private albergue, Albergue Juristico. 10 euros a head with provision for breakfast.
It is absolutely immaculate with good facilities and close to town, unlike the public albergue, also modern, but a few kilometres out of the town.
The Municipal Arts precinct.
Some lost locals having a bad day.
Some interesting architecture and historical houses.
This is the octagonal Torre de Los Andrade, a 15th century tower from a family castle. It now forms part of the town's Parador.
Near the albergue we found a great restaurant, Laros Pios,with local fare. We have been a bit hit and miss with lunch, as the Spanish eat between 2-4pm and if you don't make it then you may have to wait for a full meal until 9pm when they reopen for dinner.
We had local cheeses, Caldo Gallego (spinach or nettle soup with beans and potatoes) and my favourite dessert which is a creamy cottage cheese with honey served in a little pot.
Lazy afternoon as we wind down to some easy days' walking in the next week.
PS Excuse my bemused look. Even the most solubrious cafes and restaurants have TV screens, which are most distracting. I'm watching an international swim meet in Kazan, Russia. Missing the ABC and Radio National... but that's about all!
M&M
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