DAY 1 : Distance walked so far : 15 kms (and then some...)
A relatively short day today - we had hoped - on a fairly flat terrain, so Mark decided to give his knee a go and see how he fared. A mild day which made it a more promising option as well.
This poster says The English Camino - the Slow Camino - the one to smell the roses.
This is one of the main reasons we've chosen to do this one over the busier and more strenuous Portuguese Camino.
Not much open this morning as we set off at 8. We found a Sports Bar for a coffee and fresh croissants at a little bakery on our way out of town.
We left along the harbour. A rare view of the water and the heavy industry in this protected harbour. The Arsenal has high security walls around its base. There were some small harbourside beaches hidden by the bushes and shrubbery on the path.
Heading out of town through Ferrol's industrial area.
Under a railway bridge.
On tracks.
Past the monastery of San Martiño de Xubia in Naron. It was established here in the eighth century and the present structure is from the twelfth century. It has the dubious honour of having profane sculptures its exterior, which eluded us - unfortunately.
Over an overpass
Through the small town of O Porto. An old mill on the banks of the Rio Xubia near the present bridge.
A new sculpture celebrating the bakers and the bread of Neda.
Canoeists in the less than savoury Rio Xubia. (Remember that bridge!)
The modern albergue. We decided to stay in a pension, closer to eating facilities and faithfully followed our guidebook, which proved to be a costly mistake.
We headed towards Neda. At this stage the day was warming up and Mark was tiring, so I grabbed the passports, money and pension information and headed off to ensure we had accommodation.
Reaching the township the pension was nowhere to be found. I exhausted my search and then headed back to find Mark. Thus began a 2 hour cat and mouse game as we tried to find each other, not having a pre- arranged rendezvous spot.
We both trailed along the path several times, checked the main road, asked passers-by for the directions to the pension and I asked whether they had seen mi marido, my husband. I did meet some walkers who'd seen someone of Mark's description 'viejo hombre' an old man with a beard in a bar. Although he had no money.
Finally it was revealed that there are two parts of Neda and the pension was right near the bridge after O Porto before the albergue. I found it (add another few kms today!) and panicked when Mark was not there. Everyone is saying 'tranquil, tranquil' - stay calm. A bit hard when I knew I'd never see him again. I asked the proprietress if I could ring a taxi and try and find Mark, as I was worried about his knee. The driver arrived - 'tranquil, tranquil'- and I explained that I had lost my husband. Then he smiled. He had been watering his garden at the other end of town when a man (with a beard) had asked where the Maragoto Pension was and he had sent him down the highway. We took off and through a window in a bakery, asking for directions, was Mark. What a relief! The taxi driver thought he was some kind of famous detective, very pleased with himself. I was very relieved and feeling more tranquil.
Our pension. 40 euros. We are on the second floor up a steep staircase - no lift - a perfect ending for Mark,,, after a strenuous day.
Out of our window the bridge we passed two hours ago!
Mark is not walking tomorrow and he knows just the number to call to get him to our next destination.
M&M
DAY 2 : Neda - Pontedueme - 13.5 kms - 31/2 hours
Setting off this morning, full of confidence and embracing the day - I tripped and fell. Fortunately I was able to assess my injuries quickly and realising they were only flesh wounds, dusted myself off and continued on.
Through the seventeenth century streets of Neda.
Skirting the harbour with views of Fene and heavy industry.
In and out of villages.
Beautiful gardens.
Corn fields
Steep descent into the seaside resort of Cabañas.
Crossing over the River Eume on the 14th century bridge. 116 arches.
The medieval town of Pontedueme with the Andrade Tower at its centre.
Some attractive plazas - we had a drink in each to sample the ambience.
The Plaza Real.
Plaza San Roche.
More beautiful blooms
Local children enjoying the holidays.
We stayed at the Hostal Allegue. 40 euros a double room.
Popular restaurant downstairs.
One of the high points of this Camino.
M&M
2 comments:
What bad luck for Mark's attempt to try out his knee. Maybe you should buy him an eperp!....JulieJ
Goodness! What an exciting day. Could have been the start of a Poirot murder mystery! Good to hear all is well. Pleasant walking.
Post a Comment