THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Saturday, September 20th

The Camino Ingles or The English Way is most definitely the road less traveled. Last year on the Camino Frances there were hundreds of walkers on the route. If you thought you were alone all you had to do was wait 10 minutes and you would have a walking companion. Jan and I walked almost 4 hours yesterday and we did not see another Pilgrim.  The frequency of albergues is also greatly diminished. We have planned each day's walk so that we finish at an albergue location.

Last night we stayed in a municipal albergue.  There was a sign on the door directing us to go to a local bar to get the key if the door was locked and someone would come by at 9 pm to check us in, provide us with a sello in our credenciale and give us directions for leaving in the morning.  Juan, an older gentleman from Madrid was also staying.

This morning Juan was up and out the door by 8:15. It was raining. So we had another cup of coffee and enjoyed our waterfront view of the river.  Suddenly there were 6 American Pilgrims walking into the albergue wanting sellos for their credenciales. It took a while to get across to them that we were Pilgrims like them. We learned that they were having there luggage transported and staying in more luxurious surroundings that provided meals and transport and more. They were excited to see how other Pilgrims were making the journey.

Narins blooming with joy.

  Our plan for the day is to walk to Pontedueme - 15 km or about 9 miles. We start out with rain gear, but it is not windy...and soon we have dry pleasant weather. There is a bit of  hill climb but the views looking across the water and out to the bay are lovely.  The local gardens are full of a pale pink Autumn  lily called a Narin. It is every where and lifts the spirit.

albergue interior Pontedueme

This afternoon we met another Pilgrim walking in our direction.  He is Eduardo from Lima, Peru.

the multi arched bridge

The three of us walk together as far as Magdalena Beach in Cabanas. Jan is anxious to get her boots off and experience the cool water on her feet. I have no interest in wading, but enjoy her enthusiasm  for the moment.  We part company with Eduardo and march on toward our destination somewhat refreshed. We cross the inlet over the multi-arched bridge into Pontedueme. Our albergue is located  at the edge of a lovely marina.  The sign on the door tells us there will be someone to let us in at 5pm. We wait the fifteen minutes and the official arrives.  Inside we find that Juan arrived hours ago!  The building is old but has been nicely renewed with a great sleeping loft full of bunk beds. We are both ready for hot showers.  Soon two women from Sardinia arrive.  We are finding our Camino family.
Buen Camino,
Mel




Jan at Magdalena  Beach