A lovely day yesterday, though not much walking involved - just three hours into Pontevedra. Cold and mostly grey, but the predicted rain didn't arrive until we were already in the outskirts of town. We sheltered for 10 minutes or so and then walked on to the Parador, where we checked in around 11.30. A gorgeous corner room, with a lovely bath tub - and collection of bath products - which I took advantage of twice during our brief stay.
Pam and Peter's train from Santiago arrived around 1 and we met near the Basilica at 2. Enjoyed a very Spanish lunch of serrano, manchego. calamares, ensalada mista - and vinos blanco and tinto. Siestas all round in the afternoon - and a quick stroll in the lovely old town for Domi and me. We all met up again at 7.30 for an aperitif at the Parador - took some nice mirror selfies in the entry hall - and then went in search - successfully - for dinner. It was a great catch up. Didn't get 'home' until almost 11 - very late for peregrinos.
Today. Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis - 23 kms
After all the fun, food and wine of yesterday, we enjoyed a sleep-in and made a late start at 9.30. Quite cold again today with grey skies but no rain. The path could have been a peaceful one but for the many large groups of cyclists we seemed to be dodging for much of the day.
Today was the Monday of a long weekend in many parts of Europe including Spain and Portugal, and many people have taken the opportunity to cycle on The Way. Even on the narrow rocky paths, suddenly 8 or 10 cyclists appear from behind. Nerve wracking at times. Domi remained patient and calm. He is very centred and good at not allowing external factors to affect him. Me, on the other hand ... it threw me off balance - sometimes literally - and tested my tolerance. I failed the test convincingly.
Hopefully, with the long weekend over, things will get back to 'normal' tomorrow for our second to last day on the Camino Portuguese.
J x
