Today’s walk was the longest of our 2024 Camino: 34 KM, plus elevation. And it was hot. The temperature was around 90 degrees when we finished. We were exhausted. But it was worth it!
We left our hostel at 5:30 am, in the pitch black. (Thank goodness for refrigerated lattes, which are a great option on a super-early morning!) Normally, when we leave very early, we’re the only pilgrims on The Way for a long time. Not today! No sooner had we joined the Camino than we saw 2 fellow travelers, with headlamps, walking in front of us. Soon, we spied 2 additional people ahead in the distance. Yes, there were six hearty souls starting this walk at 5:30 in the morning to beat the heat! The views leaving town were spectacular.
Castle Walls in Negreira
As we reached the outskirts of town, we noticed the 2 groups of travelers ahead of us hesitating on choice of routes. We double-checked our App and saw that we were a long block off the actual Camino. A quick turn later we were back on the right road. We didn’t see the other pilgrims again for hours.
Negreira in the Distance
The entire day was filled with wonderful terrain and views, from early-morning sunrise, to fields of wheat and corn, to eucalyptus groves, dairy cow farms, and the ubiquitous Horreos (Galician corn cribs, shown below with a cross and tower at either end).
Sunrise
Early Morning Views
Beautiful Paths
Lots of Corn
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| Galician Horreo with Cross and Post |
We walked for 3 full hours, covering over 10 KM, before our coffee break in the town of Vilaseria. There, we started to see more and more pilgrims joining the route. We also saw some of the wayward travelers from Negreira pass by the café.
Our next break was at 11:30 because I needed to answer a client email and make adjustments to a contract. I know, I know…this is the Camino. You’re supposed to leave all your worries behind and be “in the moment”. I can almost do that…
Tina NOT Acting Camino-like
One of the hardest parts of today’s walk was the trek to the top of Mount Aro, 1,850 feet, in the early afternoon heat with no shade. It was brutal. The views were worth the effort!
Paco in the Fields
Views from Mount Aro
We arrived in Olveiroa around 2:45 pm, after 9 hard hours of hiking. We popped into the first café we found and enjoyed a lovely lunch. Afterwards, well, you know the drill: showers, laundry, naps, blog. And a cold afternoon treat.
Afternoon Treat: Bubbly Water and Gluten Free Beer!
Later this evening, we plan to check out the sights around town. We've noticed lots of pilgrims heading down to the river in swimsuits. Hmm. That sounds enticing!
Tomorrow is another long day of hiking—34.7 Km—to the lighthouse in Finisterre, the end of the world. I can’t wait to see it! We leave super-early again. Paco will let you know how it goes.
See you soon!
Beautiful pics!
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