Apologies ...

I've had messages of concern that i didn't write anything last night, and i thank my friends for that. I’d like to be able to say that I fell into a ravine, or was attacked by wild boars but No, it was a simple case of too much entente cordial, not that there was much cordial involved.

 I ended up in a B and B last night, not a hostel. It was also 8km off the Camino which I hadn’t realised when hammering Booking.com. This meant I had to phone Daniel, the owner when I arrived in Arzua and arrange pick-up. That was fine, until I found I shared the pick up with 2 of the most unlikely pilgrims I’d as yet experienced.

 On arrival at the B and B, a really beautiful home to be honest, my host Daniel then began reciting house rules more akin to Mrs Scroggins guest house in Filey so I'm really looking forward to the stay.

 Dinner would be at 8. And, surprise surprise, what a dinner it was, absolutely delicious with lots of vino tinto!

I then learned that my fellow guest were an actress and her radio broadcaster partner from Alicante. Brexit came up, more vino tint went down!

Then learned that Janet, the hostess with the mostest praised in Trip Advisor comments was no more. Well, actually she was but no longer associated with mine current host Daniel, apparently she was wife, soon to be ex, number 3. She had got the dog, he the cat but they had reciprocal visitng rights every fortnight. Daniel was a lawyer who had suffered a heart attack and so now kept the B and B. All this was learned over more vino tinto.

Then arrived a Swiss Domestic Science teacher - quite mad, who had already walked 900 km since the beginning of August, yes 900, and an Italian nurse. Welcome. More.... well you are getting my drift.

The accumulated effect was that either my phone shrank, unlikely, or my fingers swelled cos I couldn’t seem to operate the key board. I apologise.

To catch up then, yesterday actually started as normal, another day another .... kilometre! Only those kilometres would be done in the rain given the morning I woke up to. Mind you, think how annoyed I would be if I had carried all my wet weather gear for no purpose at all other than adding to my pack weight. Anyway, what ever you think about Europe v Britain, one thing we can match them on is rain so bring it on Galicia.

 It wasn’t cold though so after a short while on the Camino it became a “boil in a bag" experience.

As before, the heavy weather concentrated your mind on  the walk and why you were doing it rather than beautiful views. I caught up with Bo, the Psychologist, again and learned that he is a well respected and much published expert on Dangerousness and risk assessment of mad and/or bad offenders.

Bo, the Psychologist

We had a light hearted conversation about shared expetiences!




Good to learn too that I wasn't the oldest guy on the Camino ...

 Great hat eh,  at some point I lost my hat, something I'm wont to do when walking. This one has a twin somewhere on Mam Tor.

I wandered on and it dried out and I was able to appreciate the fascinating countryside and architecture around me.

 I now know these structures are granaries designed to keep rats out but grain fresh.

Was a slight moment if concern when, at a stop for a healthy breakfast I saw this article for sale, must be coming up to bandit country.

And I’m pleased that someone has some respect for these amazing old carts.

Was a tough day though to be honest. 29 km through hilly country with half of M&S, Boots and Go Outdoors on your back is no easy task.

  Had some respite at the church of St Maria de Melide where I lit a candle for friends who are going through bad times at the moment








and then, true to form had recuperation therapy

 prior to being picked up with said unlikely pilgrims. You know the rest ....


Cheers ...