Day 10: Arcade to Pontevedra 8.5 miles

Today was a short, fairly easy day. I will only include a few scenic pictures to show the continuation of how lovely the Way continues to be. The concerned people of Portugal and Spain have continued to route people away from relatively new, industrial areas.to more rural, quiet paths.

Also we walked with several new people today and I have included their pictures.

Old Santiago Way marker before medieval bridge, Sampayo Bridge across River Verdugo near the estuary in Arcade.

Sampayo Bridge

The Way continues to climb slightly from 40 to about 130 m. and then slowly descends over the next 4 km

We had been walking with these young people from Ireland. They are siblings and are considering degrees in Psychology and then helping people with music therapy, yoga, martial arts, meditation. So much energy and hope. The man on the left had started a little pilgrim side-business where the Way takes a turn outside one of the villages.

Lovely small farms or large gardens-depends on one's viewpoint

Along the Way for several days, we have heard and had glimpses of frogs. There are several below.

Here's one a bit closer. See its back legs?  I didn't carry my other lens for the camera.

Another interesting person: a Sabra from Israel.

Chapel of Santa Marta de Gandaron

Giant Eucalyptus trees. One of two sisters from Scotland is standing under one.

We arrived at our hotel early, and so after a rest we went into the old town of Pontevedra. Even if you may have had your fill of old churches.  This town's grandeur is incredible with magnificent churches within a few blocks of each other, several huge plazas that were crowded with families, couples, children and dogs. 

Praza de Peregrina

Sanctuary of the Virgin Peregrina-18th C pilgrim chapel built in Baroque style with a floor plan shaped like a scallop shell.

The next several pictures are all of the Convent Church of San Francisco (14C)

 Mass with a handful of people

St. Bartolome-with flying buttresses

More people attended mass. Why?

Friends,

The three of you are voyeurs on our journey. 109 miles on our tread, 41 miles the final three days.

Great city. Too bad we take off early tomorrow. Easy trip today, except for those damn rocks on several of the "gentle" inclines. Life along the way in some ways is a local challenge. How to open the door to our hotel room? How to get hot water in the shower? How to turn on the A/C? One major challenge. Most of the restaurants don't open for dinner until 8 p.m. or later. One night we ate dinner at 3:30 p.m. And often, breakfast isn't until 8 a.m. or later. We want to leave earlier to walk when it is coolest. No cafes on the way tomorrow. We stocked up on pastries and fruit. We try not to pig out, but it is hard keeping up our stamina. I joke that I will have walked 150 miles only to gain 10 pounds. V thinks she has put on poundage.

Buenas noches, fellow travelers.

Allen