It was pouring down rain when we woke up this morning at 7:00 a.m., with thunder and lightning to boot. We checked all three weather apps and consensus was that the thunderstorms were going to stick around for another 2-3 hours.
While rain would normally not be a deterrent, having lightning around us while walking in puddles with metal lightning rods in both hands was.
So we left Pensión Orois after stalling for and hour or so, then went to the bar next door to have breakfast.
The rain storms began to let up at 9, so we started out without wearing rain gear, hoping our optimism would influence the Camino rain gods in our favor.
Starting today’s walk after a rain delay. We’re heading uphill to pass by the Iglesia de Santa María de Melide at the top.Picking up the dirt path and going back down a steep hill on our way out of town.It really was steep and a bit slippery after the earlier thunderstorms.This pretty canopy has been maintained by the locals for as long as we have been walking the Camino… it’s always fun to walk under, rain or shine.
The path was a succession of uphill and downhill, passing through the hamlets of Raido and Peroxa. Some rain showers began about a mile into our walk and the rain gear came out and we continued on.
Although this horreo is much smaller than most and appears to be more decorative than functional, a closer look reveals it is a mailbox and receptor for daily bread deliveries.Much of the walk was through forests of eucalyptus trees.Funny how a seemingly adequate rock path across a small stream that gets slippery and wet from the rain, gets narrower when you are only halfway across.Even Jim put on his rain gear as the showers persisted.The path started its own streams as the rain continued.As we walked into Boente (pop.137) the rain stopped and a few rays of sun peeped through the clouds. And brought out these, obviously, “free range” chickens.
As originally planned, when we reached Boente, we called for a taxi to take us the remaining 3 miles to Arzúa. The very steep downhill and uphill sections in the final 3 mile stretch did not appeal to us, as in more recent Caminos.
This charmer of a 91 year old local, spoke pretty good English, having spent a number of years in London. He tried to pick up Linda on our way to meet the taxi, but she declined his offer, saying she preferred younger men. Jim was relieved!Our albergue in Arzúa. Very basic, somewhat expensive but clean and only 3 years old and available when we made reservations in Feb.
We had our main meal at the convenient restaurant next door to our albergue, after checking in.
We split an order of calamari and fries and a pizza for today’s meal and, of course, glasses of Mencía vino tinto (red wine).
The remainder of the afternoon was routine and restful. And no rain in tomorrow’s forecast. Yeah!
Jimandi 