Santiago was waiting for us as we walked out the Salceda Albergue front door this morning at 7:30. We wished each other well and said our goodbyes.
We took the “short cut” back to the Camino, exiting the albergue from the rear parking lot.Along the shortcut, we admired these unusually dark colored hydrangeas in front of one of Santiago’s neighbors.
Jim decided to make this a “hydrangea” walk, looking for other colors along the way. We were surprised at the range of colors over the 5 plus mile walk.
Another vividly colored plant.Very pale blue, more typical of what we’re used to seeing, here and at home.A nice collection forming a border for an outdoor terrace for a restaurant.Unusual “speckled” variety.The pilgrim hoards were missing this morning. The weekend is when most pilgrims finish, if they only walk from Sarria. So, today’s evidence suggests that most of the pilgrims we saw yesterday, walked on to Santiago, or at least got close enough to Santiago to finish today.A mile later, and only a handful of pilgrims were observed. And no pilgrim groups were seen at all.We stopped at this bar in Brea (pop.29) that was opened after the pandemic and is located in a nice, strategic spot, for us.Walking along the highway for a while before going back into a eucalyptus forest.Walking in the forest.Walking between a eucalyptus forest and the highway into O Pino.The ever present and friendly Guardia Civil.Heading down into A Rua (pop.53).Walking past the town sign.Our home for the night in O Pino, Pención Rural Una Estrella Dorado.Self grilling lean, tasty veal for our main meal (3:00), accompanied by fresh green salad, fries and a nice house wine.Jim demonstrating the technique of self-grilling.
Our main meal essentially began the end of our day. After a good walk, sated appetites and full stomachs and daily routines behind us, we settled in the comfortable haven from the afternoon sun and chilled until bedtime.
Jimandi 