The main street of O Pino was pretty quiet when we left our temporary home (on the right) crossed the street and took a moderately steep road up into the forrest.
This morning we revisited the traditional Camino route from O Pino to Amenal for the first time since 2015 (our first Camino). Since then, we have taken the route that follows the highway from O Pino to Amenal.
Pilgrim traffic started out light as we entered the eucalyptus forest.Pilgrim traffic still light. The canine pilgrim probably has a credential for stamping, and, if so, can also receive a compostela in Santiago!We left the forest briefly to walk into the village of Amenal.We stopped at this albergue for breakfast, as we did 10 years ago on our first Camino.As we finished breakfast and left Amenal, we appeared to be entering a tunnel. formed by path erosion and the overhanging trees.As the Camino went deeper into the forest, as did we, we began a short, but quite steep climb.We quickly remembered this climb from 2015!Our route today merged with the route we traveled on Caminos 2-6 as we continued through the forest.Some of these eucalyptus trees appear to reach highs of nearly 200 ft!Not only are they tall, but huge.The diameter of this one was longer than Jim’s fully extended trekking pole length.Pilgrim traffic began to increase as more pilgrims were passing us on their way to finishing in Santiago. It was only 9:30 and Santiago was only about 9 miles ahead.The path began to level out as we started walking along the perimeter of the Santiago International Airport. Though hidden by the forest, the infrequent roar of jet engines taking off or landing, proved its existence. Also, souvenir venders became more frequent, giving pilgrims a seemingly ” last chance” for a Camino memento or sello.The runway is partially visible from this short break in the forest.The Camino took a sharp left turn as we continued to follow the airport security fence on our left and got glimpses of the expressways heading into Santiago.The scenery was still appealing as we saw and heard the trickling creek along the path. The Camino also reminded us that its undulations were not over.We joined a small, paved local road just before walking into San Paio (Payo) (pop.25)We stopped for a short break and OJ at this somewhat-busy-with-pilgrims bar/restaurant in San Payo.Here we are walking on from San Payo. Two roads ahead. Can you guess which one was the Camino: left=uphill, right=level?We re-entered the forest after topping the hill and continued on toward Lavacolla.The dirt path merged with the paved road into Lavacolla (pop. 171)
We were two hours early for checkin, so we got off our feet on the albergue front porch, in the shade, until Jim was sufficiently impatient, to walk another 1/4 mile to the hamlet center to check options and times for the two eateries located there.
He returned some 15 minutes later after learning that today was the beginning of a local festival and all eateries would close at 3:00 for the rest of the day. So we both then got to our feet and walked to our choice of eateries to have our main meal of the day, before checking in.
An incredible ensalada mixta for Linda and a plate of comfort food for Jim, plus, a shared glass of house wine. Yum!
After checking in around 1:00, we washed and dried clothes in the pención common area (wash=4€, dry=3€).
Pención Xacobeo- Lavacolla
We also went online and registered to facilitate receiving our Compostelas, when we arrive at the pilgrims office tomorrow.
It was 89F outside and the Spain sun made it feel hotter. So, we stayed inside, in our room and blogged/read til bedtime… and texted Ron (who follows our blog each day) Happy Birthday wishes.
Jimandi 