Vilanova (Lourenzá) to Abadin, 25Km
It’s been a difficult couple of days, probably a combination of very little sleep, poor food and very long walks. It’s something that strikes most of us during any long distance walk. It’s not easy walking every day in challenging conditions over unfamiliar terrain and with a backpack. I laid awake for hours last night listening to the man alongside me snoring loudly. I resented him sleeping while keeping the whole dormitory awake. I finally got back to sleep by promising to order a taxi in the morning to take me to Santiago.
It’s just as well I couldn’t see the rain when I got up because I probably would have ordered the taxi. Anyway I just made it to the bar next door without getting too wet and ordered a cafe con leche grandy and a very presentable croissant. That cheered me up and I set off into the soaking drizzle.
In Mondoñedo, I stopped at a cafe alongside the cathedral which had a selection of pastries and cakes of the highest quality. I ordered a cafe con leche grandy and two chocolate chip cookies and sat down just as Joyce arrived. We had a chat about snoring and she told me that people tend to choose a bed close to her to avoid other snorers. She left because she has a longer day than me and then four English pilgrims joined me. They are walking this Camino in stages over five years. It’s still rare to meet an English pilgrim.
Today was meant to be another tough day with a big climb, leading to stunning views over Galicia. Perhaps I went the wrong way because it was no different to the other days and any view was obscured by clouds. Eventually the rain stopped and the clouds cleared, about two kilometres from the end. I arrived at the albergue and I couldn’t have been any more delighted had I arrived at the Ritz. I secured a private room with heat (it’s still winter here), everything is modern and the kitchen even has an induction hob. The owner speaks excellent English and pointed me towards the bar opposite which served lunch until 4pm and then opens for dinner at 7:30pm. Apart from the rain it’s a perfect day.
Pilgrimage 
Its been a tough hike for you Tim lots of elevation gain and subsequent downhill, big distances, and the rain in Spain has not kept mainly to the plain. So I am not surprised that you have had difficult days. Well done for keeping to your schedule and not taking that taxi!
Thanks. It was a good way to get back to sleep but soon forgotten in the morning.
Sounds like a good end to the day anyhow! Yes the weather has been a little disappointing in Europe these past weeks. I am having a good rest day in rainy San Marino, on my way cycling home from central Italy.
Hi Peter, you make it sound so easy, cycling home from central Italy! I’m glad you’re still doing it
swings and turns, but we keep on walking like Pavlovs dog