Day 30 - Portomarin to Palas de Rei

Our evening in Portomarin was great, it was very busy in the town, lots of pilgrims now gather as the new starters stop over for their first night. We found a nice bar/restaurant who's menu was more than the basic pilgrim meal (no hake tonight then).We had a variety of Tapas and sat and watched the Canadian Grand Prix.

We also met up with quite a few of the pilgrims we started out with in St Jean now 4 weeks ago, its nice to hear some of their trials and tribulations.

The Camino onwards is back in the forest and although it's chilly and overcast, is a pleasant walk around the edge of the reservoir and up and over Ventas de Naron Sierra Ligonde.

We pass through many small villages, Gonza, Hospital de la Cruz, Ventas de Naron, Ligonde, & Eirexe.

Each farm in this region has a strange looking small building in its grounds. It can be seen in this photo to the right of the house. We have not been able to establish its use or purpose, seem to be built for the storage or drying of something because they have ventilated sides. Any guesses ?

The villages are all very similar and are predominantly dairy farms. However, the greater majority of the buildings are derelict.












The scenery has not charged much over the last few days, rolling hills and hay meadows.

Considering the volume of pilgrims that pass through these villages, it is very un commercialised.

We are staying tonight in a hostel on the outskirts of Palas de Rei, which is a wood cabin complex.

When we arrived, again, we are told our reserved rooms are let and they only have a twin room (I shudder at the thought of the wild boar snoring his head off). We protest profusely, but to no avail; we have to share, no alternative. Ear plugs to the ready then and a high % bottle of wine to knock me out. Then surprise surprise, they find another room. I can't tell you how relieved I am.

Because we are on the outskirts of the town we won't see the centre till tomorrow as we make our way to Arzua which will be 29km. It will only be 60km to Santiago.

The last 200km has gone really quickly and are both looking forward to buzz and celebrations of arriving in Santiago.