Chasing Summer –

Walking the Portuguese Camino: O’ Porrino to Pontvedra Daily Highlights

Over two days, I walked 32 km from O’ Porrino to Pontvedra.

The first of the two days was rainy off and on, and I finally broke down and bought an umbrella – I haven’t used it yet. Lol.

This section of the Portuguese Camino included a lot more walking up and down than the first section, and my left ankle is stiff and sore each night. My blister became 2, and the one that I started with doubled in size.

Stopped at the pharmacy to get some goodies to keep me going!
Many places have religious plaques on the walls.
I love the use of old tires
When it’s not raining, the fog keeps me damp
Church in Mos
Mos, where I bought my umbrella.
Some of the forest paths are gorgeous
Sun came out in the late morning
Lots of dogs watching, barking, or in this case howling at the pilgrims.
So many flowers in bloom, including this Fuchsalia Dark Eye
Rodonela is where most pilgrims stop for the day.
Church in Rodonela
Rodonela

Although most pilgrims who take the same trip as me stop in Rodonela, my hotel was a few more km out of the city and closer to Arcade, which made the division of days more even.

This was beneficial to me as I had sore feet, so I could spread out the time I needed to be on them better. The only downside is that once I was was there, there was nothing else near, so I was done for the day. Luckily, I was fine sitting around having a drink and dinner there.

Casa Rural As Chivas
Back of the Hotel
My room. It was fine, but the water in the shower would turn freezing every few minutes.

The next morning, I got up, had breakfast, and was on my way by 8:30am. This was the best weather day I had had so far. There was no rain in the morning,  only sunshine but not hot.

Leaving the hotel.

The closest way to get back on the trail was a 25-minute walk/jog downhill. Most of the rest of the walk after this felt like I was going uphill until a down at the end.

Cat catching a snooze
Arcade
Sampalo Bridge over the Verdugo River
Looking back at Arcade from the other side of the bridge.
Pilgrim walker is everywhere
So many slugs on the trail, several end up as road/path kill.
Some people set up to sell their goods along the trail.
Stopped here for a drink and short break.
Occasionally along the trail, I came across military? ambulances. I guess this is good if anybody has hurt themselves.
I walked past lots of farms on the way, several you could smell before you got to them.

On this trail, there was also a section with a complimentary trail vs. the primary one. I decided to go with complimentary this time since last time I hated the primary trail, and the majority of it was muddy dirt paths following a creek.

But towards the end, there were a couple of surprises that I was glad I got to see by taking this trail.

Mural under the bridge and road.
More murals on abandoned buildings.
Very cool underpass before leading back to the primary route on the road.
Stopped here for late lunch.
Amazing pizza, but it’s not called pizza because its smaller and the shape.Mushroom, onion and pepper.

At this point I checked into my hotel, ironically named Hotel Room. I did venture out again for a quick look at the old part of town, but quickly realised that if I wanted to be able to walk agian tomorrow I really needed to get off of my feet and rest my ankle.

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