Neda to Pontedeume - June 2

It’s fair to say that today has been a quiet and uneventful day here on the Camino Inglés, which frankly, is good as I’m rather pooped after roughly 11 miles of walking. Today felt more like the real thing as we got out into the Galician countryside. We finally said goodbye to the Ria Ferrol, and in particular the huge yellow platform legs that dominate the views there. I say “platform legs” for that is what they look like.  Maybe they’re something to do with “War of the Worlds”? I can’t be sure…what do you think? (See below). 



Aside from a more rural feel, the other part of normality was the unwelcome return of hills. Relatively minor compared to the forthcoming days, but nevertheless slightly unpleasant - especially going down them which is not good for my medieval pins and knees. I shouldn’t moan, as compared to my old schoolmate, Paul Thomas, we’re having a walk in the park. Paul has also got the Camino bug, and is currently doing the Camino Primtivo. That is one of the toughest and most remote Pilgrim routes in Spain, crossing down from Oviedo through the Cantabrian Mountains and into Santiago. He’s also more of a purist, and is roughing it in the Pilgrims hostels. He must be a good sleeper to cope with all dormitory noises, or just plain deaf. All being well, we’ll be having celebratory drinks in Santiago together next Tuesday.





The final part of “normality” today was the large number of aromatic Eucalyptus trees. That evoked great memories of nearing Santiago last year. Rather lovely, and no tears today.

The highlight of the walk today was stopping at Praia Magdelana, just over a kilometre short of our final destination Pontedeume. That meant a mandatory dip in the sea. A fair amount of Wim Hof inspired shouting and breathing finally got us fully submerged. Once in, it was hugely invigorating, and almost certainly did our aching muscles and joints the power of good. Kind of an ice bath, without the ice, but with a magnificent view. The highlight of the trip so far.



With newly relaxed muscles, we practically sprinted across the long “Ponte” that gives Pontedeume its name, and into the caring arms of our hostel. And that, dear reader, is about it for the day. Tomorrow things ramp up a bit, with a longer distance, and a lot more hills. But there is the back up of a train service from Pontedeume to Betanzos😎


Pontedeume 


Pontedeume 


The “Ponte”


Pontedeume 


The fast track to Betanzos


Pontedeume 


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