Camino Portuguese
Walking Day 5 - Redondela to Pontevedra - 20.6 km - 295 m ascent w backpacks
October 20, 2023
Private room was nice but a little chilly. Owner said she had ordered some type of heater but had not arrived. Hopefully the next guests will not have the same experience. All night was a torrential downpour, but by our 0800 departure it was dry w occasional drizzle. We found our way to breakfast and enjoyed the cafe con leche grande and croissants as we watched fellow pilgrims walk by. Once underway it was steep downhill to the river outlet to the sea.

After a couple k we were out of town and walking on country roads and trails. There were some steep uppies and some of all large stones. It was challenging.
There was rest stop w fun pilgrim cutouts. Note the shoes to the right. Here we saw a large black luxury coach autobus with Camino yellow arrow and outline of the Santiago Cathedral on its side. It was catering in a group of pilgrims that were walking with light or no packs. We have seen it again and again.
The region is granite. Gone is the slate of the Invierno. Large pieces are used for all types of construction. We past many stockpiles and a couple of workers constructing a retaining wall.
We clicked off many k before arriving at an alternate route along a winding creek. This was a delightful diversion, although a little muddy. We met a Canadian lady walking rapidly and very chatting. She snapped our picture before trekking on.
The last 2 km took us onto city streets and eventually our hotel destination. Once showered and refreshed we made hotel reservations for Saturday night and booked transport for our backpacks. That done we explored the city, finding a new sweater for JL ( happy birthday), fresh roasted chestnuts, some pricey chocolate, and dinner.
All is good on the Camino!

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