Neda to Miño

So you know how the fiesta outside our albergue was not happening till today? Turns out the pre-fiesta concert and party was on last night - the albergue building was literally in the middle of proceedings!! Three bands, each playing for about 90 minutes, finishing up at 3am. Let’s just say we didn’t get a lot of sleep! Despite it all, there were the usual early stirrings in the albergue as the early birds (possibly in possession of ear plugs), packed their bags for another day on the road. We got up about 7, and set off along the estuary that Neda is situated along.

The track was very pleasant, including sections of boardwalk through wetlands in the process of restoration.

We climbed along narrow side roads, through residential areas that had views of the water and the various inlets. This area had a feel a bit like the central coast of NSW, though less modern and monied. 

After 15km we entered Pontedeume, one of the possible stopping points for this stage. We planned to go on, but enjoyed an early lunch on the way through. The 850m bridge we crossed was the longest in Spain for many years and dates to the 14th century.

The bridge spans the Rio Eume (which at this point is salt water) and the little harbour offers shelter for many small fishing craft.

The harbour front was alive with relaxed Sunday morning sociality - families sitting outside cafe/bars enjoying hot chocolate and churros. The Torre de Andrade in the centre is the only remaining bit of the mansion built by the powerful Andrade family in the 12th century.

The path rose steeply up the other side of the valley, past the 18th century Iglesia de Santiago. And as we climbed, so the rain, which had been threatening all morning, began to fall.

We couldn’t resist this photo of an electric Vespa parked beside this traditional font!

We walked the rest of the stage with rain ponchos on and ponchos off, as the rain came and went. It was an undulating final 10km with some steep gradients and this, combined with our sleepless night meant that we were pretty exhausted by the time we arrived in Mino and found the albergue. In fact, it’s just after 7pm now and we’re struggling to keep our eyes open! Everyone in the beds around us is asleep so we’re hopeful of a quieter night in this smaller and less peopled albergue.

The rain has stopped for now, but there’s more forecast tomorrow, so our ponchos remain at the ready.

Storm on the way; clouds

scudding, corn rustling, air thick

and warm. English way.

Buen Camino,

Neil and Sarah