El Camino: Betanzos to Meson do Vento.

After a very good breakfast we were ready for the day ahead. We were expecting the walk to exceed 25 kms today (about 14/15 miles).

Our first waymarker showing that we have 64 kms to go.

We had a very steep climb out of the town.

Then the landscape varied between eucalyptus forest,pine forest and agricultural land.

Despite the forecast of no rain it started again after an hour. All of us except Paul had decided to wear shorts today as it was very humid.








 Nevertheless we needed our raincoats on again. We kept up a steady pace of 4 km an hour. Lots of wildflowers in bloom by the side of the road, which I couldn't resist stopping for a look. I am always at the back of the group because I end up taking loads of photos. Hence so many photos of the back view of the group!

 

Another closed church. No bell rope for me to pull this time though. Maybe they knew I was passing through.

After about two and a half hours we unexpectedly came across  a cafe.  As we didn't know when we would see another one we stopped for a hot drink and piece of cake.

To be honest it was more of a slab of cake than a slice. It was just the kind of comfort food you want on a miserable grey day.













This cafe was the eating place for the local  aubergue - pilgrim's hostel which is close by.

All the food was homemade and looked delicious but it was a bit early for lunch so time for us to make a move.

Leaving the cafe we passed this pair of boots left on top of a waymarker. I have heard that some pilgrims leave their shoes/boots at the end but why you would leave them here I've no idea unless this was the end for one particular walker!

This eucalyptus forest was being cleared. They can no longer plant eucalyptus near villages or towns because these trees are more flammable than others and have been blamed for the spread of wild fires during the hot, dry season (although I'm not convinced they have one of those in this part of Spain).

The rain had finally stopped but the scenery was not especially inspiring as it was mainly through more eucalyptus forests and once again we are walking on paved pathways which are hard on the feet.

Another church with the ropes hanging down from the bells, and yes I did ring the bells again. It was only at the end of the walk I discovered what it meant.

A couple of hours on from the cafe was a picnic site in a lovely setting  by a lake. We sat and ate the sandwiches we had made at the hotel that morning. Although we still had another 12 km to go this would be our last stop before arriving at our hotel for the night, we knew we wouldn't find anywhere as pleasant as this for a stop. It even had toilets!!

We came across lots of these small buildings built off the ground. We found out later they are called horreos and are used for storing grain in particular corn on the cob. They are built in such a way that rats can't get into them unless they are able to negotiate overhangs and walk upside down. They are a feature of this part of Spain and are listed as having historical significance.

With all the damp weather the slugs and snails were out in force. This was a long juicy specimen.

This mixed woodland was perfect for foxgloves.

Our feet were very grateful for this dirt path but it didn't last long.

The last couple of miles were  alongside a dual carriageway, not something I would recommend but as we were staying in hotels and not hostels, our accommodation was off route and usually required extra walking along unsuitable roads.

Looking good today Steve, in your snazzy shorts.

We now know where Steve gets his fashion sense.

Single file only along here.

At last a sign for our hotel.

The hotel was large and seemed to have a number of lorry drivers staying here.

Decided to go to the bar first.

I had a couple of glasses of cider then went up to the room for a shower. The room was clean enough but had that horrible smell of drains.

Meanwhile the boys were enjoying a drink or two!