Day 34 June 4 Saturday Arzua

​

Day 34 June 4 Saturday Arzua

Lots of rain last afternoon and evening and we woke to a very heavy land fog but no rain.

On the trail by 7:15am for two reasons/ 1 - we have a 30+ km day to walk and 2- we heard the rain was to come in around 1 -2 pm and I am still a little afraid of melting.

We walked right through with only two brief stops and no lunch on the trail and this achieved its end goal - arriving in Arzua before the rain. Rain did happen around 4 but we were well situated - no worries. Rained as well this evening with the expectation that we will be dry walking in the morning. If so that will be 1 rain day only in 35 days walking the Camino. That has to be some kind of a record.

Easy walk today albeit one of our longer ones - which says volumes for the shape we are in at the end of the 800 km Camino.

We had lots of kms in the wooded paths today many of which were the planted eucalyptus forests. They brought this species over from Australia for the paper industry as the eucalyptus tree matured much quicker than the native species thus shortening the plant to harvest to about half the time.

I have been astonished at how many buildings are started and then abandoned- some of which have been in that state since my last Camino 2017.

Each little town has its own church - this one is tucked to the side of the main lane and it’s beauty lies in its simplicity and the murals that are partially visible inside centuries old.

As we came down the path we could here the tapping of a snare drum and bagpipes to find these two in period dress. Nice little interlude for which pilgrims would offer a few coins as they passed by.

We are truly well into one of Spain’s delicacies  being octopus- this famous restaurant known for its octopus had this carving prominently positioned to catch the eye of all passing pilgrims - not my fancy - but did stop for a Coke Zero at 10:30 am this morning.

I love these old stone bridges which have survived centuries and then there is the more rudimentary style of bridge - positioned huge stones to permit us pilgrims to keep our feet dry on a good day.

The pictures of the eucalyptus forests - first a mature one and directly opposite on the other side of the path a replanted forest.

As I came int Arzua they have this sign - I guess they in Spanish call it Arzu

I arrived at our hotel at 2:15pm - called -‘1930 Boutique Hotel’ which in some respects appears to be out of the era of the early 1900’s

Beautiful back yard with its king palm trees which are absolutely huge to the southern looking front facade. The interior is equally as beautiful. 

The final picture provides a secondary use for the pilgrims boots that have done their thing. As for mine, they are in good enough shape for another Camino - not with me in them though - but could lease them out as they know the way to Santiago from St. Jean Pied de Port.

I only have two more days to walk 

Sunday - 17 km to Russia

Monday - 20 km into Santiago

It is fast coming to an end - and I have personally thoroughly enjoyed my Camino.

Till tomorrow 

Buen Camino