Caldas da Reis to Padron 21km

As the heat intensifies, we are starting our walk much earlier. This morning it was in the dark! We navigated by Brian’s torchlight and my phone. 

The walking was a mix of small roads, gravel paths and some technical parts that proved challenging. 

We arrived at lunch time and found the perfect cafe with cold beer, including gf beer, and gf food! I might be back there for dinner! Being Sunday, there was a massive market in town. I’m quite surprised by the amount of rubbish left behind, not only by people attending, but the stall holders. The council equivalent are working to clean it up this afternoon before the evening dinner and drinks rush hour begins. Padron is a lovely town with lots of small streets and a cooling treed avenue along the river. 

We only have one day to go and both Brian and I are experiencing some challenges physically. We will leave early again tomorrow as we have a massive day with lots of climbing. Fingers crossed we can get each other over the line! 

Pontevedra to Caldas da Reis 22km

We started early to try to avoid some of the heat as it is ramping up the closer we get to SDC. The walk today wasn’t quite as challenging as other days but difficult all the same. It wasn’t quite as technical or hilly but did have components that kept up honest! 

Brian and I found an amazing Roman bath where we decided our feet needed cooling off despite only a couple of kilometres to go. We also found the river in Caldas and cooled our feet once more as the 35 degrees reflected from the stone and granite walls.

We met some lovely people from Canberra on the way and ended up having lunch with them in Caldas before they departed by taxi for their ‘resort’.

Unfortunately, despite paying for an air conditioned room, it isn’t and despite many conversations, it’s going to have to do. The alternatives were a room with a private bathroom - doesn’t solve the heat issue, or a refund - then to find somewhere else in a small town. Neither of these would work so I have to accept it and move on, 

With only two more days to go, we are planning on early starts to avoid the heat and as often as possible to take advantage of the various cafe stops and Roman baths along the way. 

Next stop, Padron! 

Relocation and a rest day in Pontevedra (12km)

After an early relocation as planned, and after speaking with family and friends back home, Brian and I set out for a late breakfast at a gluten free cafe. It was so refreshing to be able to eat without concern. 

We took a guided tour of the city with some of the competitors in the world triathlon games being hosted here at Pontevedra. It’s a shame we are not here for the finals on Sunday but already we are planning an early departure on Saturday as the roads will be closed for one of the events.

The guided tour gave us some valuable insights into the history of Pontevedra and its standing as the capital of Galicia, a region in Spain, despite Vigo challenging for the mantle. We learnt about the various coats of arms and the religious artefacts. The main church has its own Patron who looks after the pilgrims on their way to SDC. 

Pontevedra decided 25 years ago to give the streets back to the people and take cars out of the city, reducing traffic and pollution. They have received numerous international awards for their efforts and it shows in the liberal way everyone wanders the city centre with very limited cars. There are only certain times, days and reasons cars can come into the city. Otherwise, you park on the periphery and walk in. 

It’s been a lovely rest day despite lots of walking. Now to focus on the next three big days ahead! 💪🏻😀🦄

Redondela to Pontevedra to Poia 23km + some more!

What a tough day. We headed off early as we knew it was a 7-8 hour hike today. It was the most ascent of the trip so far with over 500m. It was quite a technical route with both up and down.

We focussed on putting one foot in front of the other and taking breaks whenever they presented themselves. We caught up with Larry and Dave from the US again and Dave kindly carried my pack for 5-6 km which made a huge difference, massive thanks to him! Larry let us know that his professional hiking mates from the US had told him that the hike into SDC is tough so be prepared. Right! Got that in the memory bank! 

Unfortunately, my accommodation is across the bridge in Poia which is about an additional kilometre walk back to Pontevedra. Brian so very kindly made the extra trek for me and carried my bag! So grateful! ☺️ 

My accommodation is not what I’d hoped for and without disclosing details here, I’ve just booked another room tomorrow night back in Pontevedra. Accommodation is hard to come by due to a world triathlon here! For all my tri mates, where the bloody hell are you???

Brian and I caught up briefly this evening but are both exhausted so plan to explore the town tomorrow! I finally got food!