Arzua to Lavacolla - day 5

Once we were ready to go this morning we were very glad that we had decided to do the extra bit of distance the previous day as we were starting from the western edge of the town. We're loving the traditional breakfasts of freshly squeezed orange juice and giant croissants and got the bag transport organised to our next stop which was prebooked. This was a very special day for me as my husband would be flying in to Santiago later in the day and my youngest son and his girlfriend had driven all the way from England so we could all meet up at Lavacolla prior to our final day of walking to Santiago.

lovely wildflowers at the roadside

towards Lavacolla

Shells on the walls of the road tunnel

It felt very strange not having the big backpacks ( felt a bit guilty!) as we had got so used to carrying our gear by this stage but when the rain started it was definitely good to be a little lighter. When I say rain I mean, torrential rain, it turned parts of the path into raging torrents! The plastic capes were totally suited for the rain and kept us mainly dry.

Strange way marker looks a bit like an inukshuk used by eskimos

Our plan was to stop at Salceda for a break but at that stage the rain was so heavy we decided to press on. Grainne met up with our fellow travelers from the previous evening and had a stop at Santa Irene and we stopped for some drinks at a little place called Brea. Unbeknown to us we actually missed one of the route markers just before the little cafe which caused a bit of confusion when we came out so it was quite fortuitous we stopped here for a short break.

We were enjoying a cool drink and as had previously happened the owner appeared with a small dish of food for us as it usual in Spain. I think I may have eaten Octopus! The lovely little mixed salad type of dished contained some things I did not recognise but after carefully checking that there were no heads ,tails, eyes, fins, scales  or suckers I ate  it and it was quite delicious but I am still unsure what it was.We managed to find our way back to the path after crossing over and back the main road  a few times.

Soon we were all together again and walked for a while as a big group with people we had met previously and continued together as far as Arco.






walking with friends at Arco

As we approached Amenal we saw plane from Ireland coming in to land, passing over the tree tops just a few kilometers away. At this time also I knew my youngest would be close by to collect his father at the airport. We were also very hungry at this stage, the lovely warm sunshine was back and we decided to stop at Amenal where we had queso bocadillos with the famous Arzua cheese before going again for the last bit to Lavacolla and Xan Xordo which would be our base for the next few nights.

Yummy Arzua cheese sandwiches at Amenal

From Amenal we circuited the airport and at one stage saw an Iberia jet directly above our heads. I was getting progressively more excited about seeing the rest of the family as I knew once they had checked in that they would come out to meet us. We reached the village of Lavacolla where traditionally pilgrims washed themselves prior to the final stage into Santiago. At this point we had to ask directions as we were unsure of the exact location of the Pazo Xan Xordo where we were staying. Eventually we found ourselves on the airport road with a Camino guide post directing us off road again to Villa maior-time for a phone call- within just a few minutes we were all together, what an amazing moment for us all ! I will never forget this very special meeting as we strolled together for the few minutes to Xan Xordo. What a fabulous place to stay.

We were all able to chat about our journeys to this point over an excellent meal and plan for the final stage- our arrival at the Catherdral of St James planned for the next morning-Sunday.

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."
Babatunde Olatunji