Palas de Rei to Arzua - day 4

Setting out from Palas de Rei

Shells and crosses on the pavement near Palas de Rei

marker post with flowers and stones on top

Temptation! I might have succumbed to this on day 3- but didn't

Church of Santa Maria

We weren't quite sure what this was at the church entrance?

After another great breakfast we set off early to get going in the cooler morning air. This section was to be the longest distance we would walk in a day. The terrain today consisted of several up and downhills crossing river valleys and much of the paths was through lovely wooded areas providing some shade. We decided on a lunch stop at Melide which is about half way along this stage. The temperatures were not just quite as hot as the previous 2 days. The sky had even got quite cloudy by the time we were eating our lunch! - another little blessing to be thankful for. Grainne arrived ahead of myself and Linda and rested close by the little chapel  at Furelos until we caught up and then we walked into Melide together to find a place to eat.

bridge coming into Furelos

Despite the fact that Melide is reknowned as the place to try Pulpo Gallega (octopus Galician style) we decided to settle for the safe option of cheese and ham toasties just oozing with the fabulous local cheese- deliciosos!








Off we went again through more lovely woodland paths with slightly less challenging hills than the previous day but considerably more significant than the contour map would have you believe! The countryside was really pretty and during a long section through woodlands we came on this little stall offering fresh water and an array of fruit and a box to put in a little donation for the fruit. This was really thoughtful, considerate and  very welcome indeed.

Wildflowers

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We continued on with another short stop at Boente where we had some cool drinks as the sun had come out again and a brief visit to the Igrexa Santiago and passing the delightful picnic areas en route. Eventually we reached Ribadiso a very beautiful setting on the river Iso. People staying there were out enjoying the grassy river bank and bathing their feet in the river, it looked a most inviting place. At this point Grainne texted to say she had reached Arzua and was trying to get us a room for the night but everywhere was full! Once again, momentarily  we considered the possibility of having to sleep under the stars. The extra 4-5 Km into Arzua was all up hill but we made it up to the town by which time we heard that we now had a triple room for the night and Grainne met up with us in the centre of town and we all safely arrived. Coincidentally I have a step counter on my mobile phone and that day we walked 49989 steps!!. It was so good to get lying down for a few minutes before having a lovely long shower and pampering of the feet before going out to get a meal.

Why we were getting ready there was a bit of rain and we were surprised to look out of our window to see a man walking up the street with 2 large cows on a lead which made us all smile.

I am still amazed that even after walking so far how well you feel in a short while. We met up with some people from Aberdeen, Sweden, Buckinghamshire and from our home town (Derry) and had a lovely evening chatting with them all and skyping our families before heading back to our room at the end of the town for a good nights sleep.

Before going to sleep we made the decision to try and get our backpacks transferred to Lavacolla as we had carried sleeping bags etc and had not used them and just carry essentials the next day.

"Every day is important, what are you doing today, think about it, you are exchanging a day of your life for today."
Catherine Pulsifer