Wednesday 25th April 2018

35 km (695.4 km)

Today is our 26th wedding anniversary so we decided that we would push the boat out and stay in the 6€ Albergue and opt for the 9€ menu del dia just for a change!

The day started with a 20km climb out of Gudiña with the guide book describing today as the most beautiful on the whole walk. Unfortunately we were faced with thick fog which made it hard to see the road let alone the mountains. This was a shame but on the other hand we covered the first 20km before we knew it. I met a Canadian woman on this stage, Cheryl, who has been travelling on her own since Seville. She was somewhat downtrodden and just wanted to go home but couldn’t afford to change her flight so was toughing it out until she could fly home. She was surviving on €18 per day and had not had one meal del dia! She had been bitten badly by bed bugs twice, had terrible blisters, had met some terrible aggressive pilgrims and to top it all had grabbed hold of an electric fence and had hurt her hand. At least I only have sore feet! I gave her all the useless advice I have been given regarding blisters and then we bid her goodbye, hoping she makes it home with no more drama. At 20km we stopped for coffee and Daniel had a wee scoubie snack consisting of a huge loaf of bread and at least a packet of bacon. The last 15km was downhill; eucalyptus, pine and chestnut trees providing well needed shade as the afternoon progressed. We are now in Laza, a sleepy little farm village with a great new Albergue. Washing is done and tied to trees so hopefully it will be dry before bed time.