Day 26: Palas de Rei to Melide 15.5km.

Late night was spent with the Dutch crew at our Albergue which provided an Italian themed meal. It was the last time we’d see them as they were intending to be in Santiago on Saturday, while we are scheduled for Monday. A lovely evening talking about the different Spanish Caminos and their proposed long haul Camino to New Zealand one day.

We woke this morning relived that we were not having to walk the standard 25+ km. Relaxed packing up and leaving the hostel and then getting on trail. Immediately confronted by the hordes of tourists leaving their hotels and starting on trail. Really overwhelming. These groups are mainly Spanish, and have high exuberance and vitality attached to them. Lots of discussion, music, noise. It is as though these groups are on some kind of celestial conveyer belt getting them to Santiago.

Fortunately, the two Pauls organised a two night stay in Melide to get off the Sarria conveyor belt to Santiago. We are resting here now, in a nicely appointed Albergue in the centre of the old town. It’s a really pretty and manageable place to rest. The town is famous for its boiled octopus, so we’re bound to give that a try. Otherwise, it’ll be wandering the streets, taking in the sights and smells. I’d also like to finish a book I’ve been carrying since I first left NZ.

Weather in Galicia has been temperamental - downpours and then fragments of sun. Reminds us of Dunedin weather, but milder. We intend to rest up tomorrow and then push for Santiago over the following three days. Not long now!Read more