Pontevedra

Day 10
Cesantes to Pontevedra — 15km

A slightly slower start this morning, leaving at the very respectable time of 8.45am!

We started the day walking alongside the river, which was just beautiful. There was a lovely layer of cloud hovering over the water, giving everything a peaceful feel to the morning.

Jim and I walked separately today. I think he was after a good old stank (a proper march!), whereas I was quite happy pottering along at my own happy pace. Sometimes it’s nice to walk your own walk and just enjoy the surroundings.

We arrived in Pontevedra and checked into our accommodation, which is super nice for a hostel. It’s incredibly clean, and they even spray your shoes and backpacks before you enter to help prevent bedbugs. 🐛 After all the bedbug talk of the last few days, this was music to our ears!

It was lovely to have time to wander around Pontevedra and take it all in. What a beautiful, historic town, with so much character and plenty of lovely streets to explore. It felt good to arrive early enough to actually enjoy the place rather than just find our bed, shower and collapse! 😄

I also feel as though we’re only just beginning to recognise familiar faces along the trail. There’s an elderly couple we seem to see every day, always walking hand in hand. it’s just so sweet. ❤️

Today, we also heard a very familiar voice calling out, “HEY, CORNWALL!” It was the Swiss lady catching up with us! 😂 We walked together for a little while before she moved on to join the South Americans.
Bumped into her again at the hostel in her swimwear as she was washing all her clothes 😂

We’ve had some really lovely chats today with different pilgrims, both out on the trail and back at the hostel. And I think it’s only now that we’re really starting to feel that famous Camino spirit.

We finished the day with an evening stroll through Pontevedra. The atmosphere was wonderful, with families of all ages out enjoying the evening and gathering in the squares. It was a national holiday, so there was a real buzz about the place ,grandparents, parents and children all out together, chatting and enjoying themselves. 🇪🇸✨ teenagers riding their bikes historic steps as you do (see video)

A lovely end to a day that felt a little less about the kilometres and a little more about the people, and the places.Read more