Pontedeume to Betanzos

Leaving Pontedeume we still had a small climb from Campolongo. Missed the turn by the grape arbor and heard other pilgrims whistle to get us back onto the way. We walked through trails and small streets and over a big highway to an oasis called Ultreia et Suseia where we had coffee and ham and cheese and bread with a great place to sit. This was by an old bridge Ponte ……? Then more walking down to Miño where we diverted to the beach for a foot soak and rest. Ida was hungry so we found a grocery store and bought fruit and avocado. I had half a baguette from the day before. We found a hardware store and bought a cheap folding knife. We walked toward Ponte de Porco and found an old table close to the river to eat at and enjoyed the food. We were down close to sea level. Nice breeze out of the north with good views of the ocean and river delta in the background. We followed the river a bit and then began more climbing up and up, finding water and another oasis as we went through small settlements with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and river valley. At the top just before descending to Betanzos, we came across an ancient church with many Celtic symbols and the graveyard. We walked down into the town and found another ancient church, then went across the river through a medieval gate into Betanzos and up some more steep to the Portico Hostal. It was the last night of the festival of San Roque. Lots of entertainment and rides in the square and a huge stage. We went to a small pilgrim’s mass and received blessing from the priest and a sello. We ate at our restaurant by the hotel and had ice cream for dessert and then tried to sleep while the loud band was playing in the square until 4 am!!Read more