Diomondi to Vilaseco

It’s interesting when you go off-stage on the Camino Invierno (that is, not following John Brierly’s guidebook). At least for me that means being alone. When I was in Monforte de Lemos I saw lots of pilgrims. But none since, except for the one guy who passed me yesterday.

Good thing I don’t mind being alone. Maybe later in the season there would be more. And closer to Santiago that will change as another route merges with this one about two days from now.

This morning I had the breakfast that I had packed with me (coffee and pastry) and started to walk. I will also include my dinner from yesterday, noodles. Anything had to be microwave friendly.

The first two km were a steep descent, followed by a river crossing and a steep ascent. I have to confess that I checked alternate routes and there is one that follows the road. Further, but on pavement. I’m so glad that I stayed on the Camino. The route wasn’t overly steep, with much on Roman roads, if you can imagine. I just took my time.

You may remember a few days ago that the Camino route followed the Rio Sil. After I left Quiroga and climbed those two big hills I left that valley. Today I crossed another important river in this region, the Rio Miño. This is the heart of Ribeiro Sacra (sacred riverside) wine country, as you may notice the vineyards along the river.

The Rio Miño is also important in the Camino world. The long bridge approaching Portomarin crosses the Miño. And the Miño is also the border between Spain and Portugal 🇵🇹 where the Camino Portuguese crosses into Spain. 🇪🇸

Enough of a geography lesson. Back to my walk.

I did make a detour. At one point the route went down a little path and across a rock ‘bridge’ - you tell me which bridge you would prefer. Maybe in drier conditions that would be okay, but it was raining almost all day and that stream was moving fast! On the video you will see where I turned around. The detour didn’t even add much distance.

After that it was an easy walk to Chantada where I had a coffee break and got a stamp at the Oficina de Turismo. Then I continued to walk, gently uphill on a beautiful trail / cow path (evidence obvious). I ended up at Hotel Vilaseco, which may be my favourite place to stay, not counting the Parador. Czytaj więcej