Paradela

I headed off from Sarria at dawn (which is about 8.30am here!!). The weather forecast had improved giving me a morning with a lower chance of rain and the temperature was significantly warmer than back in the mountains a few days ago.

I was keen to get on the road and see a bit of Galacian countryside seeing as it had looked pretty gorgeous from the bus and train the last two days.

As soon as I found the track about 500m from my hotel I was impressed with the amount of people walking. There were much larger groups of people than before and lots of Spainish chatter. You could spot all the newbies in their shiny trail runners and unworn ponchos.

From the minute we left town Galacia did not disappoint. The path meandered by a bubbling brook, the birds twittered and twirped and the excited Spainish giggled and groaned up the first hill.

As the morning went on the rain came, mostly a drizzle but later a few downpours. Galacia, at home with the rain and crowds, provided much bigger, well covered cafes with yummy food and ample opportunity to rest.

The meandering way, the softness underfoot, the moss covered stone fences, green pastures, horses and cows, and autumn in it full glory invoked thoughts of Ireland. It was one of the prettiest days of the walk so far with the added bonus of rolling hills rather than breathless climbs and steep descents. The views were also inspiring.

The way was lined with chestnut trees and oaks leaving chestnuts and acorns in the muddy roadside. These big trees also blocked some of the rain at its worst. I pulled into the nicest modern hostel I've seen in my usual sore but not agonising condition. Ten kilometres to Portomarin tomorrow. Taking it a day at a time.Les mer