Spain
Pontevedra

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    • Day 9

      Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

      July 4, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

      After a restful sleep at Casa Sara, we were up early and walking by 6:00 am. At 63 degrees and breezy, the weather was lovely for our brisk pace. I think we made 21 kilometers in 6 hours. We finished walking just as the temperature reached 70. Perfect day, perfect walk.
      The entire day was pine forest paths and gravel or dirt roads with beautiful eucalyptus trees. We had very few encounters with auto traffic. We saw lots of pilgrims, again some we have already met. Our last 2 kilometers was with John and Brenda from Ireland. He started walking in sandals like Charles is now wearing. I am starting to doubt the necessity of close-toed shoes!
      We soaked our feet in the hot waters that make Caldas de Reis famous. There was a free pool for pilgrims.
      We had dinner tonight with the nurse, her sisters, partner, and friends. It was lovely to know more about them. French, English, and Spanish languages all represented. Our waiter was continually confused!
      Three more days to Santiago!
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    • Day 21

      Pontevedra 2

      October 2, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

      We walked a bit more, checked out the path for tomorrow. We get to start with a lovely bridge across the Rio Lerez (Ponte do Burgo). Then we strolled through a flea market. Luckily nothing I need.

      We made sure to have a nice meal before siesta. Thanks to Katharine W, we went to Il Piccola and had a great time.
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    • Day 18

      Golden Girls: Pontevedra-Barro

      May 17, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

      Walked along a train track today a la ‘Stand By Me’, but the crew I joined up with definitely had more a Golden Girls vibe.

      Soon after leaving Pontevedra’s lovely Old Town Shopping District (complete with Burger King in an ancient stone building), I run into Omaha sisters Ellen and Amy, childhood friend Jerry, of Phoenix, and “California Kelly”. Within minutes of starting up a conversation, someone drops an F bomb about all the walking. It’s followed by a crack about wine and ibuprofen.

      ‘No way I’m letting these ladies get away from me,’ I think. ‘These are my people.’

      What follows is a raucous day of story sharing and shit talking. The three friends are of my generation. Kelly is a youngish mom they adopted about 20 minutes before I came along. My foot was already feeling better (thanks in part to last nights Vicodin, because something had to give), but there’s nothing like a gaggle of kvetching midwesterners to make you forget your troubles and pick up the pace.

      We share life stories. We share our favorite freaky “Twilight Zone” episodes. We share lunch. The sisters, who are Catholic, can rattle off the specifics of the Fatima story as quick as they come up with a one-liner. How’s that for a combination?

      Within a couple of hours, they are giving me shit about my navigation skills. “Well, Tammy said we were three miles away five miles ago,” becomes a repeating jab from Jerry. I feel loved.

      Ten miles goes by like buttah, but I have to peel off at Barras while they trudge on to Caldas de Reis. I give hugs all around and collect What’s App numbers so we can stay in touch. Some folks you lose along the way. Some you keep.

      The next morning, the Omaha Three and Cali Kelly crew are checking on me after a harrowing stay in a private home, but that’s another story.

      Chances are slim I’ll see this crew again. They have limited time so are walking more miles per day. But I’ll hear from them when they reach the finish line and will cheer virtually for their accomplishment. Because they are part of my Camino family - the ones I’d want to sit with at the big family gathering, cause they’re the fun crew.

      What a happy, happy day it’s been.
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    • Day 3

      Day 2 - Redondela - Pontevedra

      May 5 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

      Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain.

      Second day walking and we cracked out more than 20km today, passing the beautiful medieval town of ‘Arcade’ (no 80’s driving machines or pinball tables; sorry!) and on to Pontevedra.

      It’s a strange observation that the caminho way seems to bring you utterly horrible ways into towns with the industrial and medium density housing on the edge of the town being underwhelming. However, the centre of town is historic, beautiful and for my post arrival wander around town also … sunny! (We shan’t mention it too loudly, but it would be nice if it stayed!!).

      Michaela has booked us into a hostel tonight, and it’s a dorm with 22 people in it tonight for us! It’s kinda lovely sharing camaraderie with follow walkers, and we’ve met some really cool people.. but the queue for the machines is kinda annoying!

      So far I’m very impressed though, it’s clean, relatively quiet and very modern!

      A longer day tomorrow onwards to Caldas de Reis, which is a spa town, and we have various activities booked to keep spirits high!

      Ciao!
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    • Day 30

      Day 27/16 Redondela to Pontevedra

      May 30, 2022 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 17 °C

      Overcast skies, a threat of rain and a temperature of 15 C awaited us as we set out on today's walk.

      It was another relatively short walk, (I now consider walks under 20 kms to be short) but it had two very long, and often steep, ascents and descents. For the most part we were in forested areas, which were unspectacular, although there were a few extraordinary vistas from atop the hills.

      The other day we were serenaded by a bagpipe duo and today, on a couple of occasions, we were treated to a chorus of bullfrogs singing very loudly.

      Our first coffee stop was about 7.5 kms up the road and the second was as at around 15 kms which left only 4 kms over flat ground to bring us to our hotel.

      With a little less than an hour to go, the rain finally started to fall, but only enough for us to pop open our umbrellas. A few days ago torrential rains were forecast for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but that has been constantly changing. With a little luck and the Caminho on our side, we may dodge the bullet tomorrow. Time will tell.

      The highlight of the day was dinner at Bodegon Arca, a little Mom and Pop shop run by a larger than life Spaniard and his wife. So enjoyable was his banter we had to take a photo with him.

      Our calculations tell us we now have only 66 kms to cover over the next three days to reach Santiago. It's almost inconceivable to think that this journey is rapidly coming to an end.

      What can we do for an encore?
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    • Day 15

      Pontevedra!

      July 3, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

      After 12 miles of walking we arrived in Pontevedra at Nacama Hostel. A nice number of miles, especially considering the hills. Our feet are definitely complaining these days by the time we arrive! So what do we do? Walk around town for another 4 miles! 🫣🤣 We ate lunch so late that dinner is going to be snacks we got from the grocery store!Read more

    • Day 15

      Day 10 on the Camino

      October 8, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

      Started our Thanksgiving Sunday with a fabulous included breakfast at a bakery around the corner from our guest house. The town and bakery was packed with Camino walkers and cyclists as it seems it was the only place open that early in the am. We spent the day walking up and down some steep hills and then through forested and farm areas. Finally saw many vineyards today. And some horses. Sorry no cats today Elizabeth. In the forest we saw several murals painted on old buildings, an underpass and a shed. We also came across a cool area where someone had placed some metal pilgrim statues in front of a covered area with a half dozen straw beds for pilgrims to use. Found a small chapel in a tiny town where we were able to get another stamp. Finally in to Pontevedra and a walk around the historic centre - see the beautiful church - and we finished the night with a fabulous dinner at Kamelia Taberna. If you are ever in Pontevedra I recommend their ensalada with goat cheese. Amazing. Sadly I neglected to take a photo.Read more

    • Day 7

      Day 7 - Saxamonde to Pontevedra

      July 3, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

      What a glorious day!

      After a wonderful evening and restful sleep we left with goals in our mind and dreams of being closer in our heart. We got away about 7:40 and were rocking a pretty good pace when we stopped for lunch at 11:00 am.

      On the way we saw many of our Camino friends and met many more. It’s great how they will pass us and we will greet each other and later on, we will pass them and greet each other.

      Today was one of the most beautiful days on the Camino as we went through many picture perfect locations and ate at a couple of scenic places. We will do so again tonight in the beautiful town center of Pontevedra, Spain.

      A very special part of the Camino Portugues is a picturesque babbling brook you can choose to walk along as opposed to the traditional route. It’s called the C. Complementario. It’s 1.3 km further, but why not. So we did. Absolutely well worth the extra kilometer. It was cool under the trees and walking next to the river for about an hour as we wound our way to Pontevedra. We even passed a special tree all roped off. See the pics. I don’t know why it was special, but we had to stop and look.

      We finally wound our way through Pontevedra into the old town past the beautiful Cathedral and other sights. We even got a pilgrim stamp in the Cathedral.

      After going into the Cathedral and saying a small prayer of thanks for such a wonderful day and that my feet held up, and praying they hold up until the Camino is complete, we continued on to our hostel for the night overlooking the old town.

      We look forward to tomorrow with great trust in God that we will complete that goal and each one thereafter until we reach Santiago. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated and our prayers are being answered.

      Until tomorrow,

      BUEN CAMINO!

      15.8 miles/ 41,000 steps
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    • Day 12

      Counting Our Steps

      October 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌧 55 °F

      I tossed and turned all night listening to a big thunderstorm that lasted for hours. Usually I can sleep through those things but with our experiences in the rain this past week, I was dreading waking up to find more rain expected. Luckily it seems the rain may have tired itself out a bit with last night’s performance and this morning was cloudy but not wet! We had a beautiful breakfast from our host’s mother- she made us a cake and pressed fresh orange juice and we ate with Viola and Giada from Italy who we seem to keep bumping into! Finally time to take off onto the way and even though my boots are wet and spongy and Rick had to superglue his soles to keep them together, we are marching on. We thoroughly enjoyed Pontevedra - would love to come back and relax. As we were leaving town and snapping pictures a kind gentleman motioned us into the big church we were photographing- it looked so overgrown and mossy that we were totally surprised it was open and grateful for the friend who saw us and invited us in- and we were in time for morning Mass! Such a good morning already and now receiving this blessing to carry us on our way was a bonus. We had entered the Real Basílica Menor de Santa María La Major which appears deserted from the outside because it is so old! The stonework was awe inspiring and the carved wood altarpiece was so beautiful. After Mass we hurried back to the road and today we completed 15 miles along a few miles of forest paths but mostly country lanes with vineyards and farmlands. There were still puddles but not anything like our previous days adventures! We did have one cloudburst but we had just approached St. Mary’s church in Alba and we ducked in and put all of our rain gear back on to prepare, but that blew over and we were fine! Rick insisted on keeping his gaiters on his legs so that the rain wouldn’t come back :) We walked with our friends Joseph and Mary (I didn’t make that up!) from north of San Francisco today and a mother and son from Croatia and several other people passed us including 4 young guys on bikes who circled us and shouted Buen Camino!!! You do start to get in a rhythm while you walk and you see some friends as you go in and out of the cafés. We are keeping our eyes peeled for the official Camino markers- so excited with our countdown- 2 more days! Some of the young girls we met and walked with early on Karolina (Poland) and Yvette (Germany), texted me this afternoon with the news that they had made it to Santiago, this accompanied with a joyful picture of them in front of the Cathedral. I can’t wait to arrive and feel that same joy and excitement and I’m even more determined tonight for our arrival. Our meal tonight in a little café was octopus (pulpo), chicken soup and shrimp croquettes- pretty fancy for pilgrims! And our friends from South Carolina, Dawn and Martha were there too- what are the chances?! After a plate of the locally famous Padrón peppers we took our leave because tomorrow means another hike! We are in Caldas de Reis for the night and will head over towards Padrón tomorrow.Read more

    • Day 4

      Redondela - Pontevedra

      August 31, 2022 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

      Nach dem Aufstehen aßen wir unser Müsli, wuschen das Geschirr ab und verließen die Wohnung. Die eine Wanderin hatte ihren Rucksack schon an der Tür abgestellt, damit der Transporteur ihn zum nächsten Ort bringt und auf dem Kärtchen stand „Pontevedra“ - nun ja, eventuell sehen wir sie ja wieder. Der Mann aus dem anderen Zimmer sprach kein Wort, grüßte nicht, pinkelte im Stehen und ließ den Klodeckel oben. Den wollten wir nicht wieder sehen.

      Heute wird ein guter Tag - das wussten wir. Zuerst verließen wir die Wohnung, wobei wir noch kurz die Vermieterin trafen. Dann gingen wir ein Stück zurück in die Stadt, um wieder auf dem Jakobsweg zu kommen. Dabei trafen wir erneut andere Wanderer oder Pilgerer. Auf dem Weg aus der Stadt heraus, kamen wir an einem alten zerfallenen galicischen Kornspeicher - Hórreo vorbei. Ein Hórreo ['oreo] (von latein.: horreum und mitunter auch „Hórrero“ geschrieben) ist ein traditioneller Speicherbau für Feldfrüchte (z. B. Mais), wie er vornehmlich in Nordportugal als espigueiro (von portugiesisch espiga = „Ähre“) und in den spanischen Regionen Asturien, Galicien, Kantabrien, Navarra und im Norden der Provinz León zu finden ist. In der Funktion entspricht er dem bayerisch-österreichischen Getreidekasten. Die kleineren Hórreos wurden meist von nur einer oder zwei Familien genutzt; die längeren Exemplare waren jedoch in der Regel dörfliche Gemeinschaftsspeicher. (Quelle: Wikipedia https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hórreo). Aber auch an dem Viadukt Pontevedra kamen wir vorbei, wo wir gestern Abend noch eine Zug haben darauf fahren gesehen - quer über die Stadt. Schon spektakulär

      Auf kaum befahrenen Asphaltstraßen gingen wir durch landschaftliches und urbanes Gebiet. Immer wieder vor und hinter uns Pilger-/Wanderscharen von bunten und Teil laut sprechenden Menschen. Das war uns etwas unangenehm und freuten uns immer, wenn wir den Abstand zu den anderen verringern konnten. Hin und wieder kamen wir auch an Straßenstände vorbei, wo entweder Obst oder Souvenirs vom Jakobsweg verkauft wurden. Es gab auch an diesen Ständen Stempel und so hatten wir schnell 500% der nötigen Tagesstempel zusammen 😂 und natürlich kauften wir auch kleine Pilger-Souvenirs ☺️.

      In der Albergue „A Filla do Mar“ bei „Arcade“, tranken wir einen Kaffee, Orangensaft und aßen Toast mit Tomate. Das war lecker. Dann ging es Richtung „Ponte Medieval de Pontesampaio“ weiter. Dabei handelt es sich um eine alte Steinbrücke. Diese bemerkenswerte Zehn-Bogen-Brücke, die die Gemeinden Pontevedra und Soutomaior verbindet, war der Ort, an dem die letzte Schlacht gegen Napoleons Armee in Galicien ausgetragen wurde. Es geschah während des Unabhängigkeitskrieges, am 7. und 8. Juni 1809, und dann wurde das VI. Korps der Grande Armée unter dem Kommando von Marschall Michel Ney, Herzog von Elchingen, dauerhaft besiegt und damit die französische Besatzung in Galicien beendet. Die Brücke mittelalterlichen Ursprungs gibt der Pfarrei Pontevedra Ponte Sampaio ihren Namen, die sich in der Mündung des Flusses Verdugo in dem Río de Vigo befindet. Der hier ausgetragenen Schlacht gingen der Aufstand in Vigo und die Vertreibung der einfallenden französischen Truppen unter der Führung von General Chalot voraus. (Quelle: https://turismoriasbaixas.com/en/recursopan1?co…)

      Schon auf dem Weg hin zu dieser Brücke, gab es herrlich Ausblicke in die große Bucht. Und wenn man genau am Ufer vor der Brücke steht, erscheint sie schon fast majestätisch. Über ihr fuhren auch noch Autos und das ging immer nur in eine Richtung. So dass sich dann jeweils an der anderen Seite ein paar Autos stauten. Dahinter ging es etwas bergauf durch das Örtchen und dann gleich wieder in einen Wald. Auch in dem Wald gab es Stände mit Verkäufern und bei einem haben wir uns Armbänder gekauft und dort eine Pause gemacht, weil es dort chillig war und der Verkäufer zwei süße Hunde hatte.

      Kurz darauf lichtete sich der Wald und wir kamen an eine Baustelle. Hier wird offenbar eine neue große Straße gebaut und dafür musste viel Wald gerodet und der Boden platt gemacht werden. Dahinter kamen wir in den Ort „Santa Marta“ mit einer kleinen Kapelle und Stempel darin. Die Pilger und Wanderer stauten sich in und vor dem kleinen Gebäude.

      Alsbald gab es erneut zwei Möglichkeiten auf dem Jakobsweg zu gehen und wir entschieden uns für die etwas längere, aber in einen grünen Tal verlaufende Alternative. Die kannte ich auch noch nicht, denn ich bin immer die Strassenvariante gegangen. Durch das Tal und an dem kleinen Bach entlang zu gehen war herrlich und wunderschön. Nach ca. 45 Minuten trafen wir wieder auf den Hauptweg und der Lautstärke der Straße. Wir näherten uns unserem heutigen Ziel „Pontevedra“. Wir kamen an der offiziellen Herberge vorbei, wo ich bereits zweimal genächtigt habe. Dort holten wir uns auch einen Stempel ab. Weiter in die Stadt hinein und es wurde richtig quirlig. Überall wuselten Menschen und Autos herum. Wir kamen an der Kirche „Igrexa da Virxe Peregrina“. Ein (große) Kapelle mit Buntglasfenstern und muschelförmigen Grundriss, die von Pilger:innen auf dem Jakobsweg besucht wird. Auch hier holten wir uns einen Stempel ab. Weiter durch die Altstadt zu unserer Unterkunft „Acolá Rooms“. Wir checkten ein und ruhten uns etwas aus. Dann gingen wir erneut in die Stadt, um uns die Sehenswürdigkeiten anzusehen.

      Zuerst zur Kirche „Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor Real Basílica de Santa María a Maior“, wo wir für 1€ pro Person den Turm besteigen konnten. Die älteren Damen beim Ticketverkauf freuten sich auf uns und waren sehr freundlich in ihrer Art. Oben gab es einen schönen Überblick über „Pontevedra“. Dann kurz um die Ecke, wo wir zu Abend essen wollten. Aber da war noch zu. Dann weiter wieder zurück zur „Muschelkirche“ und auch dort für 1€ nach oben bis unterhalb im Kuppeldach - leider nicht außerhalb darauf. Neben der „Muschelkirche“ war das „Convento e Igrexa de San Francisco“. Auch das sahen wir uns an und was sieht man in diesen Kirchen immer - viel Leid von Jesus und der anderen Heiligen. Das kann einen ganz schön schwermütig machen. Noch eben kurz die „Ruínas de San Domingos“ angeschaut. Nun wurde es aber Zeit und wir gingen zurück, wo wir zu Abend essen wollten. Ein veganes Restaurant. Es hatte geöffnet, aber es war leider alles ausgebucht. Dann eben Plan B. Wir in den Supermarkt, Brot, Oliven, Humus, Tomaten, Gaspazo und Bier gekauft. Im nahegelegenen Park aßen wir zu Abend. Meine Stimmung war mittlerweile nicht mehr so gut, weil wir keinen Platz im veganen Restaurant bekommen haben. Aber trotzdem war es ein schöner Tag gewesen und es werden noch weitere schöne Tage kommen.

      Tagesetappe: 22,5km mit Stadtrundgang 30km
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    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Pontevedra, Pontevedro, PTE, ポンテベドラ, 36001, Понтеведра

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