Day 25. A wrench

Sean and Mynhardt treated us to a nourishing and filling breakfast of granola and yoghurt followed by coffee and croissants with homemade jam and marmalade. They served orange juice as well but it was not freshly squeezed as it is in many of the cafe bars along the way. The goodbyes were long and the good wishes heartfelt.

The walk started with a steep climb through a thick morning fog. Breaking through the fog revealed more wind turbines. This was a shorter day than average, but the ascents were very steep, especially the final killer climb into Fonsagrada.

Half-way or so through the days trek I crossed over from Asturias into Galicia. I also passed by a marker indicating 160 km to Santiago. That would mean less than 100 miles to go to complete the Primitivo.

I was happy to arrive early to take care of some planning for the final days of the pilgrimage when reality derailed my plans. I had planned to arrive in Santiago on June 11, take a train to Madrid on June 12 and head back to Houston on June 13. However, the only train I could get booked on leaves Santiago June 10. A bus would take 10 hours and I will not do that. Flights on RyanAir started at 250 euros. I did not want the hassle of renting a car. The earlier departure meant changing hotel bookings which were already getting difficult. Funny how best laid plans can run amok!

Twenty plus miles tomorrow, with nearly 2900’ of total ascent, so I will keep this short. Goodnight from Galicia!