It was a very short walk today in comparison to our previous days, in fact we spent more time in a bar than walking!
We were almost the last peregrinos to leave the albergue with most out the doors at 0630h. O Pedrouzo is typically the start point for the final day into Santiago. However we are stopping half way at Lavacolla.
We had breakfast at the same cafe the morning after we landed in Spain. At the time I said we would be walking past here in a weeks time, and my prophecy was fulfilled!
Once our plates were emptied we began our penultimate day, walking through the misty woodlands that sit between O Pedrouzo and the airport.
We made amazing time, 7 days of walking has clearly increased everyone’s fitness. Just before the halfway point for the day, Chris went to stroke a cat on the side of the road, that decided to make a home on his backpack; it was reluctant to leave, leaving Chris to come to terms that he had just adopted a cat!
A little bit further on we arrived at cafe 15km, the spot marking the ascent up to the airport. It was barely 1000h, so we stopped for a drink and some cake.
The steep climb to the airport ensued. We took our time and steadily we reached the summit. There was a souvenir store that had wax stamps! The Camino provides again! After I thought we wouldn’t get any, the Camino provided us with two.
As we followed the route around the runway, as we reached the end of the tarmac, an aeroplane came into land just as we were underneath it; I had to quickly grab my hat before it blew off!
It was an easy stroll into San Paio arriving at 1230h; Lavacolla is just 2km on and check-in was at 1500h. We stopped at the bar until about 1430h, relaxing, watching the world go by and chatting with fellow pilgrims.
As we left, two peregrinos from Wolverhampton joined us into Lavacolla, where they had booked into accommodation opposite us. Their journey started in Logrono, and their day beginning just before Arzua.
Tomorrow will be 10km ending at Santiago. A good week on the Camino coming to an end. There is a buzz in the air!
Stu's Camino 