A totally chilled out day ambling long. It should have been a 22km day but ended up a 30km.
The latest start for this Camino. Matthew, Luis and I agreed to meet at the restaurant in A Laxe for breakfast at 8am.
The plan was to get to Donelas, a short 22km away. The private albergue looked rustic and interesting, and since I’m now running ahead of schedule, this would make for easy going into Santiago.
After breakfast we said buen Camino to luis, and Matthew and I hit the road. It was mostly off road, typical Galician trails. The eucalyptus and pine tree forests a familiar scenery with the scents that reminds me of pilgrimage.
At midday we arrived at Bandeira, perfect time for lunch. After a leisurely meal we continued on for the last 5km at no rush.
When we arrived at Donelas, we found it had been pre booked. I always have a plan B, the next albergue was at Ponte Ulla. I asked the hospitalera to reserve beds for us.
As we were leaving Patrick from the Nederlands arrived to find the same disappointment.
Leaving Patrick to have a drink we continued on. The 7km passed quickly. The rolling Galician hills our backdrop under the clear skies. The route drops to the Rio Ulla, and over a large stone bridge into the small village.
Checked in and chores done we had a few drinks at the bar and food. Patrick joined us for a few.
I am now 21km away from Santiago. A full day ahead of schedule now. It seems silly to split this, so I’ll be arriving into Santiago tomorrow.
Stu's Camino 