Today was our first day out of Ourense. There were two options, the traditional route which is only 20k but we were warned that after rain could be flooded and the rivers could be swollen, or the alternate route which is about 22k. We choose the alternate route which was along the road for a bit and then through a tunnel, which was really kind of cool and then up a very, very, very steep hill for about 2k. We then walked on a beautiful path through oak forests for the remainder of the morning. After about 18k we came to a little pueblo with a bar. COFFEE! From there they told us we had 5k to Cea which is the town we are staying in tonight. Well, the last 5k was easily more exhausting then the first 18k. The entire trail was ether flooded or had water running down it. There were some points where the water was ancle deep and there were no options but to just walk through the water. All of that being said we are in Galicia, and it is lush, green and beautiful.

Tonight we are staying in another Xunta albergue. It is nice. We have 3 Germans, Claus who started in Sevilla and his sister Julia and their Father who both started in Ourense. We also have a bicyclist from the UK.

I can honestly say that the people of Cea are the most unfriendly people that I have met in Spain. It must be their culture but no one smiles, and they really kind of ignore you. Oh, well tomorrow is a new day. We have 35k to A Laxe. It is going to be raining all day so should be fun.

Cheers out!

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Location:Rúa Santo Cristo,San Cristovo de Cea,Spain

Today we decided to take a taxi to Puebla Sanabria and then the train to Ourense. The weather is getting worse. The snow is coming down and we just did not want to nor think it was safe to walk. Orense is the traditional place for the last 100k so at least we can get our Compostelas fair and square.

On the one hand I feel embarrassed for not roughing it out and on the other I feel very happy. The train ride was about 2hrs. As we rode along I could see snow, tons of water and miserable conditions.

Ourense is a beautiful city along the river and comparatively speaking WARM. It is in the low 60’s and it feels fantastic.

This afternoon we toured the town, the Cathedral, went to a laundry mat to wash and dry our clothes and had a great pizza lunch next to the river.

We are staying in our first Xunta albergue which is an albergue that is provided for pilgrims by the region of Galicia. They are very nice with hot showers, beds and wifi. Most have kitchens but nothing in the kitchen to cook with.

We will be in Santiago de Compostela in 4 days and I will be home in 6. I am ready to be home.

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Location:Ourense

Today we woke up to a crisp and overcast day. The albergue last night was a donativo albergue with no heat but plenty of blankets. It is cold at night so I used a blanket to sleep on, my down sleeping bag and two blankets on top. I am not a fan of heavy covers when I sleep, but I am not a fan of freezing as well.

Our plan today was to walk a quick 2k to a bar that our guide said was in the next town. Well, that bar was closed so the next option was to walk another 14k to the next town. There was mention of a little albergue along the way about 8k ahead that allowed pilgrims to come in and make a coffee or a tea. We did not hold much hope but hey, what the heck it was along the way. The walk was actually really nice. We walked Toward a Hermitage and then once past along the banks of the river. At one point we followed the arrows down along the river which reminded me of walking along the American River where we do our training walks. Once we came to a clearing we climbed the hill and walked across a good sized dam and then along the embalse (Spanish for reservoir) Once we cleared the reservoir we walked through a little town that like many in Spain seemed occupied but deserted at the same time. We started to see signs that pointed to the Camino with a hot cup of coffee on them. Well, as you can imagine we were hopeful. Finally, at the end of the little town we came upon this little albergue. The owner/hospitalero was out front and invited us in. Once he realized we were not Spanish he explained that he was from South Africa and that he and his wife and two daughters had moved there 7 years ago. His name is Craig. He told us his whole life story, which was very interesting, all the while we were drinking hot coffee and dipping delicious cookies in it. We really enjoyed our time talking and relaxing.

Finally, we were off to our final destination of the day, Mombuey. With about 10k to go the rain started coming down pretty hard. The path was like a river with a mud bottom. A little sloppy but we finally made it. Tonight we sleep in the local municipal albergue. A stone building with one room and 10 beds. It is raining cats and dogs and supposed to continue for days to come.

The albergue is very near the church so we were able to go to Mass. The church was beautiful.

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Location:Mombuey