Camino: Day 33

Distance: 23 KM (14.2 miles)

Weather: cloudy with periods of light rain, 45-54°

Time on trail: 6 hours 40 minutes including all breaks & stops

Next to a perfect day on the Camino. Only some light rain during a nice autumn day walking through woods full of oak & eucalyptus trees. With the ground covered with so many fallen yellow leaves, it was easy imagining being somewhere in Vermont in October.

As we get closer to Santiago, we almost always see pilgrims either in front or behind us most of the day. It wasn’t until the last 5-6 KM that we had the trail to ourselves. This was because most people stopped before us in Pedrouzo.

With the number of pilgrims currently on the trail, it is hard to envision how crowded the Camino must be during high season.

By 9:00 we were high above Arzua & on our way.

After several rainy days, you could feel the happiness in the air from the pilgrims as well as everyone knowing that Santiago was very close.

With few bars open, it is not uncommon to see friends congregated at the first major bar during the walk, which today was about 2.5 hours into the trail.

Bars also provide the opportunity to introduce yourself properly to people who you see each day. Now I finally have a real name to go with “orange jacket” & “black glasses” who walk together. 😉

The main obstacle today was trying to avoid the mud.

Around noon, we came across this bar/restaurant. I only wanted tea; but, their salad looked too good to miss.

Cute menu too.

When we left the restaurant, it started raining; but, it was a short shower & we enjoyed the remaining afternoon rain free.

Came across this man offering inspirational quotes & smoothing music.

Solitude in the forest on our next to last day to Santiago was a wonderful way to end our hike.

Tomorrow, I expect a crowded trail even though rain is forecasted all day. Some people rise very early to hike in the dark to reach Santiago at sunrise. We don’t plan on participating in this custom. 😂

Count down:

1 Day until Santiago 🤗!!!

5 days until Finisterre