Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis 22.2 km

Pontevedra is a beautiful city. When you first arrive, you enter through a sea of sky rises which quickly open up to a large arrondissement. Front and centre we were greeted by the 18th century pilgrim chapel, La Peregrina. We went in, asked to have our pilgrim passports stamped and were on our way.

Having pushed through to Arcade the night prior allowed for a short, 13km, walk. Arriving early, we meandered the streets waiting for our room to be ready. So with tired feet and a little pain in the hips ( i’m impressed I’m still carrying me bag!) we followed the lead of the locals and stopped for a glass of wine. Unfortunately, our host kept putting our check-in time off, and so, that glass of wine quickly turned into a couple.

We got our room and headed straight in for a much needed siesta. I now understand why siestas are so prevalent in this region!

Once the afternoon hangover subsided we headed back out to explore this magical city. I don’t often find myself lost in a city, however this city has so many side streets and arrondissement, I didn’t know which way was up. Each area with its own small church or large chapel. One more breathtaking then the other.

And for the pièce de resistance. The food! In a restaurant below street level. Decorated in pink and green, we had the most fabulous dinner. A mouth watering, jaw dropping meal. The clams… oh the clams !

We woke up to a light rain this morning. Which you would think would be discouraging. However, walking in the rain is almost nicer then walking in the blazing sun. Unfortunately we left a little later than we would have liked to and ended up walking in a sea of pilgrims all wrapped up in their colourful ponchos.

We arrived in Caldas de Reis late this afternoon. We finally, after 10 days, figured out how to do the Camino right…. Taking our time, we stopped at more than one café to rest. Besides the sea of people surrounding us we had a most enjoyable day. 22 kms went fast. We met a few new people, some of which are staying in our hotel.

And, now, we’ve somehow managed to get onto a “Camino friends” what’s app thread. We’re on our way to meet the members of the group for dinner in a bit. Stay tuned to see how it went!

Before dinner however, we’re off to the hot springs. Caldas de Reis is known for its natural thermal healing waters. We didn’t book at the hotel that gives you access to the baths. Although The Roquino is a lovely hotel, I think we dropped the ball by not staying at the Devila, where we could have had access to the baths.

Instead, we headed to the covered bath that the pilgrims have access to. I was so looking forward to putting my feet in the water. But I have to admit, although it felt so good, it also kind of grossed me out when I saw little black particles swimming up from the bottom of the bath and surrounded my feet. That and all the strangers that were soaking their blistered feet. None the less, I’m glad I tried it, I think.

Update : In the end dinner turned out to be a very pleasant surprise! We shared stories and laughed and found ourselves to be more like minded than I would have thought.

I can’t say it enough, I love the Camino surprise.

We, sadly, won’t see John #2, Ann or Kendall again. The brief moment we shared this evening was pretty great.

Buenas noches