Gonzar to Melide

Early in the morning, at 7:00 we wend down to the kitchen for the breakfast. She was a bit late so… 7:05. Coffe with Santiago cake for 3.50 Euros. Then we went out of our “castle” into Camino. Through the woods and through the open field surrouded with thick fog. An atmosphere “maid of mist” is set all around us as we leave Gonzar. At first we fail the trail and we have to walk back to the right path.

With that we loose some two hours which will later prove to be crucial for the “prophetic end” of our Camino to be accomplished. A divine plan is managing our way. We have to stop to admire one of the oldest stone crucifix with Holly Mary on it.

Suddenly we encounter huge metal ants. Interesting.

A long walk through the misty middleland. Nice stop at Palace del Rei where nice weather and clear skies welcomed us. Stop for sandwich and coffee – 4.40 Euros.

Entering eucaliptus woods and then meadows with a lot of maquis bushes.

Entering Melide at 15:30 and going directly for the Albergue de Peregrinos as it might be a deficit of available accomodation. Maybe not the best choice yet fair. Staying 10 Euros and 3.5 Euros for washing clothes. Then a walk to a local grocery shop for beer, nibbles and stuff for 5 Euros.

Went for a dinner that costed, togeter with beer Estrella Galicia 18.50 Euros at Cerveceria Chaplin.

Just one night ahead after this to Santiago de Compostela! Dormitory with open windows and without blankets at disposal resulted in cold air and not too much good sleep.

---

Melide to Salceda

Small breakfast: coffee from the machine and a cake for 2 Euros. In the morning again in simimar scenery as yesterday, departed early, at 6:45. Then first coffee an the bar El Aleman-Das Deausche Caffe. Interesting how here all guests are in order and in line. In the other hand, every rationalisation of energy is now most welcomed. A toast and coffee for 5 Euros.

We walked and walked but somehow the steps were so heavy today. Another stop, in Arzua: bocadillo sandwich and another cola and coffee for 4.50 Euros.

Then some fake Korean and American pilgrims “walking” the Camino on – buses.

Another two Colas for 3 Euros.

And then we just had to stop. We found this beautify resort in Salceda for 20 Euros. Good beer 1906 for 3.40 Euros.

Really needed for the last sleep before the last stage to Santiago. This magic day she passed our way… we had an early diner with her and an american lady… they say they wandered very far, very far over land and sea. We spoke of many things, fools and kings… We are twenty eight kilometers from Santiago de Compostela and we concluded that tomorrow would be fine to depart ever later. It will be Tuesday and Botafumeiro (a famous thurible in the Santiago de Compostela de Compostela) is happening only on Friday’s evening holly mass at seven PM. Unfortunatelly, this time we will not make it. Few days ago we booked our flights from Santiago de Campostela to London Stansted for Friday morning. Taf said: „Well, I would really want to make it for the noon holly mass tomorrow. If we depart early, say at six we can make it“. We: “Maybe we can try then five thirty and we will make it. What if we come at twelve fifteen then?“. Taf:„Also fine, if we would be slightly late it’s still ok and, you never now… maybe we’ll have one of those occasional Butafumeiros“. Yeah, of course…what are the chances that some filthy rich, indulgencia seeeking person, cash out just „on our holly mass“. Anyhow we agreed.