18 October 2023
Lalin to Salleda - 16 kms
We've had a lovely day. The walk out of Lalin was alongside a small stream for several kilometres and before long we were north of A Laxe. This is where the Camino Invierno joins with the Camino Sanabrés which starts east and south of the Invierno.
Many pilgrims who walk the Via de la Plata from Seville finish on the Sanabrés, so with the three camino routes coming together we can expect to see many more pilgrims now. Already, today, we've seen four - it's been at least ten days since we saw others walking.
The heavy rain that had been forecast didn't arrive but we did need to wear our ponchos, or have them draped over our packs for when needed, as quick showers would flick over every so often.
Much of the route today was along tree-lined paths. The highlights were the bridge, Ponte de Taboada, built in 912, and the nearby 12th century Church of Santiago.
Leaving Lalin
The path from Lalin followed a stream for several kilometres.
The route bypassed A Laxe so we were pleasantly surprised to come across this cafe/bar north of A Laxe, and just had to stop - they have been very rare.
Our second breakfast. We didn't really need it but after walking more than 500 kilometres, over 300 of them in Spain, this was the first time we have seen tortilla - our first since walking the Camino Francés in 2019.
We are always amazed at how the camino paths go past people's front doors etc.
This puddle was too deep, and too long, to walk through so we walked along the top of the stone fence. It looks easy enough but it really wasn't!
Looking up at a very high rail bridge...
...and walking under one of its arches.
The 912 bridge, Ponte Taboada, with it's single pointed arch. It was built to replace an earlier Roman bridge across the Rio Deza.
These characters were very wet and bedraggled.
The 12th century Church of Santiago
Camino shells on the door.
First stop was at a pasteleria - most of his goods had already been sold.
The first Tarte de Santiago we have seen.
