Camino Invierno - Day 16

20 October 2023

Ponte Ulla to Gandara - 11 kms

We were uncertain what weather we would have today as different weather apps gave different forecasts. Rain threatened, and it was quite cool, but by afternoon the sun broke through. 

As we weren't walking far we had a slow start to the day, going for a hot drink at the nearby bar before leaving Ponte Ulla. 

Just as we had a long steep descent down into Ponte Ulla, we had a long ascent to start with. Most of the walk was through forest areas. 

After a couple of hours we left the camino path to find a bar to have another hot drink but mainly to get the first  of the two required stamps in our credentials for today - we got the second one at our albergue. We found quite a good track from the bar directly to the albergue where we're staying tonight. 

Albergue Reina Lupa is a very small albergue, quite new. It's one of the best, if not the best, that we have stayed in and the host family is lovely. They have a bar/restaurant next door. 

Tomorrow, after walking around 550 kilometres, we have just 10 kilometres to walk into Santiago. It's hard to believe. 

There is something so special about walking on every day, day after day. Each day is different and brings something new. Each day has been a gift. 

Leaving Ponte Ulla this morning. It was quite cool and rain was threatening. 

Most of today's walk was through forests. 

Fuente Santiago, a 17th century water font for pilgrims. 

Ermita Santiago,  also 17th century. 

A modern pilgrim. 

We went off the camino route in search of a bar or café where we could have something hot to drink and get a stamp in our credential. 

Several men were in the restaurant/bar we stopped at - these two in the background were playing cards.

We didn't rejoin the camino path but found our own way to our albergue walking a lovely quiet track. 

Nearing our stop for the day.

Being shown to the albergue Reina Lupa. Such a great albergue. 

When we finished our late lunch Carmen, the albergue and bar owner, gave us these biscuits, caprichos de Santiago, to have with our hot chocolate drinks. They are like crispy almond meringues.