Today’s destination would be Luarca. A sleepy little Spanish town near to the end of our coastal walk. We had bit a few kilometers left before we crossed over into Galicia and started heading inland to Santiago. I wasn’t looking forward to leaving the ocean. I’ve had one too many good times next to her and I’m not sure I’m prepared to leave. But needs must. I doubt the pilgrims of old would doss about on a beach shouting “ah, come on mum. Jesus can wait, I’m building a sandcastle at the moment” 

Today’s featured pilgrim was the Danish girl from last night called Ella. Another wounded soldier to add to the list. She had hurt her foot, tendonitis or something so I think the thought of walking at 1kph appealed. Jenny’s knee is fine now but I think I’ve rubbed off on her because now, whenever over 20km walks are mentioned we both shiver a bit at the thought of it. 

It was a bit rainy but nothing too bad. I did get to see Ella walking along like inspector gadget with her umbrella poking out from her backpack.

While we were walking Jenny decided to drop her phone and break it. There would be no photos of me for a couple of days because I rely on her for her stealth shots. All would be sorted out though but more on that in a bit (what a hook!!) 

Luarca was okay. It was a pretty place but everywhere seemed to be closed. Fortunately there was a pizza place open so we dived in there and smashed a few pizzas. I treated myself to some ice cream afterwards. I haven’t had ice cream for a while and I spent the next half an hour tingling from the sugar. 

The albergue was cool. A place right in the center of town. We also managed to do some well needed washing. I hadn’t worn pants for 2 days! Oh the pilgrim life.

When we awoke Ella decided she was going to get a bus to the next place. I think she was using her foot as an excuse to get away from us. I wouldn’t blame her. 

Myself and Jenny set off down a small path which took us in a big circle. 10 minutes later we were standing outside the albergue we had just left. A quick look at the map and off we went again for round two. This time we took the right turning and were now on our way to Navia. 

It was a reasonably uneventful day. 

We did see two pilgrims in front of us dancing a jig to some bagpipe music so that was a treat. 

Apart from that there was some cool pics of some random stuff.

We got to the albergue in the evening and were greeted by a really friendly guy. Can’t remember his name but he was really really helpful. We told him about Jenny smashing her phone to pieces and he recommended a place which turned out to be absolutely perfect. Jenny is happy because she can “do it for the gram” again and I’m happy because I’ll occasionally get some photos of me to show you guys. 

Oh, Ella turned up about an hour later and said she had decided to walk in the end. Honestly Ella, just tell us if you hate us. 

We made a pretty awesome dinner and then, after watching an Asian woman eat pistachios on the bed opposite for 10 minutes, hit the sack ready for another 20km tomorrow. 

At this rate I might actually finish this thing!! That’s a scary thought.

We were up and out the next day just after the last pilgrims left. Keeping our reputation as the rubbishest pilgrims to ever have walked the Camino we bumbled off into the distance. Today’s destination was Tapia da casariego and it would be the last evening we would spend by the coast before heading inland towards the St James. 

The walk was a relatively easy and gentle one. Full of the usual stops for cat pat’s and cow pics. 

We had lunch on a bench about half way. Bread, hummus and nuts. Everything a pilgrim needs. 

We realised that the albergue we had reserved was about 5 miles from the Camino so we ended up treating ourselves and booking in to a 1 star hotel. 

To be honest, after sleeping in dorms with a billion people for days and days a little bit of privacy goes a long way! I wouldn’t have to worry about other pilgrims stinking up the place tonight!!! 

We nipped out and bought a cheap dinner ready for some shut eye and recovery from the day.

Saying that, there appears to be a fight club for cats outside so sleep might be difficult. 

Oh well, 1 star. At least we have running water.

BUEN CAMINO