March 7 2023 Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

Today  was the longest walk of the tour at 22 kms  So we were up early and down to breakfast at 7:30 am.  Not only was it the longest day but there was also the downtown area of Pontevedra and the Pontevedra cathedral to visit.  The Pontevedra cathedral may not be the largest but it is very beautiful with a lot of very detailed alters and stations. Beside the cathedral is the monastery with its own cathedral which is just a beautiful.  

After we had toured the downtown we headed down the trail. There was a lot of rain showers in the area and as soon as we stopped and put on rain coats it would stop raining and as soon as we took the rain coats off it would start again.  It was too humid to just leave the rain coats on as a person was sweating almost right away.  Then the clouds would part and tease us with a few rays of sun before another shower would send us back to putting on rain coats.  

The highlight of the day however occurred as we came up to this little stone chapel beside the trail. When we entered it appeared to be empty but a monk dressed in white popped up from behind the alter and came over and greeted us.  He was just the friendliest character and we had a great chat with him. he had been there just one month and was still learning his role. He informed us the the chapel had been first constructed in 1000 ad and rebuilt to its present form in 1600.  Brother Carlos then offered the pilgrims prayer to Ken, Judy and I.  It was very nice  and some how I really did feel blessed.

At about the 16 mks mark my left foot was starting to feel a hot spot so we stopped and on Ken's advise I changed my socks.  I was surprised at how wet may socks were from perspiration.  It was a great move as my feet felt better almost instantly.

The hotel is right across from the supper market so Ken and I ducked in there and grabbed some stuff for our evening meal or picnic as we have been calling it.

Tomorrow is the second longest day of the tour at 18 kms however the forecast has gone from scattered showers to heavy rain all day.  We are headed up to Padron. The hotel is about 1.5 kms out of the town so it looks like we eat out tomorrow evening.   

Terry