“No se recuerdan los dias, se recuerdan los momentos”
We set off slightly later this morning (9.15 am) as it was only a 17km walk. A slight detour of 2 additional km took you along a very picturesque forest path and allowed you to skirt the “soulless slog through the industrial estate” as John Brierley, the sage of all Camino routes, describes it. En route through the forest we walked across the Ponte das Febres (Bridge of Fevers). In 1251 Saint Telmo fell ill on his way back from Santiago and died of a fever. There is a cross on the other side of the bridge to commemorate him. I can only assume he’d made quite an impact back in the day. And that’s your history lesson concluded.
The forests along the way contain large amounts of incredibly tall trees with the bark peeling dramatically off them. We’d never seen this before so Carolyn looked into it and it seems they’re eucalyptus trees. Apparently every year they shed their bark in this spectacular fashion, leaving a smooth, shiny yellowy/ orange trunk. The down side of this shedding process is that it becomes a fire hazard due to the dried peeling bark making potential tinder which, if ignited, rapidly carries fire up to the tree’s canopy. Bet you didn’t know that. Camino nature watch.
There isn’t much to O Porriño, I’m afraid. Well, that’s probably unfair. We can’t wander too far exploring as we’re being collected at 3.00 pm. Actually, the driver has just come up to our table in the cafe to ask if we are the Morans who are transferring to Tui – and it’s only 2.25 pm. Looks like we’ll back at the hotel early. Events as they happen. Compelling, no?
We actually got pretty lucky today weather-wise. It had rained heavily through the night, but as we set off this morning it had stopped. There were a couple of wee spits as we walked along, but for most of the day it remained dry. Within 20 minutes of reaching O Porriño, the heavens opened. As we sat in the taxi, it poured down. It’s to rain tomorrow as well, so it looks like the waterproofs will be needed. A new Camino experience for us! ( I realise this isn’t exactly riveting reading, but it was a short walk with little excitement to galvanise the day). Tomorrow will hopefully be filled with intriguing anecdotes. Must stay positive!
Our entry into Galicia this year has been in marked contrast to last September. No sooner had we reached O Cebreiro on the Camino Frances than we were greeted by the sound of Celtic pipes. Our arrival in Tui was met with silence. The Portugués route does not appear to be anywhere near as popular as its better known cousin. Today marks the start of week 2 for us, the final section culminating in Santiago. Again, the pilgrim traffic is a fraction of this stage on the Frances. As far as we’re concerned this is a good thing, as the first few days last year from Sarria onwards were a bit like being in Sauchiehall Street on a Saturday afternoon. We’re enjoying the tranquility!
Looks like a soaking for us tomorrow. Bummero!
FIVE FILMS FEATURING RAIN IN THE TITLE:
(1) Rain _ _ _
(2) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rain
(3) The Rain _ _ _ _ _
(4) A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rain
(5) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rain
If you can fill in all the blanks, you’re older than you look.
It would be nice if tomorrow’s list could be about the sun. Should have thought of that earlier in the walk.
Today’s album track is “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Do you see a theme developing here?
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LawezPeJhN4AWuSB0GtAU?si=SeaPD8WaR7aSRz9qihorNw
