Sunrise in Vigo Spain
We left Vigo early as it was about 4.5 miles to the edge of town and we hoped to avoid some of the commuter traffic. Since we were "off route" at our hotel, and Carmen was no where to be found, we headed out with a map and confidence (?) that we'd find the Camino trail if we keep heading north toward Redondela. Along the way we saw this sign--out runs a coach who immdately signs Jeff for Spain's Olympic Wrestling Team. As he was being fitted for his singlet, they discovered his years of competing in the Police Olymiics had regretfully used up all his eligibility.
Five miles miles later we finally saw a Camino arrow! I fell to the ground and kissed it. Of course it lead us immediately up a mountain. Oh well it was a beautiful mountain and at least we were'nt lost! Here's the view of the North Vigo Harbor from the top.
North Vigo Harbor from the Mountain
It's a really short day today, only 9 miles. It's mostly uphill, but it's only 9 miles! We don't see many pilgrims on the route today, maybe they were smarter and slept in, had breakfast, lingered over coffee... Ha! Hiking's not for sissies! Along the route today we see several centuries-old pilgrim fountains and unique stone houses and churches.
A handsome pilgrim at Fonte de Mina do Conde north of Vigo
Stone Rectory behind what's left of a church south of Redondela
The last mile into Redondela is downhill! We passed this stone rectory that set behind the remains of an old church. This Arch is the only structure remaining of the church as you see below.
As we descend the hill into Redondela Jeff's inner John Travolta started strutting his stuff as he spotted our entertainment option for the evening.
We arrived in town early so we walked around Redondela, enjoying the gardens, local vendors and a group of about 10 octogenarians swapping stories outside the city assessors office. I couldn't capture a photo of them without intruding, but they were sure fun to watch!
We did capture this lady wielding her giant hose. Jeff says this is his dream retirement job. Though these uniforms are pretty tame, most government workers wear neon green...we think it's so they won't get run over by crazy drivers on these tiny 1.5-lane roads.
Gardens like this, many larger, are common in small towns in Spain.
After a delicious lunch of "mixed salad" (a staple in Spain of lettuce, tomatoes, green olives, corn, white onion, and white aspargus topped with tuna and olive oil/vinegar dressing-yummy!) we called our guest house for a ride to it's location a few miles out of town. Oops, half-past noon was too early to bother them. Grouchy! This is the most beautiful place we've stayed so far, but had the worst hosts. Sometimes we are at hotels, sometimes guest houses like this one. Generally the hosts are delightful, we learn a lot about the building and the food is great. Not so much here at Pazo Torres de Agrelo!
Pazo Torres de Agrelo
Lawns at Pazo Torres de Agrelo in Redondela, Spain
Guard House Pazo Torres de Agrelo
The hosts were horrified that the uncivilized Americans asked for a ride back to town at 7 a.m.! Did they not understand that we adjusted our time forward an hour, trying to be polite! They didn't even want to reserve a taxi for us at an hour so barbaric. We sat at the wrong table for dinner too. Who knew they were saving that table untouched for breakfast the next morning?? What? Oh well, an intersting memory! Just to mess with them we hung our socks out on the railing to dry. You can see them if you look closely at the photo of the front of the building.