13 June - Arcade to Portela – Stage 9 - 22.8km

Left the wonderful hotel of Isape in Arcade at 8.30. Walked through town in the rain to the narrow bridge over the Verdugo River. Probably took the wrong route but walked on the road until a woman stopped and spoke to me, telling me I was on the wrong road. I turned around and walked back about 10 meters and saw where the correct route intersected with my route – then walked through damp forests with streams and ferns – magic.

Saw a sign and went into a wonderful strange bar. Had coffee and bought fruit. Canadian ladies were there, and as I was leaving the family from Assisi arrived. I ambled on.
The weather became warm at odd times. I put on and took off the poncho, repeatedly. I reached the city of Pontevedra, and looked at the church and fountain. I stopped in the old part and order a Caesar salad and a glass of wine. The salad was full of walnuts, sunflowers and pumpkin seeds. Expect the headache but it has not come yet.

Ambled on. Forgot time. Only one couple passed me the whole day. Reached Portela. Had a beer at a cafe then went on to hostel – only 4 people! Bunks are high. Can sit up. No food but a staff member drove to the nearest bar and came back with a roll and a beer – not what I ordered but fine. The albergue not up to the normal standard but it is not as officious as other albergues. Bridge over the Lerez River is lovely.

Wonderful day!

Fruit and veg delivered. Note peppers, strawberries and cherries.

Wet crossing

Strange looking tree

Lovely unusual bar, found on a wet mountain

Mama in the bar

Fountain at Pontevedra

Church

Caesar salad

Moving from one side of the city to the other

Lovely

Mmmm