Day 5 - Oct 2 - the ascent

Well, pleasantly surprised that today's journey was only 17.5 km (approximately), we got in a noon to Vega de Valcarce (about 1/3 or more of our journey)... We have enough time to do laundry and hang it to dry.  Some of the group walked along the river, one road the bus part way, the rest did the camino duro (along the ridge).  The vertical ascent was a killer, but the ridge trail was along the chestnut groves and was well worth the grinding climb.  We took a detour (unintended) to a bar/coffeeshop following the yellow camino arrows.  We saw huge squash and pumpkins (weighing 30 pounds or more), of course, could not fit it in our backpack, so they stayed in the field.  The detour was worth it as it had great coffee and a clean washroom.  Back on the trail, the views were spectular - there was an obvious forest fire - as all the charred rubble was evident everywhere.  The purples crocus and green ferns regenerating the forest added a nice contract to the charred wood. We are getting brillant and adventurous at taking risks, we took a shortcut!!!!! It was across someone's garden plot, down a steep embankment, through some electric fence  and we finished up along the old highway along the river.  Sandy was prevented from stealing the billygoat as the guard dog was quite fierce looking with a furious bark!  We saw a lot of people picking (rather raking chestnuts) and the forestry is quite beautiful.  We cannot believe the greenery, once we passed the burned area.  It reminds me abit of New Zealand - north island - very lush!

Our experiences - we had another face plant (well almost) in the field (some hidden wire jumped up and tripped one colleague (not me...just saying).  We have been keeping the pharmacy busy with swollen ankles, allergic type rashes, blisters, and other aches and pains.  Thankfully, the pharmacist speaks and understands English.  We went to eat at this restaurant that had a Menu del dia (menu of the day - often for the pilgrims), but no one spoke English.   They had no menus for us to view, but the owner tried to explain what they were serving and our choices, we got by with gestures and our poor knowledge of Spanish and had a terrific meal with all seven of us ordering the same things.  We had a nice fellow from Frankfurt join us (he was alone) and had a lovely meal with local wine.  Rashes are starting to clear, we are getting into our own rythmns and still enjoying each other's company.  We are learning more about each other at every supper meal, never learning more about our colleagues.  Tomorrow will be very challenging as our ascent is very steep and we have been forwarned of the challenges.  We hope the weather stays clear with no rain (as this is in the forecast). Chow for now, Sandy