Day 10 - 20.1 kms Redondela - Pontevedra - Sept 26

Hola - our day started with TEXAS size croissants - oh my word - they were huge -with a sprinkle of sugar on top - a great way to start our day. However, Dave prefers cinnamon buns because he does not like to pay for air (croissants)! The first 5 kms started with quite an incline and and several more along the way. The forest route was shady and absolutely beautiful, we also had rocky climbs. Who ever said you don't hear a tree fall in the forest, they were wrong, oops, sorry that was Marilyn. Never seen someone so dirty in an instant! Luckily - no injuries, however, she just lathered herself with sunscreen so the dirt just stuck to her! Thankfully, we are with a group of helping hands, nurses, doctors, plumbers, etc. Marilyn was in good hands. We are back in grape country - my favourite. The grapes are so ripe, that when you take one off the vine, the juice runs over your hands, no I did not touch one :)). The grape harvest is in full swing, we saw many people picking grapes, they have not automated that yet, lots of manual labor. We took a scenic detour that wound along a stream - very picturesque and peaceful. We encountered many more pilgrims today as the trails all merge into one towards Santiago. Upon arrival, our priorities were to remove our footwear and find something cold to drink. Dave, though really like chips and managed to scoff down a few bowls - apparently - he loves chips! When you order coffee or a beverage, you also automatically get a snack (included with your beverage)! Who knew that it only took 2 beers to unleash secret stories - so funny! We toured Pontevedra and actually paid to walk more stairs to tour the Catholic church in the centre of town. It is a pretty city and all the locals come to the city square to visit, play and shop - there was quite a lot of people walking around. The temperature today was about 30 degrees C, so we are quite thankful to have gotten in at 1:45 or so. Tomorrow is a longer day and we are nearing the end of our journey - only 3 more days of walking. So very thankful that all is well with everyone and can share this experience with each other. Tomorrow we are heading to Caldas de Reis. Hasty luego, buenas noches.