May 25, 2015 Day 30 - Portomarin --> Palas de Rei - 24.8 K
A blanket of fog was beginning to lift as we descended the hill to cross the river and began our walk at approximately 7:30 am. It was hard not to notice that there were a lot more pilgrims on the road - many of whom just started the walk to Santiago. There was a sort of festive feel of excitement in the air from those just starting, and s sort of sad celebration of the end by those of us who have preserved through hardship and physical pain to reach this point. New friends sad at the realization that we will not be seeing each other every day - or maybe ever again. A mixture of emotions.
The first half of the day was a long slow steady incline. Mostly along dirt paths and occasionally through forested areas. The remainder of the day was mostly along small roads.
At lunch we stopped at a little bar/restaurant that had these iron sculptures of big ants outside. Not sure what that was about, but the mixed salad, cafe con leche and ice cream were delicious.
We also saw more people we knew today. Shortly after we started the walk, Simon and Millie caught up and we walked together for a while. Throughout the day, we ran into them again and again. Saw other familiar faces, including a Brazilian group that we have seen since almost the start of the walk.
We reached Palas De Rei at about 2:00 pm, and had time to rest before walking into town for dinner. There, we ran into Chris #2 and Marianne having a sandwhich, and they told us they had seen Suzanne and John earlier. We proceeded up the street and found a wonderful little restaurant that was actually serving at 6:30 pm. Happily sat down and ordered the pilgrim's menu of Galician soup, spaghetti bolognese and ice cream. About midway through the first course, we spotted John & Suzanne walking by outside, and I ran out to see how Suzanne's foot was holding up. They came in and joined us for dinner, and we had another delightful time together. Suzanne is going to try and walk today - but will play it by ear and take a taxi if necessary.
Tomorrow's walk is the last "long" walk - another 25 K or so. We are booked into a hiker hostel in a small town for tonight that looks to be interesting. John, Suzanne, Simon and Millie are all booked there pas well.
Buen Camino!
Kim
