Trekking Redondela to Pontevedra was as extreme as we’ve seen. It wasn’t the distance so much (12.25 miles) as the steep inclines. The elevation specs were clear; this one was going to hurt. Up and down, up and down; we trekked the equivalent of 52 flights of stairs. Let’s just say it was a hard-fought day!
On the up note, it was a perfect day for trekking, overcast and cool enough. I was so grateful for dry stream beds, hop-scotching huge bedrock and smaller stones. So much easier than when a stream is running through it. Been there; done that.
We traversed a lot of hard-packed earth through quiet woodland trails and past some vineyards. The majority of grapes had been harvested. A couple of small towns with quintessential cobbled streets. What’s a day on the Camino without cobbles? But as we turn inward from the coast, towns seem to be fewer and further between.
We didn’t have expansive views, nor much for amenities along the way. As we get closer to Santiago, we’re finding pop up services on the remote segments of the trail. Sometimes a guy selling homemade lunch out of the trunk of his car at the top of the hill. Or an enterprising lady with a fruit and snack stand, simple jewelry, and a Credencial stamp. But this day, we found the ultimate enterprising pop-up!
At the main stand, there was a variety of foods and snacks, including freshly made orange juice — for which they had to pull a few times to start the generator. At another, jewelry, trinkets, and Camino mementos for sale. Behind that, a big tarp with random seating beneath. Plus a few sleeping tents in the back. The Hubs wondered: singles, doubles and family units for rent? Ha! To the side, a few plastic sun-loungers, dripping wet — he called that the spa.
Nearby a van, perhaps living quarters? The proprietress was dressed in heels, and looked as if she’d stepped off a street in Madrid; not the roughing-it type. Oddly, also a section of small children’s outdoor toys. We were grateful for refreshments and a chance to catch a breath, but didn’t stay long.
The best scenery of the day was crossing an ancient bridge; one of two I recall where the foundation looks like a zig-zag. I’d love to know its story. It’s still in use for cars, one way at a time. Rock solid!
Among the interesting sights along The Way this day, we found a white horse who speaks many languages, and more stone granaries, which continue to fascinate us. Surely those distinct features of this region deserve a post of their own.
Climbing, climbing, I am so focused on one foot in front of the other, getting to the top, if there is a top! I have to remind myself to look behind for the view. As in life, eh? We need the vantage point of both past and present for proper perspective.
Today my devotional was on the blessing of the glory of God. I often think in terms of our purpose, created to bring God glory, as Isaiah 43:7 reveals. It’s a marvel that He delights to release His glory over us and allows it to flow through us. What a dark and desolate place this world would be otherwise!
Hold hope. Keep faith. Walk your walk.
~ Sincerely, Sondra
