STAGE 32 - ARZúA to O PEDROUZO

We hope that you had a wonderful Easter Sunday.

After two days of rainy weather the heavens finally smiled on us and we had slight cloudiness and some sunshine. This shift in weather made the walk easier and, also, it was only 12 miles (he, he, he). Here are some things that we did and saw...

It turns out that Arzúa is famous for its cheeses. Yesterday we went to a late lunch at a restaurant named Pecar (which means "to sin"). The food was amazing. As an appetizer we ordered a selection of cheeses from the region. Oh my! They were amazing. In honor of his cheese-making heritage the main plaza has this statue of children wrangling cattle. 

The journey began well, walking through amazing forests...

and wide-open fields...

Along the way we cross this bridge that is covered with decals from all over the world.

At one point I looked down and there it was an "In-N-Out" burger decal. Who would have thought?

The trees from the center going to our right are eucalyptus trees.

There are huge stands of trees that have been part of reforestation projects. Here is an example.

And more reforestations in the distance...

Passing along the Camino it is not infrequent that we come across small altars where people have left "memorial" cards or stones. This one is particularly interesting. Located along a portion of the Camino that is flanked on one side by a 15 foot rock face, people have found a niche where they have placed their offerings. Chiseled into the rock are crosses, perhaps signs of the pilgrims' faith or hopefulness. 

The next picture deserves an explanation. In Spain you go to a "bar" to buy a sandwich, snack or something to drink (and not just beer). Every place has its "catchy" name. When we came to this one Jannette said, "Hey, that one is named for you!" So, I walked over and covered the "O" with my hand. Now it is to be known as "Bar-Lin." Disclaimer: Estrella Galicia is a beer brand, but I do not endorse it!

Sometimes the local people do funny things to reflect the spirit of the Camino. Here, this person has collected discarded hiking shoes and turned them into planters...

An interesting cultural note: In Galicia you will find many of the farms have built walls around their property made from large, thin flag stones. They haul them to their spot and set them upright. Some of these stones must weigh 200-300 pounds. 

Now, a flower moment...

The three flowers above are variations of the Common Camellia. You see them all over Galicia. Most of them stand anywhere from 4 to 6 feet tall and bloom profusely. Sadly, the rains have caused most of them along the Camino to lose their petals.

This is a Rhododendron that was about 15 feet tall and covered in flowers.

Corn Marigold

Spiked Speedwell

Tomorrow we walk into Santiago de Compostela!