Vilanova to Rua de Francos

Today I travelled part of the way by sea via the Pilgrims’ boat which is tide dependent. I was in luck as there were two sailings and I managed to switch from the early one at 7 to a mid morning one, by which time the weather was much better. It is the only maritime way of the cross in the world, apparently,– the Ruta do Mar de Arousa e río Ulla. We sailed past muscle farms, the West Towers at Catoira and 17 stone crosses that mark the route taken by the body of St James from Palestine to Padron about 25k from Santiago de Compostela.

There were about 9 of us on board just making it viable, I sat outside with a woman from Tallin, we both got somewhat damp from the spray but it was worth it, quite exhilarating since we were going quite fast. In retrospect I have no recollection of any life jackets and such like.

I arrived in Pontecesures a few kilometres south of Padron around midday, had a snack lunch and set off on the penultimate stage of the Camino. A short walk today, I think about 14k and astonishingly I met just two pilgrims, a mother and daughter from Sweden. They were concerned about a very small kid goat that had absconded from its field. We eventually found a lady hanging out her washing and with the aid of Google translate and me acting out jumping over a fence got the message across. I’m confident that sooner or later hunger would have driven it back home.
My accommodation tonight in Rua de Francos is wonderful. A very traditional building with no need for air conditioning, delightful owners and the promise of a delicious meal.

The extra is the harbour in Vilanosa de Arousa early this morning.