Day 3 - Pontedeume to Betanzos

 There's one word to describe today: brutal.

I woke early, showered and packed my case. Then off to a local café for breakfast. I had convinced myself this would be a relatively easy day, so didn't load up at breakfast. Back to the hotel to collect Opus and my day pack, and we were off.

The climb out of Pontedeume is steep, very steep. But I soon happened upon a fabulous viewpoint, which made it all worthwhile. I wasn't aware, though, that I'd be climbing three big hills today with a total ascent of 517 metres!

Off we set into gorgeous countryside. I messaged my friend Steve who does the breakfast show on Forest FM, and he gave me a shout out which was heartening. I was listening to the show, needing a bit of company, so was unaware that Jevon and Fiona were approaching from behind. We walked together for a while until I needed a comfort break and they continued. 

The route enters a huge eucalyptus forested area, the smell was fantastic. But it was hill after hill and very energy draining.

Finally I came to a rest stop with a little shop selling coffees and food. And Jevon a d Fiona arrived behind me. They'd spotted another coffee shop that I'd missed. Refreshed here, we set off separately.

The road continued toward the estuary, today being the last day of it being present. I came to the Ponte de Porco where I found a slightly bizarre crucifix incorporating a pig.

This was the point where I started to question my sanity. I'd covered a good distance but my destination seemed nowhere near. On and on, climbing ever upward I started running short of water. Finally, at the crest of the last large hill, there was an array of food and drinks with an honesty box. This was where I broke my normal rule of no daytime drinking, and grabbed a can of beer. I rested here with about 10 other pilgrims letting my fet recover a little. 

From here it would be 4 or 5 km to Betanzos, and although it was all downhill the heat was getting to me. There were some wonderful views, and an amazing church with the classical Spanish burial chambers. Eventually I reached my hotel, with a frazzled brain, my first blister, and convinced of my own insanity.

Tomorrow looks set to be equally brutal, buy I'll tell you about in my next post.

Buen Camino.