Off to spain

 Day 0 has suddenly arrived. I woke early, as we all do on travel days. My usual breakfast of cereal with a banana and a good strong black coffee. Then check the house, check it again, and put everything into the car. One final house check, and we're off. Opus navigated with the aid of Mrs Google, and we made good time. There was biblical rain all the way from the Basingstoke area to Gatwick, but I'd left plenty of time and took it steady. 

Arrived at Gatwich South parking, where I had a valet parking service booked. Very efficient and I was on my way to the terminal in a few minutes. I like to be early, there's nothing worse than rushing in the airport. So grabbed a Pret smoked salmon baguette and settled down to read the paper. I checked my car remotely, and spotted that the valet driver had nearly hit 70mph on the way to the car park! I have the evidence if he gets a ticket 😀

Some sort of delay meant we left the gate about 35 minutes late. Hey-ho, these things happen but it's my first flight since the great plague of 2020. We finally got into the air an hour late, but arrived 15 minutes late. A good tail wind?

Rapidly through immigration in A Coruña, and my case was first on the luggage belt. Manuel met me and taxied me the 40km to Ferrol. A nice city centre hotel, the Alda el Suizo is old but clean and welcoming. 

I put on a light top in exchange for my fleece needed in England, and wandered down to the port. Found the pilgrim office where I will collect my credencial in the morning. I then discovered that Monday is maybe not the best day to eat out - nearly every place is closed. But I've found a café and am currently drinking a large Estrella Galicia and munching tortilla. Of course, privation is a part of pilgrim life, so maybe it's a good sign that I'm having to "make do" on my first evening. 

Tomorrow, the hard bit begins. I'll keep you updated tomorrow afternoon.