Rain, sprinkle, a little sun with some promise of no moisture from the sky tomorrow. I wore my rain pants and waterproof bicycling socks; the rain jacket on and off. As in Berkeley when the sun shines the perceived temperature goes up 10 degrees.
I walked along the coast, some on walk and then on a path that would seem ideal to trail runners, but that slows me down to a snail's pace. After about two miles of it, I worked my way the 200 feet or so in elevation to join the bicycle path.
One of the handicaps of being an old woman is that bladder control does not match that of a 30 year old. Several weeks ago I decided that if a man could stop here, so can I. One of my many stops, complicated by rain pants, had me hidden behind a small chapel. When I emerged I saw a pilgrim ahead, the first I have seen in 5 days. I just was catching up when I came to the first open cafe in 10 miles. I stepped in for a salad and thus ended any chance for a short togetherness. (This in Oia where I would recommend spending the night)
At about 15 miles I saw a bus stop and decided enough is enough. I waited about an hour before a car pulled up to offer me a ride that I accepted with pleasure. The driver said that by the most direct route my day was a minimum of 37km. He had no idea how much longer the silly ups and downs of the camino made it. Most people opt to stay where I had eaten and then come on to Baiona the next day.
Baiona is a lovely town. Old city, citadel, replica of Columbus' Santa Maria (Baiona is where he landed on his return from the New World) and a parador par excellance. I am glad that I had the two hour walk exploring it.
This week's special at one of the tapas restaurants is paella Maricopa for 10euro. Usually they will not prepare for fewer than two people. Delicious. When I left at 10:15 there had been 5 other customers. I have been frustrated by all the closed eateries. The open ones are losing money. They say mid June or September is the best time to be here. July and August you will have trouble finding a room or a seat for dinner.
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