Melide, Galicia, Spain and Canary Islands
Distance by the guide book - 15.1km
Total distance for the day - 20km
Flights climbed - 6
We had a relatively short walk today so we didn’t feel any pressure to get moving this morning. We only walked about 4km before we stopped for our first break. We’re finding that as we get closer and closer to Santiago that the frequency of the bars and cafes is increasing and there are far more opportunities to stop. I suppose this is logical since there are so many more people walking. We were reminded that even though we’re nearly finished we still need to be vigilant and step carefully, especially after rain on the slippery rocks, when we came upon a Asian man on the ground. He’d slipped and twisted his ankle. He hobbled in to the nearest village which luckily wasn’t too far away and had to get a taxi the rest of the way.
We had our second break after another 5 kms and we arrived in Melide just after 11:30am. It was a nice walk, very up and down, some country lanes, some forest areas, farm yards and some tracks by the highway. Melide is much bigger than we were expecting. It was a bit early to check in to our pension so after dropping off our backpacks we went looking for pulpo (octopus).
For some reason Melide has a reputation for making great pulpo. Strange, since it’s not anywhere near the sea! Anyway a consultation with Trip Adviser elicited the name of the most popular provider in town and we headed there, along with many other people! They didn’t let us down. It was delicious.
Cooked perfectly, tender and succulent. It’s done simply with a bit of olive oil, salt and a dash of paprika. There were bowls and bowls of octopus coming out of that kitchen. Their reputation is well deserved. We finished off our yummy lunch with a visit to the local pasteleria for coffee and cake.
My nails are badly in need of a gel refill and I thought I might be able to get them done today while we had time in Melide to fill in. No such luck! We tried ringing one shop. They were full for the day. I stopped a lady in the street and asked where she had her nails done. It was too complicated for her to explain to me in English so she walked us a few blocks over to her nail place but again, no appointments available. We visited at least four nail places in all and all of them were ‘completo’. Apparently having your nails done is also a popular pastime here. I’ll just have to live with my long scraggy nails for a bit longer.
Once again we managed to avoid walking in the rain. However we just went out to forage for food and got caught in the 6pm downpour.
Not too wet and now tucked up warm and dry in our room. It seems to be the pattern for this part of Spain at the moment. About 10 to 12° to start off the morning along with fog, by about 11 o’ clock the fog has burnt off and the temperature has risen to 20 to 23°. We have a lovely sunny afternoon but by late afternoon black clouds are gathering and the rain starts falling between 5 and 6. We don’t mind this pattern especially as we‘ve only had to get our ponchos out twice on this trip. Three days to go, let’s hope the pattern continues.
QUEENSLANDER! For those of you who have no idea what that means, Queensland won the first State of Origin Rugby League game against New South Wales today. Go the Maroons! Even in Spain this news doesn’t escape us!
Yvonne Noble
2023-05-31
I have been following your blog for some time and I am awestruck by the stamina and determination that you two have demonstrated on your journey.I would also like to commend Leanne for her dedication to keeping us so well informed on a daily basis. Kudos to both of you! I hope a huge celebration 🍾 is on the agenda for June 2nd! Now I must go and meltdown the medal I got for completing a 1/2 marathon walk!lol
Laurel
2023-05-31
I can’t believe only 3 days to go. In a way, it will be sad to end, but I am sure you will feel exhilarated as well. Go girls!
Claire
2023-05-31
Greetings to you two from Alice Springs! Heading off to King’s Canyon today. It’s amazing and must be so exciting to be only 3 days away from Santiago, after all those weeks of walking. Such a challenge and what an amazing time of varied experiences you’ve had! On onwards to the finishing line! No slipping on wet rocks allowed. 😎
Jenny
2023-05-31
Interesting to hear about the result of the State of Origin from the other side of the world …hehe Will there be a little bit of sadness in a few days time once you’ve completed this mammoth journey do you think? Have loved being on it with you from my lounge chair and will miss your blog each morning, Leanne. Stay well for the final legs!
Margot
2023-05-31
Are you feeling sad or excited about finishing? I’m guessing a bit of both.
Karry
2023-05-31
Wow so many people on the trail now!
Marl
2023-05-31
Lots of people now. Glad the octopus lived up to its reputation! Queenslander!
Chris
2023-05-31
Which hotel are u staying at in Santiago Lan? And for how many days? Asking for a friend. Xx
Ann- Maree
2023-05-31
Noooo! Please just keep walking! I can’t give up my daily read. I’m addicted. However it will be lovely to catch up with you in person soon.
Beth
2023-05-31
Just loving waking up to read what you've written and experienced every day, Leanne. Looking forward to enjoying Pulpo myself, one of these days. Yes, the State of Origin game was great last night! Love Beth x
Lisa K
2023-06-01
Not long to go now girls! You’ll be both excited when it’s over but no doubt rather sad too. Octopus dish sounds amazing!
Suzanne
2023-06-01
There certainly more people on the road, hopefully the Asian man did not hurt his ankle too badly. The octopus sounds delicious. Santiago here you come!
Jodie
2023-06-01
Not long to go. Amazing you came to know of Qld win there. Was a really good game. I think they will wrap it in at the next game at Suncorp Stadium.Enjoy
Helen D
2023-06-01
Enjoy the final days. What a pity it has become so crowded.
Helen L
2023-06-01
That's amazing that lots of people decided to get their nails done the same day you decided too. A treat for you plus lots more pampering coming up soon for you Leanne.
Liz Davis
2023-06-03
I believe that the football was a great game too and the right team won as well. What a lovely day you had although that photo of the path looks as crowded as South Bank on Sunday morning.