To Mondonedo

September 30

To Mondonedo 30km

We hadn't planned on stopping in Ribadeo and therefore we're a day behind our schedule. Hence a bus day to catch up. We met other peregrinos doing the same, but going to different towns.  Two older men from Bulgaria were connecting to the Camino French Way and two young Italian men were stopping the town prior to us to connect up with some young girls they met. We found our accommodations and then headed into town to explore. We visited a special historical exhibit about the Northern Way, and visited the church and cathedral. The medieval town sits in a valley and with the sun shining made the experience very beautiful.

Special note....the Camino Nothern Way is now leaving the coastal route, making its way inland. So sad, as we know we are getting closer to our final destination, Santiago de Compostela...160km to go.

The last stages going through the Galicia region.

Hello Mike can you hear me?

To Abadin

October 1

To Abadin 18km 

I was a bit apprehensive about today's trek because of the elevation gain of 550m. As it turned out it wasn't as bad as expected as the ascent was spread out over 15km. It was still tough for me but Julie is like a gisele. She was making the uphill grinds look so easy. Today's trek went through mountain villages and pine forests. The sun was shining but the air was cool in the higher altitude making it a pleasant trek. The scenery was very beautiful with the rich green valleys always in view. There was one historical sight along the way. It was an old water reservoir and the remains of an irrigation system. Not much to see in Abadin, but it was a welcomed rest stop. 

Lots of mushrooms along the Camino

Hey Julie wait for me!

Above ground cellar.

Old water reservoir.

Julie makes cat friends everywhere she goes.

To Tapa de Casariego

September 28

To Tapia de Casariego 18km

This morning I was unsure about the route and distance we would trek. There were two key choices - (1) go a flatter route and limited accommodations, or (2) go a mountain route with better accommodations to choose from. When in doubt procrastination is a decision. We met a group of day trippers who where headed to Tapia to finish their trek. The town looked interesting and therefore we headed in the same direction. Tomorrow we'll get back on the Camino. Tapia is small town with a beautiful harbour, but not many tourists . The town is on the ocean and the winds were strong. This would be a great place during hot summer days.

Beans drying with a few onlookers.

Tapia Harbour

To Ribadeo

September 29

To Ribadeo 18km

I was worried about this stage of the Camino because of the long treks and because smaller town accommodations would mean staying in albergues, which we were trying to avoid. Today's arrival in Ribadeo was not our planned destination. After leaving Tapia we found the coastal route so picturesque, we decided to follow. It was spectacular and we stopped at a cafe overlooking the ocean. I could imagine this area busy during the summer months, it is so beautiful! Now there are fewer hotels and restaurants open, but still relatively easy to find accommodations in bigger towns. Ribadeo was a bit disappointing and not much to see or do in the harbour, which supports the logging industry. To be fair to the town, we were tired and the wind was cold. Maybe on a warmer day we would have spent more time exploring the town.

Across from Ribadeo is Castropol.

To Navia

September 27

To Navia 20km

It was a very pleasant walk today with the Camino going through primarily dairy farm areas but the typical problem along the Northern Way is that there are few rest stops. Today there was only one cafe/bar in five hours. It was sure a let-down when we arrived into Navia. It's terrain is similar to Luarca, with a harbour. Whereas Luarca is tourist based, Navia's harbour has more industry, hence there are fewer bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from. It being Sunday almost all stores are closed, hence not much to do.  I don't get this Sunday closure. Even the tourist office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, which makes no sense as more people come on the weekend.

To Luarca

September 26

To Luarca 18km

We slept in today because breakfast was not served until 8:30. Yesterday and today we were encouraged to visit the lookout to Cadavedo Beach. So in the morning, without backpacks, we took the 1km trek. I'm glad we did. It was an amazing sight, a rugged coast with sandy beaches. When we returned we got our backpacks and started the trek at 10am. The latest start to date. Today's Camino followed the coastline and the ocean was always in sight. We passed through a few small villages and today was exceptional for Julie. There were more homes to date with cats in the yard. One home had 15 cats/kittens. The owner brought out food so we could take a photo of all his cats. As we entered the town of Luarca we were worried at first because we could not see any hotel signs. But what a surprise when we turned the corner. Below in the harbour was a spectacular sight of fishing boats, hotels, bars, restaurants and apartments. We had found paradise!

First cat encounter today. Below is their play area

Cadavedo lookout

Mud every where!

This dog was looking for attention, just like the cat was getting.

Shaun the sheep

Strange ears.

Luarca harbour