Castroverde

Before dawn I left the albergue in A Fonsagrada. Most walkers had already departed to try to beat the day's promised heat.

By the time I reached Paradavella over two hours later I was hungry, and Casa Meson was a welcome sight. Other walkers I knew were already there, including Tim and Santiago. The tostados (toasted bread) with mermelada y mantequilla (marmelade and butter) tasted delicious. Te (tea) completed breakfast, all for around $4.

The sign on the left advertised volunteer positions at the "Edible Forest Pilgrim Hostel." I didn't see this hostel up ahead but maybe went past the building without realizing it. Earlier in the day I had walked by the ruins of a medieval way stop, the Hospital de Montouto near Pedrafitelas, with ancient dolmens behind it. I sometimes became lost in thought and walked past sites that sounded interesting in the guidebooks. 

Canary color Correos, a typical Spanish mailbox

The long and winding Road

Which way? The marker pointed to the left.

Leaving stones on markers is a Camino tradition -- a Spanish pilgrim on the first walk told me that it means you will return. It can also signify an unloading of some sort.

My original destination was O Cadavo but after arriving there at 1:30 I decided to continue on to Castroverde. After a hot afternoon of hours walking, I was happy to see the sign for Albergue de Castroverde. A municipal albergue, it was basic, clean, and with spacious bathrooms. After showering and a short nap, I explored the town and stopped by a mercado for snacks.

Hoops in the vines for Dad

A sun shield for Miss Dora

An umbrella fountain in front of Castroverde's parish church, Igrexa parroquial de Santiago de Vilarino -- no water was running that day.

A door knocker in the shape of a hand symbolically wards off evil. The hand typically holds a piece of fruit.

Kenneth and Gaelle invited me to join them for dinner at the albergue. Kenneth cooked a pasta and vegetable medley -- good food and conversation -- gracias for their hospitality and pilgrim spirit!