To Lugo

On a wall outside Castroverde was written:
"The Camino fills our memories with beauty and love"

The church gate in Souto de Torres

It was a surprise to see cactus along the Primitivo -- made me think of San Diego!

A detour near Vilar de Cas led to the abandoned village of Soutomerille with buildings that included Igrexa parroquial de San Salvador de Soutomerille. Originating in the 12th c. as a monastery, the church was rebuilt in 1619. Its Renaissance facade shown below has a cross associated with the Knights Templar. The mostly empty inside contains Visigothic tombs.

A cruceiro in Gondar -- stone crosses, such as this one, 

are found at cross roads or in central plazas.

In Bascuas a rest stop with vending machines provided a welcome break --
soccer anyone?

A herd of sheep began walking closely behind me not far from Lugo. I was concerned they would follow me into the city until their 'shepherd' appeared!

A 'sacred' bee

A tourist map of Lugo showed the old section surrounded by the Roman wall. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this amazing structure from the 3rd c. is over a mile long and the world's largest intact Roman wall.

Lugo's wall has 5 original gates, including Porta de San Pedro -- the Road's entrance into the old city. 5 additional gates were built in later centuries to accommodate development of the area. 

While waiting for the municipal albergue to open, Kenneth, Gaelle, and I refreshed at a bar down the street. I was ahead of my walking schedule and decided to take 2 rest days here rather than the one I'd originally planned. 

Walkers gathered outside ready to check in

An albergue map showed several Camino routes, 

including the Primitivo from Oviedo to Melide (in green).

In the evening I said goodbye to Kenneth, Gaelle, & Tim, who all walked 

onward from Lugo the next morning.