All the rest yesterday paid off. We walked about 25 km (15.5 mi) today, including two steep hills amounting to 388 m (1273 ft) climbs. The descents were more arduous than the rises, but provided us with beautiful vistas. Descending Monte Cornedo we could see Redondela in the distance. (left)
We stopped at the central square in Redondela to put on sunscreen and cool our feet. From there, we proceeded to Arcade, a small town on the Vigo River. The hill up was draining me…all I wanted was a lemonade or an ice cream. Just when I thought it would be possible, the road veered and we climbed some more. I was drenched by the time we peaked the mountain, where we took off our packs to let our shirts dry. As we rested, seven bicigrinos on mountain bikes passed us…I can’t imagine how difficult a climb that was for them.
As we entered Arcade, we spotted this shrine to pilgrims on the wall of someone’s house. People left small items in the grotto.
I am always amazed at how lovely the interior of hotels are compared to the ancient outsides. The same is true for homes; as I peer into open doors or windows, the modern interiors seem incongruous to the exteriors.