Continued from Bruma, where two Caminos converge.

What comes up must come down. Sure, it was a longer stage of 16 miles (25 km), but I was in for an easier walk on this day because it was mostly downhill, as the graph below shows.

I was out bright and early (for me at least) because I stayed in a municipal albergue and pilgrims need to be out by 8 a.m. On my way out of town, I was hoping the Casa Graña was open for a café con leche. I had forgotten to get a stamp in my credential the night before. They were totally closed, but I spotted a cute bunny hopping around their patio. Here’s the video of the Bruma Bunny.

Walking this early has its benefits. The sky was beautiful!

Here’s one of those quirky places along the Inglés. A café with plenty of odd statues and metal sculptures.

 

After that fun diversion and my second breakfast, I passed by vineyards and homes with pyramid-shaped hedges.

I saw some of the people from the albergue there. Everyone stops here because this is the last café before Sigüeiro.

The shells lead you through a beautiful park upon entering Sigüeiro.

I made it to Sigüeiro, but I had to figure out my game plan and find a bathroom. I stopped in this Rodeo bar for a cold beer.

The bartender gave me a generous plate of free tapas. A  bocadilla (sandwich) and slice of stuffed pork. Good thing I’m not a vegetarian!

It was advised to book a room ahead of time in Sigüeiro. Rumor had it that one of the albergues was shut down due to bedbugs. Yikes! So, there were fewer beds available. Quinta Andaina was recommended by the Aussie couple that Nancy and I met on the first day. They were a day ahead of us because they didn’t split a stage, and they kept texting me good tips.

I had seen this brochure at the albergue in Presedo, and thought it looked good for just 13 euros. I just had to coordinate with the owner Fernando to get the key. I called him to let I know I arrived. We met at the pension and he showed me the facilities.

It was an apartment with four bedrooms and a huge kitchen.

There was a washing machine, and he said I could use it for free. Score! The simple pleasure of doing a load of laundry in one of these can make a pilgrim’s day!

This video shows the terrace, kitchen, entry hall, and lots of ceramic knickknacks. It’s like being in grandma’s house!

After doing my laundry and showering, Nancy and I met for drinks with Darin from Ireland, and Lynn and Annette from America. It was still sunny and warm out.

Then we ventured out to find dinner. We saw the Italians we met in Bruma at a Pulperia Mesón As Rías.

They insisted we put the tables together to form one long table. So there were 22 in the group from Italy, plus Nancy, Darin and I. The last supper on the last night of the Camino.

Here’s the video of everyone.

I think that was a marriage proposal at the end.

The Next Morning

Yes, I’m wearing sunglasses. Yes, I had a good time last night. Yes, I was a little hungover. It was a great way to spend the last night on the Camino.

I do recommend staying at Pension Quinta Andaina. To reserve, call Fernando at +34 609 07 54 82.

Up next, Sigüeiro to Santiago.

All of my stages will be added to this page: Camino Inglés 2017.  There are more photos of my Camino Inglés on a Facebook album and Instagram.