We didn’t see much of Tui, because we arrived late yesterday and left early this morning for O Porriño about 17 km away. The ground was damp, so we kept our rain ponchos handy just in case the rain started up again. Thankfully, they weren’t needed. The sky was filled with clouds  edged with silver linings, there were large patches of blue, and even a rainbow. It made for a beautiful, cool start to the day. 

With no breakfast available at our albergue, we set off in search of a café, hoping we wouldn’t have to go too far before finding one. We were happy to come across a lovely new café just after 10 AM. It was spotlessly clean and bustling with many fellow pilgrims. Who could possibly pass this place by? From where I sat, the frosted glass allowed only a peek at the boots and shoes entering the cafe – many of them very clean and new, obviously worn by pilgrims who might have started walking today.  Spotless shoes and boots is a rare sight on the Camino!

As we’re in the final 100 kilometer stretch to Santiago, we need to collect two stamps a day in our Credentials (pilgrim passports) to qualify for the Compostela in Santiago. Today we received an unexpected and special stamp. While descending a forested path toward a stone bridge, we spotted a Guardia Civil (police) car and two officers standing nearby. Initially, we feared there might be a problem, perhaps a search for someone. To our surprise, they were there to offer stamps for our Credentials—a wonderful gesture!

O Porriño, an industrial city, is a less appealing stretch of the Camino, but thankfully, an alternative route has been created and it was lovely. We opted for this forested path, with its fragrant eucalyptus trees and birdsong. The industrial sprawl was avoided, and we enjoyed a peaceful and scenic end to the day’s walk – except for an interesting encounter with a gander who raised a big fuss protecting his two geese. 😂

So here we are, cozy in our first bunk beds on this Camino! We have our own little reading lights, plug-ins, and curtains. The toilet isn’t as close as we would like, but we’ll manage.