Arzua to Rua

Again today, we walked through miles of wooded landscape.  Very shady and very nice.  There was quite a bit of up and down but for shorter periods of time.  This morning was even more crowded because the town I stayed in was where the Northern Route comes into the Camino Francais.  The Northern route is not nearly as popular as "The Way" so at least it didn't double.  There aren't newbies hiking the Northern Route because it is the most difficult of the Spanish Caminos.  I walked that one two years ago and loved it.

This fella was carving large staffs to sell to the pilgrims.  There is only today and tomorrow before Santiago and you would have a problem getting one home at least if you had to fly. But they were beautifully carved

A memorial.

Another memorial and this one specifically says "Peregrino" so it must have been someone who died enroute.

Look at these little posers!  I love dogs too but my alpha girl (cat) would not be happy if I got a dog. And considering that we are just her slaves...

A beautiful fountain and rest area...no toilets.  They are all in the bars.

I love Camino surprises.  I rounded the corner and this sign was playing beautiful classical music.  I couldn't identify the piece but I stood for a bit to enjoy the music.

Somewhere just past these beautiful blooms, I managed to whack my hand with a stinging nettle.  So it is red and feels like it is on fire.  AND I have two more spider bites. I have had more spider bites on my upper torso and neck.  I think they are tiny little spiders that land on my hat and crawl down.  They itch like crazy. Usually spiders bit you two or three times and that has been the case here.  I get spider bites at home too.

The great forest!  I saw many people darting into the trees for a little conversation with nature.   Speaking of bathrooms...one of the things that drives me crazy about Spain yet makes me laugh is that all of the bathroom lights are on timers. So you better pay attention to where the automatic switch is or you will be seated in the dark.  And they are good for about ten to fifteen seconds...barely enough time to get situated.  And just to make matters worse, the Spanish put the toilet paper in the most impossible places...like down almost on the ground and behind the toilet.  You  have to be a contortionist to reach it and finding it in the dark is mission impossible.

I a m staying at one of my favorite places.  I have stayed here before and I was hoping when I saw the photo of the hotel that it was that marvelous resort.  Last time I had the attic room but this time, I am staying in the just built wing...you can smell the new.  And I can have dinner whenever I want!  YES!   Another of my annoyances with Spain is that you cannot find food between about 4:00 and 8:00.  They close all of the kitchens and I am always hungry for dinner earlier than 8:00 after hiking all day.  But in Spain...do as the Spanish do and as an American, I try to always be gracious and smile.