Lugo to Ferreira
16.2 miles
5/21/2019

There are some interesting subtle and not-so-subtle changes that this section and the succeeding sections of the Primitivo route takes... 

• There is far more hiking being done on paved roads (3 hours this morning alone before we even entered one pine forest).
• The number of pilgrims is increasing but not overwhelming yet. 
• It becomes very easy to spot those who have been traveling the route from the very beginning in Oviedo - they are setting a mean pace now that the conditions are somewhat easier.
• Clothing and shoe selection of those just starting in Lugo are questionable for the distance to be covered.
• Physical preparation is lacking in those starting in Lugo.

Galician guard at the bridge crossing leaving Lugo.

I liked this colorful neighborhood and its rock wall.

Gorgeous stone churches and homes.

Our hotel in Ferreira, the Casa da Ponte, was amazing! The lovely couple, who were the proprietors, lived in London for a while before moving to Spain. They couldn't do enough for us. Upon arrival, I enjoyed a beer and plate of green olives while relaxing in their garden.  (Very common in Spain - would be a great combination at home after mowing the lawn).

Dinner was absolutely delicious - homemade noodle soup, potato tortilla, thinly sliced pork loin (which I could smell up in my room hours before dinner), salad, sourdough bread, wine (at no extra charge), coffee or tea and Camino cake (a wonderful citrus-scented torte with sprinkled powdered sugar.  I ate nearly everything and almost polished off that bottle of wine as well. (The best part of traveling solo is that your plate is at its own table - which means so is your very own bottle of tinto (red wine).

I met a delightful group of Belgians who just started the Camino in Lugo. Three were retired and five were still working. They definitely seem to know how to party so I'm hoping to run into them again soon.