8 /5 Sunday Grandas de Salime to Castro 5km
After a couple of hard days it was either 5km or a hard 25km today. Heike and I both agreed an easy day was wise given 2 more tough mountain days ahead.

As often, I was the last to leave around 9am after a long sleep disturbed by a group of 3 arriving in the dormitory towards midnight, flashing their torches and generally banging around when everyone was already asleep.

Out into the overcast village I found a cafe for coffee and chocolate croissant and then strolled away. Interestingly, the only pilgrims I saw on the Camino to Castro were walking in the opposite direction! Perhaps they had left something behind or perhaps they were rare pilgrims returning the way they came.

The Albergue in Castro proved to be a haven for a rest day. Maria the host was super friendly and accommodating. I took the opportunity to get a load of washing in the machine which was soon drying in the sun.

I did some slonking in the sun, had a light lunch if tortilla and cheesecake and the slonked some more before Heike and I did some route planning for the next couple of tough, 20+ km days which, due to locations of albergues, virtually planned themselves.

The hot, mid-afternoon I spent inside uploading a route video and listening to Leeds having a grim game at Arsenal!

Washing needs to come in now and I need to shave etc.

Tomorrow the Way takes me into Galacia after 660km (412 miles) of
daily walking17+ km (10.5 miles).
Santiago is now 175km away!