Day 12 - 29km - Caldas de Rei to Cruces

We knew it was going to be a long day.

We got up early. No breakfast. Get a few km under the belt first. There is a cafe in around 5km so lets aim for that for breakfast.

Over the bridge, tarmac. Keep going. Oh. Its uphill. Now a minor side road. Keep going. Weaving into the woods on a gravel road. Stomach is growling. Keep going.

Finally the cafe. Menu is simple. One side says Menu Especial. It consists of bacon, eggs and sausage with coffee. Someone with a crystal ball knew i was coming. The other side said Menu Basic. Toast, marmalade, orange juice and cafe con leche. That crystal ball saw andrea coming too.

Calories in = Calories out. Back to it.

Uphill. More tarmac. More gravel. More trees. More pilgrims.

7km

9km

11km

13km

Another cafe. Lunch. Gazpacho, torilla and melon for her. Pork loin, egg and chips for him.

15km

17km

19km

Legs are tired. The town of Padron approachs. The usual stopover for pilgrims. But we are hardcore. We will push through.

21km

Time for a beer. And a an ice cold cola.

Rain!

And more rain!

Out with the umbrella. On with the Poncho. Keep walking. Left foot, right foot.

23km.

Shoes are wet, body sweaty. Energy gone.

25km.

The camino winds back and forth over the main road. New friends of the Feline and Canine persuasion.

27km.

Nearly there. Small rest at a church and on a bench with some chocolates.

29km.

We made it. Soaking wet. Cold. Tired.

Hot shower.

And now the sun is out!! What the hell?!

Swimming pool. Sun cream. Pizza.

Sleep.

18km to santiago friends. One more sleep.