Day 15 - Santa Marina to Buxantes - 24.4km

Setting out at 8 this mor ing we had a short 17km day ahead of us to a pension in the town of O Logoso. It was a damp start so the super combination of sandals and a poncho were being rocked. Only on Camino!!

The route today has a decent amount of ascent and started out with standard tarmac! We made a good pace, coming off the tarmac for a very steep incline to a fantastic viewpoint. Well it would be if we could see more than 50 metres through the rain and clouds! At least the path was gravel and dirt for a change.

We passed a number of graveyards - though they are more concrete boxes stacked on top of each other. We have seen quite a few and had a good conversation about life, death, wills, cremation and burial.

Then it got better. The sun started to come out and we walked a path along the side of a big hill with fantastic views down the valley, before dropping down to a little stream. There were wind turbines all over here - rows of them covering every ridge line.

Foot doctor garys job has changed from tending to blisters on little toes to patching them up on heels now. Seems new shoes - new rubbing spots. But we have caught it early and hopefully they wont get as painful.

In record time we arrived at the accomodation after just under 17km and just before 1pm! Its a lovely pension, but it will be a long time to sit around.

So we decided we would keep walking, get a taxi back here, then a return taxi in the morning. This will entertain us this afternoon, but also make tomorrows 32+ km day a bit more manageable.

First - food. The little cafe bar was doing pizza for 11euro so we shared a "spicy". I have never had a pizza with so much meat topping. Heaven!! As we were eating Yoga Retreat Lisa came in! She joined us for lunch and we all set out together.

Lisa and i have had a multi day debate on how far she will have to walk tomorrow. Eventually finding out we are both Gemini and "Mum" stepping in to say we might both be right!

We entered Vakner Territory - The Vákner is a legendary, wolf-like beast and medieval monster said to have terrorized pilgrims on the Way of St. James near Finisterre.

The sun was now shining and the path was much prettier, making for a lovely walk. After 4km we came to the vakner statue. It was not that intimidating!!

Lisa left as her path to her accomodation went away north, whilst we continued west for another few km until reaching a little chapel. Mum wrote in the guest book whilst we waited for our taxi - 7.5km shorter day for tomorrow will be much appreciated!

The taxi arrived quickly and we got back to the pension. A sign pointed to a waterfall and pool 500 metres away - and i fancied a swim, so we wandered down there. It was bracing!! But still a beautiful spot to enjoy a wild swim.

Back for a hot shower, and tonights menu del dia of spaghetti, hake or chicken witb potatoes followed by a flan! Lovely and for 2 people including a bottle of wine it was 26euro! Much better value!!

Time for a sleep as tomorrow is the last day walking and its still a long one!!