Day 5 - Corvela to Labrujes - 27km

Well there was a snoring competition last night. And mum got thrashed. Stefan from Germany takes the grand prize of snoring master. He could be a mutliple grammy award winner in the nose trumpet!!

Two of the ladies in the room said he inspired them to book private rooms!

At around 7 a brazilian lady decided it was time to pack everything in plastic bags and pack her bag in the dark. So everyone else got up with little option really!

At 8 Fernanda served breakfast which was great, we all sat at the table for eggs fresh from the garden chickens, home made jams, fresh bread rolls and italian moka pot coffee! A great way to get going!

To preserve legs we sent mums bag forward today also moving a few of my bits. It made us both much lighter and so the first half of the day to Ponte de Lima (13km) went quick with one stop at a pattiserie for cake. Best advertising campaign ever. They had signs for about 4km before with pictures of their cakes and little slogans. We were brainwashed into it by the time we arrived!

Ponte de Lima is named after the old roman bridge crossing the river here and is a lovely historic town. We explored the town, stopping for a beer, walking arounf and grabbing some lunch. All in we added about 2 hours and 2.5km to our day. But it was worth it!

As we crossed the bridge and continued on the paths became much more interesting, moving into forested trails surrounded by eucalyptus and pain, the recent rain stirring up the scents. It smells lovely as we at last feel dirt paths rather than cobblestons underfoot. The river ran close with a few small waterfalls and we gained a spring in our step - enjoying the walk again instead of trudging on concrete.

Our albergue appeared at the top of a steep hill (Nik will tell you how good i am at ensuring a long days walk finishes with a monumental climb...), the views were stunning. Its only a small place. One dorm with 4 beds and one with 5. We are in the 5 bed room. With Stefan the German Organist!!

Fortunately there is a private room and we managed to snag that! Its a long day tomorrow with more climbs and hopefully more forest so we need a good sleep!

Early bed, early rise and an earlier start tomorrow. Sweet dreams!