A Ponte Ferreira to Melide

El Camino primitivo

Today, we hiked about 20 km to Melide from Ponte Ferreira. We crossed a historic Roman bridge outside Ponte Ferreira, and at this point, I lost track of how many Roman or archeological zones we passed en route to Santiago.

The hike was easy. We walked through rural towns and villages, and a sense of tranquility was around us. We are approaching Melide, where the French Way and El Camino Primitivo cross. The trail will be busy in the coming days with people doing the last 100 km and those doing the French Way. Today is the last day to enjoy a quiet hike.

We arrived in Melide around lunchtime. It was busy; it was market day, and hundreds of pilgrims were walking on the streets. Some would spend the night here, and others were walking through. I have a feeling about how our hike will be tomorrow.

Lugo to A Ponte Ferreira

We spent one day in Lugo and had the opportunity to tour this walled city and learn about its importance during the Roman Empire.

In Lugo, several people have begun their journey to Santiago. We found more people and groups of recent high school graduates on the trail. Unfortunately, this group has been the loudest and listening to music on the trails.

The trails are now flat, with very little change in altitude, as in the Asturias area. Today is Sunday, and several bars and restaurants are closed, making it impossible to find a place to rest and drink coffee. We only found one restaurant, where we had to wait about 45 minutes until they opened the kitchen. While waiting, a group of English hikers told us that two of their friends had been attacked by a loose dog, and they had to call an ambulance to take them to the hospital.

In all the Caminos we have done, this is the first time we have heard of a dog attacking hikers on the trail.

O Cadavo to Lugo

Today, we completed our longest hike, covering 19.2 miles (32 kilometers) from O Cadavo to Lugo on the Camino Primitivo. This section of the Camino de Santiago offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

We still have approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) left to reach Santiago. Along our journey, we’ve had the opportunity to meet fellow hikers with diverse motivations for making this pilgrimage. Some seek spiritual enlightenment; the challenge of physical endurance draws others, while many are simply pursuing adventure. It’s been gratifying to share the path with various people. My daughter has kept a list of the people she’s met and their countries of origin. As a fun fact, she was the first to predict who would fall in love on “El Camino.”

We plan to take a break in the historic city of Lugo tomorrow. Lugo, originally a Roman settlement dating back to the year 25, is known for its well-preserved Roman walls and rich history. It is worth a visit.

Oviedo to Grado

The first stage of El Camino Primitivo is 28 km/17 miles. 

We were very excited to start the journey to Santiago. After we left Oviedo, we entered the forest. Most of the walk was easy. We walked through farms, saw several town washhouses, and crossed ancient bridges, including the bridge Peñaflor over río Nalon, built in the 12th century, where the Spanish and Napoleon’s troops fought during the war. Also, we encountered the remains of a Roman house.

 As we walked through the villages today, the number of abandoned houses struck us, each a silent testament to the passage of time.

 

San Francisco Crosstown Trail

The San Francisco Crosstown Trail stands out as an extraordinary urban exploration that allows visitors and locals alike to discover the hidden beauty of San Francisco. The hike will take you through bustling streets, scenic parks, and neighborhoods, providing an experience of the city’s culture and natural surroundings.

The Crosstown Hike spans approximately 17 miles across San Francisco. Although it can be completed in a single day, it is highly recommended that you take time to fully absorb the sights and sounds along the way.

Overview

Starting Point: Section 1: Candlestick Point, Visitacion Valley, McLaren Park

The trail begins at Candlestick Park State Recreation Area, near the former location of the Giants and 49ers. The path then guides you through the Visitacion Valley Greenway, a series of community parks and gardens serving as both an outdoor learning space and a focal point for the neighborhood. Lastly, you will stroll through McLaren Park, the city’s third-largest park.

Section 2: Glen Park Greenway, Glen Canyon Park, Laguna Honda Trail

Sixty acres of rehabilitated natural environment at Glen Canyon Park and navigate the rejuvenated Laguna Honda Community Trail System.

Section 3: Golden Gate Heights Park, Grandview Park, Tiled Stairways

Take a moment to admire the expansive views of Grandview Park in Golden Gate Heights and the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps.

Section 4: Blue Heron Lake, Rose Garden, Park Presidio Boulevard

Walk through the eastern part of Golden Gate Park. Once you’ve circled Blue Heron Lake, you’ll arrive at the park’s Rose Garden. You’ll be directed to Park Presidio Greenway when you leave the park.

Section 5: Presidio, Sea Cliff, Lands’ End

The last part of the trek guides you to Land’s End, an untamed coastal region providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Walk along picturesque paths that lead to the Sutro Baths. This historic complex was once a lavish public bathing facility.

Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port.

Copyright RJK

Today we arrived at Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port, located in the Pyrenees’ foothills. We spent a few hours walking around this medieval town. We visited the pilgrims’ office, where we got our pilgrim’s credential and shell and good information for our first day walking in the Pyrenees. We saw a lot of pilgrims arriving this afternoon, tomorrow we are going to be one of them.