5/21 When 32 km Feels Like 22 km

We left the albergue a little after 6...still dark at that time after all these weeks.  The terrain and walking surface was nice and I stopped for coffee at Ventas de Narón.  I listened to music for a long stretch and the kilometers flew by.

We had agreed that we would try and stay in O Coto, though we were unsure of the particulars like availability, number of beds and cost at the two albergues that were there.

I hadn't really noticed an increase I n the number of pilgrims...those who start in Sarria for a compostela...until today.  Lots more people.  Some people are irritated by them...groups of people in clean clothes and shoes, smelling fresh and walking with ease dotting the Camino and taking lots of pictures of themselves.  But I saw an older couple...holding hands and walking slowly.  I saw what I was sure was a mother and son...she taking the time to go into the town church, he waiting patiently.  So I greeted most of them and wished them Buen Camino.  I want to be happy for anyone who walks all, or part of this lovely walk.

It was about noon when Annie and I reached O Coto and Polly.  Melide...one of the premier places to get pulpo in Galicia, was only 6.3 kilometers away.  We all felt good.  So we decided on Albergue Melide and off we went.

I spotted Albergue Melide and walked into the reception area greeting the woman behind the desk.  I asked if Polly Carpenter had checked in...no.  I called Polly who said she would turn around.  I would need to call Annie too.  But a young man who was fixing a Stihl weedeater and probably wanted a break (I know I hate fixing those things...) came over to tell me there were 2 Albergue Melides.  This one, which was private, and one downtown, that was public.  I called Polly back and told her it made more sense for me to come to her and Annie.  Off I went, and after checking my phone a dozen times, I finally found it.  Only problem...no Polly, no Annie.  I called Polly again and she was at a completely different albergue.  Neither of us knew where Annie was...it was pretty funny.  We decided to leave things as they were and reconnect tomorrow...until...I saw Annie coming from the shower.  She and I were at the same albergue and after a little "navigational coaching" Polly found her way to the same albergue too.

We are headed out for pulpo...octopus.  I will try to post a little video here, but I'll write about it tomorrow.  I am confident...and right now...very brave.