May 30/2012 Betanzos to Bruma

 Shrine of Nosa Senora de Camino, Tiobre, Betanzos

Garcia Hermanos Square, Betanos

Here we ate Lunch, Betano

We left Betanzos a little before 0600. We knew we had 28 to 30 k to walk. We also knew that the Alberque at Bruma was located at the highest point on the Camino Ingles. We crossed the river and then started up hill. We went up for about 2k. The road took us up into the forest where we were most of the day. The path with good footing was always off the highway. The scenery was trees and ferns, green fields and flowers. We went in and out of tiny hamlets and saw many homes, all well taken care of. They all have gardens of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers. After climbing out of the city the next 14K were rolling hills not too steep. The last 14 k was uphill and that was very strenuous. In Galacia hills are a way of life. Rolling hills are how they are described when Joan asks. Rolling implies a soft, gentle rise. Unfortunately they are the steepest ups and downs that we have experienced so far. The final rise to Bruma was the challenge of a life time. We were exhausted.  A sign at the top encouraged us to turn off the camino for just 100 meters for refreshments. When Joan asked, a gentleman close to the sign, he said it was more like 1k; and, immediately offered Joan a cold coke. He knew the steepness of the path she had just walked. We met a man, Donato, from Italy walking the Camino. He decided to join us for the rest of the day. Joan chatted away in Spanish and Italian. The chatter stopped as soon as we started climbing.  Finally we reached Bruma a little before 1300. Joan called the Hospitalero: he came immediately and opened the albergue. He gave us the disposable sheets  and a blanket. He had a printed menu in the kitchen that we can order an evening meal from. A town several kilometers from here has a bar that will make the meals and bring them over-such service. When they will arrive is an unknown. This is a beautiful albergue surrounded by grass and farmland with a river running beside it. We showered  and washed our clothes. With a cold beer in hand, Joan chatted with Donato. 

Joan waiting patiently for me to catch up

Passing under a private vineyard

the many natures of "The Way"

A hardly visible path

the killer hill all the way up from the valley below

Looking back at the valley

Finally, the soothing waters near the albergue

Albergue at Bruma - Excellent in all way.

the nap before dinner


A well earned meal at the albergue at Bruma