Oseira to Laxe - Essence of Bovine

Emerald green landscapes and laneways, moss covered stone walls and mists - and exotic fragrances distilled from the byproducts of Galician animal husbandry. How dramatically pungent on the senses! I smell it - I must be in Galicia. 
They store it in big black plastic bags placed in filtered sunlight to ferment- a truly authentic artisan process that enables the methane-enriched natural organics to waft around defenceless pilgrims, leaving one with a memorable fragrance sensation - you know it when you smell it, no bull#^*%! Well actually it is.
A fonder memory is the dawn-time climb from the monastery this morning.
The post marker read ‘80kms’ to Santiago.
First, there was some clambering to be done.

Last time I climbed this path, it was dark and a Slovenian lady offered me her headlight so I would not be held up by her group. That is one of my most treasured Camino memories - I recalled it fondly in the morning light today. Before long, the path leveled.

Around midday I stopped for a break, sitting by the path when Diego and Mateo passed by. I joined them for a while. We went roadside for some stretches as Diego’s feet were aching- know the feeling!

As the day grew hotter and breezier, the essence of bovine fragrance grew stronger. We stopped by a village church fountain - the water was clear, cold and refreshing 
Opposite the fountain was the local chapel- viewed through this opening in the locked door.

Inside looks like this.

Water and a place of worship- that is practical - combining action and faith - at least in my book. Onya locals, thanks! And their gardens looked good too.

Afternoons in high 20s tire me out - I feel like a blue turtle dreaming of arriving at my destination (get it, Sting enthusiasts?)
And temptation is everywhere. . .
No thanks - I am walking - we all have a cross to bear.
Made it to albergue - this one is typically old school Galician Spartan design with a well appointed kitchen bench top and appliances - BUT ABSOLUTELY NO PLATES, GLASSES or CUTLERY - but it did have one pot and a pan, as well as a couple of paper serviettes. How good is that! 

The supermercado is too far away for a weary peregrino so I decamped to the local bar for dinner.

I am two days from Santiago. Surely I can put up with the essence of bovine for that long. 

I am feeling good - thanks for your encouragement everyone!

[btw AI buffs - be thankful olfactory neurons cannot be transmitted via the internet - yet - 🤪]