Santiago to A Pena - Travel to ‘the end of the land’ begins

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Goodbye Santiago! The cathedral spires in early morning. Today I continue walking-  to ‘the end of the land’ - Finis-Terre (Finisterre or Fisterra). 
I left around 7am and walked across to the cathedral 
Hardly anyone around 
Within minutes, I was down the hill, out of the city and figuring how far . . . 
Familiar paths reappeared.

It was almost 10 kms to breakfast - a humble combo of  coffee and croissant. 

Oh the joy of being back on the way. An hour or so later I stopped for a coke,
On the Camino, I did not expect to come across this. - ‘Bovine World’! In need of repair now, sure, but once could have been the set of a Simpsons episode. 

Negreira was the first (only) town I walked through today. I stayed there once.
A left turn off the main street and I was feeling medieval (again).
The climb out of town was worth it. The path was shaded and afforded good views.
The path levelled just before my albergue.
Shade was  a godsend today  - it was a long and hot walk, especially this afternoon.
The steps of the A Pena albergue appeared just in time.
I was greeted warmly/ checked in, set up my bed and showered- then got a beer and played.
A Pena alberge offers communal dinners- always a welcome choice,
First course beef and lentil soup with crusty bread.

Second course- pasta bolognaise with cheese - I think, Anyway, both courses were delicious. Then again I had not eaten anything since that croissant 20 km ago. Everyone was in good spirits.. 
Afterwards I caught up Manuel, the hospialero. We first met 8 years ago. We shared a liqueur - Orujo! 
It was heartwarming to reunite with the wonderful couple who run this welcoming albergue,

Tomorrow O Logoso - then the day after- Finisterre- the end of the land. Bring it on!

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