Hike: Day 36 (10/23/2017)

thewaytolandsend
  • Beginning Point: Eirexe
  • Ending Point: Melinde
  • Daily distance: 13.98 miles (22.5 km)
  • Total distance: 437.30 miles (703.77 km)

My life for the past 6 weeks has revolved around following a yellow arrow across nearly 500 miles of mountain trails. Some arrows are on official markers, some are spray painted, some are made by locals on their homes. Along the way, there has been bountiful displays of graffiti on the markers, especially as we get closer to Santiago. Some of the graffiti has been inspirational, encouraging positive thoughts and continued endurance. One person posted individual lines, one by one, from the song “Imagine” by John Lennon on numerous markers so that soon you were singing the song in your head. Other graffiti artists left their mark by posting their name or giving a shoutout to a friend. Some made political statements. Some I liked. Some I thought were tacky. But no matter the graffiti that accompanied it, I was always happy to see the yellow arrow. It meant I was on the right path. 






The trail continued today through forests, agricultural fields, small hamlets, churches and then finally into Melide, a town with a population of 7,800. 





Melide is perhaps best known for its culinary specialty – octopus. I thought it was very good. The texture wasn’t bad at all. The flavor reminded me of crab. I also enjoyed the roasted Padrón peppers. 


Tonight the albergue is more modern, with some handy features such as a shelf next to your bunk to plug in your cell phone. The bunk beds are also very tall, so a person on the bottom bunk can sit up with at least a foot of headspace to spare. I’m feeling rather hopeful about this albergue experience and I quickly fall asleep around 9pm. Unfortunately, the person sleeping in the bunk next to be rambles in loudly at 11pm and shines his flashlight right into my face. After he finally settled into bed, I breathe a sigh of relief. Now I can get back to sleep. Within two minutes, I hear a huge snore erupt for the man. Oh brother, I’m in for a long night….

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