Chapter 3 Camino day 1: Ourense to Pezos

Figure 3.1: Arrival in Ourense, climbing a spiral staircase on the way to the AirBnB.

Figure 3.2: View from the top of the spiral staircase.

Figure 3.3: The amazing hot springs of Ourense.

Figure 3.4: Enjoying the local beer to re-hydrate after bathing in the hot springs.

Figure 3.5: How many bridges? Photo from the oldest bridge in Ourense.

Figure 3.6: The first stage of the Camino.

Figure 3.7: Admiring the flores on the outskirts of Ourense. Finally we escaped the cities!

Figure 3.8: Wildflower meadow on the Camino. Dozens of these surround the route.

Figure 3.9: Closeup of the wildflowers.

Figure 3.10: View of Ourense from the top of the first hill: reward for the climb.

Figure 3.11: Las vacas munched on verdent grass while we lunched.

Figure 3.12: Giant brassicas, as tall as a person.

Figure 3.13: The most sheep-like dog we’ve ever seen, in the garden of a friendly local who showed us around.

Figure 3.14: Robin in full ‘peregrino’ mode, complete with herbs given to us along the way.

Figure 3.15: Abandoned grain stores and derilict stone buildings are a key feature of the settlements in this area.

Figure 3.16: Abundant plantlife covered every surface. Suculants growing on a stone wall.

Figure 3.17: Grain silos in every direction, over a darkening Galician sky.

Figure 3.18: Galician garden. Allotments and gardens with delicious-looking vegetables dotted the route of el camino.

Figure 3.19: A shrine to the bike.

Figure 3.20: View from our window after the first day of walking the Camino.