Armenteira to Vilanova de Arousa, 24.75 km
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/armenteira-vilanova-de-arousa-237747148
Having made a mammoth effort to wake Mikey this morning, which takes something upwards of half an hour, we are the very last to leave at 07:59. The first track is very close to albergue and we are immediately walking on the most beautiful path alongside a swiftly flowing stream through woodland of native trees and the occasional ubiquitous eucalyptus.
The clocks went back last night so it is a bit lighter for walking in the morning, which is very welcome
There’s a lovely resting spot with a café at 4 km where we treat ourselves to hot chocolate each and a really squishy brownie to share. And we discover we’re not the last pilgrims on the trail as a few others turn up after we’ve arrived.
There are many local Sunday walkers passing in the opposite direction making the most of their wonderful surroundings. And more speeding cyclists than I ever want to see – mostly considerate.
At around 6.5 km we transfer from the path alongside the fast flowing stream to a path alongside a fast flowing very wide river. The sun has come out to play and there’s a bit of a breeze and a blue, blue sky. What an absolute treat to be walking in Spain on a day like this.
Mikey takes advantage of every opportunity to climb up, crawl under or shimmy down any and every obstacle along the way. We stop to take a photo of a cormorant and he offers to scoot down the river bank to get a better view. The next photo opportunity is a heron, and then some ducks and another heron.
As we have already secured our accommodation for this evening, we decide we can just stroll along without any rush.
There are many more pilgrims on this route than I had anticipated. The albergue last night I think slept 17 people and I’m sure it was completely full. And there were lots of other people staying in other places. It’s possible to stay in the monastery, but we didn’t want to spend €50 per person to take advantage of it.
There are lots of opportunities for shadow pics again today
onto the river
We stop again at Ponte Arnelas at around 13.5 km where we pop into a shop for Mikey to buy some cheese to make a chunky bocadillo and we sit on a wall to snack.
It seems that the walk along the riverbank is now over and as we leave town we are on a fairly main road with a decent shoulder, before soon transferring to a very quite country road.
Day five of walking and I’m suddenly aware that my backpack is sitting comfortably, I’m not feeling the weight and it’s not bothering me at all. Got there in the end.
As we’re in no rush we stop again at 16 km for a refreshing drink in a pretty bar
The last part of the walk is along the coastline on a sandy track overlooking beaches and rock formations and a sparkling turquoise sea. It’s very beautiful.
We cross the footbridge into Vilanova de Arousa after nearly 25 km. Mikey’s longest walk yet. He really is a star, never complaining and chatting away nineteen to dozen from start to finish
Trepidatious traveller - camino blog 
Hi Maggie some great pics as we have become accustomed to and the story of course. A splendid relationship between you and Mikey too I guess makes the trip really special. As always thanks for sharing your adventure with us. A thought has just occurred to me maybe Danksy can add Mikey to your wall art. Take care both.
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That is such a wonderful idea Alan. I’ll have to contact her. And thanks so much for your continued support. It’s really appreciated.
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Hello Maggie, I hope all’s well with you. I have tried posting a reply a few times to your final few days of yours and Mikeys camino with no success. At least I can’t see my post whenever I open the blog. I’m trying again, pasting my text. Take care Maggie. Hello Maggie, Here’s hoping all is well with you and family. I had written a comment on your last days walk with Mikey and asked a question. I’ve just been reading your blog again and there isn’t any comment from me, I guess I pressed the wrong button and the text disappeared into the ether. First congrats on a successful journey with Mikey also great you felt comfortable too. It seems like a passing of the baton moment with Mikey enthused by his first camino. I wondered if on your visits to Padron you had time to walk up the many steps past the stations of the cross to the special site where St James preached?Monte Santiagiaguino. I felt a special vibe there. I think it was a pre Christian place of special significance. I feel the same when I visit Muxia. Anyhoo I’m prattling on. Best wishes Alan .
Sent from Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg ________________________________
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It’s so wonderful to hear you back on the trail. And with a very spry young fellow, whom seems to be able to keep the conversation going! But truly, what a wonderful gift to be able to walk a Camino with him.
Keep up your good walking weather and especially wonderful to know you haven’t thought a bit about your pack!
Cheers Maggie!
Cheri
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Thanks Cheri. It’s been an absolute joy.
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I love following you and Mikey. So special to do with a grandchild. You’ve always been an inspiration to me Maggie. I appreciate being on your email list. Keep strong, well and positive. Sandy From BC, Canada
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Thanks for your support Sandy. Always good to hear from you.
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I am following every step (and word) you and Mikey take with great joy.
And as I write this comment, I picture you on the boat (the rib?) on Rio Arousa / Rio Ulla – another treat for Mikey.
Have a wonderful last day walking.
xx
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Luxury this time Nina – it was a lot drier but not quite as much fun xx
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Maggie, your photography just gets better and better over the years. Practice makes perfect. So enjoying the pictures. Thank-you. “Mikey takes advantage of every opportunity to climb up, crawl under or shimmy down any and every obstacle along the way,” brought a smile to my face. Reminded me so much of skiing with my son when he was Mikey’s age. Oh yes, I read an article years ago that teenagers really, really need their sleep for proper development and they need a lot more of it than adults. So spare a thought for your teenage companion: now you have a great excuse to go easy on those early starts . . . .
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Just one more early start when we get the bus back to Porto. Praise indeed from one who was married to a pro. It’s good to make memories xx
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