Couldn´t decide on a title - It was a FULL day!!

The day started early with a walk to the boat launch area in the dark (well, not completely dark, as there was quite a bit of lightening with accompanying thunder). A sign of what the light of day would show us.

What was advertised as a lovely 45 minute ride in an open air wooden dinghy to Padron - with sightseeing tour and beautiful waterfront views - turned into a 2 hour torrential rainstorm ride with dense fog and strong winds. The pictures tell the story - what you can't see is that my head was down most of the way (along with everyone elses)... you might think it was miserable, and it kinda was.... but hidden under my hood was a smile from ear to ear. I am truly enjoying every minute of this adventure - especially times like this. Even when we ran out of gas (he eventually got us going again with the spare gas can) - this started us all laughing hysterically. When we landed, we ducked into a cafe, stripped off all of our wet rain gear, and enjoyed warming up.

From there it was a short walk into Padron.

Sunday is market day in Padron. A bit smaller than the market in Barcelos, but impressive. And more food vendors. We passed through quickly and onto the massive church to get our cellos (Camino passport stamps). Unfortunately, they were not open, so this is where I bit adieu to my friends, as they were headed to Teo tonight. That is 8-9 more miles, and I was looking forward to pulpo (octopus) and peppers (not together) - plus, my blisters could use a little rest. And Padron is a really beautiful stop. We hope to meet up again in Santiago.

I dropped my stuff off and back to the market. What I didn't notice the first time through was the row of pulpo vendors and the massive tents. With the large tents, long benches, throngs of people, and beer and wine flowing - it reminded me somewhat of Oktoberfest!

I order pulpo and a cerveza, and enjoyed every bit of it!!!

Then, off for a walk around town. Stopped in at the beautiful church on the hill, where they were having mass. I ducked in for a while - it was beautiful. The people here are devoutly religious, and it was a beautiful service (even if I couldn't understand the language).

Next stop, peppers. I had heard about the ¨pimentos of Padron¨ for some time along the way. It was apparently a must-do. The peppers grown locally and they grill (and salt!!) them, serve them on a plate of about 30 peppers. They are delicious sweet peppers... But look out, about every 12-15 are caliente!! (Very Hot - and there is no way to tell). I found a beautiful outdoor cafe that had them on the menu, I sat down, ordered a glass of beer, and started digging in. I was 6 in, and all sweet...7....8....9...then came #10 - we have a winner! While mine was not super hot, it sure wasn't sweet. All in all, delicious. (Other friends said their hot peppers were so hot they couldn´t finish them).

I stopped to order a bocadillo (meat & cheese sandwich) for tomorrow, and headed back to room. Big day tomorrow - may try for Santiago if weather and feet are good. Otherwise, will stop in Teo, which is a little more than 1/2 way (and recommended, as this leg is very long).

If you are squeemish (or eating dinner), I´d skip this part (you´ve been warned)....
After 3 days of blister pain and no sign of subsiding, I finally succumbed to the pilgrim cure for blisters. This involves taking a needle and thread and sewing into and out of each blister, and pulling the thread through (2 strands). The thread is then cut to about 2 inches hanging out on each side. The thread allows everything to wick out (I know, gross). And you move the thread every so often to keep it moving. But I´m all in at this point in an effort to be able to walk normally again.... sure hope it works and will be better tomorrow!


Stats:
Start in Vilanova de Arousa (7am)
End in Padron (1pm)
Only about 6 miles walking... 20 miles traveling by boat
Blisters: 3 (deflated?)