Last night I had decided that if it was still raining in the morning, I was going to take a taxi to the next stop which would have been Arzua.

When I awoke this morning it was indeed raining but I had another predicament. I think I may have had an allergic reaction to the octopus because my right eye was almost swollen shut and the left eye was puffy. It could have been bed bugs or another insect bite as the windows of the albergue were open but I think it was a reaction to the food. Anyway, I knew I was not in walking shape and I also knew where the taxi stand was but that it was too early for them to be operating. Next objective was to find a cafe open where I could wait and have a cafe con leche.

I walked past the taxi stand along the main highway route. I found a cafe, enjoyed a cup of coffee. While watching the street, I noticed that outside the cafe, buses stopped. Voila! There was a bus leaving at 10:15 am. The cafe had WIFI so I had another coffee and found a hostel to stay at in Santiago and booked via email.

When I boarded the bus, I am sure I said Arzua to the driver but there was a bit of confusion with another pilgrim so after the bus was under way, my ticket stub said Arca which was going to be the following day’s journey. I saw Arzua as the bus rolled thru town. With all the rain the area is very green and lush. Lots of Holstein cattle and dairy farms. Thank goodness I was not walking in the rain. About 40 minutes later, I had arrived at Arca O Pino where walking would have taken two days. A blessing indeed!!! The swelling had gone down from around my eyes and I am feeling fine.
The Edreira albergue I am staying at is off the Camino path and there a only about twelve old people (all at least over 50) staying tonight. It has been a relaxing afternoon. (Thanks Kathy for recommending to stay here.)

I walked around the town for a bit but there was really nothing to see. I did visit the church of Santa Eulilia de Arca. The alter was in shape of the Camino scallop shell.

The few other pictures I took were of flowers from the gardens I walked by.

Santiago de Compostela here I come! Are you ready for me? I sure am ready to see the spires from Monte Gozo and I will be VERY HAPPY to be ending this walking journey.