Having enjoyed a good night’s sleep and an energizing breakfast you get ready to travel west across the Galician countryside. Your stage will take you from Portomarín to Lestedo. As you embark on our journey you will notice that a new kind of foliage has joined the lush landscape: the eucalyptus tree. Eucalyptus trees have been introduced and cultivated in the area and can be used for many purposes, including forestry and paper production. These strikingly green trees, with their tall white trunks and aromatic leaves, create a distinctive atmosphere and provide shade along the path.
Perhaps one of today’s highlights is the castro (Celtic settlement) near the hamlet of Castromaior. These remains are over 2000 years old and what you will see are the foundations and walls of the section that have been unearthed. Make sure you follow your Fresco Tours guide’s instructions to find it. She or he will have explained how to find it at the orientation meeting.
As you continue to follow the trail, you will come across Ligonde, a small village that stands out from the rest because of the ancient granite cruceiro (stone cross) and the hundred-year-old oak tree that greet you before you enter town. The cruceiro dates from 1670, and presents a crucifixion on one side, a pietá (Virgin Mother suffering) on the other side, and image of the instruments used during the passion of Christ on the base. The large oak tree has provided shade for countless pilgrims before us, so find a place to sit and soak it all in! Your hotel is just a couple miles down the road.
