Hi everybody.

We have already changed into a new year and with it comes good intentions. So we will start by telling you something about La Cansera del Camino.

First, our website, which was created in-house ten years ago, needed a technological update; that is why we have had to change its style to adapt it to new communication devices. You can see its new design in the next news piece.

We are also continuing to fix the house a little bit more: at the entrance we have covered the wooden ceiling, curbed the walls and hung up a spectacular chandelier made by taking advantage of an old wagon wheel. Likewise, we have begun to reform the space located above the kitchen, which will be the living room-library, and we’ve also started the installation of the central heating.

With all this, the garden, in addition to suffering inclement weather, endured the absence of a gardener. Consequently, it has been a year of little harvest; therefore, there’s almost no preserves or jams. Luckily, the more generous years before had allowed us to gather reserves. And so, just like the ant in the story, we have enjoyed them during the winter.

The inclement weather was, above all, rain and fog. But after the great drought of 2017, which ended with a huge wave of fires in Galicia, the water has been received as a blessing. (See the weather summary).

In addition, on October 28, 2018 we had considerable snowfall. Because it was very early, the snow was loaded with water and weighed more than usual. The consequences were disastrous for the trees, which still hadn't lost their leaves and fruit. The branches, overflowing with heavy snow, broke and left many of them mutilated, such as chestnut, oak and fruit trees.

As for our dogs, we regret the loss of Beo, the Labrador, the smallest, and the most athletic. After a stomach torsion that occurred on August 20, 2018, he failed to overcome the postoperative period. We have however now welcomed a German shepherdess from the protector of Lugo, whom, following tradition, we have called Bea. She is already, more or less, a year and a half. And after a period of adaptation, is very happy with Jaco and with us. She is very affectionate, although a little jealous, especially when we pamper Jaco. She gets overly happy and almost uncontrollable when she sees the leash for a walkies. (See some photos Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8)

Regarding the Camino de Santiago, the number of pilgrims who come each year to visit the apostle continues to grow. (See statistics about the Camino)

As you can see, the Portuguese Way is growing with enthusiasm, with 15,117 more pilgrims than in 2017; that’s 22.7% more, to the detriment of the French Way, which only has 5,466 more pilgrims than in 2017; that is, 3% more.

Now the French route does not pass by our front door. Because of the update to the historical trails, the French route, when passing through our village of A Pena, now deviates and follows a recently restored path, located under our house. At the same time, the famous landmarks have changed as well, both physically and in keeping track of the kilometres. Thus, the famous kilometre 100, formerly located between Brea and Morgade, is now located in A Pena, just 80 meters from our house.

In our next post we will tell you more about the Camino.

We are continuing discovering places some to tourist wonderful, of the many that exist in Galicia. We have toured a part of the Costa da Morte, which is sometimes rocky, with sandy beaches, dizzying cliffs and small fishing ports. (See some photos)

We also visited the Cíes Islands. They´re a paradise, almost uninhabited, where sandy beaches mix with clear waters and forests in the rocky mountains and cliffs. (See some photos)

Another day we took a boat and sailed between the banks of the Sil River, where vines are cultivated on the steep slopes for the production of wines with the Ribeira Sacra designation of origin. (See some photos)

And with nothing else for the moment…

We´ll wait for you in La Cansera del Camino.