Santa Marina

Our destination today, July 4th, was the tiny village of Santa Marina near another small village, Maronas. The trail roamed through woods and farm country with lots of corn and horreos. Yesterday's overcast skies turned sunny, but a cool breeze and shade kept the walk pleasant.

Morning mist lingered as we departed Negreira and walked by Igrexa de San Xian. 

Many gardens included roses.

Sun highlighting

We're always glad to see markers. Thus far, the Fisterre path has been well marked.

White fluffy seed pods floating

    

An ermita's cemetary

Encouraging words for walkers

Finally, a bar break at A Nosa Casa -- it served supersize bocadillos.

The walker on the left is from Ireland -- she's trekked many Caminos and is now walking the Frances route eastward from the ocean to St. Jean. 

At our albergue, Casa Pepa, we posed with Deutsch walker Eric who kindly exchanged our American dollars for some Euros. We forgot to go to a banco in Negreira and needed funds for our stay -- fortunately, we had a few U.S. bills tucked away to exchange. Muchos gracias Eric!

Our beds were in the corner by the window.

Santa Marina's ermita was right across from the albergue.

After dinner Dad toasted July 4th with 'Camino girls,' Sandra-Maria from Sweden, Jane from Pennsylvania, and Elise from Holland. Sandra-Maria's last name is Lindquist, which was my Aunt Arlene's married name. We first met Jane and Elise at the municipal albergue in Burgos. Jane had spent time in Sevilla in a study abroad program and met Elise at a language school there. To celebrate Independence Day, Dad showed them the YouTube video of Mom singing the National Anthem at one of his basketball games in 1985. Happy 4th!