Day 41 Ourense to Cea

A tale of two bridges leaving Ourense. First the rather splendid pedestrian bridge, rebuilt in 1230, replacing the footbridge that was originally put up in the first century AD.

Secondly the Millenium Bridg. Funky and avant-garde. I'm no architect but I'd cheerfully put every penny I have on a bet as to which one will still be in use in another 800 years time.

One walks out of the suburbs of Ourense which are largely residential and up again into the hills. The first part of the stage is really quite steep - maybe 250m of ascent in 2.5km or so.

I got shouted at by a small number of dogs...

...was surprised at the risk presented by skateboarding horses...

...and was rather bemused by one of the more mad gardens I have come across

But coffee was to be found at Cafe A Terraza at the top of the hill with fine views over Ourense to the south.

Tallamancos had a further encouraging sign.

Once one had got away from the immediate commuting area for Ourense, the landscape and the villages once again became a bit poorer and less well-kept. In terms of unnecessary signs, the one below in the village of San Christovo de Cea, warning not to drink the water, seemed a little mad. Perhaps they should have written one in Dog...

The gentle climb continued up to Cea with its iconic clock tower. Fell in with a bunch of Norwegian pilgrims at dinner who were completing the Vdlp and, of course, spoke very good English.