Arca

Last night's spruikers were advertising the Circus Aquatico which is
pitched here in Arca.

The rain started during the night and continued for most of the day -
one up for the weather forecasters. Todays walk was on easy trails,
mostly thru pine and eucalyptus plantations.

Hunting is BIG in Spain, throughout the walk the sound of double-
barelled shotguns has been a constant companion. Although there were
hunters galore in Rabanal I hadn't seen any in action until Melide.

Near Melide, I came across two hunters and their pack of small dogs.
They were working the edges of the path for whatever game they were
after. Their game sacks were empty at that stage. Each hunter was
armed with an old-fashioned, side-by-side, 12g shotgun complete with
sling.

Most of the time the guns are close-by but out of sight. Makes me
glad my pack and wet weather gear are brightly coloured. Also saw the
sign of fustrated hunters, several eucalyptus trees showing the
obvious signs of shotgun blasts.

Three four-stroke trail bikes passed me today. Judging from their
luggage and adornment (scallop shells etc) they are 'doing the camino'
in their own way.

Probably not Spanish riders, most of the local trail bikes are two
strokes. One feature of two stroke motorbikes here is the use of
expansion chambers rather than mufflers, this gives the bikes a very
distinct (and loud!!!) sound.

Tomorrow Santiago!

Cheers
John