More Vigo

It is my final day in Vigo, my last opportunity to relax a little and to see a couple more sights before I start my trip proper tomorrow morning.

I set off down to the water on my bicycle, past the cruise liner terminal - yesterday’s boat had left for pastures new - and onwards along the working seafront. The evidence of industrial maritime Vigo followed me along most of the four mile route - fuel depots, warehouses, cranes, large working boats - as I headed firstly for the Galician Maritime Museum and then to Samil beach beyond. As Vigo's main beach I thought it would be worth a visit although I would not be seeing it in its prime with the weather today varying from dull and grey to dull and grey and wet. For the most part I followed a cycle path so, despite the drizzle and the lack of views, I avoided the busy maritime road which was a blessing.

Towards the museum - far right

The museum, housed in the old Vigo fish cannery, was interesting enough with a varied collection of models and information on maritime history and exploration. For me though, the most enjoyable part was not maritime related: an exhibition of the work of Nicolás Muller, an Hungarian/Spanish photographer, showing black and white photographs of Galicia in the 1960s. I recognised some of the places and the difference between then and now was stark. From there to Samil beach was only a short ride and I managed to view the mile long arc of white sand before the weather started closing in.

Samil Beach

I ate in a beach cafe while watching the far side of the bay disappear into the mist and the rain. As I finished, the weather began to lift once again so it seemed a good time to face the thirty minute cycle ride back to the city and my hotel. At least it was mostly flat; tomorrow I will have to contend with a day of hills and a lot more rain if the forecasts are correct.