It was a beautiful, sunny day, although cold in the morning, and we had a short 19 km, although with several steep ascents as we climbed to Alto do Riocabo at 910 m. I walked with Karen, Kim and Chris again today, and we find that we enjoy both the time to talk, and much of the time in companionable silence. The path was rocky and a bit muddy, but nothing that we hadn’t managed other days. It was deeply wooded in some parts, and at other moments we had spectacular views of rolling hills, farmland and lush mountainsides. We passed through several small villages, which appeared to focus on farming, and as in others we’ve passed through, the people find a way to make sure that pilgrims feel welcome.
At the top of one particularly steep hill we came to a pool of water with an unusual scallop shell design that caught our attention. In Furela we ran into the “cutest couple on the Camino”, Le and David from Australia, and we enjoyed a break and a snack with them. The only disruption to our otherwise peaceful walk today was a major traffic jam outside of Pintin, while a full herd of cattle took over the Camino as they were moved from one pasture to another. It made for some interesting footwork as we followed them for a bit.
Sarria is an important stop on the Camino, and has been for centuries. Like many towns in Galicia, it has Celtic origins, and it is now a starting point for many pilgrims with limited time. It is still possible to pick up a compostrela in Santiago since we are just over 100 km from that destination. Many people arrive here by bus or train and walk the Camino, and so there are many unfamiliar (and relatively clean) people on the remainder of the way. But we saw many familiar faces here, and enjoyed a big group Italian dinner. Many of us are getting a bit tired of the traditional “pilgrim” meal, which tends to be very similar everywhere we go. We were all ready for something different, and so very much enjoyed pasta and pizza with Keith and Lynn, George, Nola and Nancy and other friends from Canada.
And so it went for another day of putting on my boots and going for a walk.
(Photo upload issues tonight… will update with more pics tomorrow).
Cows on the Camino!
Le and David, travel bloggers at http://wisemonkeysabroad.com
I have been reading your diary with interest and I am the Mother of Lynn (Lynn & Keith)
so it has made me feel very close. The photographs have been a joy to see and as you
are nearing your goal I wish you joyous finale!
My Church is Sutton Saint James so lots of our congregation have done the walk (not as
far as you I hasten to add).
God Bless all you intrepid pilgrims!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. We’ve just got 90 km to go!