Today started with a decision, the shorter, easier route or the less travelled, more interesting route. I decided on the less travelled route, it would take me to Samos where there is an active Monastery. It also utilises more forest tracks and back roads. Where the other route walks alongside the highway.
By the way I’m not in Spain anymore, I’m in Galicia. The local dialect is Galego and the countryside is very, very green. A big change from the previous weeks. Also it rains here, EVERYDAY.
So the for the first two days, the climb up to O’Cebrerio and the walk to Triacastela it rained on me all day. Today it held off until I was just entering Sarria, my destination for the day. Tonight Jayne will rejoin me and we will walk to Santiago de Compostela together.
The climb up out of Triacastela
I walked along side this river most of the day
Cliffs on the other side
A small village I walked through
Church in same small village
The Hydrangeas were just growing beside the road.
A group of village kids had setup a cafe on the village chapel terrace
They also had two more kids down the road at the first bend yelling “alguin viene” – someone’s coming. I thought I was going to get mugged by a group if 10 year olds. But all they wanted to do was sell me a fruit juice and a sandwich. Which at that stage I needed. Remember I was on the less travelled route, so no coffee/toilet stops so far.
Samos Monastery
The Monastery at Samos, the main reason I took this route. Built in the 1100’s. I met one of the monks, chatted for a little while and he gave me a small Santiago tarte to take with me.
Leaving Samos I had the choice of the less travelled route or the lesser, less travelled route. I opted for the lesser travelled of the two. It took me through very beautiful, serene forests and quite country roads. I only saw two other pilgrims.
The path started to get challenging
A church and rectory in the middle of the countryside
In the middle of nowhere, i followed a pilgrims welcome sign into a farmhouse. Without being asked I was given a footbath, a cold drink and some freshly cooked croquettes.
The elderly couple where trying to start their own Albergue, by donation. Which of course I did.
I walked through this valley all morning.
Oh no there us a another old goat on the trail😆
Déjà vu, I was here in 2014
Russ and Jan's Camino 