It dawned clear and cool, so it could be a nice walking day. There are two routes to Sarria, the longer one passes by the active Benedictine monastary at Samos, and is a popular stop. We took the shorter route. It started with the obligatory uphill grind to get out of the valley that Triacastela is in.
The first couple of towns that we passed through did not have active coffee bars, and by 10:30 things were getting desparate when we happened on a pop-up coffee stop. Someone had opened an old stone barn, set out all manner of food and goodies, and was serving coffee “free” , with the presence of a “donation” box.
We were just enjoying our coffee when the police showed up to discuss business practices with the operator. He appeared to be Spanish, certainly fluent in Spanish, but the helpers were from Melbourne. We left soon after, before we could be held as material wittnesses.
The majority of the trails for the day were gravel trails through forest, for very pleasant walking. Once again in early afternoon we crested a ridge, and could see our destination of the day, wa-a-a-y down there in the valley. The rest of the day was downhill, bearing on all of those pressure points from yesterday.
The hotel here is right on the promenade along the river. There are a bunch of resturants catering to the Saturday afternoon/evening strollers. We are in a third floor suite with a kitchen, dining area, and balcony. It is a change from some of the rooms we have had that did not have enough floor area to put the luggage on.
After all the kms that you have covered, i am happy that you took the shorter road. Hope it was an easier one as well. Certainly a lovely road.
A pretty day in Edmonton. Have decided to take Sunday completely off and will not garden, other than watering what needs moisture.
Long weekend in Canada – just to keep you remembering the homeland.
Bon Camino – as you near your destination.