O Cebreiro, Galicia, Spain and Canary Islands
Distance by the guide book - 18.7km
Total distance for the day - 19.5km
Flights climbed - 120
We awoke this morning to the sound of rain on the roof. Bummer! It seems as though every time we have a big climbing day the weather decides to be uncooperative. I guess we really can’t complain. The ponchos haven’t been packed in the backpack since day 2!
By the time we’d gotten ourselves organised and left the Albergue, around 7, that little rain scud had passed by and it was fine again. But throughout the day showers came and went as we walked along, some heavier than others. We started out using our umbrellas but as it got heavier we put on the ponchos and even when it wasn’t raining we left them on for the warmth.
Todays climb equaled the climb over the Pyrenees for steepness and length. From Trabadelo, where we started this morning, it was a steady incline for about ten kilometres before the real climb began. This section was relieved by the five small villages we passed through every few kilometres. We stopped in at one of them for a toilet break and coffee and as we were coming out of the cafe a taxi drove by us. It pulled up in front of us and out jumped our friend, Gabriella from Germany. She was taking the taxi to O Cebriero and starting her day’s walk from there. She’d been sick for three days with a bug and had to stay put for a few days. She said a quick hello, jumped back in the taxi and we probably won’t see her again until we arrive in Santiago.
After the village of Herrerias the climb started in earnest. We had about another 8 kilometres to go and 600 metres in height to climb. The path was quite awful in places. After the morning’s rain it was a quagmire and quite slippery. We placed each foot very carefully not wanting to end up face first in the mud. I’m happy to report we both made it to the top unscathed.
We both are a little bit proud of ourselves tonight for the relative ease in which we did it! Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of huffing and puffing but we’ve both pulled up quite well with no major aches or pains. It might be a different story tomorrow! The views looking back across the valley were well worth the effort. Sadly we didn’t have blue skies and sunshine to see them in but they were still magnificent. We passed the stone marker that designates the border into the final province we’ll cross, Galicia. By the time we’d arrived in O Cebriero the rain had gone but gale force winds had arrived. The temperature dropped drastically and we had to shelter inside to get away from it.
O Cebriero is a stone village at the top of the mountain. It’s a popular tourist destination and that can be seen in the gift shops and cafes. The old stone buildings have all been restored and some even have thatched roofs. It’s very pretty if a bit commercialised.
We’re hoping the wind and the rain will have passed on tomorrow and we can start our descent towards Triacastela without needing ponchos.
Joc
2023-05-26
I bet you can’t wait to wear some different outfits!😂 The finish line is oh so close.
Helen D
2023-05-26
A shame it was a tad wet as it was such a scenic day. I love how your photos show the path winding up the mountain.
Laurel
2023-05-26
“Into each life some rain must fall.” Wonder if Wordsworth walked the Camino what delicious poems he would come up with?
Chris
2023-05-26
You’ll be a bit sad when you finish I’m sure. I hope u have a ritzy hotel booked in Santiago for a few days. Xx
Beth
2023-05-26
Love the photo of the little stream, Leanne. You weren't tempted,even a little, to jump in the taxi, ha ha? X
Jackie
2023-05-27
Love the man striding out with those 2 horses! Just shows how tough you girls are-rain,mud & the big climb & still you have smiles on your faces! I looked at the sheet Sheila gave me & I thought how are they ever going to keep going & now you only have about another week left-what an achievemnet!
Suzanne
2023-05-27
Beautiful photos. What a miserable day for walking. Hope your accommodation was good and you were warm. Hope the sun shines for you tomorrow.
Karen
2023-05-27
Oh you girls.The photos were fabulous and your day was amazing . You have every reason to be proud of yourselves. 🥂Drinks all round.🥂
Liz Davis
2023-05-28
Your last climb! Well done. You're winging it. Beautiful photos again.
Helen L
2023-05-28
Loving the photos again and hope the weather improves for you.
Ange K
2023-05-28
Once again beautiful scenery. How amazing to meet Gabriella again. I love hearing about the interactions you have with fellow travellers and hosts and hostesses. Love your resilience too.
Marl
2023-05-31
Tough day, one more down though.