Sarria, Galicia, Spain and Canary Islands
Distance by the guide book - 18 .7km
Total distance for the day - 22.6km
Flights climbed - 16
The forecast said there was a possibility of rain today but not until late afternoon so we were hoping to arrive in Sarria well ahead of any possible deluges. We didn’t encounter any rain but we saw lots of fog. At first it was in the valleys as we walked across the top of the mountains and then all around us as we got down to the valley floor.
Once again we were climbing this morning. There’s something psychologically and physically easier about having a climb first thing in the morning as opposed to having to do it last thing in the afternoon. It always seems so much easier. I know we’re not as tired first up but the time of day definitely plays tricks with your mind. Sheila thinks we’re fitter and stronger now than we were in the beginning and we’re handling the climbs much better than we would have at the start. Our knees still don’t like those descents though.
We had a choice of routes this morning. We could have gone via Samos which bypassed the climb but the climb knocked nearly seven kilometres off the day so climbing won. The walk was actually lovely through some beautiful forests, farmland and small villages. The track was a bit slippery and muddy underfoot in places because of the heavy downpour yesterday. It was lovely to see the view from the top of the mountain with the clouds hanging low over the valley below.
We were getting a bit peckish by 9 am and were on the look out for somewhere to stop.
We passed a sign that told us there was a cafe on the road just off the track if we detoured 150 metres on a loop road. At this point in our journey those metres count and we weren’t prepared to walk them just in case the sign lied and the cafe was closed. So we walked by. However as we reached the other end of the loop road we thought there was possibly a light coming from the cafe which we now could see through the fog. Oh boy, not only were they open but they were serving bacon and eggs! Those extra metres were worth it after all!
We had another close encounter with a herd of cows as we left one of the villages. It made us laugh to see one of them detour in through an open doorway. She had to be coaxed back out again. Mabel is not the only rebel!
We arrived in Sarria just after 1 o’clock. We’re staying at another pension. Like the last time we had to call someone when we arrived. She opened the building for us and took us up to the second floor where we have a twin room with our own shower. It’s an apartment converted into about six hotel rooms.
We haven’t heard anyone else around so we think we may be the only guests here tonight. It’s very comfortable. The washing had reached a critical stage so we found a laundromat down the street and basically washed nearly everything we have.
After our bacon and eggs we hadn’t bothered with lunch so we thought we’d have an early dinner around 4:30/5 o’clock. We had visions of trying the pulpo (squid) that this province is known for. Sadly we ran foul of the Spanish eating habits again. All the kitchens closed at 4 and weren’t going to open again until 7. We were hungry and it had been raining on and off for the last couple of hours and we didn’t fancy coming back out later so we had to take what we could find. Sheila had a hamburger and I had a pizza. Pulpo will have to wait for another time.
We’ve been warned that the trail will get busy from this point on. It’s been busy the whole way along, we think, so it will be interesting to see if we can see any difference. Many people start their Camino in Sarria and just do the last 100 kilometres. It’s exciting to think that we’re so close to the finish line now.
Beth
2023-05-28
So close now, Leanne. Perhaps the 100km from Sarria will be the one I get to do, but... well done you guys! Love Beth xo
Claire
2023-05-28
You’re both looking very fit and well. Enjoy the last 100 kms, hopefully not so busy on the trail that it’s a challenge to find your own space. Go girls! Wonderful adventure and terrific walking! 👏👏👏
Joc
2023-05-28
The forest trees have a very Game of Thrones look about them.
Jenny
2023-05-28
Going so well girls…100kms to go! Beautiful scenery again on this day…loved the forest walk for a change of scenery..
Margot
2023-05-28
I think the last 100km is the loveliest part. It’s a shame about the crowds of not-quite-pilgrims clogging up cafes and toilets Can you believe you’ve done seven-eighths of your walk.
Kathryn
2023-05-28
Leanne, those bare legs have great muscle definition. Doing a lot of exercise lately?? Great going you two.
KR
2023-05-28
You are both looking great in that last photo, fresh as daisies.
Karen
2023-05-29
I suppose Kilimanjaro is next…..you look fit enough to conquer anything.👍🦋
Liz Davis
2023-05-29
Looked like a lovely day walking in that beautiful forest. The destination is close but I'm still enjoying the day to day revelations. I'll miss my daily Camino fix when you finish.
Ange K
2023-05-29
Oh wow...so so close now. You two are the real achievers. Even 100 klm is an achievement but you two are outstanding. I love how you are enjoying the simple pleasures - the bacon and eggs come to mind 😃
Helen L
2023-05-29
Another great commentary Leanne & you certainly are on the home stretch now so here’s hoping you have good weather & comfy accomodation for your next leg of the walk.
Chris D
2023-05-29
Getting close to the finish line now! Will it make you go faster?
Suzanne
2023-05-29
Eggs again, you are lucky. A great way to start the day. You are both looking trim and fit. Enjoy the final 100 kms.
Karry
2023-05-29
Just catching up with you now we’re home. You are both looking fantastic. 100klms wow slackers!
Adelkath
2023-05-30
You seem to time your walks well by finishing early afternoon so you can have a chance to rest, eat and a look around. All the best for the last 100kms!
Jodie
2023-05-30
Go girls - you doing so well. Luckily you coming across good eating places.
Marl
2023-05-31
Bacon and eggs, breakfast of champions. 🚶♀️