O'Cebreiro to Tricastela: Today, we hiked 15 miles. 15 of the most boring and pretty miserable miles possible. I decided when I blog, I am not going to sugar coat the day. So this was our day: All of the pilgrims in O'Cebreiro met up for breakfast. Mark had the most amazing hot chocolate. Not sure how they make it but it literally was like thin melted chocolate. The group had been told to avoid the Camino path because it was covered in snow and really deep. So we all headed out on the hard and boring road. Boring because it was just a road, hard on the feet and, because of the weather. We couldn't see a thing.
We soon found out that the area was quite desolate. We didn't pass any buildings for at least 5 miles, at least that we could see. Which is a long time when you are walking. At times you could imagine being any place in the world even the In the US because it was just farm land and road.
We did pass Hospital, Spain. The town is named after an old peregrino/pilgrim stopping place for travelers too sick to carry on. They could stay at the hospital and be visited by the local priest.
We also had to stop at statue tribute to all the pilgrims making it to the summit and highest point on our walk. Also, take a look at the view at the top due to being in the clouds. Crazy.
We decided to try and get off the paved road and get back on the Camino but when we walked through slush and then stepped knee deep into snow - we decided to hit the paved road again. We finally got past the snow but not the fog. The drizzle and mist made it so we couldn't even see 100 yards in front of us. There were supposed to be so many great views but if there was anything to look at we missed it. Just look at that fog. Yuck.
The constant moisture caused everything we had on to become wet and cold....then we had to deal with the steep drop down into the valley of Tricastela. Oh my aching knees. We did get treated to some awesome paella and beer for lunch when we FINALLY arrived. Typography map is below and just a picture of one of the many wall/fences we passed that are so constantly moist that plants thrive in them.
My four observations for the day. German shepards are the breed of choice and they are every where. Almost always wondering around and we are greeted by one in every town. Our German follow Camino hiker (his name is Pharr) was bit by one earlier in his trip but all we have come in contact with have been sweet or ignored us.
The style of churches seems to have changed in Galicia. They mostly have round tops and look very similar.
Winter gardens are common Through this area and almost every home has one. I went to the grocery store to pick up a few snacks and now know why. The produce selection is almost non-existent.
The wine is good and very cheap. We stopped for a glass of wine and paid 3 euro (about $4) for the two of us and then went to buy a bottle at the store. Check out the prices.
We are hoping for better weather tomorrow but forecast is not looking to good so far. At least the trail should be free of snow and there should be more to see.
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