Sarria to Portomarin - distance traveled 14.5 miles. We had a partially drizzly day but totally enjoyable hike today. Tempature around 50 degrees and overcast the majority of the day. The guide book said we would meet many more pilgrims starting in Sarria and it was right. Many people start their hike from Sarria. It is the minimum distance a pilgrim can walk and still complete the Way of St James and receive a certificates of completion in Santiago. However, most of the people we met today have been walking about the same distance that we have.
We explored a bit of Sarria on the way out of town. Pilgrim murals, churches, ruins, and ancient bridges.
Stacy- this part is for you. We ran across many shrines today.
We started to see a bunch of these thin buildings next to almost every house. Some over a entry gate to their house, some in fields, some built into fences.... We started to wonder what they were. It didn't take long to figure out that they are Galacian family crypts. Some fancier than others! Nothing like keeping granny close. Lauren and Morgan take note!
Santiago Moncada- you are correct. I started noticing that when churches have two bells one is always bigger. Why?
It was really a beautiful hike today. We went through pine forests and what Mark calls the creepy forest. Not sure what these trees are, but they seem to get cut back and thick bases form. They look like something out of a Harry Potter forest.
Then we got the treat of hiking through mud, muck and what we dubbed cow patty paths. Lots of dairy farms and the farmers take the cows from grazing fields to the milking barns right down the hiking trail. I have never seen Mark get in the shower so fast upon getting to the hotel.
We passed the marker telling us that we have 100 km to hike before reaching Santiago.
We met two sisters from upstate NewYork hiking together. One is 17 and the other 21. The young one is still in high school and doing homework daily. Also, met German Sarah and her mom at lunch. Sarah spoke great English and mom not much. Sarah was saying that they were told no room was available at an albergue in O'Cebreiro and to go across the street to check. A Spainard had just checked in ahead of them for 5 euro and when they went to check in the person said that a room would be 35 euro because they were German and could afford it. They decided to take a taxi to the next town. Probably cost them the same as the room but I think it was a principle thing at that point.
We finally found a place open around lunch for a break and to get our pilgrim's passport stamped. To get a completion certificate for the Camino de Santiago/Way of St. James you must walk the required kilometers and get your passport stamped daily.
We got our first glance at Portomarin a couple of miles out. It is a beautiful lakeside community.
Now out to find a market for supplies for tonight and tomorrow. Maybe find a place for a beer or vino rojo and then dinner. They dine pretty late around here dinner is served from 8 pm to midnight most places.
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