Day 38 elevation profile
With a new pair of sandals and an expert bandaging job by Narelle, it’s off to Portamarin – only 22km away. The new sandals are great, comfortable and more supportive than my last pair. My boots have been stowed away and it will too soon if they come out again before we reach Santiago.
My new sandals – great legs, shame about the face?
It is a beautiful morning, still cool, and the first 10 km or so are gone before we realise. We are passing through some dairy farm land and the smell of fresh cows is different to what we have experienced so far – yet another facet of this beautiful journey.
The cows have right of way in this part of Spain.
We stroll through ancient oak forests, along paths bordered by ancient stone fences. We pass many strange buildings that we have not seen on our journey. We thought they might be strange memorials for past loved ones.
What are these strange buildings?
No they are drying ‘sheds’ for the fruit and grapes that are grown on the farms.
The number of pilgrims seems to have increased exponentially. To receive your Compostela (certificate) one must only have to complete the last 100km of a Camino, and that is from Sarria. So there are many pilgrims who begin their Camino from here which increases the number on the road. After completing 700km, it is hard not to look upon these pilgrims as “blow ins”. But, I have learned very early that every pilgrim has a story special only to themselves, and I am sure these pilgrims do as well. Many have come to complete a pilgrimage started in past years, for example – time might not have been on their side or injury may have forced them to suspend their journeys. The spirit of the Camino is present in all we meet, at least.
Our day draws to an end as we cross the bridge, over the lake, leading into Portamarin. It has been a slower day than in the past and we have been taking the advice of our inn-keeper in Molinaseca and the doctor in Triacastela – take it slow, Santiago will still be there when you get there.
Crossing the bridge into Portamarin.
It hard to believe that there are only five more walking days left for us on our Camino. Where has the time gone? Well spent at least.
So glad to hear all is well with you now Gerry.
What an amazing journey for you and Narelle. Your pictures are beautiful. I am looking forward to hearing and reading the next installments.
Thanks Jenny. It has been an amazing journey – not just in the distance we have covered. We have encountered so much it makes you re-evaluate everything you have done in the past.
Hi Gerry and Narelle
So excited that you guys are nearly at the end. I hope you can imagine Belinda and I just at the other side of the ‘finishing line’ to cheer for you as you finish.
Have been giving all of the news and updates to Mum as well. The country looks so beautiful and it sounds like a perfect way to spend a few weeks.
Good luck for the next few days.
Love from Jac and Bel