DAY 33 : SPAIN : SARRIA to PORTOMARIN - 22.4 kms - 5 hours

Distance walked in France and Spain so far : 1425 kms (67 days)
Weather : foggy and mild, sunny interludes, rain developing.



 

Today we reached Portomarin. 90 kms to go until we reach
Santiago.

A foggy but mild morning as we left Sarria

 

Small pigeon house

Horreos, or grain storage, typical of this area

Cattle in sheds - not much lifestock in the fields

Milestones giving us a reminder
of distances remaining to Santiago

Soft paths beside chestnut trees



First view of Portomarin. Population 3,000.
In the 1960s the Mino River was dammed to create the
Belesar reservoir. Most of the historic buildings were moved
brick by brick, including its castle-style main church, San Juan.

We arrived as it began raining quite heavily and decided
 stay above a cafe/bar with accommodation, Posada,
in the main square.
Double room with bath (35 euros)

Last night we had dinner at the little restaurant downstairs and sat with some walkers we've met in previous towns. Ralph, a 77-year-old American, has managed all the way from St Jean, despite catching the flu and spending some recuperative days in towns along the way. Robert, a Canadian, took the alternative route yesterday and stayed in an austere albergue which is part of the Benedictine monastery in Samos. This one of the oldest monasteries in the western world with the largest ground plans and cloisters in Spain. He went on a tour and attended Vespers - he was the only lay person and he said it was a remarkable experience.

M&M
8/11/12
Our email : mm_smith@bigpond.net.au