Day 34 - 100 km Marker : Biduedo to Sarria
We began hiking in the darkness under a beautiful star filled sky. In the valley below us the lights of the villages glowed, as though marking our way. In this manner we hiked through the fog along hedgerows and stone walls, beside cattle pastures and farms, through the village of Filloba to the beautiful town of Triacastela. Here we enjoyed a cafe con leche and croissant in a bar in town, though sadly, the iconic church, the Igrexa de Santiago de Triacastela, was closed.
At the edge of Triacastela we were tempted to take the variant to Samos, which many of our hiking companions had opted for, but we decided to continue on the main Camino route though San Xil, Calvor and into Sarria. Sadly, the way marker to the monastery in Samos had been highly defaced, and there was some confusion as to where the route actually began.
From Triacastela the path again headed upwards through lush green fields, along a tree lined walkway, and past a stone reflecting pond with a large shell mounted above it.
The city of Sarria is located 100 km east of Santiago de Compostella on the Camino de Santiago, which is the minimum distance one must walk to still receive ones credential (though this is under review as of 2016 and might soon change). As a result, the number of pilgrims in town, most of whom were just beginning their walks, increased in a way that cannot be expected until experienced. Suffice it to say that Sarria marks a change in the Camino for those who have walked from farther abroad, and who are nearing the conclusion of their hike rather than the beginning of it.
Sarria is a beautiful town, but uncharacteristically full compared to many we have visited along the Camino. Given that supper was not available at our albergue, we found a pizzeria with an outdoor courtyard hosting two guitar players. Drawn by the lively nature of the establishment we enjoyed a large homemade pizza and a bottle of red wine while listening to music for several hours under patio lanterns! Though simple it was perhaps one of the nicest nights we have had out yet!
If all goes well there are only 5 days of
hiking left before we arrive in Santiago. I am not sure whether to
feel excited or sad.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Practical information:
Distance: 25.1 km
Max Temperature: 26°C
Accommodations: Casa Peltre, Albergue
Comments
Post a Comment