Rich is walking with us again and it's nice to have his company on the trail. Today's route was just under 13 miles and mostly downhill, although there were a few steep uphill climbs at the beginning. It was surprisingly cool this morning and both Becky and I broke out our heavier jackets for the early morning hike. By early afternoon when we walked into Triacastela it was in the upper 70's. According to the long range weather forecast, we're going to see temperatures in the mid to upper 80's through next week.
When Becky, Marianne and I walked the Camino two years ago, we started our continuous Camino journey in O'Cebreiro, and we're starting to see some familiar landmarks. O'Cebreiro must be the starting point for a number of Camino tours as we noticed quite a few more pilgrims on the road today. I can only assume the numbers will increase exponentially once we reach Sarria, which is 100 km from Santiago. In order to receive a pilgrim certificate of completion (compostela) one must walk/bike at least 100 km.
We walked ancient Camino roads today, flanked by moss-covered stone walls and worn down by the feet of countless pilgrims and local livestock. I may grumble about how hard it is to walk day in and day out for 30+ days, but what must it have been like for the medieval pilgrim? I'm sure the roads were much more primitive and the perils much greater. How great one's faith must have been to keep going.
We now have only 6 more stages, 6 more days and 83 more miles to Santiago. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we will keep you in ours. Vaya con Dios.
Buen Camino
An uphill climb out of O'Cebreiro
Pilgrim statue at Alto de San Roque
Enjoying a light snack/late breakfast
How many pilgrims have passed by this
moss-covered rock wall?
Ancient chestnut tree in Ramil outside Triacastela
Three castles - the symbol of Triacastela
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