A glimpse into the journal I kept for all 38 days on the Camino Frances, including up to 10 photos (not necessarily the best pictures but more that they represent that day in some particular way). Today is day 34 – May 24th. Sarria to Portomarin
Was actually one of the first people out of my room of 14! Not really an accomplishment though since most were newbies and it was still after 6:45. To leave Sarria, I had to climb that giant staircase and traipse uphill through the town. I soon ran into a big group so I walked quite quickly for a while to escape them. Down a steep hill, past a cemetery, over a stone bridge, along train tracks, and finally over them, and up into a forest. Found a tent set up where someone had written “Albergue Donativo” on it. Not sure who would stay in a strange tent in the middle of a forest…
I stopped once for breakfast – was joined by Richard the English Anglican priest. I continued on by myself, though. It was a lovely walk through mostly countryside and through random villages. …
Passed the 100km marker! There was a little crowd around it but I managed to get a photo of it as well as a self-photo. Not long after, I ran into Australian Richard and sons as well as Australian Claire. She and I walked the rest of the day together. Had a great chat. We stopped for a break at this lovely little place that had chill music (like Enya) playing in the garden where we ate. I had a fantastic tuna empanada with roasted peppers. The three American girls were there as well. They are so annoying now. Stereotypical college American females: leader, second in command, and the ditzy nerd. Wait – was that mean? …
About 45mins away from Portomarin, Derek called Claire and we got him to reserve beds for us where he was staying. …
Portomarin had a nice approach to it – white-walled slate-roofed town overlooking a wide deep blue river. The albergue in which we’re staying overlooks the river. It is a huge purpose-built place that feels like a hospital. The hospitelera was even wearing scrub-like clothes! …
Afternoon was spent eating, drinking, and hanging out with a crowd of pilgrims. Met more Irish and Canadians. There was one Irish guy who dressed like Steve Irwin. At one point, I took a break from them and wandered the town – it was pleasant enough. There was even a church that dates to the 12th century. …
Super tired these days and not sure why. Hope I am just feeling accumulative tiredness and not getting sick!
It must have been such a different atmosphere at this point with so many new people starting up. I imagine they were all rather refreshed and ready to go and it sounds like you were starting to feel the fatigue of a long journey!
That picture of the countryside looks like a painting!
It was fun to sit back and watch the newbies, for sure. “oh, I remember those days!” haha 🙂
Love the archway!
🙂 Thanks – I remember really liking it when I saw it, lit by the early morning light